Beautiful skies

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Today, the skies were just spectacular. 

Cottony clouds filled the vast, clear, blue skies. 

It really cheers up ones disposition to be greeted with such glorious view early in the morning, on the way to work. Work has been straining and tiring off late, draining my energy and positivity, at times. 

However, beautiful weather does have a tendency to turn my frown into a smile. Even in the evening, on the way home, the skies were just magnificent. 

I like to think it's one of God's ways to let me know He is always there, watching over me.

8.31am On the way to work

 

 

5.13pm Going home time

 

Thank you, my beautiful Lord for such beautiful weather and view today.

Heat Group make up warehouse sales

Few days ago, my colleague, K made a copy of the above flyer for each of us. Seeing how I have been shopping off late and am supposed to be saving money, I told myself I shouldn't bother going. I really didn't give it a second thought 'till today.

After work, I asked the hubby if he minds detouring to this warehouse - 'cos I realised how near the warehouse is to our home - and he said, yes.

I wasn't sure what to expect and told the hubby that my budget is $50 maximum and to make sure that - no matter what - I am NOT to exceed the amount.

We arrived, parked our car and made our way into the warehouse. A guy greeted us at the entrance and gave us a recycle bag to place our desired items. Tables after tables were lined up with boxes of lip gloss, foundation, eye shadow, nail polish, mascara etc from Cover Girl, Max Factor, Bourjois, to name a few. 

Most items ranged between $1 to $3 except by those from Max Factor and Bourjois that ranged from $5 - $8. I am assuming this two are the more 'atas' (higher end) brand.

There were hoard of ladies flitting from one table to another excitedly looking for a steal!

 

Covergirl lip glosses of all colours mainly nude range

Rather lot of Indian looking ladies and a few that kept getting in my path :(

I just bagged items I saw that I liked, thinking I would sort them later nearer to the exit and take out those that I don't fancy as much. Mistake though. 'Cos I ended up putting item after item in my bag! With $1 and $2 or $3 price tag in my head, it plays with your mind that everything is a bargain and worth buying.

I was feeling a bit lost 'cos I don't buy much of make up, hence, I didn't really know how to see if it's a good make up or if the pricing is worth it or if the make up is outdated and shouldn't be bought! What a noob, right?

So, I observed the ladies around me (the pros) as they go about making their choices.

The hubby was a real gem waiting patiently as I walked from table to table bagging items. Felt really bad for the dude but he swore he was fine and he just wanted me to enjoy myself and get what I want.

And bagged items, I did!

Saw a lip gloss in a shade I liked, bagged it. Saw another funky coloured lipgloss , bagged! Nail polish, bagged! Another different colour, bagged! $1 nail polish??? BAGGED, of course!! Oooh, a different sort of lip gloss shade from  my usual boring me, bagged! 

Feeling the adding weight of my bag, I practiced some form of restrain, bagging only those that I really wanted. By then, I had already walked 2/3 of the area. LOL.

Went to the sorting station to sort out my bagged items. I had close to 10 lip glosses lined up and ditched 2/3 of it. Discarded fake nails and foundation and just couldn't discard the rest, so I made my way to pay.

The queue to get items priced and totalled

From a girl who hardly wear make up in the past to wearing light make up everyday for work, I think I did fairly alright with the below. Bought the Tweety Bird body spray for my colleague, H. Not because she smells but because she likes birds and I reckon, Tweety! ;p 

If you have time this weekend, head over to Heat Group at Scoresby for your own make up purchases!! :)

My damage for the night...

Arrived home and tested the lip glosses. Dark lip gloss just makes my thickish lips look thicker. But in the picture, it looks pretty decent! Laughed when I tested the Burgundy one. Not used to dark lips on me. And I realised my upper lips does not have a dip in the middle to give me defined lips. *bummer*

Trying to remove it was a bit of a nightmare. Used tissue to wipe it off but it stayed on. Used cotton pad and it still stayed on. Silly me forgot to read the instructions before hand! So, I read the instructions which said to use an oil based make up remover.

Did that and the lip gloss was finally off! *phew*

Now I know why it's called 'Lipfinity'. *haha* Lip gloss that stays on forever. What the... 

Don't fancy the Red one among all three colours tried. Loved the Matte Pink best! Au natural is the way to go.

Ok. Some lame looking pictures of me and my colourful lips.

Burgundy 

Red (Pardon the round face)

Matte pink (and pardon the closed eyes.. really dislike my SG4's camera!!)

My own lip gloss

10 tips on how NOT to put on weight

Ever since my wedding, I've been slowly gaining weight. This year, I kept telling myself that I need to lose weight and that I will especially as I'll be a bridesmaids again (for the second time) in September. 

I still cringe every time I look back at Miss Lawyer's wedding last year. For one, the bridesmaid hairstyle and make up I had wasn't flattering. :( And secondly, I don't think I look that pretty in the dress. Not saying it's the dress' fault but more of me not being happy with my body shape.

Putting on weight is so much easier than losing weight. Because you eat away and just pile on the weight slowly and surely and before you know it, you're a fatty. Not you. Me, that is. :(

And when you do decide to do something about losing those few gained weight, it feels like it takes forever and oh-so-much effort. I watched My Kitchen Rules 2/3 of the week early on in the year and gained 2kgs. I got sick in March and last those 2kgs.

But since then, I've gained them back and I've been at my heaviest. Shocked me to the core to see my weight on the scales. Told myself I've got to really do something about this and I have. Shall leave it for another post.

Thinking about all this and based on my own experience, I've come up with a list on 8 tips of how NOT to put on weight!! Lols.

#1 Don't sit on the couch like a couch potato after meals. Do house chores. 

#2 Don't eat chocolates, chips or ice-cream or anything unhealthy that is loaded with carbs and sugar. Well, don't eat every single day of the week lah.

#3 Don't be a bum, get your ass moving and go for a jog or a swim or a Zumba class or Body Combat! Health is wealth!

#4 Don't eat more than you need. Eat to live and not live to eat.

#5 Don't be picky with your food. Eat your fruits and veges even if your mother doesn't make you do so!

#6 Don't be a girl who has sugar cravings and erm.. PMS?

#7 Don't have friends so you won't have anyone to meet over yummy meals.

#8 Don't have money to enjoy the delicious food out there?

#9 Don't bake or cook as it will lead you to have second helpings for sure!

#10 Don't EAT! lol

Haha.. Ok. I was kind of struggling towards the end. Hence, the silliness. Lols. But hey, true isn't it? Hope it was helpful! :)

Spilt Milk in Carnegie

Yesterday, Mr. C and I went to Carnagie with a few Malaysian colleagues to buy some Korean grocery for our home Korean bbq. Before that, Mr. C and I had brunch at Spilt Milk.

I found this quaint cafe via Urbanspoon.

It is a small cafe with character, a must have quality in well to do Melbourne Cafes. The deco outside was simple yet cute and so was the menu. Even the name of the cafe is adorable! Dishes are cutely named after animals though I am not sure why. 

Really thumbs up to this homey cafe for ambiance factor. Price of food was affordable and presentation was delightful. My mocha tasted alright. The mocha was delightful and definitely no complains whatsoever!

If you are in Carnagie or the surrounding suburbs and you are looking for a change in scenery, make your way to Split Milk and judge for yourself. :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Australia's Got Talent Auditions 2013

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Saturday saw Mr. C, Jim, YC and I with a loooooong queue of other Melburnians along Little Bourke Street making our way for Australia's Got Talent Auditions 2013. Oh no! We were not there to audition for the show but rather, we were there to see people audition for the show. 

Yup, you got it, we were just kehpoh-ing (hokkien words meaning sticky noses) as audience.

Initially, I thought we were not going to make it into the theatre as it seemed like there were just SO many bodies in front of us. Tickets are free and you can get it from Applause Store. Last year, silly me applied for tickets to watch 'Can of Worms', an Australian talk show that has fascinating and often than naught, controversial topics.

I received an email notifying that I had received my free entrance tickets only to realised that it was based in Sydney. Regretfully hitting the reply button stating that I can't make it from Melbourne. Lol.

Anyways, back to the auditions...

 

 

Cutting the loooong story short, we waited... and waited... and waited. Auditions were supposed to start at 7pm. We started waiting in line close to 6pm. There was an hour delay with the first recording before ours and we only got comfortably into our seats about 8pm.

Whilst we waited, we stared into the skies, at the other crazy people in line, took selfies and photos of each other, uploaded on Instragram and even had time to play Candy Crush!

 

 

 

 

 

 

And finally, we made it into Her Majesty's Theatre. We've been here once before to watch famed Aussie actor, Geoffrey Rush in 'A funny thing happened on the way to the forum'. Mr. C tickled himself watching that musical and still feels amused thinking back to the play.

The last time, we sat downstairs with a fairly good view. This time, we sat upstairs. Seats at ground level were reserved for family and friends of those auditioning.

 

 

 

 

As we sat ourselves down, a group in cheerleader outfits were flipping about the stage. I reckon to see if the space was conducive for their routine. Lights were tested. The 'X' buttons were tested. The audience were tested. Lol.

What we audience back home that watch the show on television miss out is the funny-behind-the-scenes-guy, Dave Eastgate. He was there to entertain the audience that night in between acts. Before the show, he warmed us up and provided some housekeeping rules. No toilet breaks till after each routine is completed. 

Our cheers, boos and ahhhs were pre-recorded before any routine started. 

Judges were (seated) from left Kyle Sandilands, Aussie radio & TV personality infamous for his derogatory and offensive comments, Geri Halliwell aka Ginger of Spice Girls, Timomatic, 3rd placed contestant in the 5th season of Australia's Got Talent and finally, Dawn French, a British actress, write and comedian.

 

Dave with the mike and headband and right, seated Dawn French being 'touched' up

Nigerian born Australian, Timotic in grey jacket

The funny but a tad too funny in a rude way, Dave Eastgate

Geri who seemed more toned down from her Ginger Spice days and a tad too skinny

We stayed till the end, after midnight. All in all, the auditions were only average. None that screamed 'winner', unfortunately. However, it wasn't all bad. It definitely was an experience and to be able to see what goes on behind the scenes. 

Maybe next year, I'll go watch 'X Factor'. Lol. Or some other reality shows. Wanted to try out 'Deal or No Deal' but that is held during weekdays. Too bad. 

It was an experience but I doubt I would go again, unless my future kids want to.