Sometimes it helps to pause for a moment to ask ourselves and each other from time to time, what is it that makes us really happy. It may only be four words but the answer can be tricky and come to think of it, I would probably need to pick my brains for at least say..a minute or more whenever someone asks, what makes you happy?

Just a random thought. I read somewhere that it helps noting down how we feel, what our goals are be it long or short term, and keeping track of where we stand perhaps every quarter to see if we are on track. 

- Wouldn't it be nice by the Beach Boys

- Grow old with you by Adam Sandler

- Man, I feel like a woman by Shania Twain

- Don't look back in anger by Oasis

- What's Up by 4 Non Blondes

-Any Maroon Five songs

 - P.D.A by John Legend

- Nobody by Wonder Girls

- Mmmbop by Hanson

- Friday I'm in love by The Cure

- Total eclipse of the heart by Bonnie Tyler

- Stop by Spice Girls

By looking at the list of songs, I can safely conclude that I'm an old school-er ;)

To me, being happy means taking little things into account. It could be as simple as someone holding the lift for me to get in so I can punch in to work on time *har har*, or even a smile or gesture to make my day. Of course I'm talking about genuine smile here because I know it when you fake =P

Apart from being sure about our goals and direction in life, being happy could also mean optimism and a happy mind. I'm the sort who gets mad and forgets fast (having a gold fish memory seems to be a plus point here) which is a good thing because happy people see things differently and they affect those around them. But I guess it's normal to feel down once in a while but always believe in enjoying the little things in life and living in the moment.

via the notebook doodles

Being thankful helps too. I think Thanksgiving should be everyday, just like Valentine's Day. It shouldn't be a one-day-oh-we-need-to-give-thanks-or-buy-flowers-kind-of-day. Having been through some scenarios recently I can say that many of us tend to take things for granted. Although I do meet many who are grateful and kind, yet there are still some who are the total opposite. Then again, which human being is perfect? Even I make mistakes but I'm not shy to apologize for things that I did wrong because people learn from mistakes. It irks me to see insensitive and irresponsible fellas at times. They say,

"Anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die."

How true.

Anyway, happy post should be nothing but jolly. I know what makes me happy now! Planning a holiday or road trip does wonders to my happy nerves ahem *hints* =D

Since I have more than a minute to think, some happy things that make my day:

- a hot bath to get my day pumpin' followed by smooth flowing traffic to work

- self pampering at the nails salon (manicure and pedicure makes me week!)

- body massages

- both dressing and catching up

- a happy tweet from anybody

- watch the boys performing on stage

- when anything I experiment succeeds like my last minute perm and eyebrow action hoho!

- singing my lungs out 

- dancing (all kinds!)

- sweating out after yoga or badminton

- knowing that people are appreciative

-chocolates *guilty* (doesn't help that we've got tons of snickers, mars, m&ms and hershey's in the office!)

Q: I'm curious to know what the rest of you think. So, what makes YOU happy? :)

Maybelline brings New York Fashion Week beauty trends to women here through its versatile makeup range. We attended the grand event a few days ago at Mid Valley. 

It's all about creating fun trends, experimenting with colours and being beautiful, fashionable and sexy.

Aaron and I

We felt a little underdressed for the occasion because it was supposedly a cocktail party and I only knew about the fashion show half an hour before showtime, rushed there in my working attire -__-"

#ifonly

The setup was classy with little stools for the media and celebrity guests. Also booths for makeovers and product display.

It was also the launch of the Falsies 

For people like me who love the effect of longer lashes, the Falsies gives you the false lash effects that are fuller and more visible.

Me likey purple colour! <3

It comes with a cute looking brush called the Spoon curler brush.

 For you mascara lovers, be a little patient because the Falsies will be available nationwide in January 2012 at the price of RM 42.90 (considered reasonable compared to other range and brands that I've tried.)

So anyway, I was excited looking forward to the main highlight of the event:

 Fashion show clothing sponsored by Miss Selfridge!! :)

Maybelline's Colour Expression came as a surprise. With its wide range of products, their makeup artists played with unique couture looks; the dramatic lashes, over the rainbow colours and bold brows.

I would love to do a photoshoot experimenting with colours <3

oh and did I already mention that celebrities like Amber herself was seated in front of us :D she's super skinny in person by the way, which reminds me..it's that time of the year again.

DETOX RACHEL DETOX!

Over the years I've grown to like experimenting. 

Back in college and university it was pretty laid back, just one stroke of eyeliner and my regular lip balm (I've been using Bodyshop's lip balm for years and I still love it!) and I'm ready to go. My interest in beauty sort of grew since way back in 2008 when I started putting on my own make up at shoots and getting advice from make up artists that I meet along the way. 

Now that I'm working, making up becomes part of my daily routine.

My usual make up tools include a peachy eyeshadow tone, bb cream (I use this instead of the foundation), blusher, sometimes bronzer, and the eye liner. Don't really bother using mascara because my lash can never curl *sad either that or I just suck at using eyelash curler. So I prefer using false lashes, the extremely natural looking ones of course.

Today's post is about applying red lipstick. Most times I do envy ladies who can pull off red lips and especially each time when I flip pages in magazines and I see photographs of celebrities in their beautiful gown and red lipstick, I can't help but picture how it would look like on me.

So last Halloween was my first attempt at wearing red lipstick, I've never worn lipstick, ever..

but..I.....surprisingly.....liked it.

I think red lipstick can make or break your look. It is always advisable to avoid heavy eye makeup in order for it to stand out.

 After red lipstick

Only eye liner, eyeshadow base and lashes plus my "new" brows <3!

On a side note, I really like the results of my brows after embroidery, it gets more natural each day and I didn't even have to draw my brows.

Tips for applying red lipstick: Use a neutral tone lip liner to outline your lips before applying the colour. Since it was my first time, I took it very slowly because it could look really messy, out of shape and if you have butterfingers like mine, you could risk getting your teeth dirty (stained!) lol

You can also use a concealer to clean up the shape after applying. Enjoy! =)

Our favourite annual fashion show is back! 

The Victoria Secret Fashion Show 2011 this year will showcase artistes such as Adam Levine from Maroon Five, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, and Jay-Z. Remember last time we had Katy Perry and Black Eyed Peas performing to gorgeous models strutting down the runway in glittering lingerie and costumes?

Well here's what you can expect before you watch it onscreen this coming November 29.

My favourite angel, Miranda Kerr.

You should watch this video, a sneak peek to the fashion show (you'll see Orlando Bloom by the side applauding, so proud of his wife)

 Adam Levine so smitten by his Russian girlfriend, Anna Vyalitsyna at one point he kisses her while singing to Moves Like Jagger!
via vsallaccess

How can people look so.. imperfectly perfect like that!


Motivation of the day <3

Flew back on Friday night after work to attend my cousin's wedding on Saturday night at Pagoh, a small town about an hour and a half drive away from Johor Bahru. 

The last I remember visiting my mum's kampung (village) was at least 8 years ago. I must have been in my teens back then =P My cousin whom I've not seen in ages (..and not to mention same age as me) is a happily married guy already! SO FAST! I still remember cycling and riding the motorcycle back in the good old kampung days with my ponytail brushed against my shoulders as the wind blew on our faces.

Now we're all grown up pfft.

As usual whenever someone in the village holds a wedding dinner, people would gather at the infamous chinese school hall nearby. We were greeted by my uncle (mum's only brother) who was so happy that we came. The night was filled with joyful laughter and some karaoke singing. I swear my ears almost bled listening to some of them who were singing off key Hokkien tunes!

Approximately 70 tables or more

Ten years ago they looked a lot less haggard, people age too fast! I met a lot of people that I couldn't recognize anymore and of course a lot of children running about, I almost couldn't keep up >.<

On a brighter note, mum was glad that people thought she looks a lot younger than before lol!

So happy she was grinning non stop heh.

Earlier in the afternoon we went to Holiday Plaza for DVD shopping and I managed to squeeze in time for manicure.

 Outfit for last night's wedding

Although dinner was nothing over the top and simple, people were having a very good time. Just shows how we can be happy as long as we learn to be contented with the things we have :)

 Dad and I :)

With cousin and his wife 

Some of my favourite dishes:

Kampung version of the "cold dish"

Sweet and sour fish 

 Two style prawns

and their old school ice cream for dessert!!

The kampung reminds me of being a child again, now back to city life. Flying back in a couple of hours time, update soon! Xx

 
Here's an update after one week.

This was taken within the first few days after the treatment. Colour still fairly dark.

Close up:


and finally after waiting for seven days..I'm extremely happy with the results from my experience with Empro's embroidery.


For comparison's sake:


It is very natural looking, many have asked if I'd recommend them and if it's painful. My answer; it is definitely worth the try, pain is bearable if you would like to redefine your looks further. I'm going for the complimentary touch up (same procedures in a month's time).

Read more (full details) below :)

****

Hi guys, you would know by now if you're following me on twitter that I did something drastic last Sunday.. =S

 Post bonbrow.

..not drastic to a great extent but..drastic lah. =P After discussing with Angie, Rina and Mimi in the office, I decided..

Bonbrow is the latest technology for eyebrow embroidery by Empro and it is specifically designed to give our eyebrows a natural look. 

Especially if you have eyebrows like mine, sparse and fugly. 

This is me on Sunday morning, hair fell flat into centre parting like a geek.

And if you're untalented like me, with no eyebrows shaping skill you better do something about it -__-" The moment your brows grow longer you either need to shave, go for threading (better choice!), or pluck them.

because you don't want to look like this:

 OR THIS

okay, I'm just kidding.

It was obvious..the signs were there.. the concourse event, promoters (damn good sales person!), booths, photos.. I finally gave in. Previously I thought that embroidery would make you look fake and ugly, you know those eyebrows (tattooed onto your skin) that would peel and look green or reddish?

I searched for Aunty brows and the results showed me this:

 rofl

Better still, follow your brow bone for a natural fit otherwise you will look weird with a straight brow instead of a supposedly arched brow that fits your face. The beautician told me that my brows were uneven :( one side is higher than the other, which is supposed to be normal. I refuse to be NORMAL! >.<

This one surprisingly, not too thin but her look is better defined with a pair of brows that fit her brow bone

See the difference? What eyebrows can do to your look :)

I felt a little heavyhearted, not knowing what to expect and there were a lot of questions in my mind. But the people working at Empro were pretty friendly, my beautician (Irene) first started shaping my brows with an eyebrow liner /pencil.

This process took about almost 30-40 minutes and it's your only chance to voice out your opinions. If you like or hate the shape.

I prefer thicker brows plus after doing bonbrow, your skin will peel and it will start to thin.

Then finally it was time for the embroidery process. She started off with a fresh new needle (make sure you see them using a brand new packet) and starts poking your pores before using anesthetic to slightly numb your brows. The needles poking did hurt a little but it was bearable, but then again my pain tolerance is quite high =P

She took her time, shaping the brows with a needle. It didn't hurt much after the anesthetic. Irene then chose a suitable colour that suits not my hair (because hair colour can change!) but my iris, so dark brown it is!

She explained that the colour would peel within one week and based on recommendations and feedback, all of whom I know tried embroidery loved the results! So I was hoping the same :D

The entire process lasted for a good hour, almost an hour an a half because she would do brow by brow from left to right, up to down. The great thing about Bonbrow is that instead of tattooing, they draw similar (real hair like) brows and lines to create that natural look and the illusion of an authentic eyebrow hair. 

 Bonbrow includes a base colour (brown) and drawn on hair like lines

 Irene's skill was great! It looked exactly like my natural brow, only that it's a little dark when I first finished and it took me a while getting used to..

You can read more here

One hour later

One day later

This is taken 3 days after my Bonbrow treatment, colour is still a little dark but I really like it! :) 

Will share more pictures soon. Xx.

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