My Bucket List: 4 Things I Want To Do In 2016

I try to set realistic goals for myself, so I am able to achieve it. I am an outdoors person and love adventure. Every year since 2012, I have done something adventurous. Go on an ATV jungle trek, went to an extreme park, trekked 100km, white water rafting, hike up hills, abseiling, skydiving and etc. But this whole year 2015, I didn't do a single adventure thing! I did focus on team sport - Futsal, but no... adventurous stuff! 2015 was a mini rollercoaster ride for me. There were many things I wanted to do, but couldn't without upsetting a lot of people. For 2016, I have 4 adventure related things I want to tick off in my bucket list. It's a year I want for me and Don! 

My Adventure Bucket List: 

Merry Christmas 2015

MERRY CHRISTMAS!! 

It's a day of family, presents and lots of good food.  I wish you and your family the merriest Christmas! It's going to be a little quiet here for the next couple of days just so I can spend some QT with my man and family. Follow my Instagram for my quick updates!

5 Things I Do in a Long Haul Flight

I get bored really fast. I get fidgety, restless and super annoying. It's either eating, go online and shop or bombard Don with messages asking him to entertain me. Whenever I have some free time, I am always searching for things to do. Read articles online. Watch a documentary (I love watching documentaries). Blog. Work on side projects. So, imagine my boredom when I am on the plane. No internet. No phones. I have to find things to entertain myself. Every time I go visit Don, I prep myself with things to do to keep myself entertained. If you're traveling to be with your loved ones this holidays, here are some things you can do in a long flight beside sleep.

Things To Say To A Friend Who is in A LDR

As a friend, it is hard to see someone dear to you be in a relationship that you’re unsure of. Your friend has been there for you through everything and you want to do the same, but you can’t because you don’t believe in their (long-distance) relationship. You do what you know best, you try to give them "advice" or reasons why long-distance relationships don’t work out. To you, you are doing them a favour, but to us, it’s a sign of betrayal and selfishness. The truth is, life is a lot more simple if we want happy for ourselves and our loved ones. We don't hold grudges. Build up mean or hurtful things to say to each other. We shouldn’t let things that are not familiar to us get in the way of our friendship. I know, it’s easier said than done, but it doesn’t hurt to try to be there for your friend. I’ve come up with 5 phrases you can say to your friend who is in a long-distance relationship.

Almost Every Day Look

Gone are the days when I wanted to learn how to do the perfect smokey eye, the perfect cute crease and how to blend perfectly. Don't get me wrong. I love dressing up, I love wearing makeup and all. But after years of playing around with makeup, I realised that I feel me the most when I wear minimal makeup or makeup that enhance my features. I used to be a big fan of eyeliners and would not leave the house without eyeliner. Now, I like - meh, not an eyeliner day. I am focusing more on skincare and finding what works best for me both makeup and skincare. 

I call this my almost every day look because I literally almost wear this look every day. I can safely say 3/5 days of the week. The other 2/5 days are me experimenting with other things.

Makeups I use for my Almost Every Day look are

Mac Whirl and Del Rio Lipstick Reviews

I have two stories to tell you today. One about Whirl and one about Del Rio. Let's start with Whirl. A couple years back, Rihanna came out with her collaboration with Mac. I managed to get my hands on her lipstick - Bad Girl Riri. It was the perfect my lips-but-better colour. It quickly became my favourite every day colour. After months of using it i noticed that i didn't have to twist the tube as much to get the lipstick out = It was almost finishing!! AND it didn't click to me that the colour was limited edition. I went to the MAC counter at Perth International Airport. Asked the MUA to help me find the closest shade to Bad Girl Riri and Whirl was the closest.

When she swatched the colour on my hand, I was wowed. It's such a timeless, classic colour! I tried it on, it lifted my look by 100%. It's a gorgeous dirty rose colour with a matte finish. It wears up to 5-6 hours. It also doesn't leave that dry feeling on your lips even though it's a matte finish. It's also rumoured to be Kylie Jenner fav lip colour.

Mac Del Rio is an expensive dupe of Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Matte Lipstick 112. This colour was my second fav lipstick after Bad Girl Riri. When I found out they are discounted, I was heartbroken and again went to a MAC counter to find a similiar colour. It's not the same shade as 112 but similar. Del Rio is a rich plum colour with brown undertones, like plum brown. Great to wear with a simple one shade eyeshadow, cat eye and contoured cheeks. 

I am loving these muted rose brown lip colours! What do you think about them? Also, if you know another dupe for Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Matte Lipstick in 112, I would be ever grateful. 

My Day Time Kiehl's Routine

My favourite skincare brand is Kiehl's. I have been using them for years and have tried almost all their best sellers. I often tell myself to try something else in the market, but I find myself going back to Kiehl's all the time. I mean, why fix something that isn't broken right? A few weeks back, I dropped by Kiehl's to pick up my staples that I have run out. Below are my Day Time Kiehl's staples. Before I put the three products on, I would cleanse my face with their Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash and proceed with the products below.

Why You Need To Drink More Water

The past couple of weeks, I have been unwell. Body aches, sore eyes, stomach cramps, feeling feverish and just overall unwell. The funny thing was I was completely fine one minute and not the next. I thought it was just me, tired from a long night. I went to work like normal and I was still feeling feverish. I went home, took some medication, had a hot porridge for dinner and slept early. Next day, I felt slightly better but still feverish, but I could somehow sense that my body wasn't fighting whatever I was getting as fast as it should. So I went to see a doctor, I explained to her what was happening to my body. At that point, I developed a cold sore - That was a sign of something viral in my body. She asked me to take a urine test to see if I was drinking enough water. Test results showed that I was hydrated. Really hydrated.

Crime Podcasts You Need To Get On Now

It all started one night when Don wanted to go bed early and I was left with nothing to do. I had everything I needed for the next day prepped. I didn't feel like watching Netflix or scrolling the Internet. I started playing around my phone and opened random folders of apps you don't use or don't know what's for. I tapped on the Podcast app and since then my life has changed. There is an undiscovered world of podcasts I have not ventured into! I have been listening to them every day for the past few weeks. I don't think I've ever mentioned this on blushingkay. I am a huge crime tv show fan. I love CSI, Bones, Law and Order, NCIS, Criminal Minds and Sherlock to name a few.  If you haven't listened to a podcast before or any of the podcasts I listed below, you need to get on it now!

Here are some of my crime podcast favorites

Long Distance Relationship: Conversations To Not Have Over Text

I love texting. I love how easy it's to communicate with Don over text. If it wasn't for texting, Don and I wouldn't have gotten together. Texting cuts the anxiety, nervousness and social awkwardness of trying to talk to someone for the first time. We're able to express a lot more when we text someone because there is no pressure of the person standing in front of you expecting an answer ASAP. Even though it's easier to express your feelings on a text message, there are still some things that should be said over a phone call or in person ESPECIALLY if you're in a long-distance relationship like myself.

Below are conversations you shouldn't have over text

Christmas Wishlist 2015

It's the season to be jolly! A weeks back I posted gift guides for HER, HIM and THEM. Today is about ME. My Christmas wishlist. To be honest, my family and I don't really celebrate Christmas. We do the whole Christmas thing - Christmas meals and gift giving for an excuse to eat roast and get presents. Whenever my parents or Don ask me what I want for Christmas I just say, get me whatever you want. Even when I do Secret Santa, I don't put anything on my wishlist. Because, it's the season to be jolly! I just want to spend time with my loved ones. My colleagues and family would get frustrated at me.  Since it's the festive season I thought I would make everyone's life easier, I decided to make this list for my Secret Santas (I have 3 secret Santas this year!) and hopefully inspire some last minute gifts for some of you reading this.

So here's my 2015 Christmas Wishlist.

10 Good Beauty Habits To Pick Up

Here are some good beauty habits to pick up that won't change your lifestyle or routine. Okay, maybe a little but once you pick these habits up, trust me. Your face and body will thank you for it.

Nothing worth it comes easy

This is a little hump day pick-me-up for those who is finding the week a little tough! May all the difficulties you're facing be worth the efforts. Something that is worth it doesn't come easily. Don't be discouraged by the obstacles, hardship and distance (for those long-distance relationships). whatever you're fighting for, will be worth it!

I wish you an awesome day! 

Zalora's BIGGEST SALE is Near! 12 12 Online Fever

I spent many years experimenting and I think I found my own personal style, which are stripes, neutrals (mostly black) and floral prints. I didn't realise that I was always buying floral, stripes and neutrals until Don pointed it out. If you are a follower on my Instagram and seen most of the outfits I wear. They're pretty much all from Zalora. I have been a fan of their website since Day 1. I am constantly on their website checking out the latest arrival and finding the best deals. Whenever I need to take a break from work or to do thinking about things for a few minutes. I would scroll through their website. I have a Zalora tab permanently opened. Every day I add something to my wishlist. Currently, my wishlist has over 50 things (No shame!)

Cool but Random Christmas Gifts Guide 2015

If you're looking for something for some cool and random for a friend, family member or colleague! I think you've come to the right place. Maybe not exactly the right place, but I hope to give you ideas. I think giving someone a quirky gift can be really fun.

20 days until I get to see this boy

12 Beauty Tips I Wish I Knew Sooner (Not Years Later)

I am a long time beauty lover. There are some things where I learned from friends and family, some I learn from the internet and some I picked up myself. The things I learned by trial and errors are some of the things I wished I knew sooner. These are some of the things where it's the smallest changes that make a significant difference. Don't you hate that? I am super grateful for the tips I found over the years and here I am sharing it with you.

Christmas Presents for Him 2015

Buying presents for the men in your life can be a little tricky. It may be easy for some, but for me, it's kinda hard because most men I know have very different taste in things. I find buying them anything technology related is the safest. With Christmas less than one month away. Here are some Christmas gift ideas you can get for the men in your life + if you're living with them. You can also use them! It's a 2 in 1 present. Not only that, this are perfect gifts for couples who are in long-distance relationships. Some of the gifts I've chosen can help elevate your relationship. Like the headphones and power bank. Don't you think?

December Goals

BLOG

Layout
I said last month that I want to change my layout. I tried to get it all done before November, but I took so long to decide what I wanted to do. It delayed my timeline. After much consideration, I have decided that I am going to move to WordPress! I have been wanting to do this for the longest time but held back because I have been with blogger for so long (almost 10 years). Wordpress has better features for me to grow as a blogger. I am hoping to post my next entries with my new website! Stay tuned for that!

Traffic to blog

Last month, I said I wanted to push my blog on social media - Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. I have been posting some of my blog posts on my Facebook and I have been getting so much love. I also changed my Instagram handle to my blog name to keep my online presence consistent. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram, if you haven't already. I am still slow on Twitter. I'll get there! This month, I am going to continue what I am doing and push more on my social media. 

Comment on other blogs

I have been actively commenting on other people's blog the whole of last month. Oh boy, this was a game changer. I have received so many positive feedback and love from everyone. I've also been making friends with bloggers from around the world. I want to smack myself for not doing this earlier. Again, I am going to continue commenting on other blogs daily.

10 Beauty Resolution for 2016

The year 2015 is coming to an end, I thought I get a head start on my New Year resolutions. 2015 has been a good year, but I want 2016 to be a better year. I decided to break down my planning into sections starting with beauty! This year I focused a lot of makeup and neglected my skincare. As most of you beauty lovers know, the first step in getting a gorgeous full on makeup face is having good skin. I thought I'd share with you, my beauty resolution below!

Christmas Gifts For Her 2015

It's that time of the year! The festive season of family, food and presents! I love giving presents especially when I know the person receiving will love or has been wanting the present. I love the look on their faces when they open the gift. It's such a nice feeling. Here are some suggestions for you to give your sister, girlfriends or any important female member in your life.

8 Tips On How To Save Money

Since I started working last year, I have been trying to build a healthy savings account. Having to switch on my "adult" mode - I didn't know there are so many things a 20 something adults needs to save money for - a car, a house, wedding and the occasional holidays. Now, with the horrible financial turmoil Malaysia is going through now, everything is so expensive! Things that were affordable are double in price. Suddenly, I find myself working out ways to save money while trying to afford a trip to see Don, hang out with my girlfriends and enjoy life. 

Here are some ways I save money:

4 Habits You Can't Learn About Your Partner When Your Are in A Long Distance Relationship

You can learn a lot about your partner by having strong communication skills and constant communication (E.g: texting, calling and etc). After hours of talking, you will eventually learn how to read their tone, their conversation skills and such. Having good communication skills is one of the foundations of a long-distance relationship. But when you're in a long-distance relationship, there are some things you can't learn about your partner. These are the kinds of things that you need to be physically together to see and experience it.

Here are four things you only learn about your partner when you guys are physically together

Be Kind and Love Yourself

Lately, I have been feeling a little off and unhappy with things. I worry over nothing, I overthink situations, I get upset for no reason and I have been self-loathing. I hate my body. I hate the fact that I am breaking out. I hate that my hair is not turning out the way I want it to. I hate that my blog is not growing as fast as I want it to. I hardly ever say things about myself but the past couple of weeks. I have been really hating on myself "I feel fat" "I have wrinkles" "I am still not flexible despite going for yoga" "I paid so much money for my hair and yet, I've not achieved the colour I want" I knew it was because I have not worked out in a while. I mentioned this to Don and I got a little defensive when Don asked me when was the last time I worked out and it was longer than I liked to admit.

30 days

It's 30 days until I get to see Don for Christmas holidays!! I can't wait. Christmas presents to be bought and wrapped. Dates and QT to be planned. 1 month. 4 weeks. 30 days! 

x

14 Bad Beauty Habits

As much as I pride myself a beauty junkie with good habits. I lied. I have so many bad habits that it is a shame to call me a beauty lover. I know the importance of keeping good makeup habits and sometimes preach it to my girlfriends. Just like anyone else, I too fall off the wagon and don't practice what I preach. 

Below are some of my bad beauty habits that I am not proud of

14 Little Ways To Start Living Healthier

Running around the foreshore!

Being with Don has made me more conscious on my health. He managed to help me kick a bad habit (smoking) by telling me that facts and the effects of it to us and the people around me. Not by telling me STOP BECAUSE ITS DISGUSTING AND YOU'RE A HORRIBLE PERSON. Staying healthier and being fit is not only for you, it's also for the people around you. Friends and family who love you. When you fall sick, it's them who has to take care of you. If anything happens to you, it's them who worries about you. Their mental health goes down with your selfishness. I want a long lasting life with Don and my loved ones. Since then, I have been putting a conscious mind to be healthier, both mind and body.

Here are some things I have been doing:

16 Things To Tell Yourself Everyday

This post is for those who is having a hard week and struggling with whatever that is worrying you. There are days when I get haunted by things people indirectly say to me or feel like I am not working hard enough as compared to my friends who earn way more. I try my best to stay optimistic and positive, it can get a little hard. Every time I feel all of the above, I give myself a pep talk to feel invisible.

Here's are some of my favourite pick-me-ups.

Long Distance Relationships: 6 Positive Advice From People Who Are in LDRs

I was feeling a little down yesterday and needed something to pick me up. I was having one of those days where things weren't going right, people were ticking me off and for some weird reason I felt insecure about my relationship. I wanted to talk to Don, but he was busy at work and I didn't want to bother him with my hormonal self. So, I went to my best friend - Mr Google! I wanted to read something while lying in bed and aimlessly scroll my phone. I went through my list of long distance relationship bloggers to read their love stories. It was then I realised that no one has ever said anything positive about long distance relationships. Including myself, most of the posts I've written are things I hate about LDRs or sucky parts about LDRs. I realised that most people in LDR or articles and blogs don't always give our positive advice. They just tell us how to go through LDRs, what to expect and etc. 

I am part of some awesome long distance relationship communities for support. LDR outreach and LDRBN blogs. I asked a few of them if they were given any positive advice from friends and family. Here are some that shared their positive bits of advice they received from their loved ones.

The Second Last Day: Pulp Cafe in Bangsar

I didn't want to write this post because it's a cafe/coffee post and I didn't take any photos of our coffee! Such a rookie mistake. The best thing part is, we had three coffees on our table! Two for Don and one for me. I thought I still post these photos up, just because. Don is seriously addicted to coffee. He needs coffee to live. I will never forget my mom's advice - The way to a man's heart is through his stomach! Every morning when he was here in KL, I made sure Don has his breakfast and coffee, so I don't have to worry about feeding him. 

Current Life Staples

I thought I switch it up a little over here and show you my current life staples. These are the current things I NEED in my life or more like things I currently love and have been using for some time. I was going to add my phone in the picture, but we all know our phones is equivalent to the air we breathe. I get bored of things really fast. I am always wanting new things to do, to try, change and etc. So using a bag between 3-5 weeks is considered really good. Almost a staple because I love the bag and I now know I can use something that I won't get bored easily.

Bangkok in Kodak Dispoable Camera

A couple months ago, Don and I went on a short trip a weekend trip to Bangkok. It was our first trip together as a couple. I wanted to take lots of photos for memory sake and blogging sake. At the same time, I didn't want to be too caught up with INEEDTODOCUMENTTHISNOW. We were there to have a nice time and enjoy each other's company outside Perth and Kuala Lumpur.  After discovering a bunch of the Kodak disposable camera in Coles, I went back to buy everything off the shelf. Probably one of the best decisions I've made because ever since then, they stopped stocking them. :( 

But anyways, below are some of the film photos I took from my Kodak disposable camera. Hope you enjoy them! 

Lang Suan Road

Glamping at Kota Tinggi: Canopy Tribes

Futsal is an important part of my life. I love doing team sports. I get a lot of satisfaction when I work out or do things in a team because, in truth, I am a homebody. I can stay in the whole day, have zero human interaction and be happy with my screens (Maybe this is why long distance relationships work for me, haha!). Futsal is my healthy escape. Playing futsal with different groups of people from different walks of life, I managed to develop many potential lifetime friendships. I don't know how it happened, from hanging out after futsal for drinks, meeting up outside futsal for coffee and chats. We started becoming close (a group of at least 15 people! It's a big group!). We have a travel bug in the group and she wanted to go on a staycation before she leaves for her big (second!) UK trip. I didn't think twice when she invited me. I wanted this trip to kick off my wanderlust! 

Being In A Long Distance Relationship: 5 Things I Don't Do Anymore

During one of our nightly phone calls, Don declared that if we were together in person or if we weren't dating. He would be reading right now instead of being on the phone with me. I was really taken back his remark. I told him that if he wanted to read instead of talking to me, I would be fine with it. To which he replied saying, he prefers talking to me instead of reading even though he enjoys reading before bed. This lead us to talk about things we used to do before we got into our long-distance relationship. Well, I wouldn't say it was big things but definitely some lifestyle changes to accommodate to our relationship. Read on below for things I don't do anymore ever since being in a long-distance relationship. 

4 Way To Do A Makeup Detox

As a beauty junkie, my makeup collection can get a little excessive. It has become a little overwhelming for me since I hardly wear a full makeup face. My daily routine consists of me sitting in an office the whole day and going home to sleep. There isn't a need for me to wear a full face makeup to work unless I go out and meet clients. Over the years, my collection has (quietly) grown and so has my style. I used to love wearing dark smokey eyes, bold lips and thick eyeliners. Now I prefer to wear no-makeup makeup and keeping everything simple and fresh looking. I have many unused makeups and I am finding it really hard to let it go! I have an emotional attachment to them, but I need to grow up and let things go, starting with my makeups. 

Here are my tips on how I went on my makeup detox:

Coldplay Turning My Magic On

Last weekend was a full on packed one for me. I had to attend three weddings in two days. I was one of the bride maids to the beautiful bride. I am not one to feel sappy or emotional at weddings, but for the past two weddings that I have been heavily involved. I get teary eyed or really emotional when the guy says the solemnization of matrimony. The couple has been my friends for a while and seeing them together, married. I feel utmost happiness and joy for them.

5 Simple Steps To Get Out From A Rut

I have been in a rut for the past few weeks. I've been so uninspired and demotivated to do anything. My room and laundry can be proof that I have not been in the mood to do anything! Laundry waiting to be folded. My makeup table is full of makeup that needs to be put away. My desk. Let's not go there. Thank god, I am sane enough to bring down my dirty laundry for washing. This rut that I have been in is also making me have a writer's block. I usually have my blog post entries written and scheduled a week in advance. By doing this, it gives me time to do research, edit photos and etc for the following week's posts. Ever since I got home from my visit to see Don. I was severely suffering from post-holiday blues. It was so hard to leave to Perth and come back to gloomy, hazy KL. I needed to do something about this rut and slowly picked myself up. 

Here's are 5 simple steps to get out from a rut

How To Handle Your FOMO

In the simplest explanation, FOMO means Fear of Missing Out. Having fomo means have the fear of missing out on social events, things happening, having the latest things or posts seen on social media. 

I personally think that smartphones and social media are the cause of FOMO. Everyone is constantly updating things and people are feeding off from it. If you're not in tuned with the latest celebrity gossip, product out, looked at what that girl or that guy is up to on IG or watched the latest video within hours of it being launched. You are missing out! News on social media hype so fast like a paparazzi spotting a celebrity in a skort and die down equally as fast! There is a constant pressure to be on top of things and show off to people what a great life you have. Your amazing holiday photos, your #relationshipgoals photos and delicious meals at fancy restaurants.

My Top 7 Favourite Long Distance Relationship Videos

I am a romantic. I love a good love story. I love listening to my friends talk about their partners with so much joy and affection. Especially when you can hear the love in their voices. Haha, I guess I am friends with the right people. Everyone's love story is different. Be it close proximity relationships or long distance relationship. Out of my close girlfriends, two of us are in long distance relationships (including me). We are each other's support system, but life and work often get in the way of us to meet up for hugs and support. So I find other ways to ease this empty void of loneliness - work, playing futsal, meeting up with friends and etc. One of the things I found myself trying to 'get by' on hard days is looking for other couples to relate to. Couples who are also in long distance relationships. This was before LDRBN reached out to me. I found it on Youtube! I don't know what came across me one day to search 'long distance relationship' on Youtube. When the search turned up with SO MANY videos of couples in LDRs. I was ecstatic! A few tears were shed that night and it made me very hopeful of my relationship. 

Watching long distance relationships has definitely made me more positive of my relationship. When we first started going out, I was a little hesitant because the distance was not our only hurdle. We have so many hurdles to overcome especially when we both come different cultures. These videos (particularly interracial LDRs) gave me a lot of hopes. The couples were really positive and optimistic and truly appreciated their relationship enough to make videos of it! Some of the videos were awesomely edited! I will say this again and again, I feel really blessed that Don and I have it easy compared to other LDRs. I can't complain. 

Below are some of my favorite long distance relationship youtube videos! I hope you enjoy them.

November Goals

Hello, November! Did you guys have a great Halloween? Sadly this year I didn't get to dress up and party because I had a wedding to attend. I had a great time at the wedding, though. So many laughter, tears, and love. The groom's mother cried during the speech. You could feel everyone's hearts breaking. I am pretty sure that tears were shed when the groom got up to hug his mother. That's when you know you married the right guy. You can tell a man by how he treats his mother. That was my fruitful Halloween night. 

Here're my monthly goals for November. 

TOP HIGHLIGHTS OF OCTOBER

1. Been wanting to fix my brassiness for months now and I finally did it! Ombre of brown, ash and grey hair.

Unplugging

It's been a busy week for me and I need a chill pill. There're so many things going on in my mind that I need to GETITDONERIGHTNOW but can't. So I'm fidgety and restless. The other day, I left my laptop charger at work. I left work with only 20% battery on my laptop. It didn't take very long for my laptop battery to go flat. I was forced to have a No-screen night. I picked up a book and read. Something I have not done in a while! I love reading and enjoy a good book, but there this thing called the internet that's distracting me. 

Life Is A Beach, I'm Just Playing In The Sand

It was my first trip to Cottesloe that made me fall in love with Perth, seven years ago. I remember being so overwhelmed by its majestic view. Blue skies. Soft white sand. Clear waters. I took SO many photos at the beach, so I can document how beautiful the view and the atmosphere. I grew up in the urban jungle where we have to drive out for hours to see a decent looking beach. Seeing the horizon, how blue and sunny the beach was, it was love at first sight for me.