Boulou Boulou

Skin care S.O.S!

2012-01-23T19:49:00.000-05:00

*** Post written by my friend ***

In this month of January, a lot of people have dry skins due the harsh Canadian cold. But with so many cleansers, lotions and creams on the market, choosing the right products for your skin can be overwhelming.

Skin care routine is essential to maintain one’s youthful glow and to delay signs of aging. Arbonne, a Swiss company, formulates premium products using botanical ingredients to supply your skin with the best ingredients that Mother Nature has to offer. Arbonne formulates its products without paraben, animal-derived products and petroleum-derived ingredients.

If you have a normal/oily combination skin, the FC5 Hydrating set (as shown below) comprising of a nurturing day lotion with SPF 20, a hydrating cleanser and a moisturizing night cream is a good pick.

Once a while, indulge your skin with the FC5 masks: FC5 deep cleaning Mask and FC5 Intense Hydration Mask. After using the FC5 Intense Hydration Mask, your skin will be soft as silk.

During winter, we wear boots and socks, so we neglect our feet’s appearance. Your feet are as important as your face! I suggest the daily use of the FC5 Cooling Foot Crème that is non-greasy cream. The skin absorbs really well the cream.

Arbonne has more premium product lines for other skin types. If you would like to obtain more information or to try the products please send an e-mail to conniewan.aic@gmail.com and visit her website http://conniewan.myarbonne.ca/

Last visit: OPI Mad as a Hatter

2012-01-19T22:52:00.000-05:00

It's time to say farewell to my favorite nail polish. It has become impossible to apply evenly with this nail polish. It is now so thick and dry...

At least I can have a break from the pain of removing glittery nail polishes...

Goodbye my love.

Zuuchini

Review: Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Gel CreamLiner for Brown Eyes

2012-01-16T22:59:00.000-05:00

Why do companies give such a long names for their products...

My first gel liner experience is with MAC fluidline in Blacktrack. I liked it but eventually, I preferred using liquid eyeliner, Dollywink to be more precise.

So what made me purchase Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Gel Creamliner? My Dollywink eyeliner is drying up and I read some reviews about this product which made me very intrigued. They all said that it is very affordable and good! I was just very curious how does it compare with MAC (also because it comes with 3 colors!)

the Swatch

They are very smooth and pigmented. The quantity is more than enough at this price point. I got mine at Wal-Mart, which was on sale, slightly more than 8$ + taxes. It's very affordable considering you are getting 3 colors!

I first tried the smudging test by doing some exercise that required some sweating. And? No smudging!

I'm actually using it everyday now. I really like it! Although, I still prefer Dollywink if I want to do a wing. I just can't achieve a very fine line with a brush; I guess i'm just not skilled enough!

Personally, I think this gel liner performs just as well as Mac's. So stop purchasing MAC's and have this one instead!

Zuuchini

Igloofest 2012

2012-01-15T14:30:00.000-05:00

It's January and that's when Igloofest is held!

This is actually my first time attending this event. At first, I was very hesitant because out of all the days...the day we picked to go was the coldest day of all winter so far. More or less -29 celsius! Crazy or what?

This is how Montrealers party!

I told myself how much longer can I do this anyway? I'm young. Go out and do stuff that I won't be able to later on! (cuz i'll be old and frail. Probably won't be able to withstand the chilly weather.)

Guess what?!

I had a blast! One of the most fun event I have gone to! No regret at all!

Fashion is my least concern area...All I want is to have fun without the interference of being cold!

Sure it was extremely cold. But if you were well geared up, you should be fine! That would be SNOW PANTS! Double layer gloves. Double layer socks. Double layer beanie! and most importantly, WARMER PADS!!! And lots of JUMPING. You will be sweating in a matter of seconds!

Why would I recommend to go there? The entrance fee is very reasonable (if you buy the ticket beforehand it's about 12$ + taxes). They give out free marshmallow that you could go grill in the fire! Even put it on fire! It tastes amazing in this weather. Thirsty, but don't wanna spend? It's ok! There are sponsors that distribute free drinks like GURU (my first time drinking it...it tastes like gummy candies it's alright!) There's even Tug-O-War! It's so much fun! You bond with strangers in this game, unite as one! Since you are wearing gloves, it's even better to play this game, no pain at gripping the cord. And even free "photoshoot"! You get your pictures taken and have them printed immediately! Finally and obviously, there is the party going on with house music blasting at the Old Port!

For more information and pictures, visit www.igloofest.ca.

Zuuchini

Fashion Chalet Giveaway!

2012-01-09T22:11:00.000-05:00

Fashion Chalet is hosting a marvelous giveaway!

Click here to win!

Good luck!

Zuuchini

Mac Cranberry

2012-01-08T15:16:00.000-05:00

I remember buying my first MAC eyeshadows back in 2009, when Mac still has a once year discount of 15%. My friends suggested that I should buy a 15 eyeshadow palette instead of a 4 eyeshadow palette because they knew I would eventually buy a lot...

Guess what? They were wrong! It is now 2012 and my palette is far from being complete!

However I recently received an addition to my MAC eyeshadows: Cranberry. My palette is one step closer to being complete!!

Mac Cranberry

Mac Cranberry - swatch

Quality is like the usual Mac - smooth but not buttery smooth

Cranberry has a bit of purple undertone. However, on my skin, the purple does not appear. The redness seems to be the only showing up! I'm hoping it'll be different on my eyelids...because the reason I wanted this color was the mix of purple and red. But I'm sure if I add a hint of purple eyeshadow color on top of cranberry, it'll be the color that I want. Therefore, all problems solved!!

Zuuchini

Heart to Heart before 2012

2012-01-03T23:31:00.000-05:00

I find it amazing how I spent so much time with my girl friends lately. We all have very busy schedule and usually are conflictual to one another. Regardless of that, we find times to reunite. When we do, we have so much to catch-up that we barely scratch the surface...

I find hard to connect with a friend when I can't connect with them in an emotional level. I love to listen and share.

Let me say that I did a lot of that in the past few days. I really appreciate their support and hopefully my presence comforts them as well.

I think it's the first time of my life where I have spoken from 9 pm to 6 am... It was non-stop heart to heart conversation. Pouring out things that were never spoken of before among us, or just not as detailed.

It felt great and sad. Sad because we never did this way before. Sad because I never understood how my friend really felt. That I was never there to really be her audience. Sad because I simply did not know what was going on and although I cannot change the situation any better, I could at least let her know that she has my full support.

It felt so relieving to express everything I want without fearing judgement...someone that knows your personality quite well.

Heart to heart~

Zuuchini

In prepartion of 2012!

2012-01-02T22:35:00.000-05:00

2011 was a wonderful year! I can only hope 2012 to be even better!

To welcome 2012, we opened a champagne! My very first champagne (not my first sparkling wine though).

Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin

Comes with a porch packaging

Some cool photography concept that my friend had

And this is mine obviously - aggressive. Undressing the bottle!

and it's finally naked!

My new year eve make up look!

YES BATHROOM PICTURES!! haha so typical of girls (boys too nowadays)

and i remove my bathrobe

and we salute and wish everyone a very happy 2012!

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

Zuuchini

My current favorite hairdo: Messy and wavy

2011-12-29T22:04:00.000-05:00

I always liked Mary-Kate Olsen's hair. It looks so effortlessly messy!

Here is my take....I'm just missing some length!

The wave looks clean in the pictures...but they were much messier in person.

Zuuchini

First experience at ITHQ

2011-12-26T13:09:00.000-05:00

I went to eat lunch at ITHQ ( Institut de tourisme et d'hotellerie du Quebec). It's a school that specializes in tourism, hotel and restaurants.

My colleagues were intrigued as Prince William and Catherine went there to eat while visiting Montreal. Therefore, they have decided to try it out as well! All the staffs were students. I couldn't tell if I didn't know it was a school.

The staffs were very friendly and professional. All the tables were taken and the clients seem to be from business professions as well! It's serious business! Not amateur at all so far!

How was the food? Why don't we just look at the pictures and judge ;)

Some duck confit....something like that. I simply loved this appetizer...I might go back just for this! But sadly, i think their menu changes very often...

I have no clue what this soup is...Judging by the color, i would say pumpkin...Did not taste it...so can't tell!

Another star appetizer!! It's scallop with celery !

This is the appetizer that I chose...it comes with such a dainty bowl!

It is a mixture of mushrooms and cheese. The server made it sound so good as it was the special of the day...They said "it comes with shitake!" Sure that is exotic for them...But it's not exactly exotic for me. It was okay. It didn't make my tastebuds go crazy.

And then we moved on to main dishes!

Wapiti. I once ate a wapiti tartare that got me loving this meat so much. However, this dish left me quite disappointed...

Roasted beef with beer. I heard my colleagues said this wasn't impressive at all...

Cod fish. My colleague that eats very little (known to never finish anything on her plate) actually ate the whole thing! I guess it was really that delicious?

Lamb. It is actually the most generous portion of all the main dishes.

Chocolate mousse to complete the meal. The server highly recommended this chocolate mousse. However, I'm not very fond of mousse cake...but creme brulee was the other choice which I am not very fond of either...so I ended with chocolate mousse (and they delivered an extra creme brulee by mistake so i ended up having creme brulee as well!).

The chocolate mousse was better than the other mousse cakes i have tried in the past. But i still don't like mousse cake...so I'm a biased here to judge. The creme brulee was a total disappointment. It was very liquid...I thought it was suppose to be gelatine? Anyway..the taste was fine but the texture not so much.

My verdict? ITHQ serves amazing appetizers. For the rest, it is left to be desired. I have to admit the food is all nicely cooked. Just the taste is missing something (I guess that has to be blamed on their recipe that their professors have chosen).

Have you been all eaten well in these holidays season?

Zuuchini

The story of my sis baking...

2011-12-22T23:24:00.000-05:00

So...my sis baked some cookies that were not exactly well mixed. She decided to not give them to her co-workers. My immediate answer:

"PLEASE DON'T DO THIS TO ME!"

Confused?

It's not her first time screwing up... everytime she does....I am the one who eats it....and let's say it's quite a lot. I just can't seem to let it go to the garbage can...and then....i would gain so much weight...

Sigh.

I have convinced her to bring the cookies to work. They weren't perfect but they are really good. Loved them so much that she definitely needs to give them away!!

Here are some shots of other baking that she did, while i helped her here and there.

Cheddar scones

Not exactly the best looking ones...lol I was too lazy to make them all nicely shaped

Bailey and Mint chocolate cupcake

My sis baked too many of these...I'm basically eating 6 cupcakes per day for the last few days....2 in the morning, and 4 in the evening... I feel so disgusting in my body. But i can't stop myself... I have no self control on food......

I need to go on a period of detoxification....but so hard with the holidays...too many chocolates and cookies at work! too much food at home...urgh....

I think i know my new year resolution ...

Zuuchini

Interactive comments!

2011-12-21T22:40:00.000-05:00

I have finally installed a new widget to have interactive comments! I will now be able to reply to all your comments! :D

Sad news is...all the previous comments have disappeared :(

Zuuchini

Too cute to ignore

2011-12-20T22:42:00.000-05:00

Zuuchini

Review: Nars Red Lizard

2011-12-19T23:36:00.000-05:00

So I nearly have given up on trying out red bold lipstick. Why? I already have thick lips so I did not want to have them appear fuller...In my family, fat lips are regarded as ugly...

I originally wanted to try Chanel Dragon as many have placed it as the Queen of all red lipstick.

However, all these have been changed once I watched Blush Is the New Black on Youtube.

She immediately convinced me to grab Nars Red Lizard! It looks amazing on her lips! Well, it helps that she is gorgeous already!

So, I wore it to shopping this past chilly Saturday.

Here's Nars Red Lizard on my lips.

At first, the red is overwhelming! I was really not used to such vibrant color on my lips. But after a few stares at the mirror, I slowly adapted and then fell in love with it....

It is majorly a matte finish with a hint of sheen. Therefore, I was afraid it would be very drying. However, this mindset was wrong! Surprising, my lips did not peel at all even in such chilly weather.

I applied this without any lipliner or using a lip brush. I simply applied directly through the tube. The pointy side of the lipstick gives enough control to draw a precise line.

The red appears to be more orange toned on my pictures. However, it really is a true neutral red. The swatch can be viewed in my previous post.

I really love red bold lips now! I'm officially a convert! Please be prepared to receive some stares...which is exactly what happened to me. I don't know if they were good kinds of stares or bad kinds...but as long I feel comfortable wearing it, it shouldn't matter!

Zuuchini

Make-up purchase!! :D NARS and Urban Decay

2011-12-18T11:33:00.000-05:00

I can't remember when was the last time I purchased make-up! (buying mascara does not count as I buy one whenever to replenish the one just used up...or receiving make-up gift does not count either).

Make-up that I don't actually "need" because you know, I still have a major part of my other products barely touched...

I went to Sephora last week because they had the 20$ gift card if we spend 50$ more. So I thought..."hey! that is like 40% off! Better than the 20% off they had a while ago that I passed out". Of course, this thinking would only be valid if I were to actually spend exactly 50$. If I spend anything more, the percentage would get diluted...

Well you know...it did get diluted.

But! It was still more than a 20% off. :) Math quiz! Can you now tell me the range of amount i spent? You would probably know the exact amount after I show you the products. haha

I was having the hardest time to decide on what to buy...I sort of have an idea of what to purchase...but I wasn't certain. You can ask my very good friend how long I took to decide. It was such a dilemma! (Thank you for being so overly patient with me <3)

When it comes to make-up...I'm always so indecisive...because I feel guilty. I know that I really don't need them. The colors all come to be similar in the end. That one tone of difference honestly cannot be told on the eyes...stop lying to ourselves please.

ANYWAYS! ONTO THE GOODIES!

NARS - What could it be?

Ok...I forgot to take a picture with the cap off...But i did take a swatch! That's all it matters right?

NARS Red Lizard - swatch at daylight

Another swatch - Nars Red Lizard

I'll be posting a review of Nars Red Lizard in my next post as I have worn it yesterday. Of course, that would include a little story behind the purchase.

My other goodie....

Yes...Naked Palette. The over-talked palette. I know Naked Palette 2 just came out (but it'll probably take a while before they show in the Canadian market. And now there's war going on in the UD website to get that new palette, which I have no intention to be part of it). But the original looks more appealing to me. Actually...this palette is for my sister. It's to get her ready whenever she decides to move to Seattle...because now, she actually uses my make up (which I am so glad! PLEASE HELP ME FINISH. But gawd...she is even more light-handed than me in applying make-up....). So now, she would be able to have a variety of colors, super versatile, convenient and natural!

For now, we are actually sharing the palette...but honestly, most of the colors on the palette are very similar to ones that I already owned. However, I have to admit that it is very convenient to have all the shades laid out there that goes well with each other.

This is actually the first time I try Urban Decay eyeshadow. Their texture is very buttery. It reminds me greatly of Shu Uemura eyeshadows ( I still don't understand why Shu Uemura never got that big in the USA....it's such a wonderful brand). I do understand why people say why their eyeshadows are overly shimmery and can easily have fallout. But, their shimmer is what makes their eyeshadows so eye catching. Usually, I'm not really fond of overly shimmery eyeshadows. But I find that, if applied correctly, the shimmer is not overly overwhelming. I do not experience any fallout (even with sidecar that is known in reviews that has the greatest fallout). I think you just need to be light-handed and pat it.

All in all, I can understand the hype of the palette. But I have similar colors already, so if my sis was to depart with her in Seattle, I don't really feel the need to own one myself just yet (maybe eventually I will fall in love with it and want to have one all for myself).

You have no idea how ecstatic I was when i got these items! I was in disbelief! Finally a make-up purchase! It felt so gooood. And now....it seems like it has fed my obsession again...I want to buy more!! But once again...must resist all temptation...

Zuuchini

My favorite Montreal Japanese restaurant: Mikado St-Denis

2011-12-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

Nowadays, Montreal is populated by so many all-you-can Japanese restaurants that it seems like it's the first choice of many due to pricing and quantity.

However...I'm a big sashimi lover. All those all-you-can usually have their sashimi come with rice, which full me up very quickly. Also, their sashimi is usually not that fresh...at least nothing like Mikado...

Sure, times to times, all-you-can could be fun! But, for that price (that I probably won't make it worth it), I rather go to a menu restaurant because I rather enjoy my food than stuffing my stomach.

So which Japanese restaurant do I suggest? Mikado!

It is located:
1731 St-Denis
Montreal, Quebec
H2X 3K4

Hmm...alll gooodnnessss! It's perfection. The taste is so well harmonized!

It is not a traditional Japanese restaurant. So do not expect the sushi rolls to be authentic. Their rolls are a bit inspired from the cuisine of Thai and Vietnamese. Before, my criteria for a good Japanese restaurant has to be owned by Japanese because then i would think "Hey! It's owned by Japanese, it gotta be authentic and good!" Well...i guess it's not always true!

Look at how thick the piece of sashimi is! Yum yum!

Mikado honestly served the freshest sashimi I have ever eaten in Montreal... They cut their fish so well, that every bite of sashimi is heavenly! I highly suggest their red tuna.

So...you're not a fan of sashimi? No worry! There are many rolls and many unique ones only to be found in Mikado! I think every time I go there, I try different rolls. My favorite so far has to be Dragon Eye and Chardonnay (a bit of wine in it).

Chardonnay - It's rather a light roll. But that's how i like it

A new roll I tried. I loved the sauce...but the roll itself, not so much, too much fried stuff.

Sushi Pizza - The best one I have tasted. Usually I avoid Sushi Pizza at other places. But this one. I am left with a good surprise

Although I'm not very fond of deep fried food, I have to admit that Mikado deep fried food (tempura, and tempura in their rolls) are rather well made! They are not oily at all and very crispy. You know that they change their deep fried oil very often due to the freshness of their oil.

Fan of scallop and love crispiness? Try their scallop of heaven (or something like that...their dishes names are slightly too fancy to remember). They serve BIG FRESH SCALLOP!! it is enrobed with very crispy thin noodle (??? i don't know how to describe better, but i do have a picture!) The sauce that comes with it is so very delicious! a must try!

Scallop to heaven (???) One of my favorite! So nicely fried

Not only does the food is good. Their service is impeccable. You will never be left unattended. The moment you sat down, within less than 5 minutes, a waiter or a busboy will pour water to your glass. I guess I am very strict at that because I drink a lot of water and I hate when my glass is empty and have to be on the lookout of a staff for more water! Before I could finish my water, they always come on time to fill it back up! I love! Their service time is rather quick too! I never need to wait overly long for my food to arrive! They actually have quite some sushi chef working at the counter!

If you were to go there Fridays or those busy days of the week....I would suggest a reservation. :)

Finished with some sorbet/ ice cream!

wow...i just noticed how much we have eaten...we were only 3....go figure..haha

Zuuchini

Me want: Carolina Herrera Matryoshka Tote

2011-12-15T23:09:00.000-05:00

I watched Friends with benefits during the weekend. I know. I'm so late for this movie! I still don't understand why girls fall for Justin Timberlake... I have tried and squinted to see every angle of Justin....I still don't find him attractive. I do admit I do like his body ;)

Anyway...there was this scene where I was literally just staring at the purse of Mila Kunis... " I LOVE THAT BAG!"

So simple. So casual. I like!

Of course i went google afterwards to see which brand is it from! Apparently, the brand is Caroline Herrera. I have never heard of this brand. Therefore, I did my research further and learned that this brand sells in very limited location!! None in Canada! :(

Well...till fate meets us!

Zuuchini

Olympus Pen EPL-2 Test shooting #2

2011-12-14T22:33:00.003-05:00

Still playing with my camera...learning very slowly...

I brought it with me while shopping. Took a few interesting pictures

I actually bought some goodies ...will share soon!!

Zuuchini

Olympus Pen EPL-2

2011-12-11T22:27:00.000-05:00

I invested on a DSLR: Olympus Pen EPL-2. I know a EPL-3 just came out...but i really can't justify to pay the price for that.

I purchased mine on Ebay. It is second handed for $400! I would say super great deal because the previously owner bought it in April 2011 (which is only a few months ago!). He even sent me the receipt and the warranty card. The condition of the camera is impeccable. I really can't tell it was used before...The retail price in Canada for this camera is about 600$ + taxes. So I am saving a good 200$ +.

One thing that I love about this camera is the fun art filters! (main reason why I chose this camera over the others). And it's really not that troublesome to carry around in my purse. I think I'm too used to carry a heavy purse (I like to bring a bottle of water with me...).

Here are some test shots that I did...I still have so much to learn...It seems rather complicated if I want to manually adjust the setting.

Still playing around...

Zuuchini

A baby I wouldn't mind to have: Daphne

2011-12-10T21:14:00.000-05:00

My cousin has her newborn a few months ago and we finally paid her a visit!

She's the most precious thing ever! A very beautiful and cute baby!

Daphne is a real angel! When she sleeps, she really sleeps. Not much will wake her up!

When we went to the restaurant, I forgot that we had baby on our side because she was so quiet! She does not yell or cry. Best baby ever!

I think I have seen too many babies crying non-stop that I thought babies like Daphne does not exist! I am so wrong! This totally change my mind to have a baby in the future. I was so discouraged at having one because I don't know if I could handle all the screaming and the sleepless nights...My cousin told me that Daphne sleeps 8-9 hours every night so she does not have trouble sleeping at all! How lucky is she!

I really wish my baby would just be as simple as Daphne....

Zuuchini

Maximum Lash Eyelash Conditioner Review

2011-11-27T11:31:00.000-05:00

I purchased Maximum Lash Eyelash Conditioner in the hopes of having full long lashes. I'm just so envious at those who have them naturally.

There are many lashes serum out there, but it seems Maximum Lash Eyelash is one of the most affordable and just as effective.

How did it turn out?

I noticed difference after 2 weeks of trial. I am at the end of my third week. I do have to admit that I do forget to apply on some night...

What are the differences?

My lashes are longer but are not thickened. There weren't more lashes growing out either. Therefore, there is only length but no volume.

A week ago, my mom stared at me like crazy and said "your eyelashes are so long! are they real?" You know it's effective when your close ones can notice the difference!

Any side effects?

From the first night I used, the morning I woke up with very sensitive eyes. It doesn't hurt. Just sensitive as in very puffy kind of feeling. It has become not as sensitive now but it still puffs my eyes slightly a bit. The sensitivity still remains every time I use it. There isn't any sign of darkened lid where the product is applied as many people have experienced from lashes serum.

Repurchase?

I love the effect it gives on my lashes...but I am not sure if these products used in prolonged period are safe for the eyes... I will finish the product first and see if I can live without it. The price of the product is not expensive as Lilash (100$ or around that price range). This product costs me about 50$. It was bought from ebay, where it seems to provide the best bargain. 50$ sounds a lot at first but I am certain that this little tube can lash me about 3-6 months, which is not bad.

Now onto the pictures. I need to add that I had incredible difficulty at capturing my lashes. It made me think "Gawd, my lashes must be really non-existant before using this product". Why? Because the pictures do not show my lashes that much. But I have to state that my lashes are more prominent in person than appeared in the pictures.

Before

After 3 weeks

Curled (after)

With mascara (before)

With mascara (after)

I may do some updates after I finish the product :)

Zuuchini

There are two wolves in each one of us

2011-11-26T15:44:00.000-05:00

I stumbled across this entry while searching something.... and I felt the need to share. Very Insightful. It'll be followed by a brief English translation ( I tried my best to capture the essence of the story).

Source

French:

Un soir, un vieil Amérindien parlait à son petit-fils du combat qui se livre à l’intérieur de chacun de nous. Il l’expliquait comme suit:
« Il y a deux loups en chacun de nous. Le loup du Mal. C’est la colère, l’envie, la jalousie, la tristesse, le regret, l’avidité, l’arrogance, l’apitoiement, la culpabilité, le ressentiment, l’infériorité, le mensonge, l’orgueil, la supériorité et l’ego…
Le loup du Bien. C’est la joie, la paix, l’amour, l’espérance, la sérénité, l’humilité, la bonté, la bienveillance, l’empathie, la générosité, la vérité la compassion. »
Après y avoir réfléchi pendant un instant, le petit-fils demande: «Grand-Papa, quel loup gagne ? »
Le vieil indien répond simplement: «Celui que tu nourris ».

English:

A man speaks to his grandson about a battle that lives within us.
"There are two wolves in each of us. The wolf of evil: anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, pride, superiority and ego..."

The wolf of a good: Joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth compassion. "

After thinking for a moment, the grand-son asks, "Grandpa, which wolf wins? "

The grandpa simply replied: "The one you feed."

Zuuchini

Hit pan! - My first

2011-11-06T14:04:00.000-05:00

I have waited for this day for sooooo long. It's my first time to hit pan on an eyeshadow!

I present you ...

Mac Lightfall

It's an eyeshadow from Mac's Shadowy Lady quad. Honestly, I hate Lightfall. The color payoff is next to none. I am just trying very hard to use it all up. So I've been using it as a brow highlight on an average of 5 times a week for a straight 15 months now and I've only used up so little. WHAT?!

I don't understand how people could use up their eyeshadow within 3 months with daily usage... At my rate...I don't think I can ever finish my other eyeshadow (because I am already applying Lightfall extremely heavily...)

This really makes us think do we really all these eyeshadows... I wish companies would produce smaller eyeshadows and slash off their price as well. :)

It's a pain to see all these new released make up while I am on hold to buy any... I gotta finish mine first, right?!

Zuuchini

Pumpkin carving

2011-11-03T21:35:00.000-04:00

How did I pass this year's Halloween? PUMPKIN CARVING!!

The Nightmare before Christmas & Boo from Mario

Honestly, I was so proud of the outcome!

The creators of Boo!

(we actually copied the carving from some site...)

After our hard work...time to eat!!

Home made Pad Thai!

The sauce was not home made though cuz the ingredients exceeded the cost of buying the premade sauce. Never again will I purchase that bottle of sauce. It's full of MSG! My throat didn't feel good afterwards.

Zuuchini

Revlon Carbonite

2011-10-23T22:24:00.000-04:00

I heard it's a dupe for Chanel's Graphite!

1 coat already gives full coverage, but I added a second coat to give longer lasting result.

Spot any surprise on the nail? :)

Actually, I want Chanel's Peridot pretty badly...but there's no way i'm pouring $30 ish for a nail polish! Nothing justifies it ...until one day I have too much to spend...riiiiiiight.

Zuuchini

Benetint review

2011-10-22T18:22:00.000-04:00

Benetint is a lip/cheek stain by Benefit cosmetics.

I have only used for the lips only; I don't trust my skills to use on the cheek just yet.

How do I like it? I looooove it!

Why?
-Gives the "I just ate a popsicle" slightly red stained lips!
-Easy to apply
-Non-drying
-Buildable to a certain extent
-Natural red, more easy to work with than a dramatic classic red lips

The only 3 things that bother me are
- taste...i tried to lick my lips...and let's say it taste rather not delicious
- price: It costs 36 CDN$... very expensive, but my sis bought it for me in the US, which is 29$. Why do they jack up the price so much in Canada...
- very easy to spill if carry away. Sometimes while applying with the brush, I forget my other hand is holding the bottle. And I'm afraid a day will come where I would spill it all!

Other than this...I really love it!

Here are some captures...not the best ones...

Benetint

Bare upper lip

One layer of benetint on lower lip

Multiple layers of Benetint on lips

I wanna try the other lip stains from Benetint!

Zuuchini

I have to learn

2011-10-17T19:05:00.000-04:00

Zuuchini

Unite as One. If we could all let go our self-interest.

2011-10-16T11:02:00.000-04:00

Zuuchini

Vera Wang: Lovestruck

2011-10-10T17:58:00.000-04:00

I recently purchased Vera Wang's Lovestruck. Ever since I saw the perfume in store, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Was it the smell? No...it was purely the packaging. I was in denial; I made myself to think that scent is wonderful, that suits me perfectly.

I brought it back home...my mom was awed by the bottle design and smelled it. "This is not the scent you go for...it doesn't even smell much. Be honest, you bought it just for the bottle."

She knows me too well...

How could I resist such beauty!

I do have to admit the scent is very subtle. You can get away easily with 2 sprays. It's a perfume that I do not need to fear wearing at work (my colleague is very sensitive with perfume).

"The fragrance is a sparkling floral. Like an addictive crush, there's an instant attraction to its mouthwatering notes of pink guava and mandarin. With a sweet caress, a delicate bouquet of tuberose and lotus blossom follows. Behind it all are precious woods and a sheer musk, a lasting trail that brings warmth and comfort to this irresistible fragrance."

It is suitable for Autumn but I wouldn't say the smell is as cozy as my "Ricci Ricci" which I love so dearly. And...personally, this does not smell to be "lovestruck". My interpretation is more towards " A Sunday slightly gloomy afternoon, walking in the woods in cozy wear with your closest friends, having fun conversation."

YUP!

It's ok. The perfume can be finished but the bottle can be there forever. Therefore, good investment. LOL! my super stupid justification. Plus, it's really a cute decor in my room! I'm sure it'll continue to be in the future!

Zuuchini

My bus ride this evening

2011-10-04T23:26:00.000-04:00

I've been looking too far ahead of me, and lost my perspective temporarily.

I was on the bus, on my way home at around 9:45 PM.

I thought "Where do I go from now on?"

I need a plan to get there. I want it. Hungry for it.

Success and money are hatefully consuming my soul.

Are they really that important?

Shouldn't I be satisfied? Shouldn't I feel one of the most fortunate person?

I got love.

I got a loving mom and sis.

I got incredibly supportive friends.

I got sweet caring colleagues.

I get to eat food that I love.

I get sleep on my comfortable bed.

I got health.

A day ago, I would say those are losers speech. It's self-pity speech. Something I would say because I have failed and to comfort myself afterwards.

They tell me "it's part of life experience. It's ok. At least you tried! You gave your best shot!"

My answer?

"What does that matter? I didn't get it. So those things add no value."

I fear so much.

I fear judgement.

I fear inferiority.

But on my bus ride home...

I thought...If I have gotten it, what would I say when I look back?

Life would be probably better. But it wouldn't be anything without the rudiments.

I miss the time...where I would stop looking further ahead.

I miss the time...where I would build upon what I already have in possession.

...

I realized I've got it all and somehow I don't see it.

I'm ashamed.

Zuuchini

CUBA - My first trip to the south

2011-09-17T23:33:00.000-04:00

I went to Cuba on the last week of August, right after hurricane Irene!

People are so friendly over there. I miss 'living' there. I could chat and say hi to every stranger without feeling awkward or strange stares.

So much to say....but here are a few captures of the trip. :) I might come back to blog more about Cuba!

Zuuchini

Sheep or Lamb? Meeeeeh!!

2011-08-28T12:12:00.000-04:00

What's the difference between sheep and lamb? That's the question I asked to my friend. He then answered that they are completely different animals. I thought they were the same but the term is used interchangeably. But after hearing his answer, I was slowly doubting my own belief.

So...we googled for the answer. (what better way!)

http://www.sheep101.info/

Woah a whole site dedicated to sheeps! *hearts*

So basically...a sheep is more than a year old while lamb is less than a year old. Hence, we always see in the menu "lamb" instead of sheep (mutton) because their meat is more tasty while mutton needs to be cooked much longer. (yes i looked that all up hahaha)

So, I went for the next level: "Do sheep go baaaah or meeeeeeh, and which sound is for goats?"

Can I even go lower than that? LOL

Guess what? We went to YOUTUBE "sheep sound" and "goat sound". Instead, we found some funny videos of sheep and goats making weird sounds.

We both felt awkward and pathetic after....(we were eating lunch in some public seating area), we were both hoping no one heard of our idiotic conversation....

-------------------------------------------------

And some pictures

My friend can't parallel park.

(lol ok he can just that the road was curved but he simply used the front car as reference)

A fair!!

Ended up to be a very tiny one...very disappointed.

I wanna go to waterslides after seeing this!

Score for the penguin stuff animal!! I failed...

CRAVING SATISFACTION in ONE SHOT!

Also craving for ramen...too much Korean varieties show ...

I wanted to try a new brand! I went ahead and chose some Thai ramen in tum yum. Very spicy which i like. I hope the ramen was slightly more thick.

Because with me, we always gotta go back to old school and reminisce our past and my self declared geekiness.

PARAPPA the Rapper!!!

This game is hard...how did I pass it as a kid...

p.s. we even played GranTurismo 2 on a ps3. YEH YEH YEH!

Zuuchini

FOTD! It's been a while!

2011-08-14T16:42:00.000-04:00

I haven't posted much FOTD lately...usually, i wait till last minute to prepare before i go out so i can't take a few extra minutes to take pictures haha. Or usually, it's really not picture worthy. Yesterday, I was in some huge mode to go way out with my make up (that means i put false lashes on!).

It's funny because at first i decided to go with a very simple look with a touch of color. And....because i have a lot of time, i take my time, add a touch here and there. and BAM! Woah...my look isn't very 'simple' anymore...it's a bit much...oh well! That usually happens to me when I haven't done any make up look other for office purpose. Does it happen to you too?

I wanted to go for a teenage young look...i think i failed miserably...i don't think i will ever look young -____-

and some random pics of yesterday's evening.

Zuuchini

Korean restaurant: Hwang Kum

2011-08-02T19:56:00.000-04:00

Ever since Man na closed down in Brossard, I couldn't find any decent place to eat Korean food around Montreal. Many suggested Hwang Kum on Sherbrooke. I even checked online reviews and the ratings were good. That helps increasing my expectation!

I love the decor. Very homy and coffee-shop like. It's definitely a small restaurant. I would say more or less 20 seats available. Extra plus, their bathroom is very clean and has a personal touch.

Their food is pricy, I find. The amount they give you is not extremely generous. It's decent amount. I think their pricing is the most outrageous for their soups. Their soup is really like a size of a rice bowl and it includes a bowl or rice. They charge that like what....12$? The ingredients weren't even fancy either.

The only note-worthy dish in there was their seafood pancake. Definitely the best i've eaten. I would only go back for this....Other than that, no...not worth it.

The side dish was not spectacular. Very normal. It was good.

AH! The seafood pancake! Thick and crispy! Just perfectly cooked!

and then we started to nom nom nom...

Dukbokki! I wanted to try the real thing as it seems incredibly delicious on korean variety shows. Man, either the people were very good at acting or just the restaurant makes horrible ones....it's really not that good at all...The rice cake was a bit overcooked, therefore way too soggy...not chewy enough!

and we nom nom nom more....and i forgot to take the rest of the pictures.....lol

I'm so envious of people that have access to wonderful korean restaurant! :( Montreal really needs better ones!

Zuuchini

Make-up Brushes: Shu Uemura and Hakuhodo

2011-07-20T23:16:00.000-04:00

I was always tempted to buy sigma brush set. There are so many reviews that assert that their quality is very supreme given to their price tag. However, there are always some reviews that say that they are not the best, that they shred after a few washes...

I'm looking for really good quality brushes that can last for a while. I do not want many brushes. I just want a few that serve all my needs and extremely good quality. Therefore, I decided to invest in some reputable brands: Shu Uemura and Hakuhodo.

Shu Uemura still has their stores in Canada such as Holt Renfrew. Their products are so marked up so much higher than U.S. though.

Shu Uemura Kolinsky 5r

It's the best size for my crease! Many brushes from other brands that serve the same purpose are way too thick for my eyes. This one applies very precisely. It can also serve as a blending brush on the eyeliner area. It is rather stiff, not fluffy at all. I was disappointed that it's not soft at all! It scratches the eye skin a bit when i use it, even i'm very light-handed. But the application is definitely very great! I think it's the most expensive brush I have....if i could find another brush similar i would go for that option due to the lack of softness and hefty price tag.

I also became very curious about the brand Hakuhodo. Their reviews fare very good. Many said that they are the best brushes are there. So I decided to invest in some! Plus, they are really not that expensive...their price range is similar to Sephora's brushes, that aren't even that nice in quality.

If interested, you could buy Hakuhodo in this site: www.hakuhodousa.com
They are the official distributor! Their service is impeccable. Personalized message and very prompt at replying m questions.

Hakuhodo k005

So petite and precise! Perfect! Very soft too! I've been searching for a very precise application eye shadow brush, so i could concentrate the eyeshadow to line my eyes and while smudge it upwards. This brush simply is perfect! It does such a difference. The price for this brush is only $18!

Hakuhodo S111

When i ordered this brush, i thought it would be more flufflier. But it's rather flat. The application is very light. It's perfect to apply for very pigmented blushes! However, it's rather frustrating when the blush is not as pigmented because i would need to apply many times. I apply it by patting on my cheeks. Nothing especially special...but it's definitely very soft.

Hakuhodo Portable Kokutan brush

This is a short handle brush. It's flufflier than the previos one. I use this one to apply my bronzer, i like to buff out my bronzer, which explains why i did not buy their popular tampered brush. And it's also perfect for traveling, i could use it a blush brush and bronzer blush at the same time! :) It's very soft also.

Hakuhodo brushes are very affordable. Their quality is is great! Obviously, some specific brushes are more expensive, but there's usually a more affordable of a similar brush in another range.

Hopefully, you'll be an owner of some Hakuhodo brushes too!!

Zuuchini

Long-distance relationship: Does it work?

2011-06-25T18:47:00.000-04:00

I was once in a long-distance relationship. No, it wasn't an hour of drive away. Nor was it 2 hours. We were both in 2 completely different timezone. He was in California while I was in Montreal. A simple 3 hours of difference. I can gladly say at least it's not a 12 hrs difference. That would be hell. Actually, this time difference benefited us due to our different daily life schedule.

How long did it last? A good 3 years and a half. I never had thought it would last that long either...lol. I was skeptical like any other. I was young and thought there was no harm in this relationship. I thought it would only last 3 months at the maximum. Little did I know...it grew into something much more beautiful than just a puppy love.

My situation at that moment may had eased many problems arisen in typical long-distance relationship. For one, it was my first real relationship that has 'official' title; he was presented as my boyfriend and I was his girlfriend. Therefore, I could never really compared what it was like to have a relationship other than this one. People would always inquire "How could you not see him for half a year? Don't you want him close to your side?" It made me wondered a lot and I usually came up with this answer "Sure, I miss him. Sure, I want to see him often. But I guess it is less difficult for me as I never had a boyfriend that actually stays here. So I can't really compare." Also, I was still a full-time student. My priority was to focus on my studies. Having him far away helped me to concentrate more; I didn't have the obligation as other relationship would to spend a day together every week or what not. However, we did spend many hours talking on the phone and chatting. Webcaming was rather rare because I did not have one (though I would sometimes bother it from my sister).

Obviously, as time passes, we grow older and we enter into different stage of life, which ultimately concluded our relationship. I will discuss further later on.

I do not believe that every individual is suitable for long-distance relationship. It asks quite a bit of commitment. Both need to plan their vacation accordingly and save quite a bit to see each other. Every long vacation that I get was to spend it with him. Fortunately, his schedule was much more open than mine which made it easier for us. I remembered i squeezed in a visit at his place during spring break. 7 days or so only. And I had to make sure I had done my studies because I had exams the next day I came back home. While we drove to his school ( it wasn't his spring break), I would study until his class finished. Therefore, a lot of coordination is needed for the relationship to work.

Money was another important factor. We were students and working part-time. Most of our earnings would be saved to our next 'reunion'. lol. So be ready to be rather frugal with your purchases/outings with your friends.

Communication has to be solid because it's the only tangible connection that remains to keep this relationship going. Once communication is cut, there is nothing to hold it together. Be sure to be available for each other emotionally. This would strengthen the relationship and draw each other closer (rather than depending on physical contact).

Most importantly, there has to be trust. Always reassure each other. Don't try to hide anything, because once the trust is broken...there's really little cure for the relationship. Tell the partner your whereabouts. Don't be possessive. Let the partner to go out. And if things did not turn out as you would have said it would be, explain to your partner! Reinforce communication! For example, I tell him I'm going out with my friends and will be back for tonight to talk to him. But it turns out that I am sleeping over at my friend's place. I should make a call and tell him that. Or let say I fall asleep which lead to a failure to call him. The partner should be understanding. However, the next day, I should explain about it rather than ignore it.

All these 'rules' are all applied in any relationship....But they are emphasized even more in a long-distance relationship.

Please don't agree on one when you are not seeking for a commitment. Don't treat this relationship as something temporary and wait until something better comes around. Just drop it when you know you can't live without affection for long period. LDR needs maturity, patience and yes...love.

It would work if both of you are very aware of the terms. And, do have a plan in the future that both of you would stay in one place together.

Oh. Be ready for criticism. Many would say it wouldn't last. They would judge. They may say something but their attitude tells another thing. Stay tough and believe in it :) What do they know eh?

I went through a lot in my relationship. We grew together and supported each other. And eventually, we ended up in different life stage. Difference between us became more and more apparent. We weren't seeking the same things in life. That was when we called it off.

LDR definitely does work with efforts from both sides. However, I personally don't suggest it. I've gone through it and I would say life is much simpler without it. If I can avoid it....I definitely would.

Think of this way...

when you need someone the most....

someone to comfort you...

just their presence is all you need...

but they can't be there.

Zuuchini

My makeup drawer

2011-06-05T17:21:00.000-04:00

I'm quite proud to say i haven't bought any new makeup for quite a while now...since...last summer? woah a full year!

One can only wear that much right?

Zuuchini

may want more but is satisfied with her stash!

The Desirables

2011-05-23T22:58:00.000-04:00

My friends and I are actually extremely good cook. Lol...so not shameful at self-praise.

We love to try new recipes and cook together. Very big fan of food. We usually make diner together at least once a year. One of the main reason is because it's a much cheaper way to enjoy food. :) I think cooking is one of the activities that helps bonding!

Our menu is the most fancy from all the times we've cooked together:

Bruschetta

What's special?

Thick bread (some sort of naan bread if i'm not mistaken)

Mangos

Garden Salad

Sweet potato fries

What's special?

Chili pepper

The burnt factor (lol...the oven is just too powerful)

If only there's cumin!

Mussels

What's special?
Beer

Apple juice

And we also have steak..nothing especially special about it...

And ta daa!! All in the plate!

And we finished with a thick and rich dessert that complements our overall meal! 8% lemon yogurt with berries

We joked about opening a restaurant with the name "The Desirables". Because we will serve very little portion with high price to let people desire more. That the whole marketing scheme was "so you pay to have more desires". lol It was a whole cracking joke of the night.

Today i made some sweet potato fries again! It was a total success. No burnt ones! You just gotta cut them slightly bigger and put it in the over at 300-350 c. Make sure your oven is not the extra powerful ones. If it is, make sure to check it often or adjust the heating accordingly.

Yum yum!

Zuuchini

Let it go.

2011-05-18T23:05:00.000-04:00

Live lightheartedly is the first step to make your day slightly brighter. That's my advice for all those gloomy people out there. Some have it harsher than others. But you could never tell what's really going on inside their mind. But what you could change is yourself. Your perception. Distort it. You're the only one who can really make your life better.

Help yourself before thinking helping others. How can an emotionally unstable person try to build a stronger environment? How can one dictate? Convince others?

Once again...Don't let the past burden you. Toughest thing is to let them go.

I know.

I know...

I know too well.

Put it behind.

Zuuchini

One month is enough...

2011-05-17T23:38:00.000-04:00

to have many things happening.

Tax season is over. Yes! But gotta keep hustling like always...why? My CA studies is keeping me very busy. I feel like I know so little. I'm overwhelmed by how much knowledge I need to master... I'm so afraid of being a professional that lacks so much skills. I would compare this profession as a lawyer. How would you feel if you go consult a lawyer that doesn't know the laws properly... But this is also the aspect that I love so much about this profession. To be extremely knowledgeable about what you're talking about.

Because this program obliges the exams to be written with software, it means i need a laptop! WELL! EXCITING NEWS! I got a laptop! My first ever laptop. He's a beauty. He's gorgeous....

I present you Nathaniel <3

Yes, it's a VAIO! I always wanted a sony vaio. They have the best appeal haha. But i did not only choose this for the appeal only (ok maybe mostly on that). They have the best specs + features so far in the market. Very light and high performance! Since i would be carrying it with me to school very often, i need something light. And i wanted one so i could play decent games. And there ya go! Sony Vaio SB is the best match! I'm loving it so far. Although, the fan could be sometimes annoying but it's ok. I can live through it. I wanted a white one at first. but i hated the fact that the interior was silver. It looked somewhat cheap. So i stick with black...plain...dull boring black. Oh well. I can never go wrong with that color. Professional enough!

Other than my amazing acquisition.On the other hand, I have a loss..... My besssst buddy at work left! Sigh. I really get along with him way too well. We understand each other jokes. It could be completely geeky, stupid, lame, intelligent. We just get each other. And we love to find ways to maximize one's situation. We would create hypothetical situations and calculate the optimal outcome. It was just fun. We always had each other's back such as entertaining each other to stay awake. LOL. I'll miss him. No...i did not have a crush on him. He's engaged anyway. Even if he wasn't, no. And no, it's not that i hate my other co-workers or don't get along with them. It's the age gap (mind you at least 20). I can't just tell them some extremely geeky jokes. But it's ok, i'll just talk about other things :)

And another goooood news. FIIIINAAALLLLLY! My breakouts are almost done. My forehead is so much cleaner now! The products did their miracles (philosophy, the ones mentioned in my previous post). aaaaah! I'm almost there! I can finally have back my nice skin back. I miss it waaay too much. I should never eveeeer take it for granted anymore!

As a proof:

Not fully clear. But hey, so much better than before! The Sunday just passed, I actually went out with my bangs clipped away! My bare forehead showing to the world without shame! It felt so gooood.

My mom's cataract surgeries have been a success so far. I'm so glad. I can't wait the day she's fully recovered. She's taking so long! kekeke. It's an inside joke between my family. I know what's she's thinking if she reads this.

I'm ready to tackle anything! You can try to bring me down. But I'll find some way or another to come back up :)

Zuuchini

Freshlook Colors in Green

2011-04-19T21:30:00.000-04:00

It's time for color contact lenses again! Got bored with my brown eyes. Obviously the trend to get those that enlarge your pupils + iris. But I don't feel safe wearing those, especially when wearing the supposely legit brands already make my eyes red easily after a few hours. One day, I'll try those Korean/Japanese ones.

But for now, I'm happy with just a hint of color change :)

I like how it's not a "BAM" green, where everyone could immediately tell i'm wearing color contact lenses. It's not a creepy green that screams unnatural (ok yes it's already unnatural to have an asian with green eyes...but i mean it's very subtle).

At first I was afraid the green would be very pale because on the packaging, it's literally pastel green. But once worn, it becomes a very deep green which is exactly what i'm searching for, dark forest green!

So far, I like purple and green color contact lenses on me!

Zuuchini

Using Sephora's 15% off deal!

2011-04-17T20:53:00.001-04:00

The recent 15% off from Sephora is simply too irresistible. So today I drove to Sephora and bought...

After watching Fuz video where she mentioned quickly the philosophy purity, I wanted to try it because my biotherm face wash wasn't doing anything. Sephora has this amazing deal for philosophy kit. It's a very good opportunity to try out their products. To my astonishment, their products are very effective on my skin. Which is why, I took this chance to get hold a second one! My acne scarring has dimished! My left side cheek has no more acne!! My right side cheek scarring is slowly fading away. I really love their "Help me" retinol treatment. The "help me" product alone costs $48 (if i'm not mistaken). In this kit, it offers the full size too. The other 2 products are also very effective. "Purity" is so far my favorite cleansing product I have tried. And the "hope in the jar" has made my skin much less oily. I don't exactly which one is the best one among them all since I've been using them all together, and them alone. And I definitely see results as they are very apparent. It's been 3 weeks so far! I will probably update soon my skin condition.

The Hydro Life Dior kit is such a good value too! It includes 3 products. One of them is an eye cream in full size, which costs $60 alone. But this whole kit is only selling for $63. Since I have wanted to try the eye cream and the moisturize from this line, I thought it would be a good starting kit before I purge to spend the full size moisturizer of Dior.

I'm so glad that Canada finally received the UD primer potion in a squeezing tube. I've been waiting so long! Yesterday, I tired to depot my UB (the old version)...and I failed!! I almost cut my finger several times so I've decided to abandon the execution. I don't think I have the proper tools to do it. So now that I've the new tube, I can finally be less frustrated whenever I use it.

I have bought a back up brush for my clarisonic...(will update soon also about its effectiveness).

and...a nail polish in "Only Gold For Me". I'm so late in getting this...I also drool whenever i see bloggers wearing it... but twice when i went to sephore, they were sold out! This polish is just so gorgeous. A tiny hint of gold over any nail polish makes your nails so much more glamourous! <3

As you can see...I've totally jumped from make up craze to skincare craze wagon!! But this is mainly due to my skin condition since several months...It's like a major issue that i've trying to cuuuuure. like very desperately...

But it's heading to a good direction so far :D

I can't wait to check out other bloggers' haul from this Sephora 15% off!

Zuuchini

Because hopefully this may help some of us...

2011-03-20T13:47:00.000-04:00

Stay calm and move on...

Do not over-think as it cannot always prevent the inevitable.

Enjoy every moment you get and walk as it goes.

Do not dwell in regret...

Accept the change.

But do not forget the past.

Remember the past and cherish it.

Because the past creates the present.

The past hints the future.

The past cannot be taken away.

Therefore, inhale...and take a brave step.

And, smile because something and someone was once in your life.

Zuuchini

When you speak more than one language...

2011-03-14T21:48:00.000-04:00

My first language is cantonese. Then i leant french and then mandarin and then english. ok my mandarin is very iffy...lol but i can survive with it. much better than my spanish at least.

Usually, I think in cantonese (actually...i'm not so sure anymore). So it happens that in some rare occasion i slurp out a word in cantonese while speaking another language. Total awkwardness...

I still remember in high school, in my french essay, i would write a whole sentence in french and then put "and" and continue in french. lol it was just random. But for some reason my brain would read "and" and translate it back to french, so it's as if i did write in french.

When I interchange the language back and forth so much, I can easily construct a sentence with a few words of each language I know here and there. It becomes such a bad habit that I have a hard time to purely speak one language.

It becomes so bad that my brain does it naturally without thinking and translate it unconsciously into one language.

So today...i was writing a cheque in french...

"Deux mille huit cent and treinte-two"

in my head, when i read it, i was thinking "treinte-deux"...but somehow i wrote two...and i didn't realize it until later on...

Yay for us who speak many languages!!

Zuuchini

Chunky necklace new found love!

2011-03-06T20:53:00.000-05:00

I searched for nice chunky necklaces for months. But never one appeals to me until last sunday when i went shopping with my friends. None of them like it....

I don't care cuz i looooove it!

It would be perfect on some plain shirts. I wore it yesterday :)

On another note, the other day when i was shopping...i saw MY DAD?!?!?!?

lol an american eagle model. I swear this profile of him really looks like my dad...Hi younger version dad!! :)

Zuuchini

La Nuit Blanche 2011

2011-03-02T22:32:00.000-05:00

Happens every February in Montreal, basically a all nighter festival with numerous activities to do!

I don't know when was my last time to have walked/stood up for 7 hrs straight.....

Nonetheless. amazing night with my friends <3

Zuuchini

Next step: CA

2011-02-27T21:20:00.000-05:00

Early this week, I got admitted to the Chartered Accountancy program. Finally, it's time after a year of break from studies.

It'll be intense, but I know I will get through it no matter what. I like challenges. I like the great feeling of triumph. The results from something you've given so much efforts to. Working very hard to achieve the goal.

That is not my only motivation. I can't wait to practice that profession so I could deal with more complex matters. Undeniably, the salary is very attractive as well.

But...most significantly...I have to prove a point. To myself? To others as well. That I can achieve something. That I did not come from somewhere easy. I worked hard to be where I would be standing. That you, my dear father, fail to spend this part of my life with me. That you miss the opportunity to be a proud dad. Because in the end, even how much I tell myself to forgive you, that I love you because you are my father at the end of the day, I am still bitter. I want to show you how much you missed out. That you barely did anything for my personal growth. That you weren't there for me. That you do not belong to my success.

But then, I have to thank you for playing this role, which gives me such great strength. I will hold onto it.

I can't wait for the next 2 years to go by. I want to return what my mom and sis have given to me. :) I want to show them that I truly appreciate things they have done for me. I have many flaws. But I am trying my best.

CA, here I come enthusiastically.

Maybe, it won't go as smoothly as planned. But at least I got confidence and spirit.

Zuuchini

My new favorite rings: Love + Faith

2011-02-23T21:33:00.000-05:00

Impeccable work. Impressive service. Affordable price.

Want it?Visit here: WireNameMike

Zuuchini

Very asian day!

2011-02-21T21:59:00.000-05:00

My friend decided to hang out and cook some asian dish: Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and Dukbokki.

First, we needed to get the ingredients! And who do I see?!

Hyori Lee!! I'm such a kid...i get very excited whenever we go to the korean/japanese korean store. You can tell how rarely i go there. So i couldn't stop myself to take a picture with "her".

and then i saw this!

When i was a kid, i love these. It was making me feel nostalgic! I don't think we can find these in many places anymore...

It wasn't as good as I had in my memory....But still very cute!

I just discovered this amazing aloe drink. Apparently I'm very laaaaaaaate at this. All of my friends have tried it already. It's so refreshing, i love the pulps. It might become my favorite drink! Must try if you haven't already. Can be found probably in any asian grocery store. A bit expensive though...around $3?

Takoyaki time!! It was such a pain in the ass to make them. So time consuming. Only our first batch went "fine", the rest were alll baad (as in appearance wise). In the end, we gave up and just make some pancake out of the batter hahaa. Still very delicious!

Here i present you the first batch...after you saw this, you can kind of figure out what the rest of them look like haha.

Next dish? Okonomiyaki! Muuuuuuuuuuuch easier to make.

It tasted so good! Like one that we can eat from a restaurant. But we got so fed up of them because we made so many. The sauce and the mayonnaise got kinda thick in our taste buds after a while.

And then we end with our Dukbokki! It was more like a ....throw whatever we bought in it. lol. It was a bit far off from a real Dukbokki. Oh well, it tastes good :) I looooove rice cakes!

Even being so full....I had to get my dessert. Asian styleeeee! I don't know what these are called but i always see them in japanese and korean shows! The filling is red bean! :) I like I like! Until i saw ...290 calories...whaaaaat.

At least we did some exercise....My muscles are aching like hell today. I was so exhausted this morning, didn't feel like going to work at all....Stupid gladiator on ps3 killed my arms. -____- why do i have to be so intense playing it....

Anywaaaay. I misssss Japan and Hong Kong. Sigh...all the good food....and can't wait to go to Korea too. SPICY FOOD! Me likey!

Yeah...i gotta stop thinking about food...and think more about losing weight. My jeans are sooooo tight. My face is so chubbby now.

Zuuchini

Prejudice?

2011-02-09T21:46:00.000-05:00

Ever wondered the truth behind people's "I don't judge"?

Is that really possible?

Don't we take a piece of information and try to piece it together? Interpretation.

Not everyone has the time to listen to the whole story. Not everyone has the interest to take their time to know you.

In order to process such high traffic of information, we take a piece here and there.The ones that stand out the strongest in their eyes at that moment.

I am that. But I may be something else. Because I play multiple roles in different settings. Just because I behave in such a way does not mean I act such a way every time.

That's why it take years to really know someone well.

I may have already posted this song already...but why not again.

Robert F. Kennedy's quote : “There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why... I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?”

Zuuchini

Mia Clarisonic: Log 2

2011-02-07T21:26:00.000-05:00

It's the 2nd week now. Another update on my skin....not much improvement yet...

Patience Patience!!

Room is finally done!

2011-02-05T22:14:00.000-05:00

We have planned to buy my mom's a new set of furniture about more than a year ago. We've finally set our mind and do it!

It was such a hassle because we bought a bed box to lift the mattress higher...but the bed box wouldn't go through the stairs...it's too big. So we had to rent a truck and have my sister drive it...during a snowstorm. Awesome!! The truck slipped during a turn...it was scary. Fortunately there was not many cars on the highway because of the snowstorm....I was my sis's backrear view. I would tell her it's ok to turn to check there's no car behind us or beside side...Talk about cooperation. So much trouble just to return the bed box.

After this adventure...the room is done <3

all for my mom!

With a fluffy white blanket should really add a finish touch of the concept! You know those big fluffy ones that we always see in the ads? haha

Zuuchini

Review: Mia Clarisonic (Log 1)

2011-01-30T18:53:00.000-05:00

It's been a little bit more than a week that I've used my Mia! The results are not outstanding like some other users have claimed. But there are definitely some positive changes. :)

I regret that I have no comparison picture of before I start using Mia...so there is only after pictures.

Yeah...pimples are definitely still there! But, the numbers have decreased and they are not as big. My skin also does not look as oily nor as dull. My healthy glow is starting to resurface.

I use it once daily after my shower. If I could, I usually finish before the 1 minute timer. I do not want to over exfoliate my skin, which could damage the skin. So I go by my own judgement. If i feel that my skin is getting more sensitive in one spot, i would stop going over there with my Mia.

Nose areas are harder to reach since the mia brush is flat and is not bendable. Just something that I noticed right away when i use the Mia.

Using Mia to cleanse the face is much fun and is no hassle at all! I always look forward using it because it's so soothing. I actually save more time using Mia than using my own hand.

So far, I do not regret purchasing my Mia. However, it hasn't done some miracle yet. I will be patient and keep blogging about progress of my skin...

Zuuchini

Lady Jane - I love you everyday

2011-01-25T21:39:00.000-05:00

This song somehow makes me all emotional. Yet i love to listen to it.

Zuuchini

Mia Clarisonic!

2011-01-19T21:29:00.000-05:00

After a few months of non-stop breakouts....I've finally given up and bought a Mia Clarisonic. There are waaaaay too much good reviews about it. It's surely captivating when most claim it changed their lives completely! How can I resist when I'm soooo sick and tired of my skin condition.

I've chosen the Pink Mia Clarisonic as it looks the cutest! plus a portion of it goes to Breast cancer foundation! :) You kinda feel better about yourself, less guilty "hey at least i'm donating!"

I have high hopes!! Hopefully it'll do miracles to my skin :D

First impression when I opened the package..."wow...they really didn't spend much on the packaging" I would expect a more sturdy box or just better overall packaging for such a price tag skin tool. Oh well. as long the product works.... What i'm overly intrigued is the charger! You don't need to plug the charger into the clarisonic! It's magnetic. Ok. maybe i'm just out of date with these gadgets but i'm just so amused with it!

I've just tried it. I like how it has a timer (1 minute) so i don't overdo it! I thought it would be harsh on the face but i almost felt like nothing! Rather very soothing. I feel like using it again for another 1 minute because it was so enjoyful but i resisted.

Results after one try: I heard people see results after one try. Honestly...I don't see any result IMMEDIATELY. I shall keep a log about my skin condition progression. :)

Zuuchini

Review: Fiberwig Mascara (brown)

2011-01-16T11:32:00.000-05:00

This is one of the most popular mascaras in Japan. I've seen it all over their magazines. From my trip to Asia, I purchased one to try it out!

Sadly, I chose brown because i thought the black one would give me overdramatic lashes for office wear. This is also the whole reason behind my regret.

Fiberwig lengthens lashes, and does not give volume. So...because mine is brown, my lashes appear even lesss "thick". However, it really does make my lashes longer. I can see the length increasing in every layer i applied. If only i bought the black one eh? Unless you're a fan of really natural lashes, go for the brown one. But as for asians, i think it's better to go with the black one.

Oh and it's waterproof and smudge-proof and yet so easy to remove with any oil cleanser!

Will i go purchase the black one then? No. It's so overpriced here, like almost 30$. I'm recently loving drugstore mascaras. They are working so well! :)

Oh by the way, I'm so against with people saying "oh it's worth if you buy an high end mascara, i mean it's 30$ , that's like 3 drugstore mascara, Just buy less of that"

But if you do calculations....it's not exactly worth it. (unless your high end mascara is reaaaally THAT good, but honestly, drugstore mascara are amazing as well)

So to prove my point (only pricing wise, i'm ignoring the happiness factors that the high end mascara will make it worth it)

High end mascara: 30$
Drugstore mascara: 10$

Need 4 mascara every year (if we follow the rule of tossing it every 3 months) assuming that we're faithful with this mascara

High end mascara: 30$ x 4 = 120$
Drugstore mascara: 10$ x 4 = 40$

That basically means 80$ every year that you could have spent on something else. Does the 80$ really justify the "worth it" factor to go for that mascara? Does it make such a huge difference? hmmm... well if you got no financial problems, go ahead and spurge away! But would it be wiser to spend that 80$ elsewhere?

(80$ may not sound a lot...but if you were to implicate a few years into the equation...it sums up a lot)

Zuuchini

2010 Most used/favorites

2011-01-03T12:04:00.000-05:00

Like many other blogs have done, I decided to look back at 2010 and see what are the products i often go to. They are not necessarily my favorites (just for the sake of finishing the damn product).

Mac Lightfall
This eyeshadow appears on Mac quad Shadowy Lady. It is like one of the most unpigmented eyeshadow out there. No matter how much I put, it barely shows up. The reason I use it as my eyebrow highlight, is because I just want to finish the product. lol it's annoying me how i'm using it daily and it hasn't hit pan yet!!

Mac Ground Brown
This is a sort-like a healthy slightly moisturized soil for inside plant color. haha or a better sound descrption, a rich chocolate brown. It's perfect to warm up and deepen any eye look by applying on the outer corner of the eyes. It really goes well with any eyeshadow, cool or warm.

Mac Creme de Cup

This is my go to lipstick all the time! It flatters any look and can be worn at the office.It's just a basic pink color to have for those that have the same skintone as me.

Nars Laguna
My only bronzer! and yet I have no urge to look for anywhere else, at least not until i finish it. It is really capable of faking a tan skin. It adds layers of warmth without problem, all while not looking overly fake. The shimmers in this bronzer is very subtle and barely noticeable when applied.

Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner

Whenever I want some precise and dark defining eyeliner, I always use Dolly Wink's liquid eyeliner. Its tip is so fine. I can easily grasp the control and also it is my first liquid eyeliner and I do not find it difficult to use. Its staying power is great. It's easy to remove too by a makeup remover! And the best of it, I can draw very thin lines as well as thick ones.

Nars Orgasm
Nowadays, I often heard how Nars Orgasm is a overrated blush. But at least to me personally, Nars Orgasm really does wonder to my cheeks! It is so far the most flattering blush i own. It gives a very healthy glow in summer and in winter! When I'm tan during summer, the little shimmer in the blush and the whole coral and pinkish color it adds complete my whole bronzed look! While during winter, my pale/ lacking of color on my face is "revived" by adding a hint of this blush on the cheeks.

Nars Copacabana
I purchased this item when a makeup artist highly recommended to me. But when I saw the price, it kinda pushed me back a bit. But it's ok! Now it has become my go-to highlight item! Plus, it does a carry quite some amount of product inside this item - it barely shows any sign of usage. Not to mention, the texture is so creamy!

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler

I have owned the well known Koji eyelash curler previously before my Shu Uemura's one. But I still prefer Shu Uemura's curler that much more. I think it's the feel of it that is better. Undoubtedly, Koji's one takes much less effort to press and does give great definition to the lashes. But Shu Uemura is still my personal favorite for some odd reason.

And as for 2011, my beauty resolution should be, try to stick with what I have. Use what I have. Finish what I have before purchasing new things. :)

Let's all start and live 2011! And listening to this song, it's a great start!

Happy New Year!

Zuuchini

Taxes...how much cash really gets into our pocket?

2010-12-18T12:54:00.001-05:00

I'll be using 2010 rates.

So...how much do taxes do we really pay? and how much do we really get to spend?

Let's use the tax rates of Quebec.

And I'll be conservative (using the lowest tax bracket) ** Those that do not live here, the more you earn, the higher marginal tax bracket gets. ex. the first $1000 will be taxed at 10%, $1001- $2000 at 15% and so on. (these rates are far off from reality).

Let's be conservative and stay within the lowest tax marginal bracket. So person X has $40000 taxable income, which has a tax bracket of 32.53%.

(I'm ignoring all sorts of tax credits)

40 000 x 0.3253 = $13012

Bye bye $13012 of my salary. (basically, you're working 4 months free for the country/province).

Let's not even talk about the part of our salary that gets deducted for the other federal/provincial benefit program such as IE, QPIP, and QPP. Some of them you can claim back later on in life...but not everyone does ( such as, you never take parental leave cuz you decide to go back to work right after your child birth...etc)

And then, we got SALES TAX (taxes on goods and services). HURRAY. 5% for GST (federal) and 7.5% for QST (provincial). Not to mention, Qst will be 8.5% in 2011. DOUBLE HURRAY.

Another fun fact, our stupid QST stacks...meaning the net value + 5% is taxed by 7.5%.

So...let's be conservative and say that half of the remaining earnings is not subjected to sales tax either cuz you're not spending this amount or because this spending cannot be taxed.

40 000 - 13012 = $26988 remaining earnings

$ 26988 / 2 = $13494 not subjected to sales tax

so we got

$13494 is subjected to sales tax.

13 494 x 0.05 = 674.7

( 13494 + 674.7 ) x .075 = 1062.65

or faster calculation : 13494 x 0.12875 = 1737.35 ( which is 674.7 + 1062.65 )

So... $1737.35 is the sales tax we pay if we were to spend the whole amount of $ 13494.

What do we get in our pockets?

$26 988 (remaining earnings after income taxes) - $1737.35 (sales taxes if applied only at half of our remaining earnings)

TOTAL: $25250.65

25250.62 / 40 000 = 63% of our earnings really get into our pocket.

while 37% of our earnings is to pay our country. Cost a lot to live in Quebec isn't it? This doesn't even include the actual cost of shelter yet...

and imagine those that are in the 2nd tax bracket...or 3rd....pretty much half of the earnings go to the government.

In summary, if we exaggerate, half of the work we do is not to pay stuff for ourselves. ( i know that these money will indirectly go to us, such a road work, education, health care and etc...).

Crazy much? Now do you still wonder why many graduates move to U.S.? Now do you still wonder why Quebec isn't that attractive?

Zuuchini

Hopeless with my skin...

2010-12-15T21:05:00.000-05:00

Ever since I got my job back in the end of August, my skin has gotten worse and worse. It is the first time I ever see my forehead oily. It was so oily that i needed to bloat it.

From times to times, it would clear a bit but then fall back to its bad state again...

The pimples are concentrated in my forehead, which I'm kinda grateful for because my bangs can hide them lol!

The only christmas gift i want this year is that they would all magically clear away! ( you hear me, face?!)

Because of this, it seems like I am more and more interested into skincare stuff. Without clear skin, make up is just really nothing.

I am clueless what is triggering all these break-outs. I sleep better than ever. My diet hasn't changed. Lifestyle is pretty much the same. Could it be the office's air? O_o Some say it's the stress....but the stress level at school shouldn't be somewhat similar to work's?

-______-

On a good side, the 4 lbs that i've gained since I got this job, I've lost it in 14 days. :D

Zuuchini

My first Jill Stuart item: Mix blush compact 09 little bouquet

2010-12-07T22:02:00.000-05:00

Any girly girl would fall in love with Jill Stuart cosmetics. Their packaging is so adorable! The only factor that would make anyone to resist purchasing their products would be their price. They are slightly pricey. But items such as the mix blush compact are reasonably priced as they come with very soft brush that is very travel friendly.

I am overly excited with my first Jill Stuart item! It is the Mix blush compact 09 little bouquet that one of the fellow blogger suggested to have as a first blush from this brand. No regret at all! :D

This particular blush has 4 colors that you can create different combination. The colors themselves differ greatly, therefore this blush gives great variety of colors:

- pale light pink (easily used as a highligher)
- tangerine
- coral
- bubblegum pink

Honestly, I don't think I would have purchased any blush if this was my first blush because this holds all the blush colors that I go for. They aren't glittery/shimmery either!! If I'm not wrong, they are matte (maybe contains a few grain of shimmers that is unnoticeable). This compact colors are in the pigmented side although the pictures may illustrate otherwise as the colors are washed out.

How can I forget to mention the brush that comes along with the compact! The size is a bit small but does not cause any trouble in the application. Very soft like other reviews from other bloggers have stated already. The only concern that I have is I'm afraid the rust or any malfunctions will appear after a few washes.

This is an extremely good item when I have to decide which blush to bring with me on a trip when I want to bring as little as possible. It will solve my dilemma! :D

09 Little Bouquet

Zuuchini

New glasses!!

2010-12-01T22:05:00.000-05:00

For some reason, I've been getting all the things that I've waited for years....Glasses are one of them! I was slowly getting sick of my red frames because it was tough to match my clothes and overly bright for work.

I wore my red frames for over 4 years. It's about time to have new ones! I opted for a slightly conservative, simple and yet bit fashion oriented frames. :) I'm glad that these frames fit my face as I have high cheek bones and a very low rise nose which does not help much. So wearing bigger frame usually leave marks on my cheeks or when i smile, the frames will move upward.

I like the sides simple. :) Easier to go with anything

Me with the glasses

I went Toronto over the weekend...and here are some shots of the food i ate. I filled my tummy to the max. Never felt a moment hungry over the 2 days. It was eat...drive...to another place to eat. LOL.

Zuuchini

Q-Pot: Strawberry whipcream ring

2010-11-19T22:40:00.000-05:00

Remember my around-a-year-ago post about wanting the Q-Pot strawberry whip cream ring? I GOT IT!!

Originally, I wanted the one with the chocolate bar one but it has no more stock! But i'm fine with a strawberry too, hehe!

Q-Pot Strawberry Whipcream ring

Yummmy!!

Zuuchini

3 months have passed...

2010-11-14T14:35:00.000-05:00

My mom is finally coming back tomorrow. Obviously, I am excited for her return. But, I also feel sad. Her whole family is there. Yet, she's coming back for the reason of her daughters. How I wish it could be easier for her. Separation can be sometimes unbearable. How much she would miss her mom and how much her mom would miss her. What bothers me the most...we won't know what will happen next.

During these months, I realized how it is tough to live on your own. It is so exhausting. No wonder many young couples or even just singles are always dining out. When you come back home after work, you are just so tired to cook. But I can proudly admit that I have only refused once to cook, and went for pizza instead. It is not that I do not like cooking. I enjoy cooking very much. But it is just not fun when I am starving and rushing to cook after work.

I don't know how single parents do it. Much admiration.

I also learned to spend nights alone at home without fear. I am no longer afraid of taking showers at night alone. I no longer need to leave the lights on in the hallway when I sleep. Silly things like that.

I have conquered my fear of driving on Friday. After my car accident, I always think the bus/car I am riding will crash once the vehicles are very close to each other. Or any abrupt stop. Today, I drove again to go grocery shopping. I purposely took another route to avoid the past route where the accident occurred. I purposely parked my car far away, to avoid car traffic in the parking lot. I purposely headed early so not much cars will be on the road. Pathetic much? Maybe. At least, I drove. and restarting to gain confidence and think while driving "oh, this is actually quite easy. driving is easy afterall".

Things have finally settled down. :)

Can't wait for tomorrow!!

Zuuchini

A happy couple?

2010-10-26T20:06:00.000-04:00

If you are in a very happy and steady relationship, I feel nothing but happy for you!

These days, whenever I see a couple holding hands, leaning on partner's shoulder, smiling to each other, anything that I can tell they are in love, there is a surge of happiness within me. I will spontaneously smile without any control of mine. Afraid that they may have caught me smiling....I would shift my view and smile to myself.

Smiling is great.

Zuuchini.

These are the worst passengers in public transit

2010-10-13T22:48:00.000-04:00

I ride the bus everyday to work...and back home...and i hate when either one of these people decide to sit next to me :

- Strong unpleasant perfume.
-Strong cigarette smell.
- Obese. Taking my place too...or even to the point that their body is touching mine...
- Keep talking to me when obviously i have my music loud enough that i can't hear a thing, so i need to unplug them to hear them. not very interesting either.
- Have their music playing so loud that i can hear them over my music.

All i could think of now!

Zuuchini

oh~ how much i love her.

2010-10-08T20:20:00.000-04:00

She's the best <3 <3

Zuuchini

I am BEAUTIFUL. (2)

2010-10-06T21:50:00.000-04:00

To continue what I discussed yesterday...(clarify things that a commenter may have misunderstood).

We lie so we don't hurt other people's feelings. So it's fine because it's a white lie...However, personally, white lie or not, it's a lie. It's a deception, especially when I know the truth afterwards that they were lying to me. Why put false statements? I believe we could be honest without brutally hurting others' feelings...as least we are following honesty (now that's what we're really missing in our society).

To illustrate what I am trying to say...

We should not do this:

Person: I'm so ugly.
Me (believing that person is ugly): Yeah, you're ugly like hell. Go do some plastic surgery. cuz nothing can really help you fix that appearance of yours.

Obviously...you don't go harsh on that person if that person is obviously upset with their appearance.

But we can do this instead:

Person: I'm so ugly.
Me (believing that person is ugly): (Silence)

You're not forced to have an input. I think it's better left like that. Why say something you don't really believe in? Why try to put this false image on them? As if telling they are not ugly will really boost their self-esteem. They should find their self-esteem to feel good inside their skin. Instead of telling them a white lie, why not just encourage them to do something about it so they will feel good? Tell them to do something they love in life, that appearance isn't everything in life. That no matter how hard we try, age will get to us. That is so much more sincere than "of course not, you are gorgeous, don't say that!"

Society has put us thinking that we should be modest. I've taught modesty greatly in my culture, as Chinese emphasizes that a lot. But I've learnt in life that the quieter you are, the less you are going to shine through the crowd. If you've got it, why not show it? Obviously, it doesn't mean you have to go after everyone and say "hey look at what i got!" A good nod or agreeing is enough. You can be rich or in this case beautiful, I don't see it as bragging. That person is merely telling the truth. "Yes, I am rich." It's a fact. If that person is a billionaire, why say "no i am not really rich...". That is just absurd. There's nothing about being modest about that or not; they are simply stating a fact. Not being modest would be something "oh look, i can afford my 400 millions dollars house because I make xxxx amount of money every month. and i have a yacht at my dock that i go to every morning" Just as a beautiful person, the person can say "I am beautiful". I don't see how is it related to modesty. They are not essentially bragging. Why people have to take it as bragging when one is accepting their qualities? This is another thing society has failed: To not accept our qualities. Why be afraid of your own qualities? We should feel good inside of us. And how do we feel good? By knowing our qualities. But people these days tend to see are all the negative aspects of themselves. This is the origin of the mentality of the wrong interpretated "modesty".

Little note. Bragging is not exactly bad if the person's intention was really to just share their own happiness. Bragging is only bad when the purpose of doing it is to make others feel inferior. If that wasn't the intention, then it's fine.

I think...the whole point of this discussion. It is the motive. While most people take these statements "I am ugly" or "I am beautiful" negatively.

Zuuchini

I am BEAUTIFUL.

2010-10-05T22:33:00.000-04:00

Wow..somebody is full of herself, isn't she.

(In no way to be sexist, to be less annoying in writing he/she and so on, I will all put in female terms)

But why is it wrong for someone to admit she is beautiful, especially when she is truly gorgeous? Why do we proclaim when a beautiful person agrees to her beauty that that she must be so arrogant with her appearance. Does she have no modesty?

While, if that beautiful person finds she is looking ugly, we either believe she's lying and fishing for compliments or we find her completely irritating unsatisfied with how she looks.

On the other side of the story, we have those not very good looking ones. They may be truly comfortable with how they look and believe they are beautiful. We either find them delusional or just pity them and agree that they are gorgeous because their hearts are.

BUT THEN, when they KNOW they are not beautiful, why do we think that she has no confidence at all? And we try to convince her that she is pretty.

Our mind is so twisted. Why is it wrong to be honest in these situations? Why can't someone admit that she is ugly or beautiful when in reality they really are? We either associate them with overconfidence or lack of confidence...Why can't we just accept they are saying what they really think and what they see?

Zuuchini

Best birthday so far!

2010-10-03T20:46:00.000-04:00

I recently turned 22 years old! 21 is a wonderful age. but i think 22 will be better because I am receiving more and more love as I grow older.

I truly believe that receiving blessing from people is so much more than receiving gifts. My heart felt sooo warm when I got a call from my mom at 10 am at the office. She's still at Hong Kong and just hearing her wishing me a happy birthday is just so heartwarming. Maybe it's also because I miss her.

Little did I know...my firm knew it was my birthday and celebrate it in the meeting room with a cake! I was so touched because they are all busy with their files and still took the time to celebrate my birthday. I really didn't expect that as I am with them one month only. One of the partner was unable to attend, so he wrote a message for me. awww...

It rained a lot on my birthday. Heavy rain and very windy. My sis and I still managed to walk and ate at a restaurant in Old Port, called L'Assommoir. I loved the place! So warming decor. The service was impeccable. The food was very original (lol in both sense, good and bad).

Zenith

Fried sliced bananas. Amazingly delicious!

Extremely happy with the food!

Tartar wapiti / Scallop with Mojito / Tartar Crab and Avocado

We thought we would be able to order cheesecake as dessert...but who knows that little amount of food can be so fulling!!! But we did get some cupcakes! With the crazy rain storm out there...the cupcakes were slightly ruined in the box.

Coconut / Red Velvet

It was never lid....because we failed at using the lighter.

Annoyed with my hair growing out, I needed a haircut! And so i did...just so when i let my hair grow longer it won't get all weird. Yes...I'm letting my hair grow again. Long hair, here I come again! After the haircut, we went to Rolo Pan! aaaah, how we missed these in Japan. It's ok! We can get these in Montreal. Woohoo! The employees told us the owner is actually from Japan. :)

So many choices!!!

Silly faces!

Must beat my friend's previous silly face!! but she didn't make any silly face here -___-

And to celebrate, my friends and I went to Blizzart to pre-drink on St-Laurent. Very chill place to hang out. Their booths are sooo comfortable. Their drinks are ever better! I had my first Dark and Stormy. I think it's becoming one of my favorite drinks.

We then went to Le Rouge. So far, it's the best club I went ( have to take into account that i haven't gone to many clubs ..lol) The crowd is amazing. Good dancing music! It was sooo packed! it's crazy! Pictures were soooo bad that night. Somehow we all ended up looking so much worse than we actually do. At the end of the night. i was worn out. My legs were exhausted. I was thirsty and starving. My dress annoyed the hell out of me. It was a tube so i had to pull it up NON-STOP! grrr...but i had to wear it cuz it was such a fun dress!

Overall...AMAZING BIRTHDAY! Thank you everyone!

Before i end the post...I discovered an artist that i'm falling in love with her music. Florrie. The new spokeperson for Nina Ricci's perfume. Go check out her other songs too!

oh and...before, i used to not care how i would get proposed...but after watching this...I think i wanna be proposed in some original way too. hahaha. adorable and just lovely.

Zuuchini

Nars Rajasthan

2010-09-19T13:11:00.001-04:00

Yes, I'm a little Nars fan. Most of my stash is Nars...What can I say? Nars is decently priced (yes they are expensive but it's a bit more reasonable than Chanel) and have intriguing colors!

My recent item that is added to my Nars family is Eyeshadow Duo Nars Rajasthan. It is from the Fall 2010 collection. Apparently... it is limited edition but rumor has it that it might become permanent.

Note: My sis bought it for me from her Seattle trip. :D Cheaper to buy it in USA than in Canada! Thanks sis!!

People think that it is a weird combination. I have to disagree. I don't see how it is. The first time I looked at like "wow gorgeous combo!" Obviously, can I say it's one of a kind? Sadly no, I realized after having it in possession that I have eyeshadows that can easily achieve the same effects. It may not look 100% the same, but within a distance (assuming people will not stare at your eyes for 5 minutes a few millimeters away from your face), people cannot exactly see the difference.

Despite of its lack of uniqueness if I may say, I still love it very dearly. Its less than 10% of difference makes it that much special. Haha. Somehow, it emits some kind of attraction.

The quality of the eyeshadow is constant of what Nars usually offers. This means good pigmentation and stands true to the color it appears on the pan. Like all other duos, this will last a very loooooooong time. I still can't figure out how people can hit pan! I long for the day I do!

One thing I did notice is that the packaging is different! What? It is the exact packaging! Nope. I can guarantee that. It may look the same but the touch of the packaging is different. It is much sleeker than the old packaging. As you all may know, many complaints about the Nars packaging is that the rubber feel attracts lots of dust/dirt. Well, with this new material, it is slightly less rubber feel and hence, will not get dirty as quickly. What I'm trying to say is that the surface of the packaging feels much more smoother.

Nars Rajasthan

Day light

With flash

Flash with my hand . lol fail

Swatch

Daylight

The dark side is very deep navy blue. Almost black with slight tone of blue.

With flash

Zuuchini

so far is happy with every Nars product she has!<3

when so much is on my mind...

2010-09-12T15:22:00.000-04:00

Last weekend really killed me. It was bad luck one after another one.

1. Forgot my keys to the office. It was a Saturday. Buses don't come as often. Took 3 hrs, to finally got back in the office, by going taking the bus back to home to get the keys.

2. Got a parking ticket. An hour before I finished work.

3. Got in a car accident...My fault. I blanked out/thinking stuff.

4. Left my lunch box behind in the bus which has my glass container...10$ there. (yesterday)

So frustrating.Frustrated that i could have avoided all of those if I was paying more attention. But I didn't.

Can't wait for tomorrow...My sis will finally be back home. I'm sick of being alone at home...10 days is too long. Never understood why people love to live alone.

I don't think i can drive for a while...I don't want to drive. I can't trust myself. I don't want to cause another accident.

Here comes another week of work. It would be my third week already. Still have so many things to learn. Going to meet my client this Tuesday. That I'm thrilled at least. :)

Just keep on going because life goes on.

I am highly in debt with one of my friend. He's been more than marvelous. Thank you so much for taking care of me.

My employer from my part time job has been so caring too. He offered to pay for my parking ticket. He also tells me to call him with my cell phone when i go the toilet (No one at the building on weekends...) so I could feel safe. :) He's a wonderful boss. Obviously, i didn't do that because that will be too awkward.

I am so blessed to have these people around me.

At the end of the day, no matter how bad your day is, you have good people to go to. That's all it matters. They cannot be bought with money.

Smile. :)

Zuuchini

The song...I thought of you.

2010-08-31T22:51:00.000-04:00

I heard Plain White T's on the radio. Not that song.

Another song.

It's really not easy. I'm trying my best.

It's a lovely song, isn't it?

Zuuchini

OPI: Catch the Garter

2010-08-29T14:45:00.000-04:00

Catch the Garter is a sheer light pink. Perfect for french nails or simple a boost of pinkish color on your natural nails. It is meant to be not overly opaque. I'm fine with its coverage. Two coats are enough to achieve these results:

Zuuchini

Great friends...are real. We all need one.

2010-08-26T12:26:00.001-04:00

Since I was a kid, I believed in "Best Friends Forever". This concept is ever so old. So beautiful. I would die to have one, share our deepest secrets. I couldn't wait to buy those so lame best friends forever necklaces to show people and label my friend and I are best buds.

Through time, this concept really died on me. Best Friends Forever? Yeah right. Tough luck to find one. It's better to stick to yourself.

I've tried so hard to be the "best" best friend. I believe in loyalty. And yet, friends that I've considered very good friends with just blew me off. They disappointed me with their selfish behavior. From then on, I did the same. Betrayal is one of the worst feelings. I would not feel such if I detach myself from this "loyalty".

Afterwards, I did not really have friends to share my emotions with. I thought that I was strong. I didn't need to reveal such weak side of me to people. Eventually, I've gotten afraid to share my feelings as I've established that was a sign of weakness. I feared how would they judge me.

I then turned myself to the online world. Unavoidably, I built connections with online people by sharing my emotions. I was not afraid to expose myself as they live way too far to really care. It felt good. They eventually became people that I would turn to.

I was and still am always envious of my mother's best friends. They give their heart out to each other. They help each other in any possible way. This is what I'm looking for. Friendship that have lasted for 40 years (number still growing as they age). Real friends that are there no matter what.

Once I was asked by a person (not to be revealed the relationship I had with this person), "Are you not afraid to move away and lose all your close friends?" I answered without hesitation "I really don't care. I mean they are great friends. But I don't feel that I'm deeply connected to them. I believe I can make friends like that anywhere. I'm actually closer to you than my friends ever have been."

It was actually a sad statement. Something that I would now think otherwise...

I thought having strong EQ is great. I brag around how I have really high EQ. Yes, I was proud of it. (Except at home, at home i have no EQ at all...ZERO, NADA.) Well, I've discovered that no matter how high your EQ is, you gonna explode one day or another. You just need to dump these emotions somewhere.

Many events have occurred lately that it was getting very hard to handle on my own. My online friends can't always be there for me, as they are online friends and live so far.

And then...my friends actually reached out to me. I was surprised. It was such a heartwarming feeling. Then I thought at that moment "nah, i better not share...it's not me. I'm strong". I hate being judged. I hated it so much.

I have finally exposed myself. It actually felt good. I have finally thrown off my veil and think "judge all you want." Great friends do not judge and they stand by you. And if they do judge, what can I do about it. Nothing. It's their mind.

I've learned that it was actually my fault that my friends did not reach out to me in earlier stages of my life. I never divulged my problems. How could they have known? Or maybe, we've grown older. We've matured. I just don't know what. But it was indeed a great timing to actually create this whole new bond.

Now, I know that those that actually share how they feel are not the weak ones. They are the strong ones. Because by sharing, they have support and are able to move along in life with these strong bonds. They are unafraid of their vulnerable moments. These are the truly strong people.

All this said, I am thankful to have my truly great friends. I hope they know who they are because they are the only ones that know my problems now. At least more or less. I still feel that it's not exactly necessary to divulge everything. But once you do, that bond just strengthens even more. Because I would feel closer to that person and feel I could say anything.

I think I am growing a lot recently. These past few months are crazy.

Thanks for being there for me. I really want to do the same for you. After all, I need to re-believe in that "Best Friends Forever". haha

Zuuchini
is not having her period if you're thinking what's with all these overwhelming emotional posts.

Can we stop playing games?

2010-08-23T20:16:00.000-04:00

After a recent game of poker, I came to the realization that life is pretty much like poker.

Aren’t we all hiding our cards? Aren’t we all trying to read what the opponents may have? We all want to win, but some of us must lose.

I see poker in all kinds of relationship, be it work related (between co-workers, supervisors…), family related (between siblings or even spouses), love wise and any other kinds you can name. Let’s focus on the latter: love.

Oh love, don’t you just love to drive us crazy. We lose sense of direction. Mistakes that are so obvious. Our close ones keep warning us, yet our blindness is too strong.

So what is there in love that is like poker? It’s the stupid mind playing games. It’s the stupid emotional denials. It’s the stupid actions we do that are out of norm (our individual norm that is).

We play the “hard to get” game. We do not want to lay out our cards immediately; that will give too much away. But we give just enough to keep the other one interested. That person keeps coming for more. We say just enough for the other one to be curious. If we give in right away, we may not be appreciated as much. Or simply because, we want to know how will the other one react in the second scenario that sounds so much more thrilling. We want to know what they other might hold away from us.

To clarify what I am trying to say, here are some examples:

Example #1:

A guy is talking to a girl. They have been flirting constantly already.

Guy: Hey, my friend asked me to go a blind date with a girl. What do you think?

The guy may be genuinely asking for the girl’s opinion about her thoughts about blind dates. Or, he is trying to see if the girl is jealous, so that he is still in the game.

And here comes the girl reply…

Girl: Yeah, go ahead. She might turn out to be some awesome girl. You have nothing to lose.

The girl may be sincerely chill about him seeing other girls; she can care less. Or maybe she’s just playing it cool; she does not want to seem totally interested already.

Example #2:

Number of calls = how interested you are

The guy wants the girl to call him. Obviously, the girl wants the guy to call her as well.

The guy gives the girl a call and asks her to call him more often.

The girl complies and calls him. He is always busy when she calls. Either he does not answer or he tells her that he will call back, but doesn’t.

The girl does not bother to call anymore.

After a while, the guy calls her back to ask why she does not call anymore.

Is the guy interested or just treating it as more social relationship?

Is the girl still interested anymore?

Can we all just say what we really feel, instead of checking what the other person’s next move? So many unnecessary ambiguities. Stop complicating life for nothing!

Or, do we just want the triumph; the control over the relationship? Because it always feels better when the other one loves us more.

Please stop the games. Or, can we really stop them?

Zuuchini

Matsuri - Japanese festival in Montreal

2010-08-20T14:36:00.000-04:00

Matsuri is a recurring event every year in Old Montreal. This is my first time attending! Huge crowd! That was the only thing that was bugging me. I really can't handle big crowd especially when it's especially hot. It's so annoying wherever you wanna go, you have to go slowly and wait in line.


The girls are so cuuuute!

Some people in Yukata.

The food there was amazing. Overpriced. But amazing.


I would call these Japanese hot dogs. lol

I had #4! 5 dollars what!! So expensive for a hot dog! Oh well, it's a one time event per year, worth it.

Me and my hot dog haha

I personally don't like mayonnaise. But japanese mayonnaire is so gooood. The one with the Baby. lol

There was a Pastry shop! It's called Yuki, must visit their real location some times soon! Because their pastries are incredibly delicious.

Out of everything, I chose mochi and mango cheesecake!!

The cheesecake is to die for! No wonder i shortly went for another one. LOL

There were shops here and there.


Bath Salt. If i were to translate word by word.

Looks cuter than Lush!


And I wanted to try this "hat" I should have pull all my hair back to see the full effects.

Montreal was so crowded that day. Everywhere we went was busy. It was a pain to find a restaurant. That day has too many events. Seems like everyone was out of their home and went to downtown.

Took some pic while waiting for my food

It wasn't al dente! :( oh well.

And we ended the night with some crappy fireworks. They were the lamest I've ever seen....Even my pic has to be lame to depict how lame it was.

Last firework of the summer really sucked.

Zuuchini
is excited for her weekend. :) Hope for the best.

Please let me live in a teenage dream

2010-08-18T15:25:00.001-04:00

I'm reminiscing my high school days. To be honest, they weren't that great. I mean of course there were fun days with my girls. Sincerely, high school totally blew off my self-esteem.

My self-esteem was so low. How could it not be? My whole family thought I was fat. They would tell me to go on a diet, lose weight. Whenever my aunt brought new clothes, I couldn't even fit in them. My sister would take all of them.

My sister was much more smaller size than me and would constantly say how fat she was (she still does that -___- annoy the heck out of me). She would skip meals or eat little portion. I thought that was the solution. Eat less. Skip meals. It never worked.

I was in an international program at school where all the smart kids were gathered. I just couldn't be compared with their intelligence. My mom even once said "Why don't you just quit the program? You're always below average." It really hurt me. Sounded like i was too stupid.

Also, I was hanging out with my amazing group of friends (they are now my closest friends). How could they not be amazing? They got everything. Beauty and intelligence. They were the smartest. Guys all go after them. They were actually very fit physically too. Just perfect.

I even got called fat by a boy.

God. I seriously was so depressed in my teenage days.

Well guess what? I'm wholly different now. I've learned to accept who I am and love who I am (ok, not fully...can't lie here).There will always something not perfect about me that will hunt me. What can I do? Go do surgery? I guess that's a solution. But I prefer not to opt for it just yet.

We gotta know that one of the most wonderful charm is to appreciate yourself. Flaws or qualities. Accept them. Laugh at them. Accept them with a smile. No one is perfect. Stop running after perfection, it will just worn you out and miss all the good stuff surrounding you.

Hi. I'm Zuuchini. Confident as I've ever been in life. I don't have big round eyes. I have a round face. I don't have nice long legs. My lips are huge and horrendous. I am not the smartest. My arms are actually pretty flappy. But guess what? I don't need those (well would have been great to have them but i don't) and I am happy.

Surely, there are lapses of moment where I get envious of those girls....but meh, after a few minutes or hours, i shrug it off. I don't get depressed. They only inspire to become better. A motivation instead. A positive energy, instead of a negative one.

So after all this, what I want to say is my teenage years weren't the greatest. And I want to re-live them without regrets! I want a crazy fired up one. Very dramatic. Passionately in love. I want to fall very hard in love.

I dream of a teenage dream.

That's how Katy Perry makes me feel...

Zuuchini

4 inch heels are deadly

2010-08-16T20:04:00.000-04:00

My girls and I went out to Kabana. Kabana is a nice restaurant bar. Its decor is very earthly and warm. The general clientele on a Saturday night is around 25 to 40 years old. Since it was our first time to hang out there for drinks, we had no clue how it would be. We were one of the youngest groups among the crowd and we were hanging around near the bar. Just standing, drinking and talking.

Cosmopolitan + Sex in the beach

If I had knew that, I wouldn't have worn my 4 inch heels. And then, because we felt a bit awkward, we decided to go club at Radio Lounge, which is just a few levels above Kabana. How convenient to hop in between.

Can you spot my heels?

So, i brought my flip flops along...and my friend made me hide it under the bar table, where no one would see it...after a good 2 hrs of dancing, my feet were nearly dead. I had to go fetch my flip flops to save my feet.


I was wearing a jumpsuit...so HOT. (literally)

O. M. G. They are GONE. I was too tired to find them...plus how stupid it is to ask bouncers about my flip flops. Just embarassing. lol.

That night, I learned a few things:
-Make sure the girls are not going to club to prepare a better wardrobe. (dying in heat with my outfit and feet were dying also)
-Do not hide things in a club. They will disappear.
-Pornstar is my favorite shooter from now on. Did not know until now that shooters can actually taste good!

FOTD (that day)

I failed to take pictures of my eye...

You like my big golden earrings?

I like to paint my pinky a different color from the rest.

Zuuchini
proud of herself for being able to wear 4 inch heels for 2 hours (dancing included too!)

Muddy colors for nail polish?! EWW!!

2010-08-13T10:58:00.000-04:00

Ok. That is my first reaction when i see "mud" as colors for nail polishes. It just does not appeal to me. It's so "old lady" like. Who wants brown nails?

Guess what now... The more i see people with them...the harder I fell in love with them.

Fall is around the corner! What better nail color than these to wear! Well, there's also grayish purple too that is perfect for that season.

I hope I am not alone here that has such a first impression! Anyone with me?!

Zuuchini

HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!

2010-08-11T11:26:00.001-04:00

HI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I got my job. :D :D :D

And I may be crazy enough to keep my part time job and go there to work on weekends. Am I hardcore or what?

BAI BAI!

"There is something better out there for you"

TOTALLY AGREE NOW!

Zuuchini

Learn: Make fun of yourself

2010-08-08T17:47:00.000-04:00

Stop taking life so seriously. Laugh at yourself. And you'll feel life is not as tough as it seems!

GO HYORI LEE!!

Zuuchini

Fishing defines life

2010-08-06T18:00:00.001-04:00

In life, many opportunities are given to you. It is up to you to take them or leave them. However, even when they are landed to you, you may not successfully seize them.

Just like fishing, fishes come to your hook. But you do not always succeed to catch them.

No matter how much efforts. No matter how hard you try. They don't guarantee success. They merely increase the chance of getting there. No promises.

It is indeed very frustrating. We try and try... to no avail. We get discouraged.

Many factors are out of our reach. You just have no control on them.

We just need to keep in mind that there is still hope. We also need others' support. To remind us. To keep us going.

Because one day, we will get there. And we will feel the joy like no other.

It's when you put all you got that you would truly appreciate it once you've got it.

Rather than grieving...take this energy to start all over again.

Back to zero.

"There's something better awaiting you."

Zuuchini

Review: DiorShow Black Out Waterproof mascara

2010-08-05T14:35:00.000-04:00

So after a good 6 months of usage of Dior Show Black Out, I can finally give a honest review on it. Ok some people throw their mascara away like 3 months after. But the indication on the mascara says it's good for 6 months. So of course, I've used it to the limit shelf life! I mean it did cost a lot right?

It was everything I wanted in a mascara. Lengthening and volumizing.It makes my barely existent lashes to be more noticeable. If I add an extra layer, it gives that much more definition. It's a very true black. If you have long lashes, I think this mascara may be a bit too dramatic for office wear.

The only thing that I really hate about it, it's so hard to remove the mascara! I have to scrub for so long with my cleansing oil. This only reassures that it's really waterproof. I mean many mascaras have this problem too...

In the end, is it really worth that price tag? Hmm...I just recently tried Oreal Voluminous mascara, after hearing it's a dupe of Dior Show. And I have to admit that it's very good also. Plus, it's much more easier to remove. So i guess...I can find something just as good at a much cheaper price. But I feel so much more happy and appreciate it that much more when I use my Dior Show. haha. It's like a luxurious thing.

Well...I gotta say goodbye to my diorshow....So sad. Maybe i'll just keep it just for a bit more. LOL.

Zuuchini

A la campagne!

2010-08-03T12:23:00.000-04:00

I went to the countryside this Sunday to visit my cousin and her fiance! Again. YUP! I'm really starting to enjoy life in there. But that's only because it's so clean there. Their house is brand new and all.

I did a video to capture the trip. We got lost so many times before we got there... -____- Do not sing in the car and get all happy. This will destroy your focus and miss your exit.

Natural ponds right on the balcony view!

Souky is so happy running!

Get ready to pick fruits!!

The raspberries are so sweet!!

This is one angry goat. His thing got hard too haha.

The Rabbits are SO SOFT!!!!

Can you imagine....they actually eat these fluffy rabbits!!!

They also eat these cute goats too! :(

VTT! Awesome ride

What an experience! I still can't believe their family own all of these!! Can't wait to do cabane a sucre this winter! I can smell awesomeness already!

After a day full of activites, we went to eat sushi! We knew sushi can be SO GOOOD over there too!!

This was my favorite! Soya wrap with sesame sauce!

Fried ice cream wrapped in a crepe!

FOTD

We should all enjoy the countryside more!!

Zuuchini

California Gurls!

2010-07-29T09:57:00.000-04:00

I don't need to be in California to be a California girl. I have finally come to this realization. I can be it wherever I want. For instance, Montreal is totally fine too.

Does that mean I am ready to let everything go? hmm....

Oh yeeeeah~

Zuuchini
is extremely sick and tired of applying jobs...

Choice. Bad or Good?

2010-07-26T19:53:00.001-04:00

Butter Chicken + Zibo + FOTD

2010-07-24T18:53:00.000-04:00

Here comes another post all random stuff together.

I made butter chicken with my friend. What a disaster. We followed the instruction very badly. We all assumed that the whole box of powder should be used for the recipe written at the back of the box.

The story goes like this...

Me: *pours the whole box into the pan*
Her: How come it looks darker than the one i ate last time?
Me: I don't know
We both shrugged it off. After a while...
Me: I want to taste it!
I went fetch a spoon and tasted it
Me: Wow...it's kinda spicy...
So i let her taste it
Her: Shit it's sooooo spicy!
And she looked at the box
Her: Shit...we're only suppose to pour 15g .....and we poured 100g.....

Yeah we got owned real bad. We tried to dilute the spiciness by adding more water, more vegetables...well in the end...It doesn't look like the original recipe anymore. and it was still MAD SPICY.


Butter Chicken!

It's very gooooood! ;p

Yesterday, my friends and I went to Zibo to have some drinks. Fun night! until we started to freeze cuz they were putting the AC too high. Zibo's sangrias are honestly so good. So far, I like the Exotic Sangria the best! It's BLUE! Well, it looks more like turquoise.


In her beachy outfit

DA DRINKS! Exotic Sangria!

So yummmmmy!


My friend is too pro to be able to take the 3 of us!


DA DESSERTS!! The friend on the right has the best dessert!! I forgot what it was but it was warm and creamy and delicious!!!

And I had some mega fattening cheesecake with white chocolate and other miscellaneous stuff in it.

Yeah, now i just remembered i need to burn off the calories i got from that cake....My gym membership just expired toooo!! grrr...I need to depend on home exercises but it's so freaking hot lately...my mom turned off the AC once after my guests left our house (They stayed over for 3 weeks).

My FOTD!!

Used:
Bronzer: Nars Laguna
Highlight: Nars Multiple Copacabana
Blush: Shu Uemura Ribbon Palette
Eyeliner: Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner
Eyeshadows: RMK ???, Shu Uemura ME Brown 855, MAC Brun
Eyelash: NYX EL116
Concealer: Nars Custard
Lipstick: MAC Creme de nude

And i camwhore more!!!


Since my hair grew longer now, I'm really liking to create soft wavy curls


Wore my "hat" whatever they are called, and ready to step out!

Zuuchini

Review: Dolly Wink liquid eyeliner and eyelash glue

2010-07-18T12:53:00.000-04:00

It's about time I write a beauty related post. Hahaha :D

Most people have already reviewed Dolly Wink products. It's from these reviews that I have come to acknowledge them.I wanted to try out them pretty badly a few months ago...but thought I should wait until my trip to LA to buy so I could save on shipping fees obviously.

I went crazy and went ahead to buy the eyeliner, eyelash glue and eyelashes. They cost me about 75$? Yes, I've told myself no more makeup products unless I really need them. This is an exception cuz I can't get them in Montreal (in a physical store or brick-and-mortar the business people would say)!

Dolly wink products are simply amazing!

Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner

The item itself is very slim so it does not take much space. Once you removed the cap, you see a very fine tip applicator. The biggest selling point of the product! You can draw fine lines and the applicator is pretty stiff therefore it's easy to manage your application. Also, the ink is so black. It beats Mac backtrack fluidline anytime! Is it smudge-proof? Well, I have teary outer corner eyes and how it folds makes most eyeliner stuck in there. (Picture to make things clearer)

Therefore, i can't blame the eyeliner. Otherwise, it's smudge-proof for anywhere else. I even went clubbing with this eyeliner, it remained intact after. :D I owned a MUFE aqua eyes eyeliner. And let me tell you, Dolly wink liquid eyeliner beats it anytime also. lol Unless you want a more soften eyeliner. But Dolly Wink eyeliner could easily achieve that soften eyeliner too due to the fine applicator. Simply apply it lightly!

Dolly Wink Glue Eyelash

The easiest eyelash glue to use. It's mess free! Makes things 100x easier for noobs like me. Cough, mind my geeky side. I mean it makes life easier for those who haven't excelled with other eyelash glue. It sticks so well! My fake eyelashes never come off with this glue, even again after a night at the club! The applicator is so good! There's no way you apply "not enough" or "way too much" glue on the eyelash. It lets you to set the exact right amount on the eyelash :D Perfect application! The only downside to this product is the smell. It smells pretty horrible. Just make sure you don't put your nose close to it or HOLD YOUR BREATH.

I also bought one of the eyelash set from Dolly Wink. I think they are slightly overpriced. Yes, they do have nice styles and all. But I don't think it's overly amazing compared to the 2 other products i just reviewed!

Please adopt some of the dolly wink products to your house if you haven't :)

<3 <3 <3

Zuuchini