Pregnant

Top: Old (Similar here) | Skirt: Kookai | Shoes: Pedder Red (Similar here)

Bag: Pimkie (Similar here) | Hat: ASOS

So I'm NOT pregnant but I've been asked twice this year. I don't really mind though because I'm of that age where it would be common to assume I could be pregnant, and in both cases I was wearing a droopy sack dress and flats. 

However, my point isn't about me (shocking I know since I'm usually so self-absorbed). The point is that my sister, the best sister that anyone could ask for actually IS pregnant and is due to give birth within the next 10 days. THIS IS A BIG DEAL. I'm going to be an AUNT! Lol there we go, back to me again. 

OMG I'M PREGGERS!

 Mousie has always known she's wanted kids and it's so great because I know she's going to make for a super rad mom. Like disciplined but also like kind of dorky and maybe will tell lots of mom jokes. Anyway, let's not forget her baby daddy aka her hubby Micky*. 

Baby daddy extraordinaire!

He probably won't be doing dad jokes because he likes to pretend to be super cool but I know he's also a super dork which makes them MFEO. 

I think my sister is pretty awesome because she's kind of always been like a little mom to me, helping me navigate my way through life. 

 

"This is how you totally nail wedding photos, little sister"

Mousie has been a role model and inspiration to me because she isn't just a pretty face...

Phweee phweet!

She's also really smart (Harvard masters yo), has a kick-ass career, is really sure of what she wants from life, while still managing to be humble, down to earth, and genuine. Also she looks really good in hats of the animal variety.

Dontcha wish your gf was hot like me

Dontcha wish your gf was a freak like me

She's also a compassionate and caring human being, who aside from wanting to save the world, also wants to share all the love she has. 

Loves Nacho almost as much as I do

Truly, Mousie will give this baby all the love she can give, and impart the ways of the world to this wee baby, teaching le baby all the finer things in life. Such as how to enjoy a good meal. 

DONTCHA?!

The way she taught me...

Thank you for introducing crepe cake to me

Although life is going to change - maybe she won't have as much time to mother me, and her interests and topics of conversation may change, and maybe we'll be a little too busy to keep in touch as often as we'd like...

SOB

But I think at the end of the day, we'll still be awesome sisters. And when we meet, it'll be like nothing has changed.

Phew!

Except we'll have one more person to love and adore, to do fun stuff with, and to put funny cute hats on.

I can't wait to meet you baby Mungbean**, and I can't wait to discuss all the gross things that happen during birth.

Congratulations to Micky and Mousie!

Not the baby

Thanks for reading!

*Name changed to embarrass Sir Micky
** Name TBC but Mungbean is a strong contender because why not?

LIVE UPDATE! She's in labour NOW!!!

I knew I loved you before I met you

Top: ASOS (Similar here) | Skirt: J. Crew (Similar here) | Shoes: Romwe | Bag: Gift from Cyn (Similar here)

Necklace: Gift from Wens (Marc by Marc Jacobs) | Hand chain: Nasty Gal (Similar here) | Ring: Gift from Mellie (Twentyeight Lane)  

So fresh out of the shower; wet hair wrapped up, I sat at my desk typing and realised there are a few things in my life that I really didn't know I needed until I got them. I'm sure you have these things too, things that make your life so much easier but you really never would have thought of it until it was given to you or you chanced upon it. Kind of like a coffee sleeve, so basic and so brilliant. 

Introducing... The things you didn't know you needed until now: 

Head wrap thingy - This pink terry cloth geniusness sits atop my head and prevents my wet hair from drooping down my shoulders, thus wetting the t-shirt I'm wearing. Plus it keeps the hair away from the face so it's also great during makeup application time. My momster bought this from Japan when she was on vacation and at first I thought, 'what kind of rubbish is this?' But I use it everyday now. You might say, 'that's what a towel is for', to which I reply, 'You foolish human being.' I was like you once, a towel turban wearer but this is great for Singapore because it's basically a snood for the head so it lets the head breathe through the open hole at the top. Much cooler, and there isn't that extra fabric swinging around (for bigger towels). Plus it's better than the small towels they wrap around your head at salons and clip because duh, no need for the clip (economical!) and it doesn't run the risk of falling off. BRILLIANT. 

Body wrap thingy: Ok this is like a sarong towel. It's the more cooling, waaaay more unglamorous version of the bath robe. With its elasticised top, it kiaps on tight to the body so no risk of walking around your house semi-naked only to become fully naked. I throw this on whenever I'm applying a face mask, or while putting on my makeup before I get dressed. I first chanced upon this at my facial place and I was so hellbent on getting one I stole it (Just kidding... Or maybe not... But of course I'm kidding... Maybe...)

Aladdin bottle: A group of us were wandering inside Mustafa shopping centre and my friend and I got waaaay too excited when we saw this. I recall it being kind of pricey but come on, it keeps your water cool for longer while not allowing condensation to form and drip all over the place. That is just pure sorcery. I know Bodum cups are basically the same thing but this is a plastic bottle (safe for kids!) and doesn't cost an arm, leg, spleen and maybe one eyeball. It came with attachable plastic cups but after a few days of pretending to be a dainty lady, I gave up and reverted back to my crass bottle-swigging self. Aaaahh refreshing!    

This nail-clipper: You think a nail-clipper is just a nail-clipper right? No. You are wrong. Please get with the program. This nail-clipper is the bomb. It is super sharp and collects all the nail clippings inside its little nail-clipper body. I know, there are others out there that you can buy at the dollar store with the plastic bit. But no. Trust me. This nail-clipper is not messing around. It is the Michael Jordan of nail-clippers. The boo bought it for Christmas for me from Tokyu Hands. And before you start thinking, 'What??? Nail clippers for Christmas?? Is he the grinch??', well, yes, but that's not the point. Because I am the female grinch and I absolutely love a good functional gift. (Although I also like things like clothes, shoes, purses, and jewellery which are slightly less functional). 

Alright, I've gone on like a rabid dog for a while about all these things that you didn't know you needed. Go forth and acquire.

Thanks for reading! 

Paint me like one of your French girls

Top: ASOS (Similar here) | Skirt: J. Crew (Similar here) | Shoes: ASOS | Bag: Tangs (Similar here)

 Necklace: Gift from Mousie (Similar here) | Scarf (wound around necklace): ASOS | Ring: Tsumori Chisato (Similar here)  

I'm definitely no makeup junkie but I know what I like and I know that makeup makes me look waaaaaaay better. I know that inner beauty is important but I am also really vain ok??

I like a very natural look that's all about concealing flaws without being too BOOMZWOWZABAZINGA. Also, I like the natural look because I am L-A-Z-Y and if anyone asks why I look so messed up, I can just say it's the natural look. What this means is that I go easy on the shimmer, the glitter and the gloss. My beauty essentials are below and these are what I use on a daily basis:

The tricks of the trade

Peter Thomas Roth CC Cream
I've mentioned this before and I seriously cannot stop praising it. Ever since I started using it, I've gotten several compliments on my 'good skin' from various people (even some I don't know). I use this as a base after applying my sunblock. Initially they were only selling the 'light to medium' shade in Sephora which was a little dark for my face but now they've started selling the 'light' shade and because my skin tone is somewhere in between, I mix the two to get what I feel is a more complimentary shade. I think I could possibly use 'light' alone since some oxidation is bound to occur. 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer
I find my dark circles quite epic so I like this paste-like concealer in shade 1C Light (cool) because it gives quite a lot of coverage and has quite a lot of staying power. Plus it's labelled 'cool' which is clearly a reflection of my personality. Of course, the bad thing is that it can be a little cakey and dry after I apply powder over it. 

Maybelline White Superfresh Compact Powder Foundation
I don't bother with expensive face powder because I bought a Shu Uemura one once and it seems flaky and too light compared to this Maybelline powder in a 03 Natural shade which has never gone wrong and is like a bajillion dollars cheaper. Even at the end of the day, I am happy, it still remains on my face (maybe because of awesome CC cream mentioned above) and it has SPF and gives me a nice matte finish. I'm not a fan of the dewy look because I just look oily.

Maybelline HyperSharp Eyeliner in black and brown
Because of my tiny squinty eyes, I love liquid eyeliner for a sharp and defined look rather than the smudgy kohl pencil type which overwhelms my eyes. These liners are great because they dry quite quickly, don't smudge unless I rub it a lot at the end of the day (I have oily eyelids so everything smudges and I've given up on the 24-hour no smudge dream) and most of all, they are way affordable. I use the black one for the top lid and the brown one for the bottom because I read that using black on both will make the eyes look smaller.

Laura Mercier Second Skin Cheek Colour
I like this blush because it's non-shimmery and it's really kinda hard to find a non-shimmer blush that has good pigments which last throughout the day. I have no complaints about this blush which is quite natural in the 'Rose Petal' shade (depending on how heavy I apply it of course) and since I never apply that much blush at a time, it's lasted me probably longer than most so the cost factor really isn't high.

Yup, so that rounds up my daily makeup consumption habits. Thanks for reading, you beautiful creature, you.

Travel toiletries and troubles

Dress: Smooch the Label

Bag: Kate Spade (Similar-ish here)

Sunglasses: Karen Walker

Necklace: Twentyeight Lane (Similar here) | Ring: Lovisa/Gift from Wens (Similar here)

Shoes: Pedder Red (Similar here)

I do short overnight business trips to KL pretty often and I really hate lugging around loads of things so I think I've become quite the pro at packing for such trips and I'd like to share some of my must-have toiletries for these trips.

Must have toiletries when travelling (from left in a clockwise direction)

Travel-size everything!

1. Dalacin in a 10ml bottle: I need acne prevention especially when I travel because travelling stresses my skin out. This handy little bottle means I apply the solution to my finger and dab the affected zitty areas. 
2. Theramed travel sized toothpaste: It tastes nice and keeps my breath fresh. 
3. Suisal beauty clear powder: This is awesome. My mommy bought it for me from Japan, it's little pots of facewash in powder form (kinda like powdered detergent for the face) and it gives that squeaky clean feeling. Just pour a little powder out on your hand and lather into a paste with waster and voila, foamy facewash! 
4. Laneige moisturiser: Throwaway sample packs of moisturisers are perfect for short trips. 
5. Makeup brushes: These travel-size makeup brushes and pouch are from Kumano, Japan, which is a town in Japan that is famous for its brushes. Apparently all the makeup artists in Japan only use brushes from Kumano. I can't recall what brand this one is but check out Mizuho or Hakuhodo
6. Toothbrushes: A toothbrush with a cover is basically the only way to go because HYGIENE. 
7. Biore makeup wipes: I think this has about 10 pieces of pre-soaked pads and it's good to remove even stubborn mascara 
8. Ok I realise the layout might be confusing but now I'm talking about the round green thing is is travel sized dental floss: So much yes. Flossing is next to cleanliness which is next to godliness which is next to awesomeness. 
9. Lastly, the blue crocodile: This crocodile is actually a pair of scissors that Mouse Squad member Nic, bought for me from Iceland. Having scissors is great because sometimes you have loose threads or need to cut open packs of things (eg. the moisturiser samples).

With regard to must-have no. 9, if you carry a pair of scissors, remember to check in your luggage! I forgot I had these in my cabin bag and it went through the scanner and the airport security made me open my bag to show them I didn't have a concealed weapon. They couldn't locate the offensive weapon (and I didn't know I had it on me) so they let me pass, but only after I had forgotten to zip up my bag thus lifting it up and letting the entire contents of my bag, including panties and bra, spill out on to the floor. I was so flustered by the way, that I did it TWICE. I am the coolest.

Thanks for reading!

Crowning glory

Shirt: Asos (Similar here)

Skirt: Seed (Similar here)

Shoes: Vincci (Similar here)

Clutch: New Look (Similar here)

Sunglasses: Aldo (Similar here)

Ring: Gift from Alvin and Leona (Same here)

So in a previous post, I told you guys I was using Kerastase shampoo and conditioner but it was pretty pricey and wasn't really doing what I hoped it would - Make my hair the 'after' shot in a hair commercial. So after I finished using it, I decided I would switch to something cheaper and on my friend's recommendation, I started using Kao's Essential haircare.

Essential smells really nice but my scalp didn't want to be friends with it. Shortly after using it, I developed dandruff and my scalp felt oily and itchy. Although it totally seems to work for my friend whose hair remains as glorious as ever. 

The search continued but I think I may have found the one...

*Sound of angels singing and harps playing*

I read a bunch of reviews that Matrix Biolage was really good so I bought the Hydrasource shampoo and conditioner when I chanced upon it at a salon in Bugis+. (You can also purchase it on Qoo10.)

The shampoo suds up quite well and gives my scalp that nice clean feeling without being overly drying. The conditioner is quite thick and makes my hair feel soft and smooth. And the company is pretty proud of the fact that they don't use parabens in their products (they say so on the bottle) so it must be a good thing.

Parabens, as per wiki, 'are a class of widely used preservatives'. I'm not normally a stickler for preservatives because I like the idea of not putting potentially moldy products onto my body, face and hair but then wiki continues to say that parabens in deodorants may or may not be linked to breast cancer which is like really inconclusive and wishy washy if you ask me, but I prefer mold over cancer of the scalp/brain/face/head/ears/anywhere so yeah.

The only downside to Matrix Biolage is that it is still a little pricey (but not as pricey as Kerastase) and it doesn't smell super fragrant. It's not bad, but it doesn't have the normal sweet floral smell that I like.

Bonus point: Matrix Biolage is owned by L'oreal and they have made a commitment not to do testing on animals unless absolutely necessary.

Bonus bonus point: This is not an ad. Thanks for reading!

These are a few of my favourite things

Top and skirt set: Sheinside

Shoes: Vincci (Similar here)

Rings: Lovisa (Similar here) | Necklace: Twentyeight Lane

Bag: Kate Spade (Similar here)

Today's outfit is brought to you by the letter 'A' because two-piece set + rainbow colours + stripes + neon bits and bobs = A is for AWESOME.

I would like to share the euphoria I feel because of awesome things so I'm going to list some of my online treasures that hopefully will be totally new to you, which will make you think I'm some super trendsetting lifestyle guru. 

Great international (aka not Singapore) online shopping

• The majority of my clothes come from ASOS because it carries tons of different styles at quite affordable prices. The downside is how long it takes for delivery - I can forget that I ordered things but the plus side of that is that when I get deliveries, it's kind of like a nice surprise.
• I recently discovered Sheinside and while they have lots of stuff that won't totally work in this climate, like woolly coats and winter pieces, they've got some fun stuff to choose from although quality isn't as good as ASOS.
• Mod Cloth is another recent discovery and it's got lots of deals and discount promos for shoppers and from what I see, the stuff is all cute and trendy.

Local online shopping

• Dressabelle is good if you're an office lady on a budget. They have very office-appropriate attire and they bring in new stock very often.
• Smooch the Label - I love the way they replicate expensive looks for less, but don't sacrifice the fabric quality.
• Twentyeight Lane - Love the pretty accessories but they can be a tad pricey at times (I'm a cheapskate so I only buy during sales) but the pieces are very solid and of good quality.

For your reading pleasure

• I've mentioned The Bloggess before but seriously, if you're into irreverent and awesome stuff, check her out. 
• Go Fug Yourself is the celebrity fash trash site of choice because they write in a fun and well-meaning way and cover a good range of gloriously hideous celebrity fashion
• Sad and Useless because some days, you just need to look at nonsense. 
• The Cool Hunter is the best way to look at a wide selection of cool things at a one-stop location. The architecture and interior design is the bombdigitty.

Thanks for reading!

Friday is my fun-day

Top: Mango (Similar here)

Skirt: ASOS (Similar here)

Spiked necklace: ASOS (Similar here) | Neon yellow necklace: Twentyeight lane | Love necklace: ASOS (Similar here)

Shoes: Keds (Similar here)

Ring: Bugis (Similar here) | Clutch: Kate Spade (Similar here)

 Yay to the start of another weekend! I've been a little bit under the weather so I haven't had much energy to dress up, but I decided to wear this cheery neon yellow and pink combo as a way to celebrate the impending weekend. Not that my weekend life is all that exciting, but I have become something of an afternoon nap connoisseur if I do so say myself.

Thanks for reading, I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with the most satisfying naps.