First Christmas Shopping (for myself) Haul

Hey there. It's been a while.
I'm not too sure what happened this entire year that I've put blogging aside.
I've had my break and I guess it's time for a "comeback".
So, as for my comeback, my first post will be a haul on my first Christmas shopping (in a way)

Firstly, I have to say, a few days before, I cleared my closet for the Christmas Carnival Jumble sale and so, well, I don't have as many clothes as I used to...
I mean, look at the amount of clothes I'm letting go (cue "Let it Go")








Yea, so yesterday, I was with my kids for their class party.
Pretty nice of them to invite me despite only teaching them for about 4 months.
We were at Setia City Mall, Shah Alam for the class party where we ate and bowl and well, i did a little shopping there myself.
But first, let's see what my kids got me.


A ceramic tumbler from Syana and a H&M Shirt from the class... Wait, how did they know H&M is one of my favourite clothing stores??? 0_0
Thank you 4 Ali. #4AliForever











Moving on to my own purchases...
Oh, by the way, I've put allotted and budgeted to spend no more than RM100 on clothes and guess what, I spent less than that including all the non-clothing items... score!

From H&M Setia City Mall, I got myself 2 Christmas trunks and a pair of wayfarers (to be placed in my sister's car so i don't have to get my eyes burnt when i'm in her car in the afternoons)

Oh ya, have I told you I totally love it when H&M has clearance. I asked the cashier if it's a Christmas Sale or a Clearance and he said that they don't do sales, just clearance and indirectly, i think i asked him the frequency of these clearance sales and i think he says it's quarter-yearly. Anyone with insight could shed some light please.
So, the wayfarers cos only RM10 (original price is RM24.90, but the last time the screw for the exact same wayfarer dropped and I can't find an optical shop who could help out, and opted to wanting to get a new pair, it was RM39.90. It's safe to say i didn't get them then and now I'm thankful). Now that i think about it, i have to admit it's pretty unnecessary since i've fixed my shades but i guess i'll just put them in my sister's car.

Moving on to Christmas trunks!!!
If they keep this up, I might do this every year.
Last year, the Christmas trunks' theme was South Park. This year, we have The Simpsons and there's two of them. However, last year, the trunks were going for RM10 but this year, they're going for RM15. (original price is RM39.90, so, i guess i got 2 for less than the price of 1 then...) . Truth is, i didn't know the design for this year will be The Simpsons, i thought it'll just be a patterned pair of trunks and lo and behold, i was (pleasantly) surprised with the quirky The Simpsons graphic on them. I guess a little Christmas Trunks will get me more into the Christmas mood.
(Oh, puh-lease, of course i won't have a picture of me in them)

So, from H&M, due to the clearance, I've "saved" [(RM24.90 - RM10) + 2(RM39.90 - RM15)] = RM RM64.70
not bad i would say...
in a way, i can't wait to see the other H&M stores to see if they have anything else on clearance that was not offered in the one in Setia City Mall.

Now, my other purchase from Setia City Mall is a rather impulsive and useless buy. It was more for satisfying my own want. I've been eyeing this wooden alphabet from Typo for a while, and by a while, i mean ever since i've laid eyes on it. When it first came out, i think it was for RM5. They are not going for RM6. Although it's a bit pricier than it was back then, i guess it's just a tiny present for myself now that i've cleaned up my room and want to put a bit of character and decoration to it. I know i could also get similar one's from Cotton On but i'm not sure how much they are there. Might be cheaper, might be more expensive.

Other than those, i got redeemed myself (well, technically not really for myself but i'm just seizing the opportunity to redeem some freebies) 2 packets of Estee Lauder Anti-Ageing cream that i'll give out for Christmas.

You could get redeem yours by filling in a form in the link below

Click Here for Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme sample request form.







So, in total, I spent RM46 in Setia City Mall but had a blast with the kids. Thank you 4 Ali. Good Luck and All the Best with your SPM and life in general. I have no doubt you guys will do good.
(it's highly probable that they will not see this but oh well)

After Setia City Mall, i had some time to kill before going to the airport to pick my dad up so i headed to Citta Mall cos they are having a Reject Shop warehouse sale.

Well, yea, there were rugs going for RM6 but not much was there. The cheapest clothing for guys is RM15 (well, there are boxers going for RM10 if you want to consider those as clothing) but i guess if you're a lady (or you like wearing lady clothes, no judgement here) you could get stuff for as low as RM9.

I picked up some t-shirts priced at RM15 but ultimately only got 1 of them which I like cos i thought of getting more gray tops to go for a more casual manly feel. The others were good but i guess i would only go for this one as the others (though very nice) but did not attract me as such and i'm pretty much groomed mentally to be frugal as of late. (yea, ironic that i'm supposed to be frugal but doing a haul post)

And now for the last item(s) for the day, well, it's not so much of a for-fun buy but it's to replace my lost items. As usual, forgetful/clumsy/careless me would lose my stationary. I've lost my cutting items (blade and my scissors). So, i went to Times to get them replaced. Got myself some Scotch Tape as well as i've used my last one and i'm running low. Since i have my Kad Siswa, there was a bit of a discount, not much but i've got a bit off. The bill came up to RM18.40 for those 3 items (well, 4 if you consider the tape as 2 items).

Total Expenditure on items for the day:

RM40 + RM6 + RM15 + RM18.40 = RM 79.40!!!

My take on the results of Asia’s Next Top Model Cycle 2

As of late, I've been seeing a lot of Sheena Bashing on social media after she was recently, officially crowned the winner of Asia's Next Top Model Cycle 2.

Well, here’s my take on it. I could understand why many of you felt cheated and you think that Jodilly deserve to win more. But, I still stand that Sheena deserve to win just as much and I believe that she would benefit from it more than Jodilly. If it comes down to it, I believe the biggest prize, the contract with Storm Models is the reason that skewed the decision to Sheena's favor which would be explained later. As of the other prizes (Subaru SUV and TRESemmé) , I could see why Jodilly might deserve them more.

You see, Jodilly is great at being a model, the verb. But as for Sheena, Sheena is a model noun. I have to admit that Jodilly may model better than Sheena, but with practice, they could be on par. Jodilly might be more daring but Sheena knows her stuff.

I may not be a professional but seeing the two, I believe that Sheena would strive and appeal to a larger/more international market than Jodilly. Agencies would book Sheena more than Jodilly. You see, Sheena has that exotic look that attracts people. She clearly has the Asian look that is currently popular in the market due to the rise in Korean fashion. She is the kind of look that one knows for sure that she is a model. Sheena reminds me of model Amber Chia and Shu Qi (if you look at Sheena’s photo’s when she has darker hair), both quite successful in their fields. As for Jodilly, she’s a very pretty girl, very sweet. But her market may not be as large as Sheena’s. She would do well in certain markets in Asia, especially in the Phillipines. Jodilly’s strength lies within her skills and talents, but if you could only see by looks, she would (to be honest) lose out to Sheena.

Also, Jodilly could clearly define a commercial model but Sheena is clearly more editorial. Seeing the trends, the Next Top Model franchise usually favors more editorial models. The current Storm Models are mostly more editorial which also explains why Sheena would fit better (justified above). Also, Harpers’ Bazaar is more editorial than commercial. Seeing from the business perspective, I believe that the editors would choose a more editorial model. Therefore, looking at business perspective, I feel that the agency would book more with Sheena than Jodilly, especially in the European market. If you would want to look at it deeper, let’s put Jessica vs Stephanie from last cycle. You could clearly see by looks alone that Jessica would book more than Stephanie, not because of her talents but because (sadly) the market. If you want to look again, compare Sofia and Stephanie. On the runway, I think Sofia would book more than Stephanie. Bottom line is, they appeal to different audiences but in the larger scale, editorial models are more desirable in the market. Now, let’s be honest. Without the show, if you see two magazines, let’s say Harpers Bazaar, at the stand, one with Sheena on it and the other with Jodilly, and you could only choose one, which would you pick up? I don’t buy magazines but if I had to, it’ll be Sheena’s. However, it’s different if it’s like Seventeen. Then, without a doubt, Jodilly’s would be the one to pick up. But look at the prizes again. It’s Harpers Bazaar.

With that being my case, I hope I shed some light as to why I think Sheena would be the more suitable winner of the competition. As for being deserving, both equally deserve it. I think the result was based more on business perspective rather than the abilities of the models because when it comes down to it, they were both on par with each other. I’ve seen some of their post-show works and I’m happy that both of them are making it big in the industry.

If you’re thinking that I’m supporting Sheena solely on the fact that I’m Malaysian myself, you are mistaken. I watched the previous cycle as well. I love and supported Melissa (still do, actually). However, because of the bitter truth and the market as it is now, I know that she would not be able to win it. Don’t get me wrong, I love Melissa, but the odds were not in her favor, at least not of this generation as Melissa is clearly more commercial than editorial (refer above). But because of Melissa’s attitude and personality, I believe she will go far in this business. Melissa is a people person, one that could appeal to normal everyday girls. Sadly, the market calls for people who girls aspire to become, which is sad but that’s the truth. I’m happy that Melissa, and even Tyra herself is trying to break that barrier.

p/s: i'm aware that i may receive some bashing after this but i have my opinion. to each their own.

Disclaimer : photo not mine, credits to onesettingatatime.com

BEST CHRISTMAS EVER!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS PEOPLE!!!!

IT'S THAT TIME OF THE YEAR AGAIN!!!

WARNING: this post might be shallow, but it's something that has always been with me...

you know,
for the past few years or even since i was young,
Christmas was just a tradition to me and there's nothing much for me to look forward to...

at home, because of the limited space, we do not really decorate the house for Christmas,
moreover, no one comes over anyways...
and as for last year, we had a small Christmas tree,
one that i bought just to get into the mood...
but this year, my parents decorated the house and i guess they raided Daiso for so many festive decorations...

this year also marks my first time in a long time to sing carols in real public places...
we were caroling in Giant Kota Damansara and it was an experience to keep albeit being tired...

also, i guess since young, come Christmas,
i always wished to get more presents (i know i'm shallow but who doesn't love presents)
however, due to my lack of social confidence and a close social circle,
i seldom get more than probably 3 presents...
and even if i do, it's more of the "everyone gets a token" type of presents...
but this year, lo and behold....
presents keep coming in from friends and family...
(LOVE YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!)

here's a list of things i've gotten so far:
1. a pair of Pierre Cardain shoes from my dad :)
    thanks papa!!!!
    (sorry, no picture.... yet)

2. a bottle of mint syrup from bestie, Milaa and family... THANKIES!!!

 

3. a Marvel's Thor power bank from siblings, Daphne and Jeremy... thank you you two... :D

4. a external hard-disk casing (with Captain America logo >u< )from the cute Jack "Turtle" Chan!!! thank you Turtle!!!

 

5. a cookbook with a nice message from the dear sexy darling Ken Siang!!! thank you Ken Ken!!!

THANK YOU AGAIN YOU ALL!!!

I LOVE YOUR SEXY FACES!!!

high (hi)

hi,
it's been a while
and today, i come not as a writer
but a person with emotions and no one to pour them to
i have no one
i think this post may hurt a few people, but if you want honesty, here's some of it

i've been thinking on and off about this and i've come to a realization
i don't have any friends from my days in school
and even if i do, i think i only have 1 or 2...
mind you, i THINK,
i'm not certain
and as for my friends now in university,
it's too early in the game to know

truth is,
i'm jealous of people who have friends
friends who drop by unannounced for no reason just to say hi
friends you go out of the way to cheer you up when you're down
friends who would just hang for no reason
friends who would sail the ocean for you

all my days in school,
i always had something to offer
and thus, i'm (in a way) celebrated
i guess people call me "friend" for what i can offer
and not who i am
i guess i am a "friend" with benefits
i used to excel in my studies
i know the "right" people
i own a car and can drive around

come to think of it,
someone once told me that form 6 is where you find real friends
i now highly beg to differ
it has come to my realization that i was only a driver and when my "services" were not needed,
i'm just nobody
even to this day,
they would meet up (come on, i can see it on facebook)
and i would not be invited
sometimes, i would just ask them (i tried to come across as telling it as a joke to avoid them seeing that i'm no happy with it)
and they would say that they thought i was busy and would not come
behind my mind, all i can think of is the validity of their excuse
is it that hard to even ask?
it's like common courtesy (if it's your friend)
would it be hard just to say something like
"I know your schedule is busy,  but if by any chance your schedule is freed up, would you want to join us to..."
some may say that i should take the first step and make a move
truth is, i have, countless times
and honestly, i'm sick and tired of it...
and to be honest, the times that you come, i feel that as though you're just coming for the agenda and you have nothing to do
not because you want to see me...
i mean come on!
we came, we watched a movie, we go home...
and even if we talk, we talk about the movie and not what's happening in our lives
so, tell me honestly, i'm just an acquaintance to you right?
i'm (highly) expandable and disposable...
not to mention, usable...

and here's to another group
here's something that i've not told anyone
(or only a small pinch-ful, not even a handful)
there was a time that you knew that i was definitely not happy
the time when i was dumped (for the first time even)
none of you came to me
none of you called me to see if i'm doing okay
to be honest, i felt that none of you cared
and i was the one who called to ask if any of you want to have dinner
seriously
i had to deal with it on my own
and when it was time i finally let it sink in,
no one was there for me
and months and years had passed now and i feel we're drifting apart anyways

there are times i made to effort to be "friends"
i never ask for anything in return and i do not expect anything for you
i call to hang because i just want your company
and now that i think of it,
did you ever ask me to just hang for the fun of it?
i can only recall me inviting
but i truly can't remember the last time you called me out to hang
even if it meant i can't, did you ever just call me out just to see if i could?

so now,
i ponder and question
we may hang out (almost) every night now
we may laugh our lungs out every time
we may fight, gossip and make up
but once we walk out this door
once we leave this place,
will you make an effort to keep in touch with me?

i know i would love to,
but only if you agree to as well
due to what has happened
i could only think that you will actually fret when i ask to hang
when i drop by unscheduled and ask to hang for a cup of tea,
you would probably say you're busy even though you're not
so, only with your permission (from now on) i would make the effort to keep you close

would you just drop by to say hi
because if you do, i'll be more than willing to make time and just hang?

those who know me would know this
i would sail the oceans for you,
i would walk through fire if you're distressed on the other side
but the question now is,
would you do the same for me?

cos i don't want to be a burden to you any more
but do not worry,
i'll play it like everything is okay between us
at least till we walk out these doors...

The Voice of Truth, The only voice I need to adhere...

The Voice of Truth
Casting Crowns

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
Onto the crashing waves
To step out of my comfort zone
To the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out his hand

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The waves they keep on telling me
Time and time again. 'Boy, you'll never win!'
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

Oh what I would do to have
The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a Sling and a stone
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors
Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me
Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed
The giant keeps on telling me
Time and time again "boy, you'll never win!
"You'll never win"

But the voice of truth tells me a different story
And the voice of truth says "Do not be afraid!"
And the voice of truth says "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth

But the stone was just the right size
To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high
From on top of them looking down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth