30 May 2014

God Stays Close

30 May 2014

God Stays Close

background image via
God is watching us every step of the way. It's amazing actually, when someone deliberately hurts us, God reacts. He doesn't and wouldn't just sit back and watch us try to deal with all the pain on our own. Instead, He goes to work, not by punishing others, but bringing light into our lives. We are His most prized possession, and he would never want anything bad to happen to us. 

In Psalm 34:18, "God is close to those that are hurting. God is close to the broken hearted."

He knows what we are going through - all the good and all he bad - because He is up there watching us. Although it may be difficult to see what He may be doing for us, need not to forget... He is here for us, close by every step of the way. He has a solution ready, and with your faith, He will bring you out better off than you were before. 
post signature
Read article
27 May 2014

It a Beautiful Day! #ootd

27 May 2014

It a Beautiful Day! #ootd


It is finally summer! When I say summer I literally including the sun, the heat, the nice warm breeze in the afternoon, and the beautiful flowers that are finally beginning to blossom. I decided to take advantage of this weather, before the rain hits, and wore one of my new (and favourite) maxi dresses that I found at work.

For those who don't know, I work at winners, and they literally have brand name items for almost 60% off their original prices. So it is like the best treasure hunt whenever I shop there. Anyways, I found this really pretty and trendy maxi dress that I just had to add to my growing collection of maxi dresses! 


Enjoy the rest of this beautiful day! Let's all hope the rain won't fall anytime soon!
post signature
Read article
26 May 2014

Weekly Wishes #17

26 May 2014

Weekly Wishes #17

background image via
Happy Monday bloggers! It is that of the week again where I will be linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. This is a great linkup to share weekly goal and receive some encouragement from others who also have wishes/goals for the week!

Last Week's Wishes Recap
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Last week, I was successful with hitting the gym daily! Yay for me, I am finally sticking to something I am starting! Tomorrow is my last midterm of the week, so tonight I will be studying hardcore and hopefully do well tomorrow! And the whole eating no carbs thing.. that was really hard for me last week... I might have to try it again!
    This Week's Wishes
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    1. Ace my last midterm tomorrow! Today, I had my forensic psychology midterm, and tomorrow I have my social development midterm. I am determined to do very well! So, wish me luck!
    2. Blog everyday in May. If you haven't seen my last few posts, I'm participating in the BEDM challenge hosted by Rosalilium. This past week I unfortunately missed a few days, and I haven't been following the suggested topics that was suggested for each blogging day. So this week I am hoping to have my posts ready ahead of time and therefore be positing daily again. 
    3. Hit the gym. Since I am in school 4 times a week, my goal is to work out after my classes DAILY. I finish my classes at noon, which gives me loads of time to work out and then go home to do whatever else I need to do. Since I am not scheduled to work during the week, I really have no excuse to not go to the gym sine I am already there. 
    4. Cut the carbs out of my diet. Yes... I am an asian girl who loves my rice, so it will definitely be hard for me to cut out carbs from my diet. But I am determine to shed pounds; and if changing what I eat and how much I eat and exercising will help, then I will try my best to accomplish this!
    5. Clean my room. My room is constantly getting messy after I clean it. I need to make a game plan to make sure I keep it clean longer than just 2 days. Maybe I should just put things away right away instead of just piling it up on my table... that's a good plan lol.  
    These are my wishes for the week.  If you're participating and happened to hop onto my blog, leave your link so I can leave some encouragement as well! Have a great Monday, xo

    post signature
    Read article
    25 May 2014

    Silent Sunday #22

    25 May 2014

    Silent Sunday #22

    post signature
    Read article
    21 May 2014

    I Got My Nails Did!

    21 May 2014

    I Got My Nails Did!

    Anyone else into the latest fashion trend of Stiletto Nails? To be honest, I didn't even know they were called stiletto nails until my sister told me... this entire time I've been calling them "Pointy Nails"! 


    Anyways, yesterday was my sister last IB exam and she decided to volunteer me to drive her and her friend to the salon for them to get facials. Being the good sister that I am, I said yes since I felt like she deserved to relax. So, instead of waiting there for an hour or so, I decided that it was time for me to pamper myself as well! So, as you can tell from the photo above, I decided to get my nails done! 

    The last time I got my nails done was 2 years ago, and that was for prom. I got acrylic nails and boy did my nails get ruined. This time, I decided to spend a little more and got something called UV Gel. Apparently this type is very strong and long lasting, something that is definitely a plus when it comes to fake nails.



    I really like the way my nails ended up. To be honest, I didn't think stiletto nails would even look good on me... but I just had to try it out. I decided to get a one colour instead of a design. I think the beauty is in the colour of the nails and how long they make my chubby fingers look!

    Do you like stiletto nails?
    post signature
    Read article
    19 May 2014

    Weekly Wishes #16

    19 May 2014

    Weekly Wishes #16

    background image via
    Today is Victoria Day here in Canada, that means I am off this lovely Monday to relax and eat food all day long. But before I go off and waste my day, it is that of the week again where I will be linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. This is a great linkup to share weekly goal and receive some encouragement from others who also have wishes/goals for the week!

    Last Week's Wishes Recap
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      This past week went well! Positive reinforcement for Penelope has been successful, so I am officially taking it off from my weekly wishes - I am so proud of Penelope for learning to use her litter box to do her business. Guess what? I went to the gym, better yet, I attended my very first Zumba class and it was extremely fun! How's that for getting back into my workout flow!?
      This Week's Wishes
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      1. Blog everyday in May. If you haven't seen my last few posts, I'm participating in the BEDM challenge hosted by Rosalilium. This past week I unfortunately missed a few days, and I haven't been following the suggested topics that was suggested for each blogging day. So this week I am hoping to have my posts ready ahead of time and therefore be positing daily again. 
      2. Study for tests next week! Summer school is going more quickly than I remembered. I have 2 tests next week, Monday AND Tuesday, and so this week I am hoping to get ALL chapters read, have textbook notes written, and start studying DAYS before my two tests. It's summer school; this is the opportunity to get my marks up. I could do this!
      3. Hit the gym. Since I am in school 4 times a week, my goal is to work out after my classes DAILY. I finish my classes at noon, which gives me loads of time to work out and then go home to do whatever else I need to do. Since I am not scheduled to work during the week, I really have no excuse to not go to the gym sine I am already there. 
      4. Cut the carbs out of my diet. Yes... I am an asian girl who loves my rice, so it will definitely be hard for me to cut out carbs from my diet. But I am determine to shed pounds; and if changing what I eat and how much I eat and exercising will help, then I will try my best to accomplish this!
      5. Clean my room. My room is constantly getting messy after I clean it. I need to make a game plan to make sure I keep it clean longer than just 2 days. Maybe I should just put things away right away instead of just piling it up on my table... that's a good plan lol.  
      These are my wishes for the week.  If you're participating and happened to hop onto my blog, leave your link so I can leave some encouragement as well! Have a great Monday, xo

      post signature
      Read article
      18 May 2014

      Silent Sunday #21

      18 May 2014

      Silent Sunday #21

      post signature
      Read article
      17 May 2014

      How to Remove the Dashed and Dotted Lines on Blogger

      17 May 2014

      How to Remove the Dashed and Dotted Lines on Blogger


      NOTE: This tutorial works best with the Simple Template.

      I use the Simple Template on blogger, and customize literally everything from there. It is, in my opinion, the easiest and cleanest template on blogger to change and alter HTML codes to give it the exact look you've always wanted. And, sometimes the dotted and dashed lines found at the bottom of your blog can easily give it away that you're using a Simple Template.

      This tutorial doesn't require you to understand how to use HTML. Just follow the steps I provide you!  I provided pictures in case you are need to see what I am talking about; if you are unable to see the picture clearly, simply click not the picture for a larger view! Let's get started!

       Currently, this is pretty much how the bottom of your blog looks like:


      STEP 1:

      Go to your blogger dashboard. From here, DOWNLOAD YOUR TEMPLATE by clicking on "Backup/Restore" at the top right corner, and then selecting "Download Full Template". 

      STEP 2:

      Select "Edit HTML" and click anywhere in HTML box to make the next step easier.

      Hit CTRL and F together on your keyboard, and type in "dashed" and then press enter. there should only be one result. Delete the word dashed. Removing dashed removes the dashed line at the bottom of your blog.


      STEP 3:
      Next, we are going to remove the dotted line. 
      Hit CTRL and F together again, and type $(paging.
      Delete the code: $(paging.background).


      STEP 4:

      Save your template and voila! You now have a Simple Template 

      I hope this tutorial helped you! If it did, leave me a comment and a link to your blog. Thanks for reading!

      post signature

      Read article
      16 May 2014

      Currently!

      16 May 2014

      Currently!


      C  U  R  R  E  N  T  L  Y  .  .  .

      R E A D I N G: Well... school starts on Monday, so can you guess what I'm reading? My textbooks - I'm taking mostly anthropology, so it is a lot of bones and archaeology stuff.

      W R I T I N G: Textbook notes; gotta stay ahead before I fall far behind in classes!

      L I S T E N I N G: To the sound of Penelope running around my room! She is definitely in a great mood!

      T H I N K I N G: About a lot right now - school, personal life, Jay. Thinking about how to get everything done in so little time!

      S M E L L I N G: The beautiful roses!

      W I S H I N G: For some positivity in my life. 

      H O P I N G: The good in people - for them to express their goodness. 

      W E A R I N G: Running shorts and a t-shirt. It is really hot in Toronto!

      L O V I N G: Penelope. She is my best friend and just cutest! She is actually like a great guard bunny! She always "attacks" or pounces on people whenever they try to come in my room! She also adds this grunt that makes her sound angry. 

      W A N T I N G: A milkshake... food. I'm hungry. 

      N E E D I N G: More sleep; more money; more relaxing time; more time in general; more of my summer vacation! #summerforever

      F E E L I N G: tired, good, great; content!
      Brave Love Blog


      Read article
      15 May 2014

      Jumping Down the Rabbit Hole

      15 May 2014

      Jumping Down the Rabbit Hole


      In celebration of my 200th post, I decided to talk about the love of my life... Penelope! Since she is a huge (and important) part of my life, I actually took my time and care when writing a post that is dedicated to my favourite bunny in the world! (Don't tell MJ - Jay's rabbit- I told you Penelope is my favourite!)

      When I was just a little girl, I remember having all sorts of pets - birds, hamsters, fishes, gerbils... you name it and I'll say I probably had one. But my favourite pet, was my rabbit. I think I named her Anna (or something like that). I don't remember much, since I was very young, but she was such mischief bunny (as my mother remembers). All I remember was her being a dark bunny who liked to run away from my mom whenever my mother would try and put Anna back in her cage. My mom also remembers how I would never help her do so (sorry mom!).  And then one night, I remember my cousin came over to take my rabbit when our family was going on vacation in just a few short days... I never saw my rabbit and still have no explanation what had happened to her. 

      Ever since, I remember constantly begging my parents to get another rabbit, but I was never able to convince them as we all know it would mostly likely be my parents who would end up taking care of the rabbit. Instead, my parents continued to provide a lifetime supply of fishes which I was pretty much okay for a few months since I was way too busy at the time to even take care of an animal if I had one.

      Then  on my birthday a few month ago, Jay bought me a little rabbit whom we named MJ. (Click HERE to read my post about him!) Because my room wasn't "rabbit proof", Jay decided to have MJ live with him for a while... but as time flew, I could already see the connection between Jay and MJ, and I kinda felt bad about breaking that apart. So a few months ago, Jay bought me my very own bunny! He picked out the smallest one, and most cutest bunny from the pet store had so that she would grow old with me and build a connection like MJ and Jay had. This was the best gift he could have ever give me!

      When Jay and I first introduced MJ to Penelope! (as you could tell, we had to hold him back since he was too excited to meet her!) 
      Since the day Jay got me Penelope, I was instantly fell in love! From her half black/half white fur to how small and delicate she was when I first held her. In that moment, I instantly I knew I wanted to name her Penelope with the hopes that one day that she would enjoy wearing a pink bow, which never happened. But, nevertheless,  I had no idea the amount of love I can have for another living being... trust me; even Jay is surprised at how much love and attention I give to Penelope and not him!
      Ever since Penelope, I never knew how much I would fall in love. She is not only my best friend, but I truly and genuinely love her; like trust me when I say this is REAL LOVE! It is honestly even too hard to try and explain to you how excited I get to see her whenever I come home, or how excited I am to see her run to the door when she hears my footsteps! Not to mention my extremely high pitched voiced I use to call out her name whenever I see her for the first time in hours!

      The best part is that I know the feeling is mutual from her end! Yeah she likes to have her own space, but whenever I am just sitting around doing school world, she literally would lay near me, watching and waiting for me to finish so she can have my full attention. Whenever she is scared, she just LOVES to grabbed on a hold of me and struggle to stay with me if I even try to let her go. And she just loves to climb on me. Which is definitely different from the growling/grunting she does to my sister. 

      I can honestly just go on and on about the things I never expected when I got Penelope. I love her too much, and I do not care. I don't even like to think about what I would ever do without her... that is just a sad and scary thought. 

      Do you have any pets whom you love with all your heart! Let me know! Better yet, if you wrote a post about them, I would love to read them, just leave your links below!


      post signature

      Read article
      13 May 2014

      My Favourite Drug Store Foundation

      13 May 2014

      My Favourite Drug Store Foundation

      The other day I stopped by Walmart to pick up more foundation. I usually get the powder foundation, but this time around, I wanted to go back towards liquid foundation. As I was picking out my shade, Fit Me Anti-Shine Foundation Stick from Maybelline immediately caught my eye! 

      And after hearing and reading such great reviews, I was excited to just try it out! I fell in love with the different shades as this new formula comes in literally 12 different shades. The foundation is literally in a stick form and comes in a plastic twist-up tube containing gel foundation with the anti-shine serum in the centre.



      I applied the foundation using highlighting and contouring techniques. Then with the use of my fingers, I rubbed the formula across my face. I find that the finishing look was absolutely flawless! I'm not wearing any other makeup in the above photos, yet this foundation provides such a natural look!  

      This is for sure my favourite, and the best, drug store foundation I've ever used! I am absolutely in love with it, and so I highly recommended to all who are thinking of changing up their foundations! Best part, it is only $7.96 at Walmart!

      Have you tried it? Let me know your opinions! 
      post signature
      Read article
      12 May 2014

      Weekly Wishes #15

      12 May 2014

      Weekly Wishes #15

      background image via
      Happy Monday! It is that of the week again where I will be linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. This is a great linkup to share weekly goal and receive some encouragement from others who also have wishes/goals for the week!

      Last Week's Wishes Recap
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Last week was actually my last week before school started. So, I was able to clean my room... but then later in the week it got messy... so I don't know if that really counts as if I actually fulfilled this wish. Penelope is becoming much better at peeing/pooing in her litter box, so I am very pleased with her about that. Other than that, there isn't really much more to talk about. 
        This Week's Wishes
        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        1. Continue positive reinforcement for Penelope. I think I can confidently say that Penelope has finally understand that the litter box is where she is suppose to poop and pee. I am actually impressed to say that she hasn't peed on my bed (or anywhere else) for this whole week! Yeah she pooped here and there, but thats normal. So this week, I want to continue to provide her positive reinforcement whenever she uses her litter box. I'm thinking to start introducing fruit into her diet. 
        2. Blog everyday in May. If you haven't seen my last few posts, I'm participating in the BEDM challenge hosted by Rosalilium. This week, I am hoping to write some of my post ahead of time, so that I am able to not rush a post after work. So hopefully I will find time sometime today to get started on those. 
        3. Do the readings for this week. Summer school begins today, and this week my goal is to stay with the readings for the lectures. So that means, reading the assigned textbook chapters before each lecture. Hopefully this will help with retaining information, especially during a short period of time. 
        4. Hit the gym. I shouldn't have any excuses this week to hit the gym. If I am in school 4 times a week, then I really have no excuse to stop by the gym (that is located in my school) to work out for at least 1 hour. Losing my belly fat is one of my main goals before June hits. Let's hope I can do this!
        5. Find time to myself. I think I've been paying so much attention to others, I forgot that I need to be happy to. This week, I want to find ways to treat myself here and there, even if it is the littlest way possible. This week will be all about me! 
        These are my wishes for the week.  If you're participating and happened to hop onto my blog, leave your link so I can leave some encouragement as well! Have a great Monday, xo

        post signature
        Read article
        11 May 2014

        Silent Sunday #20

        11 May 2014

        Silent Sunday #20


        Happy Mothers Day to my one and only mom!  I love you!
        post signature
        Read article
        09 May 2014

        #bedm - My Motivation Lately

        09 May 2014

        #bedm - My Motivation Lately

        I bet you were surprised to see my BIG face as you were scrolling down my blog. I'm kidding, I just think having my picture was appropriate for today's post. Today is the eighth day of the Blog Everyday in May Challenge hosted by the lovely Elizabeth from Rosalilium. This challenge is actually different, instead of a linkup where you provide a link to your post; you post the link on your twitter, and use the hashtag #BEDM to view other's post! I think this actually provides a wider traffic flow.
        Today's topic is simply "motivation". Since the topic itself is broad enough, I decided to take the approach and talk about what has been motivating my life in a positive direction lately!

        Penelope

        I have honestly grown to love Penelope with all my heart. She is truly a keeper, and I had no idea that I would ever fall in love with her when I first got her. Miss Penelope is my best friend who makes me pay attention to the littlest of things when taking care of her. Because I love her so much, she motivates me to take good care of her just as I would take care of myself. She is my cuddliest and cutest pet I could have ever ask her, and she just motivates me to love all other animals, especially her!

        Work

        Work is kind of an odd motivation don't you think? Well... let me put it out there right away that money isn't my motivation. Work has actually taught me so much about myself - how I interact and work with others. Because work is filled with groups of energetic and outgoing individuals, who I might add are very sociable, has honestly taught me that I may not be the shy person that I originally thought I was. It was so easy to fit in and truly be me. Work actually motivates me to work hard with others, and by myself, to get the job done in the amount of time I have. Work also motivates me to be more positive around others I don't know, like smiling and saying hello to every customer that is around me!

        My Sister

        Family is always bring me up whenever I am down; but no one will get make a joke out of my miseries like my sister. Although she is never a good listener, and constantly complains about everything, she is still my little sister. Just he presence alone constantly motivates me to be the best sister I can for her. I always try to make sure I help her when it comes to school, although I don't know a lot, and I always try to be there for her when it comes to boy drama or family drama. She is my ultimate best friend where we have our ups and down; but it is amazing how much she motivates me to be the best sister ever. Why else did I randomly buy her a coach makeup bag the other day? I love her. 

        Jay

        Jay is my best friend. Whether he likes to admit it or not, he actually likes to listen to me whenever I just talk about everything and anything. And quite frankly, I can talk for hours about a lot of things, and he is just a great listener and great at giving advice whenever I need help. Lately, he has been motivating me to be the best I can be; he's been motivating me to be happy and because of all his motivation, it is motivating to be a better person towards him. Sometimes, I can go on and on about my problems, I can sometimes forget to ask him how he is doing. He helps me to realize that there are others who are also in times of need, and it is great that he is demeaning, but rather encouraging. He is just the greatest! 

        What's been motivating you to live your life better lately? Let me know!
        post signature
        Read article
        08 May 2014

        7 Bible Verses in Times of Stress

        08 May 2014

        7 Bible Verses in Times of Stress

        image via
        I think it is safe to say that we ALL go through times of stress. Whether it is stressing over exams, boys/girls, friends, stupid drama... we all go through stress that can really shatter us into bits of pieces. I don't know about the rest of you, but whenever I feel stressed out of my mind, I tend to just keep to myself. I don't know how to explain to others what I am going through, so I often don't seek for comfort. And it can be frustrating to both myself and others, especially Jay. We all have someone in our lives who want to help and be there for us... but sometimes we just don't have the words to explain what the heck we are going through.
         
        So today, I have gathered some of the greatest bible verses for times of stress. If you can't find the words to seek comfort in others, seek comfort in God.
        7 Great Bible Verses for Stress
        In my distress I call upon the LORD, Yes, I cried to my God; And from His temple He heard my voice, And my cry for help came into His ears. (2 Samuel 22:7)
        And He said, "My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14)
        Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken. (Psalm 55:22)
        Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
        When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee. In God, whose word I praise, In God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid. What can [mere] man do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4)
        "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD you God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6)
        Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

        post signature
        Read article