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Saturday, January 16, 2016

Tuesday, January 12, 2016

15 DIY TIPS FOR COLORING ASIAN HAIR


According to a Cosmopolitan Philipines' advertorial back in May 2012, Asian hair is different from Western hair. So, here are pointers to help create your new look, the fun and fearless way.

1. Stand out. Don't stick out.

There's nothing worse than hair colour that makes you look like trying too hard. Asians generally look better in shades of red, brown or black. Dark eyebrows matched with platinum blonde is an unpardonable fashion crime.

2. Complement for compliments.

Reds, browns and blacks can set off Asian skin tone in various ways. Reds are perfect for fairer women. A more bronzed complexion matches well with brown shades. While the simple yet sophisticated blacks with a blue or brown sheen can be pulled off? by anybody.

3. Bring sexy black.

There's a reason why black never goes out of style. So don't be frustrated because you were born with black hair or if your work doesn't allow loud hair colours. Just choose a black-based hair colour with a coloured sheen such as blue or brown. This adds a natural and effortless touch that's always a surprise when light reflects on your hair.

4. Flaunt your style and personality.

Different hair colours can enhance different aspects of your character and even your personal style. Blacks can give a touch of elegance and sophistication. Browns can make you seem a bit more chichi and trendy. While reds are best for those who would like to look more fashion-forward.

5. Look to the stars.

If you're not sure about how a hair colour would look like on you, look for Asian celebrities who sport the same colour. Find a star who is close to your skin tone and see how she flaunts the shade you covet. Be realistic. Don't just be a "second-rate trying hard copycat." If the colour doesn't suit you, try another. The bonus is finding a celebrity with a similar complexion to yours is that you can use her colour choices as guide for your own transformations.

6. Be true to your hair.

Don't just choose any hair dye. Choose a hair colouring product that is made especially for Asian hair.  Unlike Western hair, Asian hair is usually darker and thicker - making resistant to dyes. A hair dye made for Asian hair would ensure that the pigments would penetrate each strand deeply for vibrant shades.

7. Color and care.

Choose a hair colour that is gentle to your hair. There are some formulations that may be too harsh for Asian hair causing it to be dry and brittle. This can cause the strands of your coloured hair to look like a wig. That's why it's best to have a hair dye that's also infused with vitamins to condition and nourish your hair.

8. Creamy is easy.

Our home application, a hair colour that comes in a rich non-drip cream format is best. This is easier to apply by yourself so you could ensure that the dye goes on your hair and not everywhere else. Cream formulations also ensure even application for better, more stunning results.

9. Make it a ritual.

The best thing about colouring your hair is the comforts of your own home is doing it with friends or even the man in your life who normally avoids going with you to the salon. This adds a fun touch to the process that you wouldn't normally enjoy if you just had done in the salon. Invite your friends over and make it a hair colouring date. Or better yet, make it you-and-me time with your guy.

10. Be armed and ready.


It only takes a few key tools to create your personal colouring  "salon" at home. Just invest  in a decent  mixing bowl for the hair pigment and developer, a fine-toothed comb for parting your hair, brush for applying the hair dye, and plastic gloves to protect your hands from stain. A premium hair dye would have most of these tools already inside the box.


11. Patch up.

Before applying the hair dye, test it first on the small patch of skin in your inner elbow. Do this to ensure that no irritation or allergic reaction will occur once you apply it on your hair.

12. Rules are made to be followed.

The key to doing your own hair colour is to really follow the instructions on the box of your hair dye. Don't experiment or adjust formulation just because you think you can.

13. Take your time.

Don't rush the process of colouring your own hair. Enjoy it like you would in a salon. Make sure that you part sections of your hair and apply hair colour with a brush properly. Coloring your hair part by part is the best way to ensure even coverage.

14. Make the cut.

Once you've achieved the hair colour that you want, visit a salon to get a hair cut that could bring out the beauty of your hair even more. With everything you've saved from doing your own hair colour, you won't feel guilty indulging in a haircut from a top stylist.

15. Do it with style.

This doesn't just refer to hair styling. It also means creating a complete look from head to toe that goes with the flow of your new locks. With the perfect choice of clothes, shoes and even accessories - your hair can be your ultimate crowning glory.


Be fun and fearless with your hair colour. Kolours Hair Dye had come up with a formulation especially made to penetrate and coast Asian hair for total coverage.

Related posts:
1. DIY LIP BALM - Save more than HK$500/year by making your own organic lip balm at the comfort of your own home by following this tutorial.

2. SPA IN YOUR OWN HOME - Click and read on if you're interested to mix your own facial scrub or cleansing oil.

3. CROWNING GLORY - Here are the nutrients you have to eat to have that glorious mane.

Sunday, January 10, 2016

HARBOURVIEW HOTEL MACAU

Last September, my husband had to represent Team Mushu for Macau's 2015 World Tourism Day Dragon Boat Cup alongside a strong group of rowers and my daughter and I got to cheer for them on that day. They have won as Champions which is another addition to TEAM MUSHU's collection of gold medals.


On the other hand, I got to experience another hotel in Macau called, Harbourview as we spent a night there before the big day of races came.

The HARBOURVIEW HOTEL in Macau is patterned after the 18th century Prague with an exquisite European style both inside and out. Completed with 389 comfortable guest rooms and 55 spacious suite rooms, it stood up impressing a lot of tourists visiting the peninsula. Combining sophisticated charm with modern elegance, I highly recommend Harbourview Hotel to you.


Starting from HK$1,030, you can book a room here and if you're lucky, occasional promotions are offered as low as HK$791.20 every now and then depending on whether it's peak season. I got mine with a breakfast deal since I wanted to maximise my experience of this lovely hotel.



My daughter and I arrived around 4 in the afternoon. And she appreciated the huge window by looking over the harbour. This design gave the room bright lighting that elevated our moods in an instant even though it was a bit cloudy. We were both starving so we took time in looking around the free amenities that go with the room, room service and the fridge. I had set her up with a movie and she was so happy. The sheets were clean. The comfort the mattress and the pillows bring were just right. ( Meaning, it wasn't too overwhelmingly soft. I hate it when you go on the bed and it requires effort from you just to sit up. ) Everything is just neat and tidy following a minimalist approach perhaps to give the guests a serene stay. Their hotel might be a little extravagant with its interior but the rooms were decorated minimally.

The amenities got the usual coffee. The fridge also got the usual stuff. Nothing special. But the room service menu was truly attractive and browsing over it made me think of my husband since that's his favourite. I told myself, we'll just eat the snack we brought and then wait for Hogan to come so that we could experience the room service altogether. Anyway, the time was a little bit in between having a snack and having dinner. We chose to eat light.

What I'm amazed about is their bathroom. It was not that big but I love the interior. Great looking tub (though it needs an anti-slip - for the record, that's not an opinion. It comes with a  hope that the management of Harbourview Hotel, Macau would address this issue as it concerns the safety of the people. I had a minor accident with it. Thank God I wasn't actually carrying my baby when I slipped.)


The toiletries were branded (L'Occitane), complete with a pair of toothbrushes, a wooden comb and many more, all for you to use and/or take home.


There's a separate shower if that's just what you want and as you can see on the right, the bathroom is separated by a glass see through window that could be beneficial to couples on a honeymoon. Whichever you choose between the two will surely give you a luxurious time in this sanctuary.

The closet is filled with 2 bathrobes, 2 pairs of adult slippers and a pair for a child. A user friendly safe is ready for you to use to secure your cash, your passports, jewelries and anything else personal to you that may need such service.






The floor was slippery for
kids to walk on without
adult supervision.
For old people, caution is advised.
While waiting for my husband to come from work, my daughter and I tried the indoor pool and as grand as it may seem, the jacuzzi for a kid was a little too much. But that's just what they have for her. I tried to lure her but she was uneasy. After a while, I just ordered something to munch on to lure her to stay a while since I know she's just feeling a little home sick.

So, we had ordered buffalo wings, watermelon shake for my baby and orange juice for me. It was pretty worth the price. As it sat on the wooden plate, presentation was impressive, the salad added colour to the dish and the wings were mouthwatering.

My daughter seemed thirsty as she grabbed the watermelon shake right away. It was pretty quiet for there was just a family at the other separate pool and a couple at the other. There were three so it was pretty quiet. The lap pool was too chilly. We dipped but I felt myself hyperventilating to cope up with the biting cold.

As we bid goodbye to the pool, we explored the neighbouring halls and the pool extended to another gateway to fitness passing a lounging area for reading and relaxing.
Notice the separate jacuzzis behind us.
There is one for toddlers, one for school-aged
and the last one is for adults.


The gym is equipped with high tech facilities and there's enough room for doing gym ball exercises but it doesn't include a room for doing yoga, dance classes and other calisthenics. Maybe there is but I wasn't able to explore more. Needless to say, Harbourview Hotel Macau offers a great array of weights to cater guests' need for holistic wellness.



The buffalo wings we ordered with a side salad,
dressed with vinaigrette.
As soon as we reached to the room, we washed up and then I had availed a couple of movies for Brave to be kept entertained. As soon as she dozed off, her dad reached the room and was eager to put on the Rugby match where Samoa was in. She got up from that sleep alright because of excitement. I was, too, because of the long awaited room service.


We got pasta, salad, fish and chips and a noodle soup for our late dinner:



It took time for my baby to settle down that night though for whatever reason we couldn't fathom. Randomly, I mentioned to our friend how annoyed I was with our window because it could give the room a much better airflow if the window could be opened. And then this friend of mine had a funny assumption. He connected my daughter's discomfort to probably an incident that Harbourview Hotel Macau maybe preventing from happening "again". You see, many gamblers in Macau lose huge amounts of money that maybe they had closed the window "permanently" to stop suicidal tendencies. That being said, I may sound delusional. But knowing that babies are pure and innocent, my baby's discomfort might have been related to some suicide committed in the room. But, no paranormal activity was observed. It just maybe has to do something with the room's vibe.

For HK$1,500/night booking with breakfast, I felt satisfied. It was worth it because of the wide array of food their breakfast buffet offered. But I wouldn't advice this if you are left to deal with your 1 year old kid. She was cranky because of not having enough sleep the night before so, she didn't want to eat anything. Breakfast buffet usually starts as early as 7am to 10am. Babies could sleep up until 10am. Since my husband's race started as early as 9:50am, I was left with her mood swings. We had to get up early and so, it was a little bit hard to enjoy breakfast.

Behind us was a noodle counter.
You choose the vegetables, the meatballs
to go with your preferred type of noodles.
Sort of Chinese style.



I love croissants!

Good to go.
I had a plate good enough for a jam packed morning and that good to go yogurt and banana was beneficial for my daughter, Brave, as soon as her hunger kicked in when we reached the pier where the race was happening.

When we reached the pier, I felt the surge of energy got channelled to Brave. She had a great time, and she had fun with everybody. Team Mushu was lining up for their final heat so we were just on time. The place was less than HK$20.00 far from Harbourview Hotel Macau as per cab ride.

Later that noon, after Team Mushu's victory, one of the event coordinators escorted the team to a lunch buffet at Harbourview Hotel Macau.

The hotel got built up in me again as I saw the tables explosive of food, drinks and desserts. I wasn't able to finish my food that morning like I said so I thought to myself this is the right time to indulge. So many people were keeping Brave company, my husband was with me and I'm sure Brave's yogurt and banana meal was pretty used up. With all the dancing and cheering we did, every dish looked so inviting!








This is just a few of the choices I was able to take a shot of. I was actually confused of which I wanted to eat because there's truly a lot. I love their choices of juice too because there was watermelon, orange, mango, guava and pineapple. There were a lot of choices for tea, you can brew your own coffee in the coffee machine. Capuccino, espresso, black and regular coffee. Name it, you got it. Tea also filled the beverage table as well as sodas in can ready for pick up and again, a take home or two can be done. Liquor can be ordered from the waiters as for additional information as proof of its aim to cater to guests' preferences.


The Harbourview Hotel Macau costs around HK$999.00 up per night. I give it a 3.5 stars out of 5 because for some reason, my daughter had a hard time sleeping overnight. For the many times I have checked in with my family with other hotels, she didn't have a problem sleeping unlike here. I also don't like how complicated their bath tub was too. It looked good but oddly shaped reaching a point that it wasn't comfortable at all.

The room surely looked luxurious but we can't even enjoy the veranda. When I asked my friend about it, he oddly said, "Maybe, you can actually open the windows before but not anymore because maybe there was somebody who stayed here before and had lost in gambling and jumped off the balcony." I jokingly agreed but deep inside, I thought he might be right. I'm not superstitious but kids do have a strong 6th sense which they can't express actually. And with money, nothing is impossible. If it was too great of an amount to lose, insanity could creep in and push people to their limits.

That was just my personal experience. And there's no proof on that story.

Transportation transfers maybe arranged but I had to ride the cab to reach the hotel. They don't have an available free coach to get you from the pier so that's already a hassle actually considering I was alone in checking in with my baby and a stroller.

So, if you're eyeing this hotel, here is a review that may help you one way or another. Please do share to anybody who's asking for some details about it too. Enjoy your getaway!

Related posts:
1. GRAND COLOANE RESORT - Another hotel in Macau that is far from its busyness and is more located on the quiet side of Macau.

2. FABULOUS FIND THIS NOVEMBER - Read as to which hotel got a free shuttle transfer from the Macau Ferry Pier!

3. HOW TO SAVE HK$5,000 IN 52 WEEKS - Wanting to have an additional spending money for travel? Make it happen starting this January!




Monday, January 04, 2016

Friday, January 01, 2016

HOW TO SAVE HK$5000 IN 52 WEEKS


As a blogger, I have been writing so many things to do for the New Year's. But last night, while we were waiting for the countdown, during a casual sharing with my family and friends of what's the best thing that happened to us in 2015 and what we would want to achieve in 2016, I realized one thing. 

The importance of financial awareness is actually the best thing that happened to me. 

Because of it, I had a paradigm shift and the light at the end of the tunnel was brighter than ever. I see now my purpose (my daughter) and I am blessed this year with ways on how to bring security to me and my family.

So many people say money is the source of all evil or money is not as important as happiness. Everybody is entitled to their opinion and it's interesting what makes them say so. But my opinion goes as far as: it is an essential tool to bring forth happiness. Your intentions will shape its efficiency. And your integrity can take you a long way. So this year, with my plan to carry out what I wanted to achieve, which is to add a fundamental amount in addition to my usual savings, I am planning to follow the 52 week challenge. Simple as it may seem, I'll borrow the image so that you'll have an understanding of how to earn an additional HK$5,000 in 52 weeks. For whatever reason you may have for this money, I'm sure it'll give you a sense of possibility. That if you will something, there's a way to make it happen!

This guy maybe targeting US$5,000.
But let me tell you, HK$5,000 may not buy you a house,
but it's still a big amount of money.
It is challenging because the sustainability of the act will be tested in time. But the good part in here is that it gives you something to look forward to at the end of the year. This will develop a good habit in you. This goal is a S.M.A.R.T. one too.
How?

S. SMART

It is money after all. Picture Christmas happening each year. And picture how much money you are able to produce a month before just to buy presents for your loved ones. It does give your wallet a huge hole by New Year's! Of course, you would deny that. There's just a couple of things why. It's because you used your credit card. Anyway you went for an instalment plan for most of your Christmas gifts. Or, you are too proud to admit so.

So why not reverse the idea, this HK$5,000 may be used for your Christmas shopping without getting much from your November salary. Get the picture?

M. MEASURABLE

The image is a clear table that suggests measured amount for a specific week with the total amount to expect at each week plus the total amount at the 52nd week, highlighted.

A. ATTAINABLE

Unless death comes upon inevitably (knock on wood), all of these are made attainable because the amounts each week are not too much. For a medium class worker, this is very possible. Now of course, the *poor, technically are more of expected to even make it than the middle class because they don't have as much expenses as the medium class. So don't underestimate their capacity to save as well. These are all but a challenge to anyone but the truth of the matter is, it is attainable, if you will it.

R. REALISTIC

On top of it being attainable, it becomes realistic when you see your piggy bank getting filled up and the monetary price is tangible enough for your palms and fingers to get to touch.

T. TIME BOUNDED

The chart specifically designates each amount with the corresponding week. So, knowing that 5,000 can be attained before the year ends, it can actually be adjusted. You can add more to it by extending your time frame. Or shorten it by increasing the amount as you lessen the number of weeks. Knowing that there are 4 weeks in a month gives you a perfect sense of how much to expect at a certain specific time.

So, support the idea by achieving the goal with me or by sharing it to someone who needs a template sample just like the one above. Happy New Year's and may you be financially free as soon as you will.


*POOR - The terms was aimed to be used to specify classes of people depending on their financial resources. Nothing else.

Related posts:

1. HOW FINANCIALLY FIT ARE YOU? - You want to know if you are financially stable right now? Take this simple test to find out.

2. MY ADVOCACY FOR A FINANCIALLY FIT SOCIETY - How I was called to educate and serve.

3. RICH DAD, POOR DAD - A post about how this book inspired me to choose financial freedom over fast riches. 

Thursday, December 31, 2015

11 THINGS YOU SHOULD LET GO OF TO START ANEW

One of the many skills
each of us ought to develop
is the art of letting go.
Even Queen Elsa had to. 


Being too attached to something or someone explains that difficult bearings may arise once that something or someone becomes absent. But here is a list this new year's, on top of the other ones, that may help you in achieving the rest of your lists because this offers a clean slate. As a repost, here is a superb list of what you should physically let go.

1. OLD MAGAZINES

Get rid of old magazines you have lying around because chances are, you aren't going to read them again. Nowadays, the smart phones are readily available with the information you will get from them. For the record, I am attached to them because they are my favourite. But I must be honest to myself, I would rather bring my phone to a coffee shop, check out Pinterest than carry nearly a kilo of that very thick mag.

2. RECEIPTS, BILLS AND DOCUMENTS

Throw away receipts for items that you aren't planning on returning and ones that you won't need to use come tax time. Most of the banks offer an option of consolidated bank statements that can be sent straight to your email. Besides the fact that you can save the trees every month, you are liberated from the space issues of where to stack it.

3. CLOTHES

Use the two-year rule for clothes - get rid of apparel that you haven't worn in two years. Pregnancy clothes (most especially trousers) are rare finds. Those you can keep if you are planning to have a second baby but the rest, please do free yourself from a cluttered closet.

4. BOOKS

Go through your bookshelf and gather together books you haven't touched in months and ones that you aren't planning on rereading. Giving it away is a good way of getting rid of them.

5. MEDICINE AND VITAMINS

Take a look at your medicine closet and clear out drugs that have expired, medicine that has sat on your shelf for too long, or anything you no longer use. This is a very crucial chore not to miss. Expiration dates are quite important.

6. MAKEUP AND PERFUME

Go through your beauty cabinet and get rid of make up that's too old or that you don't use. Every make up item has a shell life. Once it's opened up and got exposed to the air, start counting.

"Unopened, well-formulated cosmetics can remain stable for a couple of years at room temperature," says Ni'Kita Wilson, a cosmetic chemist at Cosmetech Laboratories in Fairfield, NJ. "But the clock starts once you bring a product home and open it. When air hits the formula, certain ingredients start to oxidize and degrade."

7. JEWELRY

Go through your jewellery and dispose of the broken costume jewellery and make plans to sell anything you don't wear. Pre-loved items are a hit nowadays online. Repackage it after tidying it up, take a photo of it then find a platform or a social network that may aid you in selling it.

8. FOOD

Go through your pantry and fridge and clear out items that need to be thrown out - the old, unused and rotting. Ex. cheese, mayonnaise, mustard

9. SOME MEMORABILIA

Many organising experts advise to ruthless and throw away memorabilia like cards and gifts you don't use. If this is truly hard for you, at least compile it, or search on any DIY project that you could use these for your next art project.

10. NOTEBOOKS

If you have a ton of notebooks lying around, take a look at them and throw out the ones you no longer need. For those who aren't nearly finished off its pages, tear them out and compile them to create a new notebook. At least, instead of having 3 notebooks lying around, you'd be down to one.

11. OLD OR UNUSED ELECTRONICS


Sell your electronics on Gazelle.com or Nextworth.com. Or again, your inventive friend may just have a use for it.

There you go folks. Doing this could help you start off the new year with a clearer view of your surroundings, helping you stay focused on what should be prioritised with your "personal" life. Doing this may seem hard but it's the same with some issues that you may have lingering in your thoughts. As for your training, let these go first and maybe you'd have the guts to do it with the harder ones. Remember, another's man's trash could be another man's gold


Related posts:
1. BUCKET LIST - Having to check each is a great feeling. Read this then have one!
2. HAPPINESS PROJECT - The first way to happiness is DECLUTTERING according to Gretchen Rubin.
3. HOW FINANCIALLY FIT ARE YOU? - You want to know if you're financially stable? Take this quiz to find out.