beautyfighter

New Blog - 請移玉手

2010-03-04T09:47:00.001-08:00

I've decided to start a new blog in March, and wanted a fresh start. So, I will no longer update this blog. Instead, please move your fingers to here!

Mr. Brain - だいすき!!

2009-06-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

Kimura Takuya is back! I love the show ♥♡♪♫☆
木村拓哉 +綾瀬はるか
I love spending my Sunday doing nothing.

Life is Good & Sweet. Happy Monday!

2009-06-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

By Bridget Hall Grumet, Times Staff Writer
In Print: Monday, June 15, 2009

The grass around the bus stop bench was thick and overgrown, the long blades scratching Mary Marzec's legs. So with one brisk motion, the 88-year-old woman swatted the grass away from her knees — and accidentally flung her wedding ring into the field along Embassy Boulevard. The diamond-studded gold ring, which Mrs. Marzec had worn for nearly 60 years, had loosened as her fingers shrank with age. Now she was on her knees, patting the earth, praying to find her ring. She went into a nearby Chevron station and borrowed a pair of scissors. Then she got back on her knees and chopped away at the grass, crying, hoping. But she couldn't find it.

"My husband said, 'Come on, let's go home. I'll buy you another one,' " Mrs. Marzec recalled. "I said, 'I'm not going until I find my ring!' "

• • •

Mary and Ed Marzec led parallel lives for years before they'd met.

Both were born in Detroit to Polish parents. Both went back to the old country as small children. Both returned to America in 1937, two years before Hitler invaded Poland.

Mary was 19, living with her sister in New York City, when a mutual friend introduced her to Ed, a laborer who was four years her senior.

Four months later they married.

"My sister said, 'What are you doing? You don't know how to cook. You don't know how to do anything,' " Mrs. Marzec said. "But I said, 'Don't worry, Ed knows how to cook.' "

Life together was simple and frugal. Two years into the marriage, when Mary was pregnant with her first son, Ed's weekly pay got bumped up from $29 to $31.

"He carried me up two flights of stairs" to the apartment, Mrs. Marzec remembered. "We were so happy with $2."

In time the couple had two sons: Richard and Bob. Ed cut their hair and pulled their teeth. Mary made their clothes.

"We never felt poor," she said. "The boys went to Catholic school. The rent was paid. We always had food on the table."

For 12 years, Mary wore the plain gold band that Ed had given her on their wedding day. But when she got a job as a seamstress working alongside other women with flashier rings, she wanted a nicer ring for herself. And why not?

"I was working," she said. They could afford it.

So they bought a double-gold band that framed 15 small diamonds in diamond-shaped settings. It was pretty, not showy.

And that ring stayed on her finger over the years — as she fed countless bolts of material through the sewing machines for famed New York designer Adolfo, as she sewed the red coat and hat that Nancy Reagan wore at her husband's first inauguration, as she knitted blankets and welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren and buried a son — until it sailed off her finger a few months ago at the Embassy Boulevard bus stop just east of U.S. 19.

• • •

A sheriff's deputy happened by the gas station that afternoon and saw Mrs. Marzec frantically searching for her ring. In his pocket was the business card for George Kollmer, a treasure hunting enthusiast who owns a couple of metal detectors.

Kollmer, 75, came out to the field with his trusty Teknetics 7700B coin computer. A dial on the metal detector indicates whether the item below is, say, a dime, a quarter — or a ring.

"It's 99 percent right," said Kollmer, a retired auto mechanic who lives in Port Richey. "It's never failed me."

The Marzecs had already left — they had to catch their bus back to their Port Richey home — when Kollmer arrived. He asked the gas station clerk where the ring had been lost, and the attendant waved out toward the bus stop bench.

In a patch of overgrown grass between the sidewalk and a utilities box, Kollmer's detector got a hit for a ring.

"Within 10 minutes," he said, "I had it in my hand."

He called Mrs. Marzec, then drove straight to their house with the ring.

Mrs. Marzec was in tears, and pressed $50 into Kollmer's hand.

The ring from her finger belonged with her heart.

"If you promise yourself to someone," she said, "that's for life."

**********

I love this bike. Whopping $1299!
http://www.madsencycles.com/

Sleepless in Seattle

2009-06-11T22:16:00.001-07:00

I feel so much better resting for 2 days after my trip to Seattle. I was exhausted! I was very lucky that there was no rain when I was there, beautiful sunshine, record breaking high temperature. It's absolutely different than LA, the vibe is really mellow there. Oh, and I've never seen so many trees next to the freeways. But the traffic is terrible and the lanes are a lot narrower than LA.

A crappy picture that I took at the Redmond Town Center

It was a really short trip but intense. On my way back from Seattle Tac to LAX, I had a couple hours wait time at the airport; while I was busy talking to my friend, Jenny, I found something really cool to do.

The coolest nail care place on earth - butter London

I enjoyed a full mani and pedi at the airport. What a brilliant idea! I absolutely adore this place. People were really friendly there and the products they used were very good too.

I am especially fond of this stiletto stick.

Extremely dry, cracked heels are difficult to treat, since most products are heavy, greasy, and not at all shoe-friendly. With Stiletto Stick, your heels will benefit from a high Urea content and Macadamia nut oil, while staying silky, soft, and never greasy, because of the unique “solid formula”. Genius!

Lastly, I found my scent - Chloe! I have a collection of perfume, but this is really the one. A young, fresh and romantic fragrance, with a flirtatious head note of rose accompanied by magnolia and lily of the valley combined with the subtle intimations of warm amber and elegant cedarwood. I like it more and more every time I put it on. The smell is truly divine and the bottle is just simply lovely. Yippeee~

Professor Layton & the Curious Village.

2009-06-02T18:15:00.001-07:00

My life has been evolving around this game lately: レイトン教授と不思議な町 Professor Layton & the Curious Village.

It's so addicting and fun. I have only been addicted to a couple games in my life...Super Mario Brothers (NES), Tetris (Game Boy), Moon Harvest - it gets really boring after a while (GBA SP)...and now, Professor Layton & the Curious Village.

It's so good that I don't want it to end. I am sick, officially.

By the way, the E3 just released this clip, WTF! It won't be available until 2010 though.

Happy Hunting

2009-05-12T21:57:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was awesome! We celebrated Mother's Day on Saturday instead because mom wanted to go to Dim Sum and didn't want to deal with the crowd. She's really paranoid of the swine flu :) We pretty much spent a day with her, had Dim Sum, shopped and grocery shopped, and then had dinner at home.

Sunday, we finally went to the Rose Bowl Flea Market. I had been wanting to go but he was working 7 days a week, 18 hours a day. The dark age was over early last week, so we were able to enjoy life a bit. Hurray!

It was so hot. My forearms (dark) and upper arms (pale) are in different shades now.

Lots of cameras - a dream come true for avid photographers (or a photographer wannabe, like me)

A dozen of lace for only $18.

My craft/sewing box. Very retro looking. I love it so much!

Honestly, there were so many things that I wanted to take home at the flea market. I will definitely try to go back next month. We also got an art bowl in free form made by desert sand. I forgot to take picture. I will post it later. After walking and walking and walking from 11am -3pm, we went to Old Town Pasadena for lunch (well...late lunch).

We went to Mi Piace. I love the pomodoro from here. By the way, it's a good place for people watching. I witnessed a 12 year old (may be 10) holding a custom made Hermes mini Kelly. Oh my! Anyway, that's about it for Sunday. We were dead tired.

I was away from this blog for quite some time. Here are some highlights during my MIA.

Things I made:

These are up for adoption. If you like any of them, please message me.

My first batch of handmade soap. They were all made from scratch: palm oil, coconut oil, olive oil, lye, water and essential fragrant oil. I can't wait to give them to my friends.

Things I bought:

Paper lace from Nederland.

Velvet ribbons.

Rub-ons.

Clear rubber stamps.

Gorgeous Craft Books

2009-04-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

I went to Kinokuniya Bookstore today and browsed around for an hour. I always enjoy being at the bookstores, Borders, Barnes and Nobles, independent book stores...etc. I am always amazed with the high quality books and magazines from Japan. They really pour their hearts out to get the best stuff published. You can tell if you can read Japanese, they really love what they do and they say it out loud through the words. But if you don't know the language, you still know from the pictures and layouts.

I picked up a few craft books during my visit.

Preserved flowers projects - I've always wanted to go to an Ikebana class, may be I will try with the preserved flowers first before the real thing.

Natural Handmade Goods Idea Book - It comes with 2 CD rom. One is filled with 150 clip arts and layouts. The other one is the Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 trial version (For Windows only).

London Ateliers - édition PAUMES is a small and dynamic family run Japanese publishers, working in close contact with artists and designers in Europe on different editorial projects.
With a poetic and original approach, édition PAUMES explores the environments of those who stimulate the creative industries, and in doing has produced a set creative "bibles" that overflow with inspiration.

I want all these "bibles". Pretty please with cherry on top :)

While browsing through the PAUMES website, I learnt about this great rubber stamp artist, Hekisui. Crazily cute!

Finally, I signed up for 2 soap making classes. The first one will be next Tuesday. I will be making soap from scratch, learning the hot process method to make natural scented soaps. I will have lots of fun. I will take some pictures and share it here.

Enough saying...time to read now. :)

Suddenly, Summer

2009-04-22T00:15:00.000-07:00

It's been really hot in LA lately. Summer has suddenly arrived.

Thanks to you for the sunglasses. I love them a lot because they are really light, also the colors are lovely - brown/peach. I feel really cool when I put them on (I know, I am silly).

Joyeux anniversaire

2009-04-11T00:21:00.000-07:00

Wonderful Birthday.
Wonderful Flowers.
Wonderful Family.
Wonderful Meal.
Wonderful You.

I have been working really hard to launch my craft blog. I've finally designed the logo and carved a stamp for the packaging purpose. Below is the digitalized version. More to come :)

Indian Heroine

2009-04-07T00:12:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day to ride a pony in the desert, surrounding by the sand, cactus, soothing breezes and glaring sun.

Here is my carving project for tonight - Miss Indian Heroine. It's a challenge to carve out all the details but I am happy with the end result. I was thinking to paint the background with water color, but my neck hurt so much after staying in the same position to carve for 45 minutes. So...I just took out my color pencils and doodled on the paper.

Early Birthday Presents

2009-04-03T00:53:00.000-07:00

As my b-day is approaching, I've received a few sweet surprises today.

1. Nice words from Anthropologie...no wonder it's always my favorite store in the States. How sweet! A simple coupon card inserted in a well-designed pouch. This reflects true customer service. Hopefully I will find something I like and use the 15% off coupon.

2. The mini teddy bear I purchased from South Korea has arrived as well. OMG! So adorable. I sure will bring her with me when I travel and take lots of pictures. The artist who made the bear was so kind and threw in a bunch of stationary, like postcards and stickers. Another example that pays attention to customer with love.

3. I went to pick up my birthday gift from Sephora. They sent me an email to pick up my birthday gift from any location, I couldn't resist. Again, do I need to repeat? They make customers feel special - an excellent way to retain customers and grow customer's loyalty. I have to admit, I am a sucker at Sephora and I lose control everytime.

I got:
1. Lip Gloss Trio by Sephora (Precious Pink, Rosy Glow, Bronzed Beauty) - a nice gift from Sephora for my birthday.
2. Nude Skincare body moisturizer
3. Hourglass Extreme Sheen lip gloss in Ignite shade - btw, it's the best lip gloss I've ever bought. The color is so natural with high shine. It's not sticky at all but very moisturizing. I was so lucky too because I got the last one in store.
4. Peter Thomas Roth Max Complexion Correction Pad - not for me, but for him. He's the super fan for this product.
5. Korres Pomegranate Lip Butter - but I am using it as the cheek stain. It can be used for lip or cheek.
6. Murad Firm and Tone Serum Bodycare - Free, Beautyinsider gift
7. Givenchy Photo'Perfexion Fluid Foundation in Perfect Honey Shade - Free, Beautyinsider gift. This is the last one in store too.

Lastly, mom called me after I got home and we decided to go to Lawry's Steakhouse for my b-day. She's going to call and make reservation. I feel so blessed for such a great day. Can I be greedy and have more days like this?

p.s. I finally see the little sprouts from the herb seeds I planted a week ago. I was kind of worried because it took such a long time for them to break through their little seed coats. I was thinking may be I bought some bad seeds or not having enough sun light. Again, I worry too much. Things will be okay, it just takes time.

Have I been away for this long?

2009-03-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

Time flies...it's been a week since my last entry for this blog. Oops! I have heard a gazillion time that you should keep your blog updated frequently if you want your blog to be successful. Frankly, I do want my blog to be successful, but not in a way of adding more advertisements or earning millions of dollars. I just want to keep it as a positive environment to share things I like with the people who are interested.

I believe blogging provides many people an outlet to express what they normally don't say and encounter "people" you don't meet during your regular life who wonderfully share the same interests as you do. For example, I enjoy crafting but I wouldn't tell people at work that I embroider or cross-stitch or collect vintage lace during my free time. I may mention it briefly in down time conversation at work but I wouldn't talk about it everyday. Anyway, I registered another blog, MochiMaMa Atelier, yesterday. It will be a place/e-shop for me to demonstrate my handmade craft works. I have been brainstorming on my projects these nights and hopefully it will be up and running soon!

Now, switching the subject to beauty. LA has great weather but it's so dry. I was dying to look for a great moisturizing mask to hydrate my skin. I've discovered the Laura Mercier Intense Moisture Mask and it's awesome! First of all, it's only $32 for 3.7oz, a big aXX tube which can last for a long time.

It is an intensive hydrating mask that immediately moisturizes and firms dry skin. Wheat protein and a blend of plant extracts including hydrocotyl and cornflower firm. Sodium hyaluronate, sweet almond oil and sunflower seed oil also moisturize. Grapefruit, root and saxifragra extracts instantly brighten skin.

I normally put the mask on first, spread a thin layer over your face and neck. Then, I prepare a hot towel and leave it over the mask and let the steam works. All the good ingredients will penetrate into your skin for just 3-5 minutes. Then I wipe the mask off (or you can wash it off if you like) and my skin feels like baby's bottom soft. It's a GREAT mask you should keep in your beauty cabinet if you have dry skin like me :)

Ms. Little

2009-03-24T00:44:00.000-07:00

My new mini companion from South Korea.

I can't resist the sweet face.
I admire the craftsmanship.
I adore the details - tiny red paws, handmade wooden box, detailed lace ribbon necklace and charm.
"But, do I need this? No, I don't need this, BUT..." (after a few minutes...tic toc, tic toc, tic toc...)
I surrender.
"Charge my credit card please!", as I said to myself in front of my iMac.
~The End~

Let it Grow...Let It Grow...Let It Grow

2009-03-22T01:15:00.000-07:00

What a nice day! We had a mellow and slow-tempo Saturday, it's very rare in these days that I can spend a day worry free. I should say 3/4 of the day worry free, but it doesn't matter. When it's hard to come by, you'll learn to cherish more.

We were wandering at Target to get household stuff. We came across a lot of Easter decoration. The aisles were filled with pastel colors, Easter Bunnies, Easter Chicks...you name it. Then, we saw the kitchen herbs grow kit. Firstly, it seems like an interesting idea to plant something (I have a granny in me). Secondly, I start to think about putting my home grown herbs into my cooking. For example, lightly fried potato with thyme and sea salt (shh...and butter :p). My old boss who came from Southern Italy taught me this authentic and local dish. By the way, she didn't cut the potatoes on the chopping board. I still remember that she was holding the potato in one hand, and the other hand was holding a tiny sharp knife and cut the potato from the outside towards her palm. She said that's how Italian does it.

Anyway, this grow kit includes 5 different herbs: fresh basil, parsley, chives, thyme and tarragon. I can't wait to see the little sprouts and see them grow.

I don't want 2b a cavewoman!

2009-03-18T23:14:00.000-07:00

As I get older, I feel that I know so little. I know what's happening in my life, but just within my own circle. I read newspaper, I read magazines, I read books, I watch the news, and yes I am proud to say the following...but so?!

I would have no problem telling you all the states in America. But if you ask me to point out Andorra or Tonga on the world map, I have to be honest, I have no clue.

I recently discovered a magazine, Monocle (by the way, what a brilliant name! A monocle is a type of corrective lens used to correct the vision in only one eye.) It is a global briefing covering international affairs, business, culture and design. It's a great magazine if you have $10 USD to spare. You will learn what the real life is like in foreign countries with surreal and superb quality pictures. At least, it's 100 times better than reading about Britney not wearing underwear again (eewl...with picture too >_x!!!)

Yum! Yum!

2009-03-16T17:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a fun day. Erin and I went to our friend's new apartment in K-Town for a BBQ party. We drove separately coz she had to leave early to meet up with her man for movie. I met a few new people and the party was a blast. When I left, there was a huge sobriety check point on Vermont...I saw a few people got busted. Again, don't drink and drive.

Few highlights from Saturday:

This is great to eat with hot sauce.

Shrimp body became sashimi.
Shrimp heads were fried and became tempura.

lacet romantique

2009-03-14T00:35:00.000-07:00

lace

Noun

1. a delicate decorative fabric made from threads woven in an open web of patterns

Lace is an openwork fabric, patterned with open holes in the work, made by machine or by hand. The holes can be formed via removal of threads or cloth from a previously woven fabric, but more often open spaces are created as part of the lace fabric. Lace-making is an ancient craft. True lace was not made until the late 15th and early 16th centuries. A true lace is created when a thread is looped, twisted or braided to other threads independently from a backing fabric.

Lace is a great material to work with. Without forcing it, it brings out its own unique sense of romance. To me, the essence for lace is either romance or delicacy. I enjoy and am in love with antique lace. Here is my art expression with lace below:

Another Super Star

2009-03-12T22:43:00.000-07:00

Another super star, BoA is landing here soon. For her debut US album, "BoA," BoA enlisted the help of top US and Asian hit-makers to bring a unique blend of chart topping hits to the table. Garrett returns with the club banger "Energetic" where BoA celebrates breaking limits and letting her hair down! Brian Kennedy, who has created hits for top recording stars including Rihanna, produced "Obsessed" while Henrik Jonback, brought his Pop expertise to the table with the chart topping "Eat You Up," "Look Who's Talking" and "Hypnotic Dancefloor." Jonback, a new producer, has written several hits for Britney Spears including "Radar." Bloodshy & Avant , who produced "Did Ya" and "Touched, have produced several hits for Britney Spears, Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Jordin Sparks, Kylie Minogue and more.

Not to mention, she's only 22 after 9 years of her fantastic music career in Asia. Utada Hikaru's Exodus is a great album but not for the US market. I think BoA has a fat chance to make it here. Why? Her sex appeal, dance move, music choice and A++ fool proof Hollywood musician team.

New art book to my collection: The Garden of Eye Candy

Between the boundaries of fine and popular art and high and low culture, reside Id driven impulses and alter egos as toys, cartoon characters, and iconic images. From the whimsical to adorable, erotic to innocent, to the dark and gothic, they lure us into their lush worlds of fairy tales, dreams and inspiration. “The Garden of Eye Candy” introduces us to immaculate illustrations that enshroud the viewer’s perception and gives flight to the imagination with each adventure and every character presented. “The Garden of Eye Candy” introduces an international roster of artists - the fore runners of these Surrealist inspired creations - in a luxurious and exquisite box set. With contributions from Cabizbaja, Candybird, Dolly Didit, Jaime Zollars, Kennys Work, Kukulaland, Lisa Petrucci, Amy Sol, Melanie Florian, Mijnschatje, Noferin, Brandt Peter, Danielle Lamberti, Kokomoo, Majeakann, Mark Bodnar, Rmyers Art, Saul Zanolari, Luke Chueh and more.

Craft Project: My Very First Handmade Stamp

2009-03-11T00:40:00.000-07:00

It took me a couple trips to JoAnn, Utretcht and Blick; and countless time on eBay to search for stuff that I need to complete this project. Although it doesn't look perfect, I am very happy with the result. There's definitely room for improvement. I can't wait to start another one, but my neck and eyes hurt now. I will continue tomorrow instead :)

Handmade Nation

2009-03-06T22:41:00.000-08:00

I met with my dear friend, Erin last week on a very tiring Friday night. Honestly, I was so tired and was thinking to ditch her. But, I didn't because I felt bad. We have been trying to meet up for quite a while; and then different things happened. Anyway, we've come to a conclusion that we don't see each other often enough. So...we decided to join some classes together. I've looked into some cooking classes, but they are really expensive, so we gave up.

Accidentally, I was reading Daily Candy and found out the Urban Craft Center in Santa Monica. I checked it out today and it's a really cool place with an unique concept. They call it "a communal space for creative chaos". They believe deeply in the craft community and all that it offer us, both as a social movement and as a way to bring purposefulness and conservation to our lives. The UCC studio is a place to nurture creative energy. It is a bright and lofty with lots of tables and seating. It also has an extensive craft book library and shelves full of tolls for craft projects. Erin and I are still picking classes, and I can't wait to play and learn there.

Besides, I learned a new book and documentary called the Handmade Nation. Handmade Nation documents a movement of artists, crafters, and designers that recognize a marriage between historical techniques, punk, and DIY (do it yourself) ethos while being influenced by traditional handiwork, modern aesthetics, politics, feminism and art. Fueled by the common thread of creating, Handmade Nation explores a burgeoning art community that is based on creativity, determination, and networking.

Check out their website here: http://www.handmadenationmovie.com/

Here is the teaser of the documentary film

Softies - Adorable Stuffed Creatures

2009-03-01T00:22:00.000-08:00

I've been this busy before, but never this stressed. Now February 2009 is over, I looked back at my desk calendar and saw that my February schedule was jam packed. I was not only busy, but competing with time daily with a lot of unknowns. I poured my heart and soul to do my best because I promised a very important person in my life. If I can pull this through, I know that I can and will be able to do anything/endure other hardships in the future. Truly, tears help; but this self brainwashing/healing technique is even better. If you are encountering any obstacles in your life, try it. You will be amazed how strong a person can be under adversity.

Enough of being Ms. Debbie Downer, I discovered a magazine named STUFFED. It is a very cute magazine dedicated to the softies community. I am hopeful that I will have some time in the near future to start on a few of these projects, most importantly, my stamp carving project.

Here are the 2 artists I like from this magazine, great stuff.

Lisa Thoms (q.d.patooties) : http://qdpatooties.blogspot.com/
q.d.patooties' etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5150290

Lori Brown: http://www.themorninglorivine.typepad.com/

Lula Issue 8 is out. Thanks to MochiPapa for ordering me a copy. <>!

Detox

2009-02-21T16:52:00.000-08:00

What a crazy day yesterday! I drove from LA to Carlsbad, from Carlsbad to LA, 7 hours in the car, music, yawning, glaring sun, chewing gum, cars, and lots of traffic. I made it home safely. I rested for an hour, then headed out again to meet with a bunch of friends in Korea Town. We went to a newly built mall, 80% of the mall is still empty. I guess it's the IT place to go, to be there before other people do. We ate at a Korean Soju Bar named Orange. The place is pretty nice and we got an awesome discount, simply because one of my friends knows the owner.

After eating and drinking for 2.5 hours (burp*), we went for karaoke in the same plaza called Bobos. Since I am a responsible drinker, I called a cab to take me home. The taxi driver was on the phone the entire time, 2 cellphones, no kidding. Anyway, god bless me, I arrived home safely again. I chatted with MochiPaPa for a while; then eventually fell asleep.

I feel that today is a good detox day, to relax and gather myself after a crazy week.

Spending time with my dogs is always enjoyable!

Learning about a new documentary, Between The Folds. It seems really interesting, but screening is limited; may be MochiPaPa and I will pay a visit to San Diego in March to watch it. Once I showed the official trailer, MochiPaPa has been searching all over the internet for origami. How cute!?

Last but no least, I started reading this Photoshop + Illustrator book and practicing new techniques. Hopefully, I can share what I learn from this book on this blog in the very near future.

Hey, what are you doing this weekend? Are you enjoying yours?

All U Need is Love, Love is All U Need

2009-02-13T12:12:00.001-08:00

From you to me:

From me to you:

Utada is back to USA!

2009-02-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

Utada Hikaru's latest song is out - Come back to me! Her album will be released in March '09!

You can hear the song now at the Island Records site.

It's not an easy task for an Asian to make it this far in the US market. I hope she will make it this round after the lost battle of Exodus.

I finished the J-drama, Last Friends with MochiPaPa last night. It's totally different than the usual J-drama routine. We both like it since it's something new, out of the norm. Here is the title song by Utada - Prisoner of Love.

Tube your Lashes, what??!

2009-02-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

I first heard about the Loreal Double Extensions Beauty Tubes Mascara on a TV show and wanted to try it out. As many of the beauty product addicts or general audience know that all makeup or skincare products always claim how magical they are; so it's quite difficult to know if they are really work. After trying the "tube" technology, I can proudly share with you: YES, IT WORKS and IT'S FAB!

On the packaging, it claims the following:

Long wearing
Smudge Proof
Flake Proof
Clump Free
80% visibly longer lashes
Removes easily with just warm water
Suitable for sensitive eyes & contact lens wearers
Ophthalmologist tested & allergy tested

Two simple steps for beautiful lashes. You first apply with the white base, which protects and lengthens your lashes and gives a fuller base before you apply the tube mascara. Let it dry for 5-10 seconds. Then, you apply the tube mascara. It's amazing because it does not clump or flake like a traditional mascara. Each lash is "tubed", well-separated and shiny. I don't know whether it really delivers 80% longer lashes, but my lashes are significantly longer.

Wait, I am not done yet. The best part of this mascara is the removal part. You don't need to use any eye makeup remover (money and time saver!!). Just want it off with warm water. I was in shock when I first removed it, it's so easy and the tubes just fell off, no residue left on my precious lashes, no smudging and rubbing.

With the economic price, great quality and easy removal, I highly recommend it. You can get it in CVS, Target, Walgreen...etc.

Lula...Lula...

2009-02-02T17:00:00.000-08:00

Lula is edited by ex-Voguette stylist Leith Clark and the art editor is Daisy de Villeneuve. This is definitely a magazine I adore and is only published twice a year. It's from UK and it's so hard to come by in the US. What I like about this magazine is chock full of dreamy, color-soaked photography and whimsical copy. This is a magazine for grown up girls who love fantasy and imaginative fashion. Lula is gentle, whimsical and ethereal in tone, mixing high fashion with interviews.

I am missing issue #1 and #6, if you happen to have one for sale, please let me know. :)

Happy Chinese New Year!

2009-01-26T09:38:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year of the Ox!
I wish you all good health, good fortune, happiness and prosperity!

Kindle 2.0, maybe?

2009-01-24T11:01:00.000-08:00

Picture taken from BGR.

I have been thinking about getting a Kindle for quite a while (of course with a sexy red kindle leather jacket), but reviews have not been consistent. Some people absolutely love it, some complain about the interface, short battery life...etc. I was thinking to get one in Christmas, but it's completely sold out and back-ordered for a few months. Besides, I love to read because the touch of holding the actual books and magazines is really satisfying. Don't you agree? However, my bookshelf is packed like the jigsaw puzzles. Kindle may be a good solution for me.

All the gadget blogs are saying that Amazon will release the new Kindle this year and the interface will be much improved. ETA is still unknown. Read here for more speculations.

Emotional Day in America - President Barack Obama

2009-01-20T10:11:00.000-08:00

OBAMA: My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because we the people have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebears, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land — a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions — that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act — not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions — who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them — that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works — whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account — to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day — because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control — and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our gross domestic product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart — not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our founding fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort — even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West — know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment — a moment that will define a generation — it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends — hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism — these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility — a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence — the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed — why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world ... that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet (it)."

America, in the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

My inner indie-ness!

2009-01-15T18:37:00.000-08:00

From time to time, I would all in a sudden look for an array of indie, jazz, non mainstream music. I don't know why this happened. Spending a lot of time, learning new musicians or groups that I've never heard of before. Eventually, once I have enough of the new stuff, I will then join the the mainstream pop, r & b ...etc. music again. Apparently, it's time to release my inner indie-ness. Below is what I found on youtube and want to share with you:

Small Acacia Band (from Korea) - Love

Old Fish - Dot Dot Dot

Lucite Rabbit - 봄봄봄

Her Space Holiday - Japanese Gum

psapp - monster song

誰在等我 (Ghost Style Remix)

Nude Skincare - I Likey!

2009-01-11T16:13:00.000-08:00

I went to Sephora with MochiPaPa yesterday. He needed to pick up his favorite Max Complexion Correction Pads by Peter Thomas Roth. He has oily skin and a beauty consultant once said to him that you need to do do this, this, this, this and this after you wash your face in order to keep your skin in a good state. I have bought him many beauty products to try before, but all were left on the counter - untouched. Therefore, I went product hunting and I found these pads by Peter Thomas Roth for him. He has finished 4 jars of these already. He absolutely adores these little pads. Mission accomplished and his skin has improved. Pores are definitely less visible.

Max Complexion Correction Pads

Exclusively formulated to cleanse skin, clear up blackheads, and refine pores, and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It is an advanced botanical formulation creating a unique, clarifying synergistic action to cleanse the skin, clear up active acne blemishes, minimize pore size, eliminate the formation of new blackheads and blemishes, and regulate healthy cell turnover as it delivers proven anti-aging benefits that help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

I've also restocked one of my favorite masks, Pumpkin Enzyme Peel by Peter Thomas Roth. This product is very gentle and works great on my skin (face + neck). Although it is a peel, but it doesn't make my skin red or cause any irritation. Just 5 minutes, let it work, then rinse. Most importantly, it smells delicious. I seriously want to eat it every time I use it. Reminder, this product is exclusive at Sephora only.

Pumpkin Enzyme Peel

Utilizing pumpkin enzymes to easily and gently dissolve dead surface skin cells, this deep exfoliator stimulates cellular turnover, to reveal radiant skin that is supple and naturally hydrated. Age-fighting anti-oxidants and vitamin A help protect, nourish, and repair skin.

I have also discovered the Nude Skincare brand at Sephora. It is a stylish skincare with a social conscience, Nude works with the body's biology to deliver naturally beautiful results. Created with biocompatible ingredients that can be effectively utilized by the skin and safely metabolized by the body, Nude's range of skincare works to reduce premature aging, inflammation, and dehydration the same way organic and nutritious foods heal and nourish your body from the inside out. From recyclable packaging to their commitment to sourcing fair trade or community-traded ingredients, Nude makes sure to use organic when possible—leaving behind beautifully balanced, healthy skin the most natural way they know how.
Here is my review on a few of the products by Nude Skincare:

Cleansing Facial Oil
It is a pure and effective detergent-free oil face wash for normal to dry complexions. I removed my eye makeup (eyeshadow, eyeliner and mascara) gently with Rimmel Eye Makeup Remover. Some residues remained because I wanted to test this new cleansing oil. Just 2 pumps of oil and I rubbed it all over my face and neck; then rinsed with water. The oil immediately emulsified and cleaned out all the makeup. It cleans really well and doesn't leave my skin dry (I have dry skin). It's $52 USD, but it is worth the money.

Miracle Mask
I didn't buy this product yet, but tried out the sample. I WILL BUY this product!!!! It exfoliates and stimulates skin for a revitalized complexion. It contains natural alpha hydrosyl acids, which benefit the skin with their light exfoliating and moisturizing properties, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, skin lightening and firming, and increased collagen production. I heard that many models and celebrities actually use this mask for pre-party/pre-catwalk.

After I washed my face with the cleansing facial oil and patted dry with a towel. I immediately put on this Miracle Mask. It smells alright (organic product, herbs ingredient...you can imagine...), not bad at all; and the texture looks like strawberry jam. You have to spread it on your face quickly; otherwise, it slides down fairly quickly. I left it on my skin for 10 minutes and washed it off with lukewarm water. I couldn't believe it. I saw this sheen on my face and my nose was "glowing" literally!!

Then, as recommended by the beauty consultant, I put on the Replenishing Night Oil.

Replenishing Night Oil
This oil is formulated with an essential blend of omega 3,6,7, and 9 to provide complete nutrition for all skin types. Honestly, I was skeptical about putting oil on my face as a moisturizer, but I did it. Amazingly, it immediately absorbs into my skin and it smells great and natural. I put it on my face and neck and massage gently. I could feel that my skin was silky smooth and the softness lasts all day long. It's equivalent to a spa treatment. I highly recommend it to everyone!!

Oh so Sweet - Q-Pot

2009-01-09T20:33:00.000-08:00

Diamond is a girl's best friend, BUT not every girl can afford diamonds on a regular basis. Cute and unique accessories are different, which are a lot cheaper and can make girls happy.

I discover this Japanese accessory brand, Q pot - designed by Tadaaki Wakamatsu. A lot of the accessories are made with PVC and they look like edible pastries, such as biscuit, chocolate, macaron....etc. I need to find a way to get the necklace (shown above, I absolutely HEART it!)

Q-POT
Website: http://www.q-pot.jp/

Besides jewelry, Q-pot recently collaborates with Hasbro and creates a special Blythe doll, which should be available in mid January, 2009.