tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311593182024-03-12T18:26:53.870-07:00mszjackiechuThe personal beauty, health and wellness blog of Jackie Chu. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-16403676139166498872014-09-14T18:47:00.000-07:002014-09-14T18:47:02.694-07:00Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Review + Swatches<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ugIuBIShAM/VBY-u3W3hcI/AAAAAAAABqw/8zBEp9OUTuA/s1600/sallyhansen-miraclegelreview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ugIuBIShAM/VBY-u3W3hcI/AAAAAAAABqw/8zBEp9OUTuA/s1600/sallyhansen-miraclegelreview.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hi hi pretty people :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So today I wanted to do a quick review of the <a href="http://www.sallyhansen.com/nails/nail-color/color/miracle-gel%E2%84%A2" target="_blank">Sally Hansen Miracle Gel</a> Line. So what is Sally Hansen Miracle Gel? Basically this is their alternative to traditional gel or <a href="http://www.sallyhansen.com/nails/nail-color/color/miracle-gel%E2%84%A2" target="_blank">shellac</a> manicures. It touts:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>No LED light needed</li>
<li>No need to "prepare" the nail or roughen it</li>
<li>Up to 14 days of wear</li>
<li>Easy removal with normal nail polish remover</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Where to buy:</b></div>
<div>
Not going to lie. These suckers are HARD to hunt down. But find them at CVS or Target. CVS tends to have a better selection AND they're currently running a special: buy 2 get $5 "extra bucks" back.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>The brush: </b>Ahh, a critical part of the application process. I did enjoy the brush- nice and wide and sort of reminiscent of OPI.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>The application:</b> Okay okay, this is where it fell apart. Application is a painfully slow, finicky process that will make you want to tear your hair out. 4 coats later and still not opaque? You must be kidding me. And on top of that, the formula is thick and takes <i>forever </i>to dry. The "Miracle Gel" top coat is also a nightmare- thick, goopy and painfully dull for a top coat. Shouldn't top coats be glossy?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Wear: </b>The redeeming factor. The miracle gel lives up to it's promise, and 6 days later still no noticeable chipping. I couldn't stand looking at "B Girl" any longer than 6 days, but I figure by then you'd be tired of the same.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQA9p8Ud9go/VBY-uIYPn0I/AAAAAAAABqg/M8eK0-g4WnM/s1600/miraclegel-brushcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hQA9p8Ud9go/VBY-uIYPn0I/AAAAAAAABqg/M8eK0-g4WnM/s1600/miraclegel-brushcloseup.jpg" height="640" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_jKhxQqORU/VBY-oqRpBMI/AAAAAAAABqY/GrH06AYdp_Q/s1600/All%2BChalked%2BUp%2Band%2BCreme%2Bde%2Bla%2Bcreme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k_jKhxQqORU/VBY-oqRpBMI/AAAAAAAABqY/GrH06AYdp_Q/s1600/All%2BChalked%2BUp%2Band%2BCreme%2Bde%2Bla%2Bcreme.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fEzUvNQql0w/VBY-0F3gFEI/AAAAAAAABrI/lC4kM-pY088/s1600/SallyHansen-bgirl-swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fEzUvNQql0w/VBY-0F3gFEI/AAAAAAAABrI/lC4kM-pY088/s1600/SallyHansen-bgirl-swatch.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xd5rWyVtCCk/VBY-uBBdAhI/AAAAAAAABrA/Ub7__KsoNrE/s1600/Miraclegel-linedup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xd5rWyVtCCk/VBY-uBBdAhI/AAAAAAAABrA/Ub7__KsoNrE/s1600/Miraclegel-linedup.jpg" height="418" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
L to R: Get Mod, B Girl, Creme de la Creme, All Chalked Up, Top Coat</div>
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><b>So out of all the colors I got, here are my thoughts:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Get Mod: </b>Your basic shiny white. 3 coats until opaque.</li>
<li><b>B Girl:</b> A muted tiffany / aqua blue. Took 4 coats, still not opaque. Streaky but good wear.</li>
<li><b>Creme de la Creme: </b>A pearlescent opal with pink tinge. 2 coats and fairly opaque.</li>
<li><b>All Chalked Up:</b> A "dirty lavender". About 3 coats until opaque.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>So would I buy again? </b>Probably- but only the colors I really, <i>really l</i>ike. I've been trying to hunt down "<a href="http://imabeautygeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Sally-Hansen-Sugar-Fix-Miracle-Gel-450x450.jpg" target="_blank">Sugar Fix</a>" for some time but to no avail. I have to give them credit- these last a long time in the wear and tear department. They did promise <i>good wear</i> and NOT good application after all. But I just wish the application and finish was a bit more beautiful. However, removal was easy and 6 days no chips is indeed a "miracle" in my book.<br />
<br />
And that's it ladies! What do you think? Will you be picking these up? :) Let me know in the comments below!<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
Jackie<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-33806532147534041752014-09-06T15:01:00.000-07:002014-09-06T15:05:49.723-07:00New Place & a Mini Godiva Mooncake Review<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VrdUMdn5GeY/VAuDTb0249I/AAAAAAAABp8/ND-c7YxAE9M/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-09-06%2Bat%2B2.56.58%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VrdUMdn5GeY/VAuDTb0249I/AAAAAAAABp8/ND-c7YxAE9M/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-09-06%2Bat%2B2.56.58%2BPM.png" height="400" width="356" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Celebratory moving photo- via iPhone</span></div>
<br />
So I did it. I finally moved. I've been dying to move ever since I first came to LA, but decided to wait out my lease until the *perfect* apartment and space came along. I finally found it! And I'm now a happy resident of West LA. :) I'll be sure to give everyone a tour once I'm fully settled in.<br />
<br />
On another note, apparently Monday is the annual Mooncake festival. Because I'm a terrible Chinese person, I didn't even know until my friends over at Godiva sent me some special LE Godiva mooncakes! You guys, I love Godiva. It's a real problem. I'm even opted in to their monthly "<a href="http://www.godiva.com/rewards-club/Rewards-Club-FAQ-Modal.html" target="_blank">free bonbon</a>" program that always suckers me in to buying a $8 chocolate strawberry when I'm at the store. But I digress.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mooncake" target="_blank">Mooncakes</a> are usually eaten during the annual <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_Festival" target="_blank">Mid-Autmun festival</a>, which is held on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Lunar Calendar. They're not cake-y in the American sense. They're dense, very rich, and have no frosting or other bells and whistles. They're also really expensive- and you'll see families and business acquaintances giving them to each other as presents. Typically you'll find a dense red bean paste or lotus seed paste inside. Because they're so rich usually one mooncake is shared between many people, and washed down with a bit of hot tea.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zckQ3fy_Vms/VAt3lqYU9kI/AAAAAAAABo8/-HC8UAMeUMQ/s1600/Godiva-Mooncake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zckQ3fy_Vms/VAt3lqYU9kI/AAAAAAAABo8/-HC8UAMeUMQ/s1600/Godiva-Mooncake1.jpg" height="640" width="356" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-im6v579LRBc/VAt3luYKl-I/AAAAAAAABpA/etK6ZlRC6oY/s1600/Godiva-mooncake2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-im6v579LRBc/VAt3luYKl-I/AAAAAAAABpA/etK6ZlRC6oY/s1600/Godiva-mooncake2.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One large "moocake" surrounded by many, smaller "mooncakes".</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lL89eswMSuU/VAt3meW6ajI/AAAAAAAABpI/PeUcMyerkHE/s1600/godiva-mooncake3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lL89eswMSuU/VAt3meW6ajI/AAAAAAAABpI/PeUcMyerkHE/s1600/godiva-mooncake3.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mandarin Black Tea Mooncake with Dark Chocolate</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viGiORRvpnk/VAt3lYN1WEI/AAAAAAAABo4/KsSLm7gk9Ek/s1600/Godiva-mooncake4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-viGiORRvpnk/VAt3lYN1WEI/AAAAAAAABo4/KsSLm7gk9Ek/s1600/Godiva-mooncake4.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Goji Berry Black Tea Mooncake with Milk Chocolate</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbJx7nWITCM/VAt3mCQipBI/AAAAAAAABpE/j-8_MyyzaPQ/s1600/Godiva-mooncake5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbJx7nWITCM/VAt3mCQipBI/AAAAAAAABpE/j-8_MyyzaPQ/s1600/Godiva-mooncake5.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mango Green Tea Mooncake with White Chocolate</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As far as taste, both I and the new roomie agreed the dark chocolate was the best flavor. Our second favorite was the white chocolate, that was pleasantly light and had crunchy nougat bits inside. To be honest they don't remind me of mooncake at all- which makes me happy since I'd rather eat chocolate over mooncake any day. These could be a great twist on the traditional mooncake, and can be purchased over at Godiva stores and <a href="http://www.godiva.com/mid-autumn-festival" target="_blank">online</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to say- I'm pretty happy with how these photos turned out. Ever since I changed jobs and started working with some FANTASTICALLY talented bloggers, it's really inspired me to step my photography game up. Part of why I chose my new apartment is because it's flooded with light, thanks to a bevy of floor-to-ceiling windows. It's so much easier to take photos now, look at how wonderfully bright these are :)! Nothing beats "real" light.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since moving to LA I've also become obsessed with the local farmer's market. Because I figured I needed a bit of greenery in my new space, I started planting herbs along my balcony outside. The first plant I had to buy, fully sprouted. It kind of feels like<i> cheating</i>. Mint is really easy to take care of (it's borderline invasive and needs a pot) but it's hard to get started. After some lengthy Googling I stumbled on to the chocolate mint plant. Yes guys, a real plant that smells/tastes like a chocolate Andes mint. AMAZING. This will probably make the best iced coffee ever. I picked it up for $3.99 at a local nursery.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppzlNZa9NZo/VAt4YsGzf_I/AAAAAAAABpg/hPLGB1lh7Sk/s1600/Chocolate-mintplant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ppzlNZa9NZo/VAt4YsGzf_I/AAAAAAAABpg/hPLGB1lh7Sk/s1600/Chocolate-mintplant.jpg" height="640" width="359" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So the leaves are a bit thicker and darker than a typical spearmint plant, which is the plant that's most commonly sold as "mint". I'm not a fan of how the runners are long and ivy-like so that they droop down, but I'm so excited to see how it tastes and turns out. I hope I don't kill it- I don't have much luck with plants :) or anything for that matter. I think I'll also get a normal spearmint plant since I like the aesthetics a bit better. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsLf6eVv9Xc/VAuA4RXXysI/AAAAAAAABp0/0wGoZNkkeds/s1600/SallyHansen-Miracle-Gel-Bgirl-Swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fsLf6eVv9Xc/VAuA4RXXysI/AAAAAAAABp0/0wGoZNkkeds/s1600/SallyHansen-Miracle-Gel-Bgirl-Swatch.jpg" height="355" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In case you're wondering what's on the nails, it's Sally Hansen's Miracle Gel in "B Girl". I had to hunt this sucker down, on a journey that took me from Target, then another Target and finally to CVS. The application was terrible, but it seems to be holding up pretty well and I'll follow up with a review later.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Happy Mid-Autumn festival to everyone celebrating. How do you like mooncake? Let me know! :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">FTC: Mooncakes gifted by Godiva Chocolates, I was not paid to make this post.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-38257202419294733462014-08-17T17:47:00.001-07:002014-08-17T18:12:17.090-07:00My Eyebrow Tattoo ExperienceWhy hello there :)<br />
<br />
Since I had some free time today I figured i'd talk about my newest obsession- my tattooed eyebrows! Now now... I know what you're thinking. You're thinking I probably look like I have some of these:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKTcrfg5Nek/U_FE8STmb7I/AAAAAAAABoE/XU38izN5FAE/s1600/bad-eyebrow-tattoo.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JKTcrfg5Nek/U_FE8STmb7I/AAAAAAAABoE/XU38izN5FAE/s1600/bad-eyebrow-tattoo.jpeg" /></a></div>
But tattooed eyebrows have come so far since the days of our parent's tragic, blue/grey/green tattoos. I first became interested in tattooed eyebrows because (like most Asians) my brows are naturally sparse, and a bit uneven. Nothing I couldn't live with but I just wanted them to be more shapely, and with minimal effort because I am <u>LAZY</u>.<br />
<br />
After some Yelp sleuthing I decided on <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/cc-permanent-makeup-los-angeles?osq=eyebrows" target="_blank">CC Permanent Makeup</a>, in Los Angeles, CA near Koreatown. I was torn between her and <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/sherri-permanent-makeup-los-angeles?osq=eyebrows" target="_blank">Sherri</a>, since together they sort of have a monopoly on the whole business in LA. They both share a similar aesthetic and technique, but CC had overall better reviews so I went with her instead. Here are some basics:<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Cost: </b>$300 (not including tip, includes free touchup)<br />
<b>How long does it last: </b>2-3 years, depending on care and sun exposure (wear sunscreen!)<br />
<b>How long did it take: </b>Altogether including the tattoo and consultation 75 minutes<br />
<b>The actual tattoo part:</b> Maybe 5-10 minutes<br />
<b>Healing time: </b>5-7 days<br />
<b>Pain level:</b> low<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzy2j7B2-_I/U_FKutw83UI/AAAAAAAABog/OfrS7IXt8iw/s1600/before-eyebrow-tattoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzy2j7B2-_I/U_FKutw83UI/AAAAAAAABog/OfrS7IXt8iw/s1600/before-eyebrow-tattoo.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a><br />
<h4>
<b>The Experience </b></h4>
When you first come in they'll numb you up with a topical numbing cream. Then you'll die of boredom for the next 30 minutes while the numbing cream does it's magic. Bring a magazine or a fully charged cellphone because you'll be antsy with nothing to do.<br />
<br />
After it's had some time to sink in they'll remove the numbing cream. This is the part where you'll go back and forth with CC, deciding on the best shape and thickness of the tattoo. This is when I knew I had picked the right person- she's incredibly knowledgable but you can tell she wants you to be happy with the final result. She initially drew on eyebrows that were super arched- I loved them, but it was a bit too much of a different look for me to be comfortable with. A lot of people say to trust them, and I agree the eyebrows looked fantastic but it was just too much of a dramatic change to commit to on the spot. We settled somewhere in-between and her assistant came back in to "poke" the numbing cream deeper in to the skin. Admittedly this is the most uncomfortable part- but it's uncomfortable more than painful.<br />
<br />
CC then quickly filled in my brows, while making fun of a particularly large pimple that was erupting out of my face. After a few minutes, we were totally done! I paid, was given aftercare instructions and went home.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyqG4SnZGrw/U_FJ_yyVrXI/AAAAAAAABoY/HeW2kdqjHBM/s1600/eyebrowtattoo-after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyqG4SnZGrw/U_FJ_yyVrXI/AAAAAAAABoY/HeW2kdqjHBM/s1600/eyebrowtattoo-after.jpg" height="247" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see the individual "hair strokes" in this photo.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<b>Healing Process</b></h4>
<br />
This is easily the hardest part. Healing eyebrows are ITCHY. And you can't get them wet. I purchased large, wound care bandages and cut them in half for my daily showers. In retrospect I really should have just toughed it out and washed my face with some face wipes. If the tattoo becomes too itchy, put a small amount of ointment on a clean q-tip and apply it along the length of your brows. This usually relieved the itchiness for me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RY7DdcYxQyM/U_FL0rAojoI/AAAAAAAABoo/tN82QSZ1dJY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-08-17%2Bat%2B5.26.08%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RY7DdcYxQyM/U_FL0rAojoI/AAAAAAAABoo/tN82QSZ1dJY/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2014-08-17%2Bat%2B5.26.08%2BPM.png" height="175" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day after- soooo dark.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also beware, these are incredibly dark when you first get them. Unless you like a stronger brow, you'll feel pretty uncomfortable about it the first few days. They get even darker on day 2, but will fade back to an acceptable color at around day 4-5 after the scabs begin to peel.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5w10PDZby8/U_FJFhKqVAI/AAAAAAAABoQ/2XHX12UGv_4/s1600/eyebrow-tattoo-healed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5w10PDZby8/U_FJFhKqVAI/AAAAAAAABoQ/2XHX12UGv_4/s1600/eyebrow-tattoo-healed.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">6 days after- not filled in!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><b style="text-align: center;">Enjoy your new brows!</b></h4>
I still fill mine in from time to time, but I like how they look without brow powder as well. I really recommend this to everyone- especially because many girls I know feel uncomfortable without filling in their brows daily. This is such a beautiful alternative- that you can't rub off on hot, sweaty days :) Let me know if you have any questions. And I'd be happy to answer them below!<br />
<br />
<br />
PS. Sorry for the crappy photos. I promise I took some amazing ones on my DSLR- which I accidentally deleted like a idiot while filming the video you can watch below. Tragic, I know. Someone give me a Darwin award right now, please.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QE_l4p-S6Ik" width="560"></iframe></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-36016239893241920852014-04-25T01:36:00.000-07:002014-04-25T02:00:33.850-07:005 Asian Skincare Products You MUST TryOh hey there, long time no see.<br />
<br />
So I'm finally settled in, and getting a chance to work on <i>my own brand</i>. AKA the mszjackiechu- with a "z". Believe it or not, not a day goes by that I don't think about Youtube in some way. And since I haven't chopped down my welcome back video (yet, that's coming this weekend), I figured I'd do a quick blog rounding up my favorite Asian skincare products.<br />
<br />
I've always been such a huge proponent of skincare. Since moving to LA, I've been breaking out quite a bit so I've started religiously applying all of my serums and potions once again. I think my renewed love for skincare is partially due in part to an <a href="http://intothegloss.com/2013/10/pharrell-williams-interview/" target="_blank">interview I saw featuring Pharrell</a>, where he confessed everything he knew about skincare came from supermodel Naomi Campbell (another ageless vampire). The most important take away? She stressed the skin you have now, is the skin you'll have later in life. I'm not old by any means...but I definitely wouldn't mind aging a bit better would you? That made me take a hard look in the mirror where I had to admit, my skin wasn't looking so hot these days.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRH-9GPMvyw/U1oZvjMbx7I/AAAAAAAABl8/UejP3mxBJ1Y/s1600/pharrel.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KRH-9GPMvyw/U1oZvjMbx7I/AAAAAAAABl8/UejP3mxBJ1Y/s1600/pharrel.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at his baby soft skin- at FOURTY-ONE. Oh. Em. Gee. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Besides Proactive and Queen Helene's Mint Julep Masque (ahh-mazing) I use exclusively Asian skincare products. Asian skincare is a kind of weird, funny and expensive realm. To help navigate it for you, I'll show you my MUST have products I use to keep my skin looking bright, even and beautiful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L3maXokNtfg/U1oU64oAf4I/AAAAAAAABlY/z3s2zqoPbjc/s1600/my-beauty-diary-black-pearl-mask.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L3maXokNtfg/U1oU64oAf4I/AAAAAAAABlY/z3s2zqoPbjc/s1600/my-beauty-diary-black-pearl-mask.jpg" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Sheet Face Masks</span></h3>
I LOVE face masks. Seriously. Love this stuff. Sheet masks are individually wrapped packs of cotton masks drenched in facial serum that you wear over a freshly washed face for about 10-15 minutes. After I take the mask off I spend another 2-3 minutes rubbing it in, to make sure I get all of it's chemical goodness and then wash my face promptly after. Some people just let it air dry and leave it be- but this clogs my pores so I make it a point to always wash my face. My favorites are <b>My Beauty Diary's Arbutin-A</b> and black pearl masks. Image via <a href="http://www.yesstyle.com/en/my-beauty-diary-black-pearl-mask-english-version-10-pcs/info.html/pid.1033840142" target="_blank">Yesstyle</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1tCaxIxazg/U1oiU48AezI/AAAAAAAABnE/3JlQiSyNoHI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-25+at+1.32.15+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b1tCaxIxazg/U1oiU48AezI/AAAAAAAABnE/3JlQiSyNoHI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-25+at+1.32.15+AM.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Whitening Products</span></h3>
Woah woah woah, not <i>that</i> kind of lightening. There's a lot of misconception with skin whitening that I always try and clear. It's true- there's products in Asia that help people achieve a lighter hue of skin, but for the most part these can be pretty dangerous and aren't legal in the states. The term "<b>whitening</b>" can also be used to describe products that even skin's tone and texture. I have a lot of discoloration from sun damage as I'm genetically prone to freckles and sunspots, so these help keep my skin looking clean and even. They also give it a bit of translucency, that makes my skin look young and fresh and gets rid of that "weathered" look socal sun can cause. My favorite is <a href="http://www.mszjackiechu.com/2014/01/shiseido-white-lucent-line-review.html" target="_blank">Shiseido's White Lucent line</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHPY15pYOE0/U1od-j7SQgI/AAAAAAAABm4/_eo73trT8FQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-25+at+1.33.28+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Nexcare Acne Dressing" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHPY15pYOE0/U1od-j7SQgI/AAAAAAAABm4/_eo73trT8FQ/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-25+at+1.33.28+AM.png" title="" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">
NexCare Acne Dressing</span></h3>
These are literally one of the biggest Asian skincare secrets that no one ever talks about. These small, unassuming round bandages are God's gift to whiteheads and troubled skin. You stick one of these babies on a pimple with a head, and it sucks out all the disgusting insides. <b>No popping</b> necessary! For pimples that don't have a head, I'll sometimes take a (clean!) needle, poke it through and leave it on overnight. Just note these need at least 8 hours to work, and may need multiple tries until the pimple is flat. Not going to lie- I LOVE seeing them filled with pus in the morning. Makes my entire day. If you're buying them in the states, try Amazon or Ebay.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AII2d6vgpho/U1odSGfRD6I/AAAAAAAABmg/ihya5DlTQuQ/s1600/nexcare+acne+patch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AII2d6vgpho/U1odSGfRD6I/AAAAAAAABmg/ihya5DlTQuQ/s1600/nexcare+acne+patch.jpg" height="79" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So. Epic.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-taT2bDJxsWo/U1oYLGkTD4I/AAAAAAAABlw/UFKDqyq5kfM/s1600/Shiseido-water-in-lip-chapstick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-taT2bDJxsWo/U1oYLGkTD4I/AAAAAAAABlw/UFKDqyq5kfM/s1600/Shiseido-water-in-lip-chapstick.jpg" height="320" width="204" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">
Shiseido's Water In Lip Chapstick</span></h3>
This is the most amazing chapstick you will <b>ever</b> try in your life. All my friends think I'm nuts to pay almost $10 for a rinky dink little chapstick but it's worth every cent. It literally melts as you apply it, and instantly you'll have a super kissable, soft pout. You'll know from the second you apply it that you'll never be able to use another chopstick again. The only pain? They're really hard to find, so I usually default to Ebay. My personal favorite flavor is pear- you'll love it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILN9R6iFPkc/U1oc7J24IpI/AAAAAAAABmY/FS0fte6XPyU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-25+at+1.29.16+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cure aqua peeling gel" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ILN9R6iFPkc/U1oc7J24IpI/AAAAAAAABmY/FS0fte6XPyU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-04-25+at+1.29.16+AM.png" height="320" title="" width="140" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">
CURE - Aqua Peeling Gel</span></h3>
I first heard about this product through <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF6vCJ_wGSk" target="_blank">Bubbi</a>, and was super curious because, in case you haven't noticed, her skin is gorgeous. <b>CURE</b> is a cult beauty product in Japan, and it's basically a peeling gel / mild chemical exfoliator. You smooth it on a clean face, let it sit for 30 seconds, and then rub off all your old, yucky skin. Not only will regular exfoliation keep your skin looking younger, it will also help all your pricey serums and moisturizers absorb better. Only caveat- it is pretty pricey at almost $50 a bottle. I'm also a fan of Laneige's peeling gels as well, which are about half that price. They're just as good but a bit heavy on the fragrance. You can buy CURE on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cure-Natural-Aqua-Gel-250ml/dp/B001ABLKK2" target="_blank">Amazon</a><br />
<br />
And that's all! Expect a video soon :) and have a wonderful weekend!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-62249597787272537172014-01-24T14:33:00.003-08:002014-01-24T14:41:51.683-08:00Dinner at Lukshon for Godiva's Lunar New Year Chocolate CollectionIn case you didn't know, Godiva makes some of the <u>best chocolate strawberries I've ever had</u> so I'm a huge fan. They're a bit of a pricey treat at $6-$8 each but the strawberries they pick are so juicy and heavenly, and the chocolate is ridiculously rich and creamy. I used to always grab one when I shopped as a little treat to myself (as if you really needed to treat yourself for your compulsive shopping habit but I digress...)<br />
<br />
Due to their overwhelming popularity in the Chinese community, Godiva created new ballotins to celebrate <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_New_Year" target="_blank">Chinese New Year</a> and the year of the horse :). This year Chinese New Year falls on January 31st, which rarely happens as it usually it takes place in February. The dates change every year since they're based on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lunar_calendar" target="_blank">Lunar Calendar</a>, which is why many Chinese people believe that they actually have <b>two </b>birthdays. My grandma didn't even know her <i>real </i>American birthday, and just estimated the date when she came to the United States. You may remember my "good luck kits" my mom still sends me as they make an annual appearance on<a href="http://instagram.com/p/VkWInZg7zY/" target="_blank"> my Instagram</a>. Usually they include:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YIw2hRnoi4Q/UuLLt-KKpqI/AAAAAAAABfU/k-iSFZB2X4Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-24+at+12.22.52+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YIw2hRnoi4Q/UuLLt-KKpqI/AAAAAAAABfU/k-iSFZB2X4Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-24+at+12.22.52+PM.png" height="400" width="396" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>brand new red underwear (haha) but this one was hot pink since that's a compromise I've come to with my mom. It's supposed to make you lucky and get rid of any <i>bad mojo</i> from the past year</li>
<li>candy (so that your new year will be sweet)</li>
<li>fake gold chocolate coins (supposed to mean you'll have a prosperous new year with lots of money heh heh)</li>
</ul>
<br />
To celebrate the LE Lunar New Year Chocolate ballotin's release the Godiva US team hosted a dinner event in Los Angeles, and I was lucky enough to attend as one of the three lone beauty bloggers along with <a href="https://twitter.com/AprilAthena7" target="_blank">April </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/frmheadtotoe" target="_blank">Jen</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3igmL2MFaOs/UuDHJTKl9nI/AAAAAAAABeA/4k1RZPTqWBk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.31.17+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3igmL2MFaOs/UuDHJTKl9nI/AAAAAAAABeA/4k1RZPTqWBk/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.31.17+PM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Skdz5HAH1ak/UuDHJNz7vuI/AAAAAAAABd8/NguHeIdPgc8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.24.15+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Skdz5HAH1ak/UuDHJNz7vuI/AAAAAAAABd8/NguHeIdPgc8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.24.15+PM.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KWG_c71JxY/UuDHJxbyCuI/AAAAAAAABeI/DJz5um1RqfU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.32.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9KWG_c71JxY/UuDHJxbyCuI/AAAAAAAABeI/DJz5um1RqfU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.32.32+PM.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Lukshon</h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3239 Helms Ave.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Culver City, CA</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(310) 202-6808</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Lukshon is the brainchild of Iron Chef and restauranteur <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sang_Yoon" target="_blank">Sang Yoon</a>. Yoon's name should look familiar to LA area foodies as he's also the curator of the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/fathers-office-los-angeles" target="_blank">Father's Office</a>- a local gastropub that is hailed for having one of the "best burgers in the world". Lukshon is romantically dim with beautiful, modern styling and furnishings with glass accents that are lighted throughout the restaurant. I think for the price point of the food the ambiance is amazing. For the event we were seated outside, by the glass fireplace.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88u76R613Zg/Ut9iKPz3exI/AAAAAAAABds/saX1BtY9fdc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-21+at+10.15.50+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-88u76R613Zg/Ut9iKPz3exI/AAAAAAAABds/saX1BtY9fdc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-21+at+10.15.50+PM.png" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>pork belly lettuce cups-</b> cabbage, crispy pig ear, thai chile, lime, mint, aromatic rice powder</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So amazingly delicious! But I've always been a big fan of lettuce cups and I love pork (I'm Chinese after all ;]) so I'm probably a bit biased on this one. This appetizer is a staple on their menu.</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cMJK0hBVh4/Ut9hbC36qPI/AAAAAAAABdk/H09JRwGcM0k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-21+at+10.12.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cMJK0hBVh4/Ut9hbC36qPI/AAAAAAAABdk/H09JRwGcM0k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-21+at+10.12.28+PM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>duck popiah</b><i>-</i> pickled stem lettuce, dark chocolate hoison with a spicy lettuce puree</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Very similar to Taiwanese beef wraps if you've ever tried those. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_7273tBQDM/UuDHKWvWDzI/AAAAAAAABeg/3GT7znjuvMM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.33.22+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_7273tBQDM/UuDHKWvWDzI/AAAAAAAABeg/3GT7znjuvMM/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.33.22+PM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>crispy whole fish</b><b style="font-style: italic;">- </b>with charred cucumbers, pecal sauce, slivered almonds</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yummy but I actually prefer Chinese steamed fish a bit more? All the guys at the table loved it though. The fish was surprisingly moist for having been put through a deep fryer.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lYZBAqJIKqk/Ut9gEpPeaaI/AAAAAAAABdM/qvviWWqCMAI/s1600/Lukshon1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lYZBAqJIKqk/Ut9gEpPeaaI/AAAAAAAABdM/qvviWWqCMAI/s1600/Lukshon1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>chinese eggplant</b>- fennel raita, cocao nibs, eggplant "fries"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't even like eggplant and this was one of the BEST things I have ever eaten! Vegatable-wise anyway. Perfectly crispy skin and a delicious, savory sauce. Ugh I'm drooling. I've permanently reconsidered my disliked for eggplant after this by the way.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-ibCweY-Xo/UuDHKjMrhgI/AAAAAAAABec/zKkasbn8fjA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.35.12+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k-ibCweY-Xo/UuDHKjMrhgI/AAAAAAAABec/zKkasbn8fjA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.35.12+PM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>beef and broccoli</b>- hanger steak, gai-lan, black bean butter and puffed tendon</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I dare you to find the broccoli in this picture haha! The steak felt like prime rib, and was tasty but didn't have a real Asian flair to it. There's tiny pieces of<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kai-lan" target="_blank"> kai-lan </a>(Chinese broccoli) hiding under the meat. Kai-lan is similar to broccoli but is leafier, has a long stem and is a bit bitter. I personally love the stuff but it's not for everyone. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Voz39hxuVgE/UuDHLWptWEI/AAAAAAAABew/Pt6Y2V6WVfY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.36.06+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Voz39hxuVgE/UuDHLWptWEI/AAAAAAAABew/Pt6Y2V6WVfY/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.36.06+PM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>brussel sprouts-</b> chile, garlic vinaigrette sprinkled with sesame seed</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I think this place should be a vegetarian's dream because they do vegetables right here. Everyone freaked out over how delicious they were! I've actually never been a fan of brussel sprouts but I'm officially a convert :) The texture was on point, perfectly broiled and so flavorful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJH7RoEy_GI/UuDHKL9kbiI/AAAAAAAABek/Fe3FkfYCQIU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.34.39+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJH7RoEy_GI/UuDHKL9kbiI/AAAAAAAABek/Fe3FkfYCQIU/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.34.39+PM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>heirloom black rice-</b> lap cheong, onion, roasted garlic topped with a farm fried egg</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't even like rice. I know, the blasphemy of it all. An Asian that doesn't like rice but it's true, I don't. It's so tasteless for how bad it is for you. However this rice was one of the best rice dishes I've ever had in my life! The flavor is so savory, and I love the texture of the short-grain rice combined with the gooey-ness of the egg. Everyone agreed this was a favorite.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uBiN1_2k0Zg/Ut9g9tysKLI/AAAAAAAABdY/-fRLBo2PrFc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-21+at+10.10.08+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uBiN1_2k0Zg/Ut9g9tysKLI/AAAAAAAABdY/-fRLBo2PrFc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-21+at+10.10.08+PM.png" /></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>chinese spicy ramen-</b> ma la bamboo, pork belly, crispy ear</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The pork belly was amazing and had great marbling, but this was probably my least favorite dish. It was interesting in that it tasted like niu rou mian (Chinese beef noodle soup) but had instant ramen kind of noodles. Still delicious though :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7KrsUIWVhE/UuDHL7TdLbI/AAAAAAAABfI/JAHFqHQrHqc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.36.49+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7KrsUIWVhE/UuDHL7TdLbI/AAAAAAAABfI/JAHFqHQrHqc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.36.49+PM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
chocolate and pear "donut", macademia and black sesame dumpling with a godiva milk chocolate cherry shooter</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The dessert fleet. Need I say more? :) The "donut" on the left was my favorite. It had a gooey chocolate interior with crisped rice on the outside, amazing and so delicious. A fun play with textures as well.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7rMDzMVP-k/UuDHL-lQpCI/AAAAAAAABfE/0xZdS99J4FI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.37.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b7rMDzMVP-k/UuDHL-lQpCI/AAAAAAAABfE/0xZdS99J4FI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.37.26+PM.png" height="482" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
And of course, no Godiva post would be complete without showcasing the limited edition chocolates in the Year of the Horse Ballotin:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Dark Chocolate Pear</b>- A crunchy caramel pear ganache made with a blend of Venezuela milk chocolate and Santo Domingo dark chocolate and a touch of vanilla</li>
<li><b>Milk Cherry and Almond</b>- Crunchy almond praline blended with Vanuatu origin chocolate, sour cherry and a hint of honey</li>
<li><b>White Pineapple and Macadamia Nuts</b>- Sweet Dominican Republic white chocolate ganache blended with nutty macadamia cream and fruity pineapple in white chocolate (my favorite :D!) </li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oC6h2wha6Eg/UuDHJBye_qI/AAAAAAAABeE/U7PjoRVTd9U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.27.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oC6h2wha6Eg/UuDHJBye_qI/AAAAAAAABeE/U7PjoRVTd9U/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-01-22+at+11.27.47+PM.png" /></a><br />
<br />
To learn more about these limited edition Lunar New Year ballotins, visit<a href="http://www.godiva.com/lunar-new-year" target="_blank"> Godiva.com</a>. They also come with 8 fancy Godiva <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_envelope" target="_blank">hong bao</a> packets for all you slackers! They also offer free shipping on most of the ballotins so you can send your New Year love across the country :)<br />
<br />
If you'd like to try Lukshon and are in the LA area, they're participating in Dine LA which runs from now until January 31st. You can <a href="http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/what-to-do/restaurants/lukshon" target="_blank">check out the Dine LA menu here</a><br />
<br />
As a fair warning, some of these dishes were created specifically for the Godiva event, but all my favorites are permanent features in the menu. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-8252369970554783492014-01-15T17:44:00.000-08:002014-01-16T10:41:07.400-08:00Shiseido White Lucent Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TDU1uo-1VWs/UtXUG6u-ukI/AAAAAAAABcY/rD48B4L-_dE/s1600/White-Lucent-Review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span id="goog_1794640888"></span><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TDU1uo-1VWs/UtXUG6u-ukI/AAAAAAAABcY/rD48B4L-_dE/s400/White-Lucent-Review.jpg" height="371" width="400" /><span id="goog_1794640889"></span></a></div>
Some of you guys may remember an older post I did reviewing <a href="http://www.mszjackiechu.com/2010/09/shiseidos-pureness-line-so-you-guys.html">Shiseido's Pureness line</a>- Shiseido's line addressing acne-prone and troubled skin. It's been a long time since I've used it and for the past 3-4 years I've been enjoying <a href="http://www.shiseido.com/white-lucent/skincare-whitelucent,en_US,sc.html" target="_blank">White Lucent</a>- Shiseido's whitening (brightening) skincare line. As with any expensive skincare line the big question is, "<b>Does it work?</b>" I think, in order to not be disappointed with skincare you have to have manage your expectations. To clarify: whitening skincare lines that are distributed in the U.S. are<u> not meant to actually lighten the color of the skin</u>. Whitening products that aggressively lighten the color of your skin usually contain illegal substances that are damaging in the long-term, and i'd discourage anyone from buying them here or overseas. Legitimate "whitening" products are meant to improve the skin's clarity by helping to break up melanin and hyper-pigmentation, the things that cause sun spots, acne scarring and discoloration. They also make the skin appear to be more "translucent".<br />
<br />
Because a lot of this discoloration is caused by the sun, many people who purchase whitening products are naturally discouraged from extended sun exposure without sunscreen. For anyone who suffers from acne scarring or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperpigmentation" target="_blank">hyperpigmentation </a>(sun spots, freckles etc.) wearing sunscreen will actually reduce damage to the skin caused by scarring. Sun damage inhibits your skin's ability to heal AND ages/weathers the appearance of skin, so stay out of the sun for nice skin! This is why people who use whitening skincare are usually fairer, not only to reduce sun damage but also to get the maximum benefit from these costly skincare regimens.<br />
<br />
Below I break down the White Lucent products I've tried and give each a mini review.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9UpbyDJMKic/Ujl1YpYanLI/AAAAAAAABPs/NqmUH21t7Z0/s1600/cleansing+foam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9UpbyDJMKic/Ujl1YpYanLI/AAAAAAAABPs/NqmUH21t7Z0/s320/cleansing+foam.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Cleansing Foam - $35 USD</b></div>
A little of the White Lucent Cleansing Foam goes a long way. You really only need a pea-sized amount and it'll lather up in to a rich, dense (think shaving cream) white foam that will cover your entire face and neck easily. It feels very luxurious and leaves the skin feeling squeaky clean- albeit maybe TOO clean. It's almost a little drying and stripping on its own. It has a slight perfume but nothing overpoweringly stinky. Of all the pieces in the line I don't think this is necessary, I think you can really use any cleanser you want. Because cleansers come right off, as long as your skin is left clean is what matters. There is a slight brightening effect but it's temporary.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aagh_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-Shiseido_US-Site/Sites-itemmaster_shiseido/en_US/v1381242444147/detail/0729238103962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shiseido's white lucent brightening moisturizing emulsion" border="0" src="http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aagh_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-Shiseido_US-Site/Sites-itemmaster_shiseido/en_US/v1381242444147/detail/0729238103962.jpg" height="320" title="" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Emulsion - $59.50<span id="goog_2137581899"></span><span id="goog_2137581900"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></b></div>
Since I have oily skin, I opted for the moisturizing emulsion since it's much lighter than the cream. It doesn't smell particularly good, but not bad either. Slightly sweet but you catch whiffs of something acrid here and there. I only need a tiny bit and it moisturizes my skin well and gives it a dewy finish. During the summers I end up SUPER oily though come morning time. However I do feel that my skin looks duller and "rougher" without it. Out of the whole line, this is my takeaway absolute favorite, closely followed by the intensive targeting serum. Shiseido does offer a daytime version with spf 18 but I just mix the lotion with some sunscreen and that works just fine for me.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aagh_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-Shiseido_US-Site/Sites-itemmaster_shiseido/en_US/v1381242444147/detail/9990000000022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="shisedo white lucent spot targeting serum" border="0" src="http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aagh_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-Shiseido_US-Site/Sites-itemmaster_shiseido/en_US/v1381242444147/detail/9990000000022.jpg" height="320" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>White Lucent Spot Targeting Serum</b></div>
<br />
White Lucent's Spot Targeting Serum gets a lot of mixed reviews. My personal experience is that it's one of the better spot treatments out there- but you can't expect miracles out of it. It will only give moderate improvements to the appearance of skin, and no improvement whatsoever to the texture. So if you have "ice pick" type acne scars, I wouldn't invest in this since it's more than $150 a bottle! I think The Face Shop's whitening treatments are truly comparable in the beginning stages of scarring, and a lot cheaper. I think the trick is, if you're using whitening spot treatments to mitigate acne scarring you NEED to apply this regularly during the initial stages of healing. I like to massage the whitening serum in as I think it helps increase circulation to the area and expedites healing. However if you are past the initial scar development, I find that Shiseido's works better than The Face Shop's. Hands down Shiseido's spot serum works better for sun damage like freckles and sun spots, but I'd use it in conjunction with a physical exfoliator such as microdermabrasion treatments.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aagh_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-Shiseido_US-Site/Sites-itemmaster_shiseido/en_US/v1381242444147/detail/0729238104471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="One pack of Shiseido white lucent masks with a open mask in front of it" border="0" src="http://demandware.edgesuite.net/aagh_prd/on/demandware.static/Sites-Shiseido_US-Site/Sites-itemmaster_shiseido/en_US/v1381242444147/detail/0729238104471.jpg" height="320" title="White lucent power brightening masks" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>White Lucent Power Brightening Masks - $68 for 6 masks</b></div>
Hands down these are the best whitening face masks I have ever, ever tried. They're uncomfortably big but the fabric is just SO thick, plush and luxurious. It feels like those pricey napkins you get at fine dining establishments in their restroom (I've definitely stolen a few of those heh heh). The masks smell slightly sweet in their normal Shiseido fashion. If they weren't $11 a pop I'd use them more often but these are fantastic before a big event or occasion. Also...I suppose its cheaper than a facial? Much better than comparable My Beauty Diary masks. My skin felt incredibly hydrated and plump after.<br />
<br />
Because <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiseido" target="_blank">Shiseido</a> skincare is an investment, I suggest purchasing the products from Nordstrom or <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=qlCm*EbZG94&offerid=256670.10001386&type=4&subid=0">Sephora.com</a> - both of which offer generous return policies if you're not satisfied. However take note that it usually takes a few months to see any noticeable results. It took me about two months until I saw any kind of measurable difference in my skin, and it wasn't dramatic in any way. For really dramatic immediate results, I think the only realistic and safe option is laser resurfacing.<br />
<br />
Hope you guys found that helpful :)!<br />
<br />
PS. If this doesn't work for you, you can always take self-gratuitious photos in front of a great lighting source in a fancy hotel. That works too. Example below:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wg2VFvJeLEg/Utc4hKp_MwI/AAAAAAAABck/mZIxSjSGkpE/s1600/happy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wg2VFvJeLEg/Utc4hKp_MwI/AAAAAAAABck/mZIxSjSGkpE/s1600/happy.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-64728477378642232762014-01-12T11:39:00.001-08:002014-01-12T11:40:22.444-08:00How To: Volume in Your Hair Without Heat! (How I Do my Hair)Hi guys :D<br />
<br />
<center><iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/tq8I1HQk6Tw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>
<br />
Long time no talk. I've been getting asked a lot about how I style my hair, and although this is a really stupid/easy trick it works wonderfully well so I want to share it with you all. My hair isn't colored so I feel like it gives it less texture, and I also try to avoid things like blow drying and teasing that can leave hair damaged. So this is how I get volume at my crown, without any of those things :)!<br />
<br />
<b>All you need is:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR4bGq-mIwiEKwidauCKmDJSaOYnR6KLIdMB22MT4T2dZFS5MMVGw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR4bGq-mIwiEKwidauCKmDJSaOYnR6KLIdMB22MT4T2dZFS5MMVGw" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Freshly washed hair, towel dried but still damp to the touch</li>
<li>A medium sized claw clip</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Steps:</b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Comb through hair with a comb or your fingers (combs tend to be better than paddle brushes which tend to pull tangles out of your hair)</li>
<li>Grab the crown of your hair and all the pieces in the front from the edge of your eyebrows. </li>
<li>Clip your hair so that all pieces of hair are pointing up and back, think an extra-poofy Snooki style</li>
<li>If your hair falls flat as it's drying just re-clip it up</li>
<li>Once your hair is done take it out and it's done! Voila. Extra volume, sans teasing and heat :)</li>
</ol>
<div>
I'm currently working on a blog post talking about my recent SF trip, so I can't wait to share that with you guys!!! :)
Missed everyone a ton. I hope you guys had a fab holiday season</div>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-64503640590721391592013-11-20T02:07:00.000-08:002013-11-20T02:09:27.009-08:00Review: St. Tropez Bronzing Gel With Before and After Photos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWAyl4m5jgg/Uox5g2fYSKI/AAAAAAAABbg/185NTU9R2hg/s1600/st-tropez-bronzing-gel-review.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Me holding a full size tube of St Tropez Bronzing Gel" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aWAyl4m5jgg/Uox5g2fYSKI/AAAAAAAABbg/185NTU9R2hg/s400/st-tropez-bronzing-gel-review.jpg" title="St. Tropez bronzing gel" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
So a little history lesson, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Tropez_(self-tan_brand)" target="_blank">St. Tropez</a> makes some of the <u>best fake tanners on the market</u>. Their products are loved by celebrities, bloggers and makeup artists alike. Normally I'm not a fake tanner kind of gal, but I got tired of being the awkwardly pale one at all the pool parties I went to. Here's a quick beauty and fitness hack- want to look INSTANTLY more toned and slender without actually losing any weight? Try a fake tan.<br />
<br />
Here's the thing that sucks about being pale- you can be ripped with low body fat and you still won't look as tight or lean as someone with a tan. Even if they're in worse shape than you, as long as it's not a significant difference in weight they'll probably look tighter and stronger. That's why bodybuilders drown themselves in the bronze stuff- it really makes your body glow and ooze "fit".<br />
<br />
I saw the <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/link?id=qlCm*EbZG94&offerid=256670.1413574&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fself-tan-bronzing-gel-P307305%3FSKUID%3D1413574" target="_blank">St. Tropez Bronzing Gel</a> on sale at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_Stores" target="_blank">ROSS</a> for $10.99 (down from $35.00) and couldn't help but purchase it on the spot. I haven't seen it in on sale since so I'm glad I snagged it up when I did. Not going to lie, I was pretty scared to rub it in when I saw how dark it was out of the bottle but this stuff blends effortlessly in to the skin as long as it's prepped correctly.<br />
<br />
Here's a quick run down of how to apply fake tanner:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Take a shower! Exfoliate all rough patches like knees, elbows etc.</li>
<li>Moisturize the rough areas so they don't pick up too much product. It'll settle in to the cracks of your skin if you're not careful so you should be sure to apply moisturizer on those areas.</li>
<li>WEAR DISPOSABLE GLOVES. DO IT! It'll stain your hands and and get under your nails if you don't. Spare yourself the trouble and buy a box of spare gloves.</li>
<li>Try to give the fake tanner at least 4 hours to completely dry before showering.</li>
</ol>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fxNhmDITvU/Uox6fRUVBdI/AAAAAAAABbs/dLUWMlR4EbM/s1600/St-Tropez-bronzing-gel-before-after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="My leg before and after St Tropez bronzing gel" border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_fxNhmDITvU/Uox6fRUVBdI/AAAAAAAABbs/dLUWMlR4EbM/s400/St-Tropez-bronzing-gel-before-after.jpg" title="before after pics St Tropez tanner" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before and After I applied the Bronzing Gel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SSXPpmIUgc/Uox6h6lLV2I/AAAAAAAABb0/mn94Uwcxu3c/s1600/St-tropez-bronzing-gel-swatch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SSXPpmIUgc/Uox6h6lLV2I/AAAAAAAABb0/mn94Uwcxu3c/s320/St-tropez-bronzing-gel-swatch.jpg" width="301" /></a>Overall I LOVED this product. I'm curious to try the <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/link?id=qlCm*EbZG94&offerid=256670.1256890&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.com%2Fself-tan-bronzing-mousse-P261322%3FSKUID%3D1256890%22%3E%3CIMG%20border=0%20src=%22http://www.sephora.com/productimages/sku/s1256890-main-Lhero.jpg%22%20%3E%3C/a%3E%3CIMG%20border=0%20width=1%20height=1%20src=%22http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=qlCm*EbZG94&bids=256670.1256890&type=2&subid=0" target="_blank">Self Tan Bronzing Mousse</a> now since I know that's the star in their fake tan lineup. The bronzing gel was easy to apply, surprisingly natural and easy to blend in. It seemed to dry pretty quickly although I didn't put a whole lot on- just enough to give me some color. I put a glob this size (photo above) on each leg, so pretty subtle but it is buildable. Hopefully I can also use this on my legs during the winter months so I don't look so sickly and pallid all the time.<br />
<br />
I'm happy to say I highly recommend St. Tropez's bronzing and tanning products if you're looking for a sunless tanner. They smell clean and sweet, are easy to apply and surprisingly natural. Only cons I can think of is this is a higher end brand, so expect to pay anywhere from $32 to $44 for their full-size products. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-11979531324738425302013-11-04T22:36:00.002-08:002013-11-04T23:16:57.860-08:00Nail Polish Review- Essie's Lollipop<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k1EJZMInGss/UniQbSL9x9I/AAAAAAAABYo/OY3QIhg6kXM/s1600/essielollipop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Fingers painted with Essie's bright red Lollipop nail polish holding a small apple" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k1EJZMInGss/UniQbSL9x9I/AAAAAAAABYo/OY3QIhg6kXM/s320/essielollipop.jpg" title="Essie Lollipop Reviw" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought a bag of tiny fuji apples at H-Mart...aren't they cute :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Lately I've had a lot of fun experimenting with bright, vibrant nail polish. I think part of it is my affinity for Instagram (yes, I'm being serious). Having bright fun nails really makes all your photos look so much more fun :)<br />
<br />
I love the deep red of Chanel's Lotus Rouge, but wanted something a bit more bright and playful. Enter <b>Essie's Lollipop</b>, a bright candy apple red that leans a bit orange but is definitely a red. I've already received so many compliments wearing it- and I love compliments. Application is almost completely opaque with one coat, and with two it's perfect. I'm starting to reconsider my dislike of <a href="http://www.essie.com/" target="_blank">Essie</a> but as with most brands, their polishes can be very hit or miss. Lollipop was first released as a part of the Winter 2009 collection but is now part of Essie's permanent collection.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pyKaBVYpmPw/UniQbWuox1I/AAAAAAAABYs/Cd65e2n71NA/s1600/essie+lollipop+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Holding a bottle of Essies Lollipop nail polish, a bright red." border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pyKaBVYpmPw/UniQbWuox1I/AAAAAAAABYs/Cd65e2n71NA/s320/essie+lollipop+2.jpg" title="Holding Essie lollipop bottle" width="306" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Essie's "Lollipop" in indoor lighting. Sorry for the paint smudges hehe.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Application was easy and neat, and I've had it on for 4 days now with no chips (although I'm starting to see feathering at the tips). Win!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zdMTbHDKDU/UniQbXPuJ7I/AAAAAAAABYk/FzKovVvzBac/s1600/essie+lollipop+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6zdMTbHDKDU/UniQbXPuJ7I/AAAAAAAABYk/FzKovVvzBac/s320/essie+lollipop+3.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's one last photo I snagged while walking to lunch. This is "Lollipop" in the day light! The ivy tendril midi ring is from Urban Outfitters. I believe it was $7.50. It actually fits me as a midi ring. Success! </div>
<br />
<br />
You can buy <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00770K7QI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00770K7QI&linkCode=as2&tag=mszjackiechu-20">Essie's Lollipop here</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=mszjackiechu-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00770K7QI" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> on Amazon, or find it at your local nail polish supply store.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-36069460537403611692013-10-27T21:14:00.001-07:002013-10-27T21:26:07.424-07:00Midi Rings, Necklaces and Imomoko's LA Event :D<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Generally speaking i'm not big in to trends - but I LOVE midi rings. Midi rings sit on the top half of your finger, and are also called above the knuckle rings and little finger rings. I love how cute and dainty they are and how they draw attention to your nails :) So I wanted to show you guys some up close pics of the midi rings I've acquired recently. Also wanted to note Nordstrom's BP section, Urban Outfitters and Brandy Melville had some as well but none of them fit me as midi rings. I have REALLY small ring fingers (size 3.5 and a 4) so it's a bit difficult to find ones that fit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It all started with the ring below which I shared with a few of you on Instagram:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xb_-gwCsx7I/Umx3Ytob2FI/AAAAAAAABVw/Mq4aNIlq--o/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-26+at+7.15.28+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xb_-gwCsx7I/Umx3Ytob2FI/AAAAAAAABVw/Mq4aNIlq--o/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-10-26+at+7.15.28+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The little golden wire midi ring Jen gave me. The start of an addiction!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So then I went on a hunt to find other midi rings...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssBk-_rIo1g/UmxU8YHv5_I/AAAAAAAABVQ/ybMeIXHmpe0/s1600/blog+post+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssBk-_rIo1g/UmxU8YHv5_I/AAAAAAAABVQ/ybMeIXHmpe0/s320/blog+post+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bow midi ring (which isn't a midi ring on me) and gold spiral midi ring on my pointer from Daily Look</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gold wire midi ring from Style Nanda (Korea)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MTIL1_Tb3r4/UmxVhd7jIfI/AAAAAAAABVY/wy_nGJdzH24/s1600/blog+post+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MTIL1_Tb3r4/UmxVhd7jIfI/AAAAAAAABVY/wy_nGJdzH24/s320/blog+post+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Both from Forever 21 $2.50 each</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjSUfArf2lk/UmxTdSI8-mI/AAAAAAAABU8/Chk6-ekiIq4/s1600/blog+post+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XjSUfArf2lk/UmxTdSI8-mI/AAAAAAAABU8/Chk6-ekiIq4/s320/blog+post+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The silver love midi ring trio from Forever 21. I think this was about $3.50?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRydFhdd_ss/UmxTunwWdgI/AAAAAAAABVE/VKRoFG7HtwQ/s1600/blog+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IRydFhdd_ss/UmxTunwWdgI/AAAAAAAABVE/VKRoFG7HtwQ/s320/blog+post.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The "love" script midi ring that was part of the Forever 21 trio. See what I mean now about it looking super "Instagrammy"? It looks good in photos and is fun but I think it's kind of tacky IRL.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RcFC5u0xrCM/Umx97q8T9_I/AAAAAAAABWE/NpOnpJqH6so/s1600/blog+post+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RcFC5u0xrCM/Umx97q8T9_I/AAAAAAAABWE/NpOnpJqH6so/s400/blog+post+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"> ReFa's U.S. Launch Event in Los Angeles, CA</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In other news I got to attend Imomoko's ReFa event. In case you don't know what ReFa is, they're a super luxy face roller that enjoys a lot of popularity in Asia. Think of it as the Bentley of face rollers. Face rollers help to tighten and firm the skin around the face by improving circulation and dispelling bloat caused by water retention. For their U.S. launch ReFa teamed up with <a href="http://Instantly freshen breath allowing your breath to smell like roses." target="_blank">Imomoko</a>, a U.S. based retailer of Asian skincare and cosmetics.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSJ0peOWdaA/Umx98Uy5EfI/AAAAAAAABWI/VKe7QRYnNRo/s1600/blog+post+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DSJ0peOWdaA/Umx98Uy5EfI/AAAAAAAABWI/VKe7QRYnNRo/s320/blog+post+5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Endless coffee, cookies and butter pound cake! One of my fave parts of hotel events haha.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XewIScD2rAE/Umx988NSvNI/AAAAAAAABWU/pfRQmpjtaIE/s1600/blog+post+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XewIScD2rAE/Umx988NSvNI/AAAAAAAABWU/pfRQmpjtaIE/s320/blog+post+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lots of dirty jokes for obvious reasons. April was having tons of fun rolling her face LOL.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDLiM4hmyZI/Umx982WUQeI/AAAAAAAABWc/mQv-1f_O8DA/s1600/blog+post+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDLiM4hmyZI/Umx982WUQeI/AAAAAAAABWc/mQv-1f_O8DA/s320/blog+post+7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think this was the fragrance tester? I don't know but it was cute so I wanted a pic :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And my favorite part....goodie bags!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQddkKCDdS0/Umx99TwCqNI/AAAAAAAABWg/MHLFk6FZKJg/s1600/blog+post+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SQddkKCDdS0/Umx99TwCqNI/AAAAAAAABWg/MHLFk6FZKJg/s320/blog+post+8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZEiLOEKmeM/Umx9919TD_I/AAAAAAAABWs/3MeIpjOdmyo/s1600/blog+post+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZEiLOEKmeM/Umx9919TD_I/AAAAAAAABWs/3MeIpjOdmyo/s320/blog+post+9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Other things in the goodie bag besides the ReFa Carat. A foaming cleanser, knee and elbow brightener, various bodycare samples, face masks and rose gummies.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Supposedly they're supposed to act as a non-minty breath freshener to, "<i>Instantly freshen breath allowing your breath to smell like roses</i>". I tried to ration myself and eat only one at a time but ended up eating the whole bag in one sitting ._. The gummies are made by Minami Healthy Foods and are called "<a href="http://www.imomoko.com/minami-healthy-foods-rose-fragrance-buffalo-berry-gummy-8528.html" target="_blank">Rose Fragrance Berry Gummy</a>".</center>
<center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olai_Zq1svk/UmxQFeSNzHI/AAAAAAAABUg/hzvOfTSsxm8/s1600/IMG_0182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-olai_Zq1svk/UmxQFeSNzHI/AAAAAAAABUg/hzvOfTSsxm8/s320/IMG_0182.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A peek inside the bag! Nommy getting hungry now.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhygjn8767c/UmxQFQQkYXI/AAAAAAAABUc/ApkQmMv2d8o/s1600/IMG_0181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhygjn8767c/UmxQFQQkYXI/AAAAAAAABUc/ApkQmMv2d8o/s320/IMG_0181.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The gummies are super soft and sweet. Similar to the texture of other asian gummy candies :) I thought the rose would be overpowering since I usually don't like rose flavored anything but these tasted delicious! Definitely kiss-friendly haha ;] .<br />
<br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ggeyI2i7zc/Umx9-a4Pb3I/AAAAAAAABW0/ppNb9wlxcTg/s1600/blog+post+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ggeyI2i7zc/Umx9-a4Pb3I/AAAAAAAABW0/ppNb9wlxcTg/s320/blog+post+10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
3 Lululun Face Mask packs. Review to come! These are gaining a lot of popularity over MBD these days. Each pack has 7 masks inside so they're not individually wrapped.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xsYUBRClkw/Umx97qI5iKI/AAAAAAAABWA/F0LQHBQqwbY/s1600/blog+post+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0xsYUBRClkw/Umx97qI5iKI/AAAAAAAABWA/F0LQHBQqwbY/s320/blog+post+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some of the products they had on display, the CO2 masks are really popular I hear.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZMUbLclbu4/Um3nQ_OV_dI/AAAAAAAABXI/LvAztu0qAPs/s1600/Imomoko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZMUbLclbu4/Um3nQ_OV_dI/AAAAAAAABXI/LvAztu0qAPs/s400/Imomoko.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And my favorite part- photos against the cute pink backdrop! Poor Sam flew out all the way from VA again but it's so good to see her :) especially since she's so busy now with that mommy life.<br />
<br />
And that's all :) more posts to come! (I promise or you can troll me, seriously)</div>
</center>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-63649146276937415892013-09-18T02:17:00.002-07:002013-09-18T02:22:10.144-07:00How to (Quickly) Become an Elite Yelper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://momentfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/YelpLogo1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://momentfeed.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/YelpLogo1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Some how...bloggers share some similarities. Besides having serious shopping problems we seem to share a love of food and a unhealthy love of our pets and animals. Yes, all you people with social media accounts for your dog, cat etc. I'm calling you out LOL! Anyways so although this is random, it's something I get asked about quite often. How do you become an Elite yelper? My first boss ever, cool dude that he was, made a bet that I couldn't become an Elite Yelper faster than his other employee. Ahem, self-entitled foodie that I am set out to prove him wrong. I had to start from scratch because I deleted my old Yelp account and was significantly behind my coworker at the time, but I was still hell bent on winning.<br />
<br />
So here are my tips on becoming an Elite Yelper in only a few weeks.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Create a Yelp account (der)</li>
<li>Use a real name (maybe not yours but it needs to be a name) and a real photo. They want actual people reviewing things since it feels more authentic and trustworthy...so stop posting pics of your cat. Stop it.</li>
<li>Add at least 35-45 GOOD solid reviews. What did you like? What did you not like? How was the service? Would you come back? These are thing things that help people decide where to go, what to order and manages their expectations. Make sure your review has value. Add pictures if you can (good ones, mind you)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Now here's the secret sauce: <u>befriend the Yelp ambassador in your area</u>. Literally type in:</div>
<div>
Your city + Yelp Ambassador and you'll find them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then, you innocently send them a friend request. This gets rid of the wait time for them to discover YOU. The Yelp ambassador is the liaison between the Yelp community and Yelp, and as such decides who gets to be Elite and who doesn't. So by befriending them and having a ROBUST, active Yelp profile that fits what they're already looking for, you get rid of the time it would have taken them to organically find you. Don't even mention that you want to be Elite, just say hi or friend them. If your account looks good, you'll get it. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Normally they'd have to go and organically find you- but let's be honest, ain't nobody got time for that! This is why it's helpful to be active in the "Talks" section of Yelp where you can see and be seen...but this way is really much faster. I know I know it's kind of like cheating...but all is fair in love and food. </div>
<br />
<br />
And there you have it. Elite Yelper status.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uHGseXIf-0k/Ujlq242BjII/AAAAAAAABPU/cQp_FU7Ccss/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-18+at+1.56.24+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uHGseXIf-0k/Ujlq242BjII/AAAAAAAABPU/cQp_FU7Ccss/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-18+at+1.56.24+AM.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What not to do: Now it's important to make sure again, that you genuinely have something to offer the Yelp community. Funny, cute and short reviews don't do it. Here's an example of my friend's review on a clothing store...who is still not an Elite LOL.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMnrg-zM7_k/UjlsPZWF1fI/AAAAAAAABPc/ublJiC7UtBI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-09-18+at+2.01.43+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="97" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gMnrg-zM7_k/UjlsPZWF1fI/AAAAAAAABPc/ublJiC7UtBI/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-09-18+at+2.01.43+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Don't do this. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You're welcome. Don't send all those friend requests at once now :-p</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-31810847799135534192013-09-02T21:36:00.003-07:002013-09-18T02:36:05.259-07:00Blog Sale stuffCrazy news- I'll be moving to LA soon. Part of me is ridiculously excited and the other part is dying of anxiety thinking about parallel parking and parking structures LOL. My new car really isn't that much bigger than the old one, but somehow I've convinced myself that it's impossible to park.<br />
<br />
To make my move a bit easier, I'm going to be blog sale-ing a ton of stuff :) All prices as listed or OBO<br />
Prices INCLUDE shipping to the contiguous US. No international orders please. Extra $1.50 for insurance (but I've never had a package get lost yet *knocks on wood*<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
First come, first served. Please send emails to mszjackiechu@yahoo.com with the subject BLOG SALE. In the email, leave your paypal and i'll send the bill over!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Please note: I will send out packages on WEDNESDAY. I need to get my car window fixed ;_; so won't have time to run to the post office until I drop my car off. Thanks for the understanding!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alO4bQ7DmpU/UjANPiSMNxI/AAAAAAAABOo/nfdJWeqAUk4/s1600/fre+people+dress.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-alO4bQ7DmpU/UjANPiSMNxI/AAAAAAAABOo/nfdJWeqAUk4/s320/fre+people+dress.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--N82jE6xX98/UjANPr3CZCI/AAAAAAAABOs/1nlo_otbVDs/s1600/free+people+fress.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--N82jE6xX98/UjANPr3CZCI/AAAAAAAABOs/1nlo_otbVDs/s320/free+people+fress.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MatIYbIjiek/UjANP2V2s_I/AAAAAAAABOw/hSDXH9ETPf8/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MatIYbIjiek/UjANP2V2s_I/AAAAAAAABOw/hSDXH9ETPf8/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
Free people cream colored sweater dress<br />
Worn twice<br />
Front is boatneck, back is a deep V. Fits more between A XS/S<br />
Size XS<br />
$25<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LixCysVkMas/Ui_ZSWRTWdI/AAAAAAAABN0/wQMSEX8tyu4/s1600/IMG_0207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LixCysVkMas/Ui_ZSWRTWdI/AAAAAAAABN0/wQMSEX8tyu4/s320/IMG_0207.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4e4hNI1e03U/Ui_ZMn0rinI/AAAAAAAABNk/rCdCqujGKxY/s1600/IMG_0209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4e4hNI1e03U/Ui_ZMn0rinI/AAAAAAAABNk/rCdCqujGKxY/s320/IMG_0209.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Shiseido White Lucent Anti-Dark Circles Eye Cream</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
New in Box </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
$37 (Retails for $55)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BKMFvWtuMFY/Ui_ZRvav2EI/AAAAAAAABNs/G6OiigTO_TU/s1600/IMG_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BKMFvWtuMFY/Ui_ZRvav2EI/AAAAAAAABNs/G6OiigTO_TU/s320/IMG_0210.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eTIv6H2f8o/Ui_ZXC2LdjI/AAAAAAAABN8/9Wnmx8Eqi8U/s1600/IMG_0214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--eTIv6H2f8o/Ui_ZXC2LdjI/AAAAAAAABN8/9Wnmx8Eqi8U/s320/IMG_0214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b>Jill Stuart Blush Compact</b><br />
Comes with an attached goat hair travel brush with rhinestone detail<br />
Swatched maybe 1-2 times<br />
$35<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEQKu6__HMo/Ui_W-q3QKpI/AAAAAAAABNA/5l4GblbPJ8w/s1600/IMG_0199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kEQKu6__HMo/Ui_W-q3QKpI/AAAAAAAABNA/5l4GblbPJ8w/s320/IMG_0199.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>MAC lipstick in Pervette</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
$9</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3nyNPDmZ8Iw/Ui_W_CCYBuI/AAAAAAAABNI/2oUa2jelKc0/s1600/IMG_0202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3nyNPDmZ8Iw/Ui_W_CCYBuI/AAAAAAAABNI/2oUa2jelKc0/s320/IMG_0202.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7ZtYk8JRP0/Ui_XHV6zBcI/AAAAAAAABNY/PPrvhwOo6rA/s1600/IMG_0204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7ZtYk8JRP0/Ui_XHV6zBcI/AAAAAAAABNY/PPrvhwOo6rA/s320/IMG_0204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Rock & Republic blush in "Call Me"</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Swatched 1 or 2 times, like new </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
$80 (Others are selling for $120-160)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6sLyHzC_6M/Ui_XDQAtw2I/AAAAAAAABNQ/6dSvai_P61k/s1600/IMG_0201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-V6sLyHzC_6M/Ui_XDQAtw2I/AAAAAAAABNQ/6dSvai_P61k/s320/IMG_0201.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.beautezine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Chanel-Avant-Premier-Le-Vernis-6263.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.beautezine.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Chanel-Avant-Premier-Le-Vernis-6263.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Chanel Cinema nail color - New in Box</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cinema is the middle color in this photo, very true to real life</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Photo from <a href="http://www.beautezine.com/chanel-spring-2013-avant-premiere-de-chanel-le-vernis-review-photos-swatches/" target="_blank">Beautezine</a> (was too lazy to take a photo haha)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$22</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5KF6y8zNTY/Ui_SbgLg0sI/AAAAAAAABMg/r9ZDWEYIaU8/s1600/IMG_0193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5KF6y8zNTY/Ui_SbgLg0sI/AAAAAAAABMg/r9ZDWEYIaU8/s320/IMG_0193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Used about 10times...not a fan personally. No box</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Color: Nude</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$17</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Hoy2if1Hyg/UiP0SrBapcI/AAAAAAAABJU/OBRERXYwTjY/s1600/IMG_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Hoy2if1Hyg/UiP0SrBapcI/AAAAAAAABJU/OBRERXYwTjY/s320/IMG_0099.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Brand new sand grey Havaianas</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Size 6</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Run a little big, more like a 7</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
$19 (MSRP is 32)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnRmzVZ8e7g/UiP1CbmzUkI/AAAAAAAABJ8/c_aYzPBfkpQ/s1600/IMG_0111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qnRmzVZ8e7g/UiP1CbmzUkI/AAAAAAAABJ8/c_aYzPBfkpQ/s320/IMG_0111.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPPamg2VJac/UiP1Sups6vI/AAAAAAAABKU/XWb0sL7siJs/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WPPamg2VJac/UiP1Sups6vI/AAAAAAAABKU/XWb0sL7siJs/s320/IMG_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyu1falfjtk/UiP1CmBagNI/AAAAAAAABKE/77QFz0RrYW8/s1600/IMG_0113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyu1falfjtk/UiP1CmBagNI/AAAAAAAABKE/77QFz0RrYW8/s320/IMG_0113.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Rock Republic jeans in "Roth"</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Size 24</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Purchased at a sample sale (before the sell out) and only worn 2x</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
$25</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIJzkpMTB48/UiP1XxpEdxI/AAAAAAAABKc/xmYAxZc8sKA/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zIJzkpMTB48/UiP1XxpEdxI/AAAAAAAABKc/xmYAxZc8sKA/s320/IMG_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBuYMKPWkxU/UiP1RGLOTWI/AAAAAAAABKM/mfD2lA1r-y4/s1600/IMG_0115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HBuYMKPWkxU/UiP1RGLOTWI/AAAAAAAABKM/mfD2lA1r-y4/s320/IMG_0115.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JX15ETNqg8s/UiP1iBHNI6I/AAAAAAAABKo/IStpjXEFGqo/s1600/IMG_0116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JX15ETNqg8s/UiP1iBHNI6I/AAAAAAAABKo/IStpjXEFGqo/s320/IMG_0116.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>White Joe Jeans - New with tags</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Size 25</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Provocateur petite slim bootcut fit</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$45</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_gGlcYw2AI/UXwz_HQjuyI/AAAAAAAAA_c/bh8JJhzFNZU/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #333333; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y_gGlcYw2AI/UXwz_HQjuyI/AAAAAAAAA_c/bh8JJhzFNZU/s320/IMG_1377.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDhtvvMF7H0/UXw0KHihv2I/AAAAAAAAA_k/PhUJcJ7bSu0/s1600/IMG_1378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #333333; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SDhtvvMF7H0/UXw0KHihv2I/AAAAAAAAA_k/PhUJcJ7bSu0/s320/IMG_1378.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<b>J Brand Audrey Jean Leggings</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
Size 25 black - New with tags</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
$47</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://dtpmhvbsmffsz.cloudfront.net/posts/2013/07/17/51e70df3d16c8b40bc01025d/s_51e70df9d16c8b40bc010266.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://dtpmhvbsmffsz.cloudfront.net/posts/2013/07/17/51e70df3d16c8b40bc01025d/s_51e70df9d16c8b40bc010266.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Stella & Jamie Romper</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
size x-small</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
brand new with tags</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
$35 (MSRP is $120+)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Runs a bit big, you should be more of a size 2 than a 0<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2-RDUPpG4E/UXw0gUO4m4I/AAAAAAAABAE/pHDcCgC3CMU/s1600/IMG_1396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #333333; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X2-RDUPpG4E/UXw0gUO4m4I/AAAAAAAABAE/pHDcCgC3CMU/s320/IMG_1396.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_QIiOtiINf4/UXw0hHOM-LI/AAAAAAAABAM/BYgpolJGX-c/s1600/IMG_1395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #333333; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_QIiOtiINf4/UXw0hHOM-LI/AAAAAAAABAM/BYgpolJGX-c/s320/IMG_1395.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: 'Josefin Sans'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TODUa8wzeVc/UXw0fLg44-I/AAAAAAAAA_8/bJLs-HwK__I/s1600/IMG_1394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #333333; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TODUa8wzeVc/UXw0fLg44-I/AAAAAAAAA_8/bJLs-HwK__I/s320/IMG_1394.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="213" /></a></div>
<b>Elizabeth & James </b><br />
Boyfriend Blazer<br />
Size 0 New without tags<br />
One of Kim K's faves...not sure if thats a good or bad thing ;]<br />
$68</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(MSRP is $300+)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-82079073001330086722013-08-18T20:22:00.002-07:002013-08-18T20:23:09.388-07:00Random Things I'm LovingHelllooo everyone :) Since I can't always film I thought it'd be fun to share some new things I got recently that I've been really in to! For those of you guys who watch my videos...I just bought a new light so I'm super excited to get it and hopefully I won't have to whine about the light anymore. Anyway on to my fave products! ^_______^<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxmrN1yb4uQ/Ugm44wXT0oI/AAAAAAAABFk/wfw4SvgwXUE/s1600/necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XxmrN1yb4uQ/Ugm44wXT0oI/AAAAAAAABFk/wfw4SvgwXUE/s400/necklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This chunky bib necklace has the most BEAUTIFUL texture...best of all its pretty inexpensive and ranges from $8-$10 depending on the day. (Yesstyle adjusts their prices according to the exchange rate). I did get a pair of earrings from this company and was totally unimpressed, but this necklace has made multiple appearances throughout the past few weeks. It's perfect to dress up a plain top :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You can buy this on <a href="http://www.yesstyle.com/en/info.html/pid.1032554209" target="_blank">Yesstyle</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JU2UF8R4rpk/UhGNHVsbuEI/AAAAAAAABGs/wTw44jNZEqA/s1600/necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JU2UF8R4rpk/UhGNHVsbuEI/AAAAAAAABGs/wTw44jNZEqA/s400/necklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Hammered Spike Necklace </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Also loving this necklace as well. I tried to adjust the brightness and contrast since this photo was taken with really low lighting so it's sort of blurry sorry! Their stock photo on the website is much better and more clear. They have an all gold version but I think the alternating spikes of gold and rose gold look much more interesting :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can buy this here on <a href="http://www.dailylook.com/p/All-Products/Hammered-Spike-Necklace/72477.html?aaid=jackie" target="_blank">DailyLook</a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5g5fHCj-AUE/Ugm47Q_-g2I/AAAAAAAABFs/hyFCJMYQL-M/s1600/Essie+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="395" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5g5fHCj-AUE/Ugm47Q_-g2I/AAAAAAAABFs/hyFCJMYQL-M/s400/Essie+.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Essie's In the Cab-ana nail polish</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No lie, traditionally speaking I'm a total ESSIE POLISH HATER. Hate the brush, formula etc. But my friend needed me to paint this on her on our way to Vegas and I have to admit- I was blown away by the pigmentation and how beautiful this color was. Its just about 90% opaque with one application, and its a real head turner. I always get compliments when I wear this! Two thumbs way way up.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvW_uX0bmLg/UhGJ69zRcyI/AAAAAAAABGY/rtfYR8NvS0Q/s1600/island+margarita.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MvW_uX0bmLg/UhGJ69zRcyI/AAAAAAAABGY/rtfYR8NvS0Q/s400/island+margarita.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Bath and Body Work "Scent Portables" Car Fresheners</b><br />
Random fact: I love a good smelling car! It just makes them seem so clean and for some reason I like driving at night better with one in. Bath and Body Works makes some of my favorite ones :) "Island margarita" is the best scent in my opinion, as a lot of the other scents they have are either cotton/linen inspired or they smell food-like. I like to eat cupcakes, but I don't like to smell them! I prefer clean, fruity scents. I'm always on the prowl for an effective but economical air freshener for my car. I feel like most of them go out so quickly or they don't smell very good. But these little bad boys tend to last quite awhile...a few months in the hot SoCal summer sun. Pretty impressive! And only $3.50 a pod (they have a buy three, get one free deal). Way better than the Asian ones I used to buy which were not only pricey, but didn't seem to last very long.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://hieverything.com/shop/143-thickbox_default/smooth-cologne-car-air-freshener-white-peach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://hieverything.com/shop/143-thickbox_default/smooth-cologne-car-air-freshener-white-peach.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In college I used to always buy these ones. My favorite was the white peach (pictured here). They smell AMAZING but they'd dry up so quickly! That and they're kind of a pain in the butt to find. I'd even poke through the tin foil with a push pin vs. tearing off the tin foil to try and get the scent to last longer but I could never get more than a few weeks out of it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXQoQOGQ7Uc/UhGMa8WqYRI/AAAAAAAABGk/oZziY82dli0/s1600/car.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HXQoQOGQ7Uc/UhGMa8WqYRI/AAAAAAAABGk/oZziY82dli0/s320/car.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You do have to have one of these cases but most of them are pretty inexpensive. I don't recommend hanging them upside down though as one LEAKED on my leather seat. I literally flipped out, but I've had enough of them to know that was probably a <u>faulty</u> one but just in case, now I bought a new case and clip it to the dash rather than upside down on my visor.<br />
<br />
So that's all! If you haven't seen it yet I also uploaded a video today (I'm on a roll) which you can check out below :D<br />
<br />
<br />
I know the setting isn't quite perfected yet...but I always appreciate everyone's seemingly endless patience with me! I promise the new lights will make everything a bit easier :)<br />
<br />
-Jackie</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-15062904963622338512013-08-03T20:33:00.001-07:002013-08-03T20:33:15.719-07:00Why I'm Not Mad about the "Asian Girlz" Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NjD_mfLt-pM/Uf27UhXLpGI/AAAAAAAABFU/QqGFBaBWED8/s1600/levy+tran.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NjD_mfLt-pM/Uf27UhXLpGI/AAAAAAAABFU/QqGFBaBWED8/s400/levy+tran.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A screenshot from the "Asian Girlz" video...which needs no introduction.</div>
<h3>
Before you go and hate me, hear me out first.</h3>
As an Asian American woman, I was first alerted to this video because it got a <b>big rise </b>out of the Asian American Greek system. People were legitimately p*ssed. To be honest the only time I remember being legitimately offended was post creamy-yellow thighs, the "slanted eyes" part, I distinctly remember thinking "HEY!". But soon after, I didn't really think they we're being serious. It was so over the top and unrealistic, it was more satirical than anything. On top of that, if you catch the part at the end about Arcadia, Tasty Garden etc. these aren't things that someone who didn't have ties within the Asian community would be familiar with. This makes even more sense now learning they have a tattoo studio set up in Arcadia. If you're not familiar with Arcadia, Alhambra etc they're a part of 626. When you go there its like going back in time, and the stores with Asian signs far outnumber the Starbucks and Targets. I didn't, and still don't think anyone that savvy was being really serious. Do I understand people being offended? Is it sexist and racist? Sure. But I'm not really offended. Because I honestly took it as a<u> joke.</u> Maybe a poorly thought out one (I could have seen this coming), but not even a ill-intent one.<br />
<br />
Personally, I felt like a lot of the men were even more upset than the women. Which is ironic because a good amount of Youtube videos Asian guys make have sexy Asian girls in them. Here's a truth 90% (made up statistic) of Asian guys I know are legitimately bothered when other races marry or date Asian girls- especially the ones who are a "catch". I have friends that have said they'd never date an Asian girl if she ever dated outside of Asians. Hell, we even have socioeconomic hierarchies within the <u>Asian community itself.</u> It was interesting to me to see the uproar of anger stirred in my own male acquaintances and that they felt compelled to come to the plight of us poor, hapless Asian women.<br />
<br />
These are the same men, btw, who all "like" sexy Asian girl fan pages on Facebook and share Melanie Iglesias flip books the second a new one gets released. How ironic that they're upset at a video, with these Caucasian guys "objectifying" their women and "sisters" when they do the same thing all the time- albeit maybe not like this. As a culture we like to shame our women in to being compliant, which a lot of times means marrying a "good" Asian boy (btw, some of the sweetest and most loving guys I know are Caucasion men married to my Asian friends). This reminds me of the "small penis" phobia. Timothy de la ghetto once commented on this, the Asian man's fear of the "small penis" stereotype. You can watch that video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCR5r6i1rQ8" target="_blank">here</a>, to this day it still makes me laugh. In it he says, "this idea of a small penis joke is like our kryptonite", and I think the same goes to other races objectifying and dating "their" women.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://inkbutter.com/files/2011/06/levy-tran-x-john-agcaoili-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://inkbutter.com/files/2011/06/levy-tran-x-john-agcaoili-9.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Levy Tran- probably most well known for her import model career and of course, tattoos.</div>
<br />
That being said, I'm not disappointed in Levy Tran either. If anything I'm bemused by how many messages I have seen from Asian men saying they've "lost all respect" for her for "taking Asian women back 50 years".<br />
<br />
I think it was a business move for her. Why would you be in this video unless you're 1. Getting paid well and/or 2. It'd be good publicity. She's also a part of Guy Code, and pretty big in the import scene so she's no stranger to being popular for being sexy. I'm pretty sure she dances regularly as a go go dancer in similar style outfits, and now that she's done so in a video being the sexual object for *gasp* Caucasion men suddenly this is a problem. She's capitalized for years on her body and being sexy, this isn't anything new. And I think that's fine, because you know what? I think we also need more sexy Asian girls that own their bodies and sexuality. And I appreciate that she doesn't feel the need to conform to today's limiting ideas of Asian beauty. But if you want to find a girl who "lifts Asian women" from the catapults of "being objectified", you probably shouldn't be looking towards an import model. I'm not sure if you're familiar with the import model scene, but it normally consists of girls (overwhelmingly Asian) scantily clad spread eagled over a car. I never understood that part personally.<br />
<br />
Don't believe me? Here's a screen shot of what you'd get if you searched, "import models".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_YEosancqY/Uf2vbIFlsFI/AAAAAAAABFE/0mXv3DOOFq0/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-08-03+at+6.32.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M_YEosancqY/Uf2vbIFlsFI/AAAAAAAABFE/0mXv3DOOFq0/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-08-03+at+6.32.26+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>But its not just a problem with Asian women.</b></h3>
Now to me, this isn't an Asian problem either, it's a female problem. Men are rewarded for being successful, women are rewarded for being<b> </b><u>beautiful</u>. Don't believe me? How many "sexy" girls can you think of? How many can you think of that became famous for actually bringing something to the table? Not so many. Here's an example: as many of you know, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg married a Chinese-American (Cantonese woop woop!) woman. This girl is a brilliant, a ivy league grad and UCSF educated doctor. You know what made headlines when they got married? How small her ring was, and how <u>cheap it was</u>. Like a Harvard-educated UCSF med school grad really needs a man to buy her something nice. And when you Google her name, "ugly" pops up as a prompted query because its so frequently searched. Despicable. It's sad to me that such an accomplished woman was brought down to that level by the media, of needing to be validated by a big ring and a pompous wedding.<br />
<br />
But I'd be lying if I said I didn't follow some sexy girls myself (I used to be a big <a href="https://www.facebook.com/stephaniely" target="_blank">Steph Ly</a> fan), and I will be the first one to admit this is especially ironic coming from someone who makes videos on Youtube talking about things like skin care and <u>makeup</u>. If you want a really inspiring woman to follow, I highly recommend <a href="http://hearsaysocial.com/about/management/" target="_blank">Clara Shih</a>. <br />
<br />
But here is the real issue at hand-<br />
<h3>
If we can't celebrate female success within our own community, how can we expect other races to do the same?</h3>
To be fair, a handful of my female friends are sincerely offended, and I think they have the right to be and I respect how they feel. But I thought this was a good opportunity to bring the hypocrisy of the whole thing to light. How many of us, within the Asian community celebrate women for their achievements? How many of these angry and upset people have a lengthy list of successful Asian women in their head? Who didn't become popular as a result of their appearance? Watching all the anger surrounding this video reminds me of Alexandra Wallace 2.0.<br />
<br />
Asians (especially in social media) like to start these cyber witch hunts of people who offend us, but it fails to 1) actually bring any of us closer together 2) actually change or alter any negative stereotypes people may legitimately have. Instead everyone wastes their time and effort on people who legitimately DGAF (Alexandra Wallace) or people who (to me) were clearly not being serious. Personally I think these online witch hunts are more akin to <u>cyber bullying</u> than they are a championship of the Asian race. Respect is earned, not given. Being mean, angry and sometimes even violent doesn't make anyone take you any more seriously.<br />
<br />
Break the mold with your actions and love, not with anger and malice.<br />
<br />
Just my 2 cents.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Feel free to (respectfully) disagree below, I know I can't speak for everyone. </h3>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Disclaimer: I've seen some psychiatrists saying this kind of stuff encourages things like violence towards Asian women, and as someone who has been repeatedly grabbed and groped at a lot of her life, I humbly disagree. They say the same thing about video game consumption, and if you look at the stats, countries with the highest video game consumption are actually, the safest. I don't think this video had ill intent and its not like they're pretending to hurt / are actually being violent with her, but again, that's only my opinion.</span><br />
<br />
So were you guys upset? Or did you take it as a joke? I'd love to know.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-50729260988006132932013-07-16T20:19:00.000-07:002013-07-19T19:19:21.822-07:00Review: Lioele Nail Color #38 + Swatch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tm8vcrG4_jY/UeYKO5mOlNI/AAAAAAAABEA/d9N4BKuJGMc/s1600/Lioelenail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tm8vcrG4_jY/UeYKO5mOlNI/AAAAAAAABEA/d9N4BKuJGMc/s400/Lioelenail.jpg" title="Lioele #38 Nail Color Review and Swatch" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So in the stock photo it actually looks like this ( those liars haha):</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIc5HIXm4n0/Uenzhe6MM-I/AAAAAAAABEs/iXJYQ5LOYB4/s1600/Lioele+%2338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uIc5HIXm4n0/Uenzhe6MM-I/AAAAAAAABEs/iXJYQ5LOYB4/s1600/Lioele+%2338.jpg" title="Lioele #38 review and stock image" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lioele #38 </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But I assure you that my photo is actually the much more accurate depiction. Imagine my surprise when I was expecting a bright aquamarine Tiffanys-esque color...and received this instead. So Lioele Nail Color #38 is more of a muted, mint green. Keep this in mind while I do my review. This is the first Lioele polish I have ever tried!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Smell: </b>Oh. My. Lordy. This is the STINKIEST polish I have ever opened in my life. Its so acrid that it actually made my nose hairs hurt while I was painting my fingers. If you ever had those blow up plastic ballons as a kid- this is what it smelled like. The kind where you put the liquid plastic on a straw, blow in to it and it inflates in to a ball that stays around for awhile. So. Terrible. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Price:</b> As with most Lioele products, pretty affordable. But significantly more pricey than OPI or Essie. $9.70</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Application:</b> At one coat it looked almost sheer, it definitely didn't seem very promising. After two coats it was pretty much perfect. No problems to the visibile eye unless you're right next to it</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Wear: </b>Eh. Small chips by day 2 bad chips by day 4. This is pretty average for me btw, I'm kind of hard on my hands. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Brush:</b> I think the applicator is important to mention since I can be pretty picky with applicators. Im not a fan of the Essie-style brush, but found this to be very OPI like. A thick brush that is easily maneuverable </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Buy again? </b>Not if they smell like this. I just reopened it about 5 minutes ago and my head is <u>still</u> reeling from the stench. However Sylvia (Beautycakez) said hers smells amazing...so maybe its just like Russian Roulette...you'll never know what you get.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vfn5f-xl_aU/UeYMPllI1gI/AAAAAAAABEQ/VVwpC8VoOWc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-07-16+at+8.14.32+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lioele Nail Color #38 on my nails" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vfn5f-xl_aU/UeYMPllI1gI/AAAAAAAABEQ/VVwpC8VoOWc/s320/Screen+Shot+2013-07-16+at+8.14.32+PM.png" title="Lioele Nail Color #38 swatch" width="317" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you're interested, I got mine from <a href="http://www.yesstyle.com/en/info.html/pid.1031240838">Yesstyle.</a>..but I know theres other distributors out there. I wouldn't worry too much about fakes :) </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-28888258099217309212013-05-19T18:44:00.001-07:002013-05-19T18:49:01.989-07:00Car Shopping!I HATE CAR SHOPPING. It was literally the worst and most stressful thing I ever had to do. Particularly because I was on a time crunch and my old car had become incredibly unreliable and borderline dangerous. A lot of you guys have been asking me for tips since you're in the car market, so I'll show you what I was considering / my thoughts.<br />
<br />
So I wanted a car that was:<br />
<ul>
<li>Japanese or Korean (Euros...are headaches.)</li>
<li>Low mileage- wanted to buy slightly used, cars are one of the worst assets for depreciation</li>
<li>Preferably leather but could do without</li>
<li>RELIABLE. This is big</li>
<li>Could take 24,000 miles a year- which is what I've been driving lately</li>
<li>Was reasonably priced. I've been saving a lot towards retirement lately and pushing as much to the principal of my school loan so I didn't want something I would heavily finance</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So these were the cars I considered:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.vw.com/content/medialib/vwd4/us/showroom/my13_Jetta/trimlevel/jetta-2013-gli131458autobahndig-glia-1055x500/_jcr_content/renditions/rendition.685.325.file/jetta-2013-gli131458autobahndig-glia-1055x500.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://www.vw.com/content/medialib/vwd4/us/showroom/my13_Jetta/trimlevel/jetta-2013-gli131458autobahndig-glia-1055x500/_jcr_content/renditions/rendition.685.325.file/jetta-2013-gli131458autobahndig-glia-1055x500.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Volkswagen Jetta</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
New body style</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Pros: </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>The new ones are SO CUTE. Such a clean body that I think will age well (I don't like the last body model but I like the ones from early 2000s). </li>
<li>German (only for drivability factor...I drive so much! But I love how responsive German cars are and how they <i>feel</i></li>
<li>German paint also tends to age better, which is part of why they look better for longer </li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Cons:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>German (unreliable) haha</li>
<li>Cousins Jetta went out at 80k with perfect maintenance... WHACK. They should be embarrassed. Theyre suckers too so they always brought it to the dealer </li>
<li>Last body model had electrical problems and there were numerous reports of cars stalling on the freeway. Just turning off...on a FREEWAY. INCREDIBLY dangerous</li>
<li>Cheap looking dash/steering wheel that doesn't match the body</li>
<li>Base doesn't come with air conditioning. Yes. You read that right. A new car with no air, pass.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://vehiclefixer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/honda-civic-2011-600x373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="http://vehiclefixer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/honda-civic-2011-600x373.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Honda Civic</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(any of the past two body styles)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Pros: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<ul>
<li>Hondas have a reliable history </li>
<li>More stylish than comparable cars like a Corolla </li>
<li>Great gas mileage (highway is in mid 30s)</li>
<li>The new ones come standard with a rearview back up camera in the dash</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Cons:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Feels SO light to me, when I brake it feels like a toy. Doesn't have great "feel" to it</li>
<li>Hondas have fallen off the "Best Cars" list for awhile due to reliability issues with their newer models</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2012/04/26/22/31/2013_hyundai_elantra_coupe-pic-8556088938114205633.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://static.cargurus.com/images/site/2012/04/26/22/31/2013_hyundai_elantra_coupe-pic-8556088938114205633.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Hyundai Elantra Coupe</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(2012 and on)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Pros:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Really sporty look for an entry level car</li>
<li>Amazing gas mileage 38 MPG! Win</li>
<li>AMAZING turn radius...try it! You'll be amazed. Crank the wheel as far is it will go and it just turns in the tightest little ball</li>
<li>Drives heavier than a civic (more like a German but still very light) fairly responsive</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Cons:</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>The door panels look cheap on the inside, especially the window buttons. A weird thing to notice I know but stare at them and you'll see what I mean</li>
<li>Has a great powertrain warranty BUT still haven't stood the test of time like Honda/Corolla so you'd be taking a leap of faith</li>
<li>Don't like the space ship looking dash</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://blogs.cars.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/11/18/2008_tsx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://blogs.cars.com/photos/uncategorized/2008/11/18/2008_tsx.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>2008 TSX</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the only year I considered since it would be the 'newest'</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm not very fond of the 2009+ tail lights...weird I know</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Pros:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Reliable entry-level luxury car</li>
<li>Has the same background as Honda, cheap oil changes, tranny flushes etc.</li>
<li>Leather, comes stock with HIDs</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Cons:</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Would be hard to find without a lot of miles</li>
<li>Would also be hard to find the color I wanted (black or white)</li>
<li>Braking power/ brakes SUCK. Absolutely suck</li>
<li>Doesn't have a whole lot of power to the engine</li>
<li>(Something I've learned while owning it) the gas mileage is pretty bad for a Japanese car, I'm filling up just as often as I did with a much older German. So sad -_-'</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
So I ended up getting the TSX...even though it wasn't the color I wanted. I found one with JUST over 40k which is a little high but not so high that it would be something I had to worry about.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>Here are my tips for car shopping:</b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Go with a guy. I hate to be sexist, but they will always try to run you around for an idiot if you go by yourself. Also I'm really uncomfortable with bartering, and apparently they thought I was a dumb*** because they all tried to sell it to me for sticker price (you must be joking) but I didn't have the balls to speak up so that's also my fault. </li>
<li>Know what the car is really worth so you have some leverage</li>
<li>Put as MUCH down as you possibly can...I had to put a lot aside for tax season so I only put down 5k but if you're a first time car buyer (as I was) with no co-sign your finance rate will be <u>horrible</u>- even with good credit. Talk to a local credit union to see what kind of rate they would finance you for so you have some leverage</li>
</ol>
and last but not least...<br />
<b>BUY YOUR CAR IN 626.</b> This doesn't help you if you live far away (unless you have some large Asian population nearby) but 626 is the area code and psuedonym for a predominantly Asian populated area of Los Angeles. It includes cities like: Alhambra, West Covina, Pasadena, Monterey Park etc. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You will literally save thousands if you buy your car here. They will beat any offer you can get anywhere else. 1) because they care more about volume than profit 2) they deal with Asian people all the time and they won't sell a car if they won't move on prices LOL. Even if you have to drive 2 hours or so I think its worth it for how much you'll save. Literally no one else will even come close to the deal you can get here. </div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oaMV8D4TNbo/UZmAxViIUbI/AAAAAAAABCs/XiG9jo5KENQ/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oaMV8D4TNbo/UZmAxViIUbI/AAAAAAAABCs/XiG9jo5KENQ/s320/photo+(3).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hello from my new car :D Did you guys buy a car recently...what did you get? Dying to know :)! Haha</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-18451032166260589612013-04-07T11:34:00.004-07:002013-04-07T14:24:27.651-07:00Why I Hate Fad Diets<h1>
Do Detox Diets Work? You Tell Me.</h1>
I hate fad diets. Hate them all. Which one? In my opinion, whether you're juicing, doing the "master cleanse", or the cabbage soup diet its all the same.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://gorecess.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/lithe_foods_-sml-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://gorecess.files.wordpress.com/2013/01/lithe_foods_-sml-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Here's what usually makes up a fad diet:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Lasts 2-7 days</li>
<li>Usually made up of a few hundred calories</li>
<li>Usually lets you have some fruit or veggies</li>
</ul>
<div>
And this is why I hate them.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.shape.com/sites/shape.com/files/imagecache/node_page_image/article_images/to-detox-or-not-main.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://www.shape.com/sites/shape.com/files/imagecache/node_page_image/article_images/to-detox-or-not-main.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
1) There is NO detox here: I can imagine there is a spiritual aspect to things like juicing etc- I can admit that. When the whole world was gasping at Adriana Lima's pre-Victoria's Secret show diet I agreed it was extreme but I understood. Modeling, her body, thats her job. If she looked like everyone else wouldn't we all be Victoria's Secret models?<br />
<br />
But I hate when people call these things "cleanses" saying its "detoxifying" their body. According to <a href="http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/detox-diets-purging-myths" target="_blank">WebMD</a> and <a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/detox-diets/AN01334" target="_blank">MayoClinic</a>, researchers at Harvard Institute and registered dietitians they don't work. And you will never find a professional (outside of a extremist group of eaters) that say they do. So I just wish people would call a spade a spade- its not detoxifyng anything. Stop kidding yourself. You want to detox? Don't go to happy hour every other day after work. Boom. Problem solved.<br />
<br />
Your body doesn't need to detox. That's what your kidney and livers are for- and they do a great job at what they do. Fad diets <u>havent</u> proven to remove toxins from your body.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec1.pinterest.com/avatars/pfitspiration_1351041844_600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://media-cache-ec1.pinterest.com/avatars/pfitspiration_1351041844_600.jpg" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">probably didn't get like this by juicing :P</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2) People are kidding themselves. The truth is, the majority of my friends who try fad diets <u>aren't in great shape</u>. Why? Because they do things like fad diets all the time. They haven't accepted the fact that eating well is something you have to implement every single day (or at least 80% of the time).<br />
<br />
That being said I always try to stress that it is perfectly OKAY to have "cheat" meals. But you can't eat badly 7 days of the week, every single week, crash diet a weekend before your Vegas trip and expect to look amazing. You know what <b>really</b> happens when you do that? You lose a few pounds (on a scale), still feel bloated, look the same and and then blow up with sodium and water weight the second you have a normal meal. And now you're especially cranky because you were trying to kill your calorie intake. Its a viscous cycle.<br />
<br />
Now I agree- juicing is a great way to get vitamins in. But your body can only handle so many vitamins in a day- the rest leaves your body via urine. So if people were to add it as a supplement to their meals? Nothing wrong with that. But I don't like how its become the new "quick fix" that I'm sure will just be replaced by something else in the near future.<br />
<br />
You want to look great all the time, then be mindful of what you eat <i>most </i>of the time. I love food- there's no denying it. The fatty stuff, tacos, noodles etc. So its not like I don't like food. But this is I how I think of it- I only go out to eat 3-4 times a week on the weekends. If the food isn't great (and if I made it it won't be LOL) then I'd rather just eat clean. Whats the point of being bloated and tired for some mediocre mac and cheese?<br />
<br />
So that's just my two cents. I can understand the spiritual aspect of it for some people- feeling connected to your body and owning it is a wonderful thing. But no more of this "detox" nonsense please. Let's just call a spade a spade, and that is all :)<br />
<br />
PS. I'll be uploading a video today about my favorite pasta substitutes for my fellow carb lovers :D Stay tuned!<br />
<br />
Bye guys!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-89321917304578458852013-02-17T17:12:00.001-08:002013-02-17T18:19:57.760-08:00All about HOT YOGA :)So a lot of you have asked me a ton of questions about hot yoga...I'm such a big fan so I wanted to answer all of your questions both on my blog and in this video:<br />
<br />
<center>
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VHFcG-fvy9A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></center>
<br />
So the main questions.<br />
<br />
<b>Is Bikram the same thing as hot yoga?</b><br />
Bikram is a type of hot yoga- it's a series of 26 postures, no music, 105 degree heat and high humidity over 90 minutes. The classes are the same everywhere and there are rules to be aware of: scheduled water breaks, leaving early is discouraged (even if you're feeling sick) some people may describe Bikram as being militant- but I think it ultimately comes down to preference. Many people ONLY do Bikram and do it their entire life!<br />
<br />
<b>PROS of Hot Yoga:</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Your skin will look amaaaazzzing</li>
<li>Lean, long muscle. But you can get this from regular yoga and pilates</li>
<li>I (personally) think hot yoga is good for type A personalities that may have a harder time concentrating in vinyasa type of classes</li>
<li>Therapeutic...and all that good stuff</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>CONS of Hot Yoga:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Its expensive, expect to pay $100/month but more in the $130-150 range in a larger city</li>
<li>You may have scheduling conflicts </li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<b>Can Bikram/ Hot yoga help me lose weight?</b></div>
<div>
I have <i>heard</i> stories of people losing 30, 40 or even 50+ pounds with hot yoga. However in my experience, most people I know will never get shredded/super lean off of just yoga. The people I know who have had amazing bodies off of<u> just yoga</u> were people who were already naturally fairly slender and just needed to tone up or lose a few vanity pounds. However I do think yoga makes you more mindful of what you eat- which will of course help you shed weight. However the caloric burn cant compare to a brutal gym session/running. Ive heard people say hot yoga can burn 800+ calories a class...I really think 300-400 is much more accurate. The elevated heat makes your heart pump + burn more calories but 800 is definitely an exaggeration. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>What to wear to a hot yoga class: </b></div>
<div>
Girls: For bottoms I'd recommend shorts or crops, on the top I like to wear a sports tank top but lots of girls wear only sports bras and thats fine too :)! (If you're brave! ahaha).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Guys: usually shirtless with board shorts or short shorts</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Things to know before class:</b></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Be well hydrated (drink a TON of water) and no big meals 2 hours before</li>
<li>Arrive to your first class 10-15 mins early, never go in late</li>
<li>Don't set your mat directly in front of other's mat, manners :)! Make sure to stagger so everyone can see themselves in the mirror</li>
</ol>
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-3470483450527226992013-02-12T14:57:00.000-08:002013-02-14T09:31:48.090-08:00My new Nikes, where to buy athletic shoes for less and why toning shoes are ridiculous<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGizXmUvi5I/URqx1EflopI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/33GBCcy5StU/s1600/asics.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eGizXmUvi5I/URqx1EflopI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/33GBCcy5StU/s320/asics.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My offending "ugly boy shoe" asics :'[ haha</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>"Wow babe, those are really, really ugly" </b><br />
<br />
This post kind of started with a conversation I had with my boyfriend the other day. When we originally started dating over 18 months ago, one thing we both really found common ground on was our love of fitness. Ever since the first time we worked out together I always remembered his comment whenever I looked at my shoes. That and the "those are like little boy shoes" comment that followed. Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE my asics. Honestly they're the best runner shoes and nothing feels quite like them. But it blew my mind that a man who is <i>incredibly</i> minimalistic and indifferent about worldly goods would comment on something like my shoes being ugly. That being said these little champs served me well for over 5.5 years now. You can't see in the photo but they're starting to get holes so I decided for a bit of an aesthetic upgrade. I chose the black (a little more expensive, paid 130 at the time) since I was doing a lot of outdoors stuff and I didn't want the traditional white colored shoes to get ruined.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>PROS of asics shoes:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Long lasting</li>
<li>Amazing on the arch of the foot</li>
<li>Different styles focus on different running habits- it really feels tailored to you. I'd try on as MANY styles as you can until you find one that fits just right</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>CONS:</b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>"Ugly"- even by men's standards apparently *roll eyes*</li>
<li>Very expensive- around $100/pair but I noticed they came out with a more economical version in the 50s range! Can't say much for how the more affordable line works though)</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We we're both shopping around and first stepped in to Dick's Sporting Goods...never been in here in my life but it reminded me of a bigger, brighter and slightly more pretentious Big 5 Sporting Good store- which by the way is where I bought my infamous pink pepper spray.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway so we eventually decided to hop skip over to the Famous Footwear next door- now let me tell you this place is SO neat. They had tons of Nikes for men and women, as well as a lot of heels and boots. I also noticed quite a few of the women's footwear was made by Franco Sarto- impressive considering thats mostly a Nordstrom and Department Store brand. I didn't exactly like a lot of the sandals and heels but did notice a few classics among the crowd. The color selection for women was admittedly a bit limited for athletic shoes so I asked the sales associate where I could get the baby blue version on display but was told it was a child's size. I must have looked pretty disappointed because he asked me my size (6) and told me I'd have no problem finding them in that size. I was blown away, most my friends who squeak by with children's sizes have 3.5-4 size feet. I think i'm pretty solidly in the adult sizes but according to the kind folks on <a href="http://twitter.com/mszjackiechu" target="_blank">Twitter</a> apparently anyone even up to a women's 7.5 can wear children's shoes. I purchased these in a size 5Y.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKU1sW4MJBw/URq0LD19l_I/AAAAAAAAA0g/KZ_N-aUvewg/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jKU1sW4MJBw/URq0LD19l_I/AAAAAAAAA0g/KZ_N-aUvewg/s320/photo.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I settled on these baby blue babies! <b>Lunarglide</b>'s are the children's version of the Nike Lunarflys- which is PERFECT because that was the shoe I had been eyeing inside of Dick's. The price was right under $52 before tax, $51.99 I believe. They're an all around running shoe, but can also be used during weight training. They only had two children's options available so thats something to think about as well- but the adult women's shoes were a good 20 bucks cheaper than at Dicks. But of course, Dicks had a much larger selection.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Another place I think you should check out if you're interested in getting asics on sale is Nordstrom Rack- I see a ton of random ones there all the time now. They're really a fantastic runner shoe if you're in to running. I like how these Nikes feel but I've worn the same running shoes for so long that its taking me awhile to form an opinion on them. It definitely feels different when I run- but I can't tell if thats a <i>good</i> or <i>bad</i> different yet.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway while I was running around the store I noticed a somewhat elderly woman trying on those infamous <b>Skechers Shape Ups shoes</b>. I followed these pretty closely because I thought they were fascinating (read:<b> <u>dumb</u></b>) but they seemed to be SO embraced by the weight loss community. I almost wanted to warn her- they won't help you lose weight. Save your money- in fact the company is facing a flurry of lawsuits one by the FTC and one mass tort (which you can read about <a href="http://skechersshapeupsinjurylawyer.com/" target="_blank">here</a>) but I won't delve in to that. They charged something like $100+ a pair too, ridiculous! Honestly now, I love the Kardashian sister's fashion sense and perfect extensions but after endorsing a company like Quik Trim I would never buy their products outside of their nail polish collections. Besides-in Kim's endless paparazzi photos she's always wearing Nikes. There will definitely be no shortage of fad diets or funny weight loss products. I remember once for kicks and giggles I tried on a friends weight loss belt which starts with smearing a strange sonogram like jelly over your stomach and then turning it on -those little electrical zaps HURT. Of course it doesn't work but it just blows me away how much money is spent on pills and fantastical devices devices each year- but yet America's battle with obesity is one they're constantly losing. There's just no short cuts with weight loss. People will search for the right pill, the right equipment, the perfect answer but there's just no substitute for a healthy diet and exercise.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One thing I read lately was "Sometimes, you just <u>have to go</u> and the motivation will eventually com<i>e</i>". That's true- there's countless days I'm tired, feeling lazy and really don't want to go to the gym. I'm sighing on the mat stretching and dragging my feet to the machine but once I get a bit of sweat going then im 110% in. Sometimes you won't be motivated right away, and that's okay because getting yourself there is half the battle. Once I'm there, I just think about how hot ripped abs are and that gives me the energy to push through running when I'm tired. That and sexy songs. Like this music video: has both sexy lyrics and sexy girls (indifferent about the beat though). Very NSFW by the way. ahaha </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<center>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bshlibX_G9w" width="420"></iframe></center>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So think of whatever makes you feel sexy (or vindictive, that always works for me too) and just embrace it. Even if its a cute new pair of sneakers or a sexy music video.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M57wGI-JLOQ/URrIHTSL-kI/AAAAAAAAA08/RgjATiN-Ep4/s1600/photo+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M57wGI-JLOQ/URrIHTSL-kI/AAAAAAAAA08/RgjATiN-Ep4/s320/photo+(1).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
love,<br />
Jackie</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-78093203578467324552013-02-02T18:36:00.000-08:002013-02-02T19:19:22.564-08:00Beautiful nail polish haulHi Guys :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDd1uhokTmI/UQ3A1DN4gfI/AAAAAAAAAzM/3OzPthQWLOc/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kDd1uhokTmI/UQ3A1DN4gfI/AAAAAAAAAzM/3OzPthQWLOc/s320/IMG_1097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So one of my beauty new years resolutions was to stop being scared of things being ugly- what does that mean? As you guys know i've always been timid of trying bright colors or funky accessories and thats mostly because everytime I have in the past, I always thought it looked ugly on me and so I wouldn't try again for a few years. However lately I kind of realized that in order to find anything really special I'd have to be willing to take risks that I wont like something and thats all part of the learning process and it happens to everyone. Worst comes to worst I can blog sale it right?<br />
<br />
PS. Some of these are some fall/winter stragglers. Im sure you guys can tell which ones :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yii-RsBCAJE/UQ3Ba_0OEzI/AAAAAAAAAzk/9oi7eHGNhWU/s1600/14.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="orly ancient jade swatch" border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yii-RsBCAJE/UQ3Ba_0OEzI/AAAAAAAAAzk/9oi7eHGNhWU/s320/14.jpeg" title="orly ancient jade swatch" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Orly- Ancient Jade</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A rich, milky mint green. 5 days NO significant chips. Ridiculous staying power<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gdOSIa0rhi0/UQ3BaX1ZcxI/AAAAAAAAAzU/gwgWzn-e944/s1600/13.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Orly solid gold swatch" border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gdOSIa0rhi0/UQ3BaX1ZcxI/AAAAAAAAAzU/gwgWzn-e944/s320/13.jpeg" title="Orly solid gold swatch" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Orly's solid gold a matte bronzey gold </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amazing staying power for a matte polish- 4 days no chips! Very expensive looking too- the gold has a lot of depth<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AW9qb4HuwFI/UQ3BaniUuKI/AAAAAAAAAzc/iOPzZ2Bhbqg/s1600/12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="opi do you lilac it swatch" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AW9qb4HuwFI/UQ3BaniUuKI/AAAAAAAAAzc/iOPzZ2Bhbqg/s320/12.jpeg" title="opi do you lilac it" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OPI- Do you Lilac it?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Beautiful creamy light lilac - one of my absolute favorite polishes of all time!<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x0VkcD9iyXo/UQ3Ba80MzpI/AAAAAAAAAzg/KrJLr9Gy3lQ/s1600/11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="OPI I dont give a rotterdam swatch and review" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x0VkcD9iyXo/UQ3Ba80MzpI/AAAAAAAAAzg/KrJLr9Gy3lQ/s320/11.jpeg" title="OPI I dont give a rotterdam swatch" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OPI- I don't give a rotterdam</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It looks nice from far away and sometimes in photos, but in person its very flat and dull. Some of the people on <a href="http://instagram.com/Mszjackiechu/" target="_blank">instagram</a> mentioned this as well<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-il42SO9jR2c/UQ3MLxe-FAI/AAAAAAAAAz0/KpOSz6FdEqY/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-02-02+at+6.31.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-il42SO9jR2c/UQ3MLxe-FAI/AAAAAAAAAz0/KpOSz6FdEqY/s320/Screen+shot+2013-02-02+at+6.31.03+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
OPI- Meet me on the star ferry</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Looks nice in photos but in person is a metallic plum that doesn't really excite me. Not bad but easily overlooked<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xH_Uows74c/UQ3MNGdj9iI/AAAAAAAAAz8/Ln6y9EKcqY8/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-02-02+at+6.31.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7xH_Uows74c/UQ3MNGdj9iI/AAAAAAAAAz8/Ln6y9EKcqY8/s320/Screen+shot+2013-02-02+at+6.31.35+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chanel- May</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bright bubblegum pink :) Very cute but admittedly not too special. Still a favorite for me though</div>
<br />
Basically a large haul of all the polishes I've been trying lately! I have a newfound love and respect for Orly polishes- they can really take a beating. I won't go in to depth here so if you're interested in my thoughts please watch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNKgrYhi0MU" target="_blank">my video</a>!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PNKgrYhi0MU" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-15497214357453088722013-01-03T20:40:00.000-08:002013-01-03T20:42:58.106-08:00Random things I'm really likingSo yay! Finally came back from Norcal but am super exhausted. We drove since it was a holiday and figured it'd be some good bonding time. But let me tell you, driving for 17 hours in 2 days is no fun! I'm fairly tired still but I still wanted to share some of the random things I've been liking lately before I put up a "real post". I like random blog posts anyway :)<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai-X_RJBApI/UOZXcuV7LsI/AAAAAAAAAx0/OIKenfLTefk/s1600/IMG_0870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ai-X_RJBApI/UOZXcuV7LsI/AAAAAAAAAx0/OIKenfLTefk/s320/IMG_0870.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Trader Joe's Chinese Chicken Salad $3.99</b></div>
GAH, This is so effing good. However I stopped buying them for awhile because if I wanted to eat something that was 650 calories, I wouldn't be eating a salad. I tried the low fat one and its just not as good since the dressing is so artificial tasting, so for awhile I started just halving the dressing since that alone is 300(!) calories. I'm not in to calorie counting but come on...so I thought of a better solution.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CoFuUy0U9o8/UOZXiidEOeI/AAAAAAAAAx8/6CdFUiJi6T4/s1600/IMG_0871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CoFuUy0U9o8/UOZXiidEOeI/AAAAAAAAAx8/6CdFUiJi6T4/s320/IMG_0871.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Look! 300 calories. JUST FOR DRESSING. So I thought...this is a sesame oil dressing. A lot of oils have 100 cals or so per tbsp. (which is why I avoid cooking with oil as much as I can) so I figured...why not just scrape off the oil? So I carefully scrape off the majority of the oil and boom. Much lower calorically and even without the majority of the oil there's more than enough dressing for the rest of the salad!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5r--EoIdm8/UOZXqh5aNTI/AAAAAAAAAyE/QVX6uYFIMOA/s1600/IMG_0875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y5r--EoIdm8/UOZXqh5aNTI/AAAAAAAAAyE/QVX6uYFIMOA/s320/IMG_0875.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So. Much. Oil.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bpx8ryFjG5c/UOZXw9JayGI/AAAAAAAAAyM/EqmEPuttyYo/s1600/IMG_0876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bpx8ryFjG5c/UOZXw9JayGI/AAAAAAAAAyM/EqmEPuttyYo/s320/IMG_0876.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww2RWE1FurA/UOZX6QRDCBI/AAAAAAAAAyU/UHaOySchnqA/s1600/IMG_0877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ww2RWE1FurA/UOZX6QRDCBI/AAAAAAAAAyU/UHaOySchnqA/s320/IMG_0877.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a>You can also omit the wonton chips (but I eat them separately because I love fried wonton skin!) and you bring it all down to 350ish anyway :) Without sacrificing any of the taste! Its so amazingly good. The dressing is just so perfectly tart and I love that the salad has whole snow peas, bean sprouts and cabbage to give it a nice crunch. It really is one of my favorite asian style salads. I take out the water chestnut though since im not a big fan, unless its chopped up in my lettuce wraps! If you don't know what water chestnut is its the little white hard disk you'll find inside. Its kind of like a sweeter crunchier daikon? :x</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utIDZyM1LH4/UOZZtQHfVuI/AAAAAAAAAyk/kCRwk5VQSuc/s1600/IMG_0852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-utIDZyM1LH4/UOZZtQHfVuI/AAAAAAAAAyk/kCRwk5VQSuc/s320/IMG_0852.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spiritual Gangster Magic Carpet hot yoga towels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here's another admittedly sort of random thing I've been liking- <b>Spiritual Gangster's Magic Carpet yoga towels</b>. As a lot of you already know I've been very in to hot yoga lately, and I don't like sweating all over my mat so I always use a towel for class. These don't have any plastic nubs on it- instead the microfiber is SUPER dense and short, which is what helps it stay in place. Its very heavy weight and sits down nicely on the mat. The only complaint I have is that these are a bit too big for a standard yoga mat, maybe 1 inch or so longer across each border.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It doesn't really bother me now but if I did yoga in a carpeted (aka smelly yellowed sweaty old carpet) studio then I wouldn't want any part of the towel touching the floor. I refuse to pay 40-45 bucks just for a towel so I actually found these at Marshalls! Another place i've started really liking lately. They have SO many knick knacks, most of the time you won't find anything but when you do it's a steal. They were only $16 compared to the MSRP of $55-58. </div>
<br />
So that is all :) Norcal foodie post soon! Hope you guys had a wonderful new year and I'll be announcing the giveaway winner to this video very shortly!<br />
<br />
love,<br />
JackieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-70064932853605094662012-12-15T19:00:00.000-08:002012-12-15T19:00:06.961-08:00Dupe for Butter London's Teddy GirlSo I was prancing around in Target today because I was traveling and forgot to bring an eyeliner. That's my one thing I can't do without- no eyeliner and there is NO WAY you are dragging my butt outside the house. Because I can't hide in a room all day I headed over to Target to get my favorite drugstore liner- Milani's Infinite liner in 'everlast'. Heavily armed with oversized shades I was glancing at all the drugstore polishes when I found this on the shelves:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fXOueABD1g/UM01aLWCpOI/AAAAAAAAAxU/aTxobOfWcMs/s1600/pinkt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fXOueABD1g/UM01aLWCpOI/AAAAAAAAAxU/aTxobOfWcMs/s320/pinkt.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last night I painted my nails in Butter London's Teddy Girl. It's one of my favorite pinks! But if you look...its pretty much a perfect dupe. I'll probably need to buy it later to know for sure but here's another bloggers picture of Covergirl's Outlast Stay Brilliant polish in 'Pink-finity'<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OAs4oxWSF5w/UM02CDvSapI/AAAAAAAAAxg/fmB1iZ8URGs/s1600/justporciuncula.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OAs4oxWSF5w/UM02CDvSapI/AAAAAAAAAxg/fmB1iZ8URGs/s320/justporciuncula.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found this picture via a Google search on <a href="http://justporciuncula.blogspot.com/2012/12/covergirl-outblast-pink-finity.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">justporciuncula</a>'s blog. Doesn't it make you excited for the day I can give you photos like this? So if her photo is the true color then this polish is a bit more cool toned and pinky, a la Essie's French Affair. But apparently its a great 1 coat formula. I actually hate Butter London's formula AND brush. Its skinny and goopy, a lot like Essie's. Its just easier for me to use a wider brush such as Chanel or OPI.</div>
<br />
But I thought it was interesting that inside the bottle it looks practically the same. But lighting can play a HUGE factor in to how something looks on camera so perhaps it truly is closer to BL's Teddy Girl. I was hesitant to buy it because its $4.99 which is hitting the OPI range and expensive for a Covergirl polish in my opinion. However if the formula really is nicer then I suppose it'd be worth it. She said 6 days no chips (which means 2 in my world hah!) and I've noticed many companies are now imitating the Chanel bottle. So has ELF if you've checked out their newer stuff. So I thought i'd share just for the curious to know :) I'll probably buy a bottle soon as my Teddy Girl is quickly drying up -____- never buying a BL polish again. Even though they have some great colors.<br />
<br />
Take care!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
JackieAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-62601505153868408772012-12-13T20:32:00.001-08:002012-12-13T20:55:37.988-08:00OH HAI! New Camera soon...so more blogging?Hi guys.<br />
<br />
So I know. Yell. Scream at me. I am a freaking terrible blogger and I apologize for it. However...because I recently (or not so recently) surpassed the 100,000 subscriber mark this may soon change. Apparently this means I get free stuff from Youtube. YAY! Free stuff. My Chinese side rejoices.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwkjMXV4-6Y/UMqdjsUyEdI/AAAAAAAAAwg/gTu3jKASv-g/s1600/screenshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zwkjMXV4-6Y/UMqdjsUyEdI/AAAAAAAAAwg/gTu3jKASv-g/s1600/screenshot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay so not so free. I get a $500 gift card to an electronics shop which is better than nothing right? Although I'm tempted to buy myself tablet or a new PC, I think it is best to heed your cries and finally buy a DSLR. So this is the DSLR I'm getting- it's a Canon Rebel T3i. From my understanding most of the Youtubers have this these days. The footage is really high quality, even in low lighting which will be nice for the CRAZY amount of rain SoCal has been having. It's been raining for 4-5 days at a time, really unusual but at least we won't have all those ridiculous drought warnings and water shortages again. I'm not sure how I'm going to be able to see around the bulky casing...but we'll see! Haha<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS600D/images/front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://a.img-dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS600D/images/front.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So what does this mean for you? Hopefully more frequent blog posts, more frequent and higher quality videos. I think that honestly, when I first started Youtube everyone shared my video quality. Most people started off with the 1. something megapixel camera built in to their laptops. But I think where my video quality didn't bug me before where it bugs me now. So thank you guys for all your patience, I see your point and will try very hard to make sure my videos are easy to watch :) I'm also going to try to make a DIY light box so I can take some more high quality product photos to go with these new reviews! It doesn't look very hard...but I'm not always the best at DIY so we'll see LOL.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So what has been going on with me?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm sorry I've been so quiet. I know I've always gone so in and out of Youtube but I never wanted to identify myself as just being a Youtube personality. At $5,000 dollars a quarter on my education I couldn't focus on something that as many of you know would be transient. There are times I think about what "could have been" but I am honestly happy with the size i'm at now social media wise and really can't ask for more. I've been incredibly blessed and I'm also really happy with where I am now, so I can't say that I regret anything I've done either.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Life after school</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So the economy in the United States has been difficult, as many of you may know. But thankfully I was blessed to receive a few job offers right out of school. I almost didn't believe all the news stories about high unemployment, underemployment and lost jobs but as I was applying for jobs thats kind of when it hit me. There would be 2-300 applications per position, minimum. CRAZY. I think I'm fortunate though in that as of yet, I haven't had any friends be unable to find employment. For the most part all of us also got in to the fields that we wanted, so there's a lot to be thankful for. So that has been my life: work, hot yoga, gym and more work. I tried to figure out where Youtube and my blog would fit in this as I don't work a job thats repetitive, so sometimes I need to bring things home. But I realized it was one of those take-your-own-advice times and that I needed to make time for it. So I have been setting time aside every week :) And hopefully the blog will save me on the days the sun isn't having it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I tried to decide, what is reasonable?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I would LIKE to have: A video every 4 days and a blog weekly</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I will...probably only be able to do a video a week and post whenever I do something interesting (which is almost never ;D) haha but I figure once I have a sweet light box and camera I can also do shorter posts here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sARZbguGNaA/UMqoEXkCCpI/AAAAAAAAAww/AZ02AlY47KU/s1600/securedownload.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sARZbguGNaA/UMqoEXkCCpI/AAAAAAAAAww/AZ02AlY47KU/s1600/securedownload.jpeg" title="Georges at the Cove, California Modern " width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is probably the only thing that's exciting that has happened in the past few months. It was my birthday and now I'm 23, yay? We decided to have dinner at George's at the Cove in La Jolla, CA as it used to be a favorite of mine. The quality has definitely gone down...and despite the fact that we waited an hour for food I found it to be just okay. I was really sad but apparently where George's now fails to impress Eddie V's right next door now picks up. It still has the same spectacular view of La Jolla Cove though. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8KvboN5rRg/UMqpkDxwRzI/AAAAAAAAAw4/ACg1cQDEUGI/s1600/securedownload+(1).jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8KvboN5rRg/UMqpkDxwRzI/AAAAAAAAAw4/ACg1cQDEUGI/s1600/securedownload+(1).jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This view. So serene. We had to wait by the bar as they opened the dinner area. It directly overlooks the cove so you can drink your martini as the winds from the beach gently brush against your face. Seeing everyone relax after work (or a vigorous shopping spree) was so therapeutic- definitely reminds you of the good life. It was nice to slow things down for awhile.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to say this was the first year I felt *old*. I almost PANICKED. I just want so much more for myself. I think women are serial planners, we try to set dates and ages for everything we want in our lives. But everyone keeps telling me that I'm still young so I try to believe them. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't have this panging voice in the back of my head that's silently freaking out every day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So now I must ask my NorCal readers. I'll be visiting the Bay area soon- we have a ton of friends there and wanted to spend time with them before the year is over. So you have to tell me, what do I need to eat?! We'll be in the Union Square, Chinatown and Financial district area a lot so anything in those areas that's a must try please let me know!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I have to finish this blog with some cuteness. Meet Cece! She's a two year old pom. I've known her since she fit in the palm of my hand! I hadn't seen my friends in awhile and a few of them came down from San Francisco for the weekend. As we were getting ready to go out she kept hopping in my bag and wouldn't get out -_- Not sure why. But she's cute anyway so its okay</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZthIzvoA9yY/UMqrZzgUrQI/AAAAAAAAAxA/oD89w8q8zLE/s1600/cece.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZthIzvoA9yY/UMqrZzgUrQI/AAAAAAAAAxA/oD89w8q8zLE/s1600/cece.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Also here's my latest video if you haven't seen it. I decided to show my foundation routine :x Which I really like and I think gives great coverage while looking pretty natural both in real life and on camera. Enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/buIpxML2qac" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
love,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Jackie </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-30437884478107034982012-08-15T21:43:00.001-07:002012-08-15T22:24:46.373-07:00The Two Things I've Learned in Life<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Something strange that I’ve noticed about Youtube is that
for some reason, people have imagined us to be role models. Not sure why this
is, but let me tell you – I would never profess or pretend to have lived a
perfect life or that I was a perfect person. But despite the fact that I keep
my channel to very surface level things like makeup and skincare, I still get
tons of messages from the younger population about the future and their
happiness. I’m glad that you think I’m happy, and I must say that I’m much
happier than I can remember being, but it was a long and <b>slow</b> journey for me.
But as I’ve stumbled along life, I can really only share these two pieces of
“wisdom” with you, that I think are actually true, and can apply to everyone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PuI1lKYuvL4/UCx4UpE941I/AAAAAAAAAwE/3vg5B0t2D6E/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PuI1lKYuvL4/UCx4UpE941I/AAAAAAAAAwE/3vg5B0t2D6E/s320/1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p>1. Surround yourself with good people</o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Growing up my mom used to always chide me
that “birds of a feather flock together”. Although I think there’s a lot of old
school Asian elitism built in there, I can’t help but say that there’s a lot of
truth to this statement. [Admittedly a lot of what my mother told me ended up
being true- but that’s a whole ‘nother story and not one I want to admit to
anytime soon lulz]</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
There’s a saying that you are the middle of
the five people you spend the most time with. When I reflect on my own life, this
has always proved to be true. When I spent time with people who were selfish,
self absorbed, lazy, insatiably materialistic, etc. I was much of the same. But
now that I spend a lot of time focused on my career and studies, I find that my
group has unconsciously changed. It wasn’t even a conscious going of ways- we
simply stopped having things in common when I didn’t want to go out partying every night of the week anymore. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
I think its just natural for us to be
influenced by those around us. Its very hard to be unmotivated when you’re
watching everyone else around you chase their dreams, and its also hard to care
when everyone around you is indifferent about their future. This isn’t to say
this is a blanket statement and there aren’t exceptions to the rule- but it
even applies to fitness. People who like to work out like people who work out-
and it'd be harder (but not impossible) to “let go” of one’s self so to speak. Surrounding yourself with good people may not "fix" your life, but it will dispel all of the silly, self-pitying excuses you give yourself to not get the things you want.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Surrounding yourself with good people doesn’t
just affect things like your career though, I truly think it greatly affects
your overall happiness and well being. Happy, successful people, unlike bitter people, are eager to share their happiness and success with the people around them. I don’t think you’ll completely avoid
terrible events or your own slip and falls along the way, but your chances at
happiness are much higher with people who love you around
you. As far as friends go, quality > quantity, always. You'll make better life choices, which will almost certainly lead to a much happier life, filled with more opportunities and good memories. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2. Know what you want</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
Because the largest demographic of Youtube
is the under 18 crowd, I get tons of emails daily asking about my career,
how I chose it, how they should choose their major etc. Let me just tell you
that I can’t tell you whether to take the solid medical field route or to try
your luck at whatever your niche passion is- but one of the best things you can
do is know what you want in life.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
This applies to your friendships and
relationships as well. It’s HARD to hit the ground running if you don’t even
know where you’re running towards. And it’s even harder to be competitive with
people your age who have fully immersed themselves in this career for the past
5 years- and have 5 years of solid experience in front of you.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
So how do you know what you want? Some
(aggravating) people seem to know what they want from the moment they come out
of their mother’s womb and stick unwaveringly to it their entire life. I think
the majority of us will have to <i>stumble along</i>- until we find what makes us
happy. So how do you start “trying out” different fields? Get a volunteer job,
an internship, a part-time, or even ask to shadow a doctor or whatever it is that you
want to do. Jump in to that field, and it’ll help you decide if you could stick
with it for life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could attend
networking meet ups in that industry (search for these online, I promise there’s
tons), or even start a blog or channel about the said topic. I also suggest
that you find a mentor. Hell, even take a seemingly irrelevant-to-your-major class
in college. You’ll gain experience, as well as real world knowledge that you
can then apply to your career. Even if you don’t go with this said career track I
promise you almost every bit of work experience you have will help build you up
for your future career/job- even if they’re in different niches.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
At the end of the day different things make
different people happy- some need money, some need fulfillment, others need
routine and security. So I could, quite frankly, never really answer any of your
questions. But these are the two tips that have remained true throughout my
life, and that I think will truly bring you long term happiness, and all that happy
wonderful stuff. Oh. And pet puppies. That works too <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Wingdings;">:) </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y__QvU-DVRw/UCx4bRd_SFI/AAAAAAAAAwM/nYA9X-U5da4/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y__QvU-DVRw/UCx4bRd_SFI/AAAAAAAAAwM/nYA9X-U5da4/s200/2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">This is my friend's dog Kona :) she's a lab rescue- but she's INCREDIBLY timid. I worked with rescues for years and have never met a dog that was so scared. She's also not food motivated- so food and bribes aren't working. Any tips on getting her to open up? :[ I know you should take it at their pace and let them initiate the interaction but its been a few weeks now and she's still having a hard time and we really want her to be well socialized due to the owner's career and lifestyle. Any suggestions would be welcome :)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Until next time!<br />
Jackie</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31159318.post-49196557446400887682012-06-18T19:58:00.000-07:002013-04-16T21:50:16.748-07:00Review: Canmake's Peach Cream, Butter London Teddy Girl and Etude House Jelly Pop top coatHi guys :)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So as you guys already know I've been a bit on a nail kick lately. I just wanted to share some swatches of the polishes and top coats I've been trying out for the past few weeks.</div>
<div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TC3m3sXc-I4/T9_mnzJDQPI/AAAAAAAAAvo/k_w4MB_B86E/s1600/IMG_9257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="butter london teddy girl swatch" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TC3m3sXc-I4/T9_mnzJDQPI/AAAAAAAAAvo/k_w4MB_B86E/s320/IMG_9257.JPG" title="Butter London Teddy Girl Swatch" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BDVxPzcfyhc/T9_mtBm5dQI/AAAAAAAAAvw/heNP9KoOfT8/s1600/IMG_9246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="butter london teddy girl swatch" border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BDVxPzcfyhc/T9_mtBm5dQI/AAAAAAAAAvw/heNP9KoOfT8/s320/IMG_9246.JPG" title="butter london teddy girl swatch" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As far as my <b>review of Butter London Polish "Teddy Girl" </b>its described as a "bubblegum pink". I think of it more as a Barbie doll pink, as you can see it leans pretty strongly towards white. It takes 3 coats to become opaque. As far as chipping goes it usually lasts 2-3 days without chipping, but after that its chip city! It looks a lot better after you paint all the coats and then add a top coat. I'm not a fan of the brush or formula however. It can be a bit thick and has a skinny brush much like Essie (and I'm an OPI fan)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jeLbgDh24JU/T9_odhYIz1I/AAAAAAAAAv4/l8kX__HQnaw/s1600/download" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Canmake Peach Cream 46 Etude House Jelly Pop top coat review" border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jeLbgDh24JU/T9_odhYIz1I/AAAAAAAAAv4/l8kX__HQnaw/s320/download" title="Canmake Peach Cream swatch 46 Etude House Jelly Pop top coat review" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So here is a picture of Canmake #46 Peach Cream polish with<b> Etude House Jelly Pop top coat</b>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Canmake Peach Cream review</b>: I LOVE the color of this polish. Its a beautiful almost jelly like coral. Its a bit lighter than Chanel's distraction, which I mentioned that I loved before! It takes 4 coats until its acceptably opaque...but if you look closely you can still see through the polish. It lasts about 3 days without chipping, but doesn't seem to chip off in huge chunks. Its also a bit annoying to apply because it can get very thick and the brush is skinny. Gorgeous color and great formula, horrendous application.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As far as the Etude house jelly pop top coat...this has to be one of my favorite top coats ever! It applies quickly and easily and is a bit thicker than seche vite...BUT it doesn't have as strong fumes and doesn't tend to thicken in the bottle as seche vite does. It has the same chip-resistance as seche vite but I will admit that I think seche vite is a tad bit shinier.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
And thats all for now :)</div>
</div>
<div>
Sorry I've been so out of touch...I've been moving, attended many friends graduations and went on a very small trip to Catalina Island recently. OH! And I've been swimming :) Which takes up a lot of time (and energy) hahaha.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
PS. Please ignore the stupid horribly outdated timestamp...my camera is being stupid since I dropped it and I haven't fixed it yet -_- My apologies!<br />
<br />
In case you want to watch my video review you guys can see it below:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4v7MZcYS9GU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
I also talked about the Urban Decay All Nighter Spray, Benefit's Hervana blush and an awful top coat called "Hong Kong Girl"...yes that was really the name. Hahaha!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Take care :) </div>
<div>
Jackie</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13879647620916688794noreply@blogger.com7