Turning 21: A Reflection, A Life Milestone

I’ve always been the girl that gets excited for her birthday! I’ve always been the girl that will count down the days leading to her birthday.

But this year with the BIG 2-1 birthday fast approaching, I don’t feel as overly excited as my other birthdays. And now its tomorrow and I still am not jumping up and down like I used to!

Now why is that?

Adulthood?

Pressure?

Expectations?

These things come to mind.

Turning 21, people have this expectation of you to start acting like a responsible adult. Big life changes, big decisions, it’s all so scary. For me, it’s definitely a time of transition and a time to make the changes that I want.

I found this quote recently which I love; “21 is that magical age when suddenly all the things your parents taught you, whether you wanted to learn them or not, starts to look like pretty good information.”

21 things I learned turning 21

1.       Procrastination is bad, don’t leave things to the last minute.

2.       There will always be someone that will put you down, no matter how hard you try to make them happy.

3.       A relationship is based on trust, honesty and communication.

4.       People can change, they can turn from the most loving person to your worst enemy.

5.       Smiling instantly makes you more attractive.

6.       It’s good to laugh at yourself sometimes.

7.       Food is amazing.

8.       No matter what you do, your family will always be there for you.

9.       It’s not too late to chase your dream, never give up.

10.   It’s not just about the end destination; rather it’s about the journey and the memories.

11.   Saying sorry is not overrated.

12.   You can do anything if you put your mind to it.

13.   Skinny is out, curvy is in.

14.   Crying is not a sign of weakness.

15.   Being weird is better than being like everyone else.

16.   Grades may not be the most important thing, but it is important.

17.   You can learn a lot from movies and books.

18.   There is a difference between being nice and being kind hearted.

19.   Being in love is awesome.

20.   Do not pop a pimple, it leaves a mark, seriously, I know.

21.   There is always something to be thankful for like your family and friends.

There you have it. This is my 21 things I have learnt turning 21, as a result of my experiences and memories. Hopefully, I will learn many more in my 20’s.

~ I’ll be a year older; hopefully I’ll also be a year wiser.~

Michelle L

Read More... Turning 21: A Reflection, A Life Milestone

Everyday Natural Makeup Routine (July 2013)

It seems long absences between posts are becoming a frequent habit on this blog. I've been just plain lazy to write posts, but I'll try to write and post more from now on!

This post is dedicated to my simple everyday natural makeup routine:

1. FACE OF AUSTRALIA Face Base Primer :
    This is a really good drugstore primer. It has a very sheer creamy like consistency which I like. I try to steer away from silicon based primer on a daily basis because I feel that it clogs my pores and cause pimples. I find that this primer does make my makeup last longer, but the oil control is not good.

2. MISSHA M Perfect Cover BB Cream :
    As mentioned in a previous post, this bb cream is my holy grail product. Its light coverage, evens out skin tone and not too greyish looking like some other bb creams. I've been using it for almost 2 years now.

3. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium (Not included in above picture) :
    I use this to set my makeup and mattify my oily face throughout the day. I also love using this on its own as a powder foundation. This product was also mentioned in another earlier post. A cheaper alternative for this that I found is the Maybelline Dream Matte Powder, however I think the MAC MSF is much better in terms of the finish it gives and the lasting power of the product.

4. NARS Blush in Orgasm :
    I can see why this is a cult favourite. I love it as it looks so natural on my cheeks and gives my face a little glow. The colour is flattering for all skin tones too.

5. BOURJOIS Volume Glamorous  Mascara
    I got this as gift in my Priceline Beauty Bag a couple of months ago. Overall, I don't really like it. I find that there are better mascaras out there, like the Maybelline mascaras and Covergirl mascaras. It tends to clump my lashes, and its super hard to wash off.

6. RIMMEL Scandaleyes Eyeliner
    Loving how creamy and long lasting these eyeliners are. I'll keep repurchasing it because it's that good!

7. EMPRO Triangular Brow Pencil in Dark Brown
    Empro is a well known brand in Malaysia. I love how the brow pencil is in a triangular shape which makes filling my brows in so much easier.  

8. BEESWAX Lip Balm
    This lip balm moisturises my chapped and dry lips throughout the day.

So these are the products I have been loving and using on a daily basis. Depending on the occasion, I might apply a matte or shimmery brown eyeshadow to make my eyes pop more.

Michelle L 

Read More... Everyday Natural Makeup Routine (July 2013)

Hopes for a new Malaysia, a new nation - GE13

 

I was hesitant to write about this, as I can see that there is so much frustration and disbelief with the results of GE’13 in Malaysia yesterday. Let me start by briefly telling you about my background and where I come from. I was born and raised in the little country called Malaysia.  I spent most of my memorable childhood in Malaysia. Like most Malaysians, when asked by strangers what I love about the country, I would gush about the oh-so-delicious food, especially the Mamak stall food found locally. When I migrated to Australia, the food does not even compare, and still to this day, I miss the taste and flavour of the authentic Malaysian food found back home.

Although I have migrated to Australia 5 years ago, Malaysia will always be a part of me, as it’s a part of who I am, the place where I grew up, the place where my beloved family and relatives reside. I want my future children to be able to have the choice and opportunity to experience all that this beautiful country has to offer without the interference and corruption of the Malaysian government. I want them to have hope and faith that Malaysia is safe; the place where they came from is a safe place.

Democracy is a severe issue in Malaysia, how can we keep our children and off springs safe if the government is a fraud and democracy is dead. When fairness and equality is non existent in our community. Where the credibility of the government and the police authorities are questioned. We hear about under privileged or war-torn countries, whose governments are seeking help from others to develop and improve the economies of these countries, but no one speaks or vocally addresses the democracy issue within our Malaysian government. How can our country move forward when the people who rule us, or runs our country does not have a care for its people and society.

Over the last couple of days, the GE’13 has affected so many people; I can’t even scroll through my FB newsfeed without someone mentioning the upcoming election, or the disappointment on the election poll results. The fiery passion that every Malaysians have regarding this is evident, even petitions have been created online, such as the petition named Democracy crisis in Malaysia: foreign workers were employed for fraud voting in Malaysian General Election, which has an astonishing 170,469 signatures. I have never seen Malaysians so united in my 20 years of existence. Malaysia still has a lot to change, however I believe that we have come too far to give up hope for the future of Malaysia and its people. I am confident that there is light at the end of this darkness, so don’t give up hope just yet. 

Remember that if one person can make a difference, imagine how much one nation can do?

 This is purely my opinion. I do not mean to offend anyone.

Michelle L.

Read More... Hopes for a new Malaysia, a new nation - GE13

ALWAYS THE IDEALIST

Ever heard someone say "its crazy how things can change so quickly"? I've always been a pessimist about this, but boy were they right all along!

I've always believed that people can go through great extent to predict something or to prepare for something. But what I've learned is that they can't do anything about it, or do anything to change what will happen. Things happen. It's simple as that.

The only thing that you can change is yourself, and how you perceive things as it happens. I never believed in the external locus of control, where things happen outside your control. I've always had a specific idea in my mind growing up. A certain frame of mind, a certain outlook on life. I've stuck with that same idealistic belief for so long, clinging onto it as it gave me hope about what is to come in the near future. I guess you can call me an idealist. Questioning this idealism is like losing part of something I believed in.

I've always been fascinated with how those affected by horrific tragedies, like losing their family, financial stability or even lose part of themselves, have the courage to change themselves for the better and look towards the future with such positive attitude. How does someone go through such positive and life changing changes after those things that made them happy or define who they are, is suddenly taken away from them?
How can they not hate the world, after moments where it feels like the world is against them?

I guess things can change, people can change; but you can't change your destiny.



Michelle L. 

Read More... ALWAYS THE IDEALIST

Gentleman vs Gangnam Style (PSY)

There is only one song that has recently taken the world by storm. Psy's much awaited and anticipated new MV "Gentleman" has almost hit $160 million views (159,596,386 to be exact) since it was released on Youtube. 

I must say, I prefer his new single "Gentleman" over "Gangnam Style". I find it so addictive and even as I'm writing this post right now, I can't stop moving and dancing to his song. His songs are addictive, dance moves are impressive, and this video does not disappoint. Plus, the reaction videos posted by fans on Youtube are funny to watch too. Overall, I'm a huge fan of Psy and I have been enjoying his new song way too much. 


Psy - Gentleman:

Psy - Gangnam Style:

Read More... Gentleman vs Gangnam Style (PSY)

GROWING UP WITH PARENTS

Remember when you were young, and your mum just dropped you off in front of your school in the morning. As you were getting out of the car, she called after you, and immediately you turned around feeling slightly embarrassed. 

"Mum, go away. Your embarrassing me", you said. 

“Aren't you forgetting something?” she asked, “Where’s my kiss goodbye?” 

Reluctantly, you quickly ran to give her a quick kiss on the cheek, at the same time silently praying that none of your friends have seen you, especially not the cute boy from your class that you secretly fancy.

During my earlier childhood and adolescent years, I was always embarrassed when my mum or dad showed any kinds of affection towards me in public. I also found it extremely hard to say “I love you” to my parents, or expressed any sort of emotions and feelings towards them. Maybe, it’s an Asian thing, who knows? And don't get me started about the parents trying to talk about the birds and the bees. That calls for an entirely different story altogether! 

I was not an easy child growing up. I was somewhat, in my mum’s opinion, rebellious. I was not on good terms with my mother, always skipping classes, coming home late, and even arguing over some boy I was apparently “head over heels for”. In saying that, I am definitely not proud of the things I have done. Looking back, I do regret all the fights and misbehavior, and all the stress I must have caused. I find it totally ridiculous now. "Why didn't I just listen to my mum's advice?", "She was right all along", "Things would have been so much easier if I just listened".

It's too late now. What's done is done.

The lesson that I have learned is that Mum always knows better.

But my stubborn nature has always convinced me that I have to make my own mistakes, in order to learn from them.

One quote that really resonates with me is, "Parents try the best they can. They want the best for you. But a lot of their stuff is just their own. If you can pull yourself away from it and not always feel like they're attacking you, then it's easier to deal with." 

As I grew up throughout the years, I've learned to treat my parents like how I want to be treated.  As individuals, we all have differences of opinions on a lot of different things. So learning to get along with your parents means to accept them for who they are, and even appreciating their many quirks. Their advice are valuable as they have much more life experience than us, but sometimes its okay to make your own mistakes. It's part of what we call, growing up. I have come to accept that they express their love in different ways. They do care about us in their own way, but we often take it for granted until its too late. 

Maybe my mum is right when she says, "we would never know the love of our parents for us until we have become parents ourselves". 


Michelle L.

Read More... GROWING UP WITH PARENTS

FINDING MY HAPPINESS

The sun goes down
The stars come out
And all that counts
Is here and now
My universe will never be the same
I'm glad you came
I'm glad you came..

There are days where things don't go the way you wanted it to be. It's perfectly normal for everyone. We humans are not wired to be happy all 365 days of the year. What’s more important to us is how we pick up ourselves after those bad days. In saying this, one particular quote comes to mind. 

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. 

I disagree with this. 

This quote, which has been widely used since Kelly Clarkson sang a song about it, is commonly said to someone when they are going through a tough situation, or has hit rock bottom. 

But my question is, what happens after someone hits rock bottom, or when going through a hard time? Do they just accept it and not do anything about it? Or do they take action, survive from it, and learn from it? Every individual is vastly different. Some will work through it right away and get back on their feet. Whereas others will do stupid things, regrets it and then get through the situation.

The people that I admire most are the ones that are able push themselves to find the light at the end of the tunnel after a bad situation or a bad mistake. This, in my opinion, is what makes us stronger.  

In our lives, we go through negative events, the event itself most likely will make us sad, depressed and at times, weak. It doesn’t make us strong. It may make us realize our mistakes, but it won’t make us stronger. We will build a wall around us to shelter our pain and to protect ourselves from getting hurt in future. Those walls represent our fears; such as fear of trusting again, fear of getting hurt again, or fear of losing ourselves. For most, breaking down those walls that acts as barriers involves a long process of healing.

But when those walls are diminished and a person is fully healed, it is a great achievement. That in itself makes us stronger. We are stronger to being able to put ourselves out there again with the risk of getting hurt again. We are stronger in knowing that whatever happens in future, we know everything will be okay.

During the healing process of rediscovering ourselves, we need to look within ourselves and find happiness.

Healing Self = Finding Happiness     

Happiness is all around us, whether we can see it or not. Ever seen someone who has so little (no money, no house) act so happy? Maybe you know someone like that? These people put the value of their relationships with others, their health and their kindness above the value of money and assets that is in their name. These people are hard to find nowadays. I truly admire people like these and strive to be like them when I grow up.

Finding happiness can be achieved in 7 steps, which is illustrated in the diagram found below. I find these steps to be the most simplest and straightforward.  

7 Steps to Happiness:

1)   Think Less, Feel More

Don’t make a decision or a judgement based on what we think or what we perceive. Follow our heart. Most often, our gut feeling is right.

2)   Frown Less, Smile More

A person’s smile is their most attractive feature. We are a more beautiful person just by forgetting our flaws and smiling more.

3)   Talk less, Listen More

Listening more can allow us to learn more. When we truly listen to someone, we will make the other person happy and feel appreciated as they know they are being heard.

4)   Judge Less, Accept More

Don’t judge a book by its cover. When we see through a person’s outer appearance, we see their true heart.

5)   Watch Less, Do More

Rather than observing someone doing things for themselves, start doing things that we have always wanted to do or things that make us happy. Don’t let our fears stop us from trying new things because we won’t know unless we try it for ourselves.

6)   Complain Less, Appreciate More

Show our appreciation to those that matter to us, and strive not to look for the bad things in any situation. Appreciation for life and everything we have is also essential for our wellbeing.

  

7)   Fear Less, Love More

Never be afraid of anything. When we let go of our fear, we will learn to love ourselves again.

By following these steps, we will find happiness, improve ourselves and forgive others. This will enable us to heal and move on in life after whatever hardships that have been thrown in our way.  

So, are you ready to find your happiness?






Image source: happinessinyourlife.com

Michelle Lai



Read More... FINDING MY HAPPINESS