Financial Goal for 2020!

Since I've started on my new job and gotten a higher salary (increase a bit only lah, heehee), it's time for me to start saving money again!

TARGET: Save at least $5,000 by Sep (my birthday)!

New Year Resolution...?

That's so true. I stopped making resolutions because they are always what I HOPE to achieve and thought I could achieve but I always give up quickly.

But nonetheless! My resolution is to try harder!

Rather than resolutions, I would say, things that I hope to achieve in 2020. 

And they would be: 

1. Do more good deeds (being kind to people and making more donations)

2. Take better care of health (for me and my boys!)

3. Spend more time and efforts in practising AC

Buy Buy Buy!

Lately I've been spending so much money on myself until I am feeling a bit worried!

Ipad Pro & accessories, Zi Wei Dou Shu Reading, Black Spinel Bracelet, Black Tournament Stone, CNY clothes for Zai and presents for my JRM friends who have been nice to me, Birthday treat for my Kor.. Etc.

But I gotta admit, I've been really happy! Haha!

It's been a long while since I spent this much money!

Can't help wondering if I would get a shock when my next credit card bill comes?? *Fingers crossed!*

Anyway, no point worrying now. Just gotta behave and not splurge unnecessarily from now on!

But nonetheless, today I ordered this pair of branded earphones!

Sennheiser CX 213

It's also available in pink.. So pretty!!

But oh well, since the fengshui master advised me to cut down on shades of red, I ordered the blue one. (In the midst of gradually transforming my world from pink to blue and green now. Haha!) And besides.. Although both are of the same brand and model, the blue one costs $19 with free delivery while the pink one costs $70+.. What??

Previously I've been too stingy so I always got those cheapo earphones from BKK or China. Ended up the sound quality is bad and they get spoilt so fast! Missed listening to songs with good earphones so I decided to invest a bit of money in a proper pair this time!

---

Totally forgot to order Steffi's birthday present because I forgot Taobao will be closed for CNY until late February.. Darn! Ordered some stuff for her via Shopee just now. Delivery takes about a month supposedly.. But I wonder if that would be the case since the items are probably from China. 

China = Rest for CNY

But I guess I can always bring her out first and give her the presents later. Heh!

Can't wait to see her reaction! I think she will like the stuff that I got for her! (I think the others will like them too.. Hahaha!)

"What Kind of Me Do I Wanna Be?"

Every now and then, I would ask myself that.

So.. What kind of Me do I wanna be?

Hmm.. Let me see.. 

---

I do miss the old me, in terms of my looks and figure.

(Okay, I'm superficial.. But I'm a Libra so I'm born to appreciate beauty. Heh!)

Recap - Photos taken in 2012:

 

 

Even without makeup, I still look quite cute hor? *Ahems!* Heh!

Hardly post selfies online these days.

Well, I don't think I changed much except I'm fatter now (sob sob)..

Other than that, somehow I feel I am older too?

Photos taken in 2016: 

 

Okay okay, so I know looking older is inevitable since the photos were taken 4 years apart!

(Gosh! How fast time flies!)

But still, I miss the past, cuter version of me!

How can I be cute and youthful again?

During recent years, I actually slack A LOT on maintaining my appearance.

Everyday I go out without makeup, wore my super old spectacles and simply clip my fringe, revealing my super high forehead. Oh, and I always wear my flip flops.

My colleagues commented that I looked so auntie-ish!

Since I came back from my recent Japan trip, I'm happy to say that I've improved a lot.

Haha! 

Hope I can keep up the good work ya! ;)

But.. but.. I've slacked on my weight management routine.

AGAIN.

Urgh! Why is it so hard to slim down and stay slim??

Just bought a slimming gadget.. Hope it helps!

If it works, I will share with you all okay? Heehee!

---

Finding back the previous childlike, kind and silly me.

Well, I think I can actually be childlike and kind again.

But probably not be silly again.

My past experiences have made me wiser and stronger.

I do love my current self now.

Everything happens for a reason.

I believe my past experiences happen to toughen me up and help me grow up.

Used to be very upset all the time..

But now, I feel released.

Thank you God.

Used to explore spirituality and meditation, etc.

Have stopped doing that for ages.

Recently, with Cookie's passing.. I desperately wanted to connect with her.

So I shall start exploring spirituality again!

Was chatting with Sharon and she was sharing her experiences with her deceased dog.

I am so jealous!

Wish I can be as spiritually receptive as her too!

(Cookie baby, I miss you so much!

How can I see, hear, smell or feel you again!!

Who can help me.. =\)

---

Just to summarize.. 

I wanna be: 

- Pretty and youthful (while I can!)

- Regain my former weight and body fats percentage!

- More spiritual

- More happy

- More kind

Oh! Apart from those mentioned above, I also hope to:

- Chat with others more

- Do some charity work

- Study more (2 more modules to go, yay!!)

Thanks to Cookie, I was invited to join this JRT Facebook group.

From there, I knew some friends and got invited to a few more groups.

I LOVE ANIMAL LOVERS!

It feels like I've finally found people like me! Haha!

Okay, so I am normal after all.

In fact, I am not as passionate as many of them.

Really admire the efforts they put in for animals!

Message from Above?

Just blogged yesterday and today I chanced upon this!

Dear God, is that a sign that I am on the right track? :)

Finally Free

The whole world said I am bad (too lazy to elaborate) and I believed so. 

I tried to please them, to live up to their expectations but I always failed. 

I was never good enough. Perhaps I was just useless, like they said. 

Finally I realized I was wrong. 

Not the whole world feel that way about me, but just some people who meant the world to me. 

Key word: Meant. Past tense. 

I just have to find a whole new world filled with people who truly care about me. 

Thanks to all those who love me and my everything, be it the good or the bad. 

You help me break out of that "prison" and let me regain some self confidence to see the truth and accept reality. 

Memories of your kindness to me always protect my heart whenever "my previous world" attacks me.
Because of you, I am stronger.

Not going to transform overnight but today is going to be a great start!
(I just hope my heart won't soften again. No more!)

---

有时很想问。

为什么你总是不高兴？

世界欠了你什么？

我又欠了你什么？

我是没法让你满意了。

也不在乎你怎么想了。

你想怎样就怎样吧。

不和你一起闹了。

我真的累了。

我想要活的开心啊～

Money, where did you go?

Just got my salary and ahhh... It's gone.

Haha, oh well, most of it.

But the good thing is, I paid my study loanS, ALL my billS and still have enough to (barely) survive until the next payday. 

Praying hard that I don't have anymore unexpected expenses like the past few months!

Can't wait to graduate and finish repaying my study loans! 

I want to start saving that sum of money for my future house every month!

Hang in there! 

---

Can't help feeling ashamed that I don't have a sum of significant savings at the age of 33 (34 after my birthday this year.)
I sure wish that someone taught me about the CORRECT concept of money and saving up when I was younger! Lost count of the times I regretted not saving up when I was young and my parents and Cookie were still healthy!

Too late for regrets.. I can only start bucking up NOW!

Being a beginner at exercising

Came upon this post in Facebook..

Actually I don't find it funny. 

In fact, no one should.

In fact I think it's awesome that she continued moving even though she's not good in it. It's common for people to do the wrong moves. Just that she's doing it with those who are familiar with the moves, so she stands out as the "odd one". If I exercise with a group of pro instructors, I will be the odd one out too.. Then I should be laughed at?

Exercise should be encouraged. We should judge or laugh at a beginner. Anyway, we exercise to be healthy, not for show. So does it matter whether one does it beautifully or not? Those who find this funny.. Are YOU exercising like her although you can "do it better"? The only time we should pick on one's form when exercising is when he/she is doing wrongly and may get hurt.

I totally understand how hard it is to overcome the fears and actually start exercising (especially when we are so bad at it). We are self conscious and thinking, "Omg I must have looked so clumsy and ridiculous!" But we still try. So please don't laugh at us. Encourage us and give us time to improve instead. Practice makes perfect! ♥

In the past I didn't dare to attend exercise classes or go jogging.. Which in turn caused me to get fatter and fatter. (Haha!) But thanks to my FHI and Kpopx Fitness, I started exercising and now I feel A LOT more confident in myself. I actually attend exercise classes and jog on my own now. Even if I'm still not very good at it, my coordination has improved a lot and I always have fun during the sessions. 

(Once, I joined the exercises at this KpopX Fitness outdoor event and a stranger actually asked if I were one of the instructors. Wow! 我像吗?? *暗爽* LOL!)

Spread the love~~~♥

And if you haven't been exercising already, I highly recommend that you give it a try!
It has so many benefits! :)

New sofa bed!

Well, not exactly brand new but Lynn maintained this so well!

THANK YOU LYNN!!

And so my trusty courier lady helped to collect it from Lynn and delivered this to my house..

LOVE THIS SO MUCH!

So happy that Cookie can now rest in my bed easily now!

(She can't jump anymore so she couldn't get into my bed previously!)

Lovely Hair.. MINE! ♥

Was so motivated by my newly permed curls!

I want to KEEP having gorgeous hair!! ♥

Been thrifty for a while but for my hair.. BUY BUY BUY!! :D 

Styling products

---

Babyliss Hair Dryer

Super love this!

---

Bought Magic Hair Leverag!

To be honest, I didn't believe they would work.

Bought many random hair gadgets and none of them seem to work as promised.

But I thought Steffi and Stacci would probably have fun playing them.

Aiya, so cheap only..Just buy and try lah! Haha!

Saw some related videos.. 

Example of Fail Attempt

Hmm.. 

What we can learn from her experience: 

1. Don't attempt this when you are negative and doubtful that it would work.

2. Ensure your hair is tangle-free.

3. After part of your hair is inside, push up the spiral thingy and hold the upper half of the stick to prevent the stick from snapping into half when you tug at it.

(Re-watched the video after my first attempt in using them. Eh, I had no problem at all.
Can't help wondering.. Is it THAT hard? It's so simple that I think even my nieces can do it.)

Example of Successful Attempt

(Of course, it's BUBZ.. Haha!)

MY ATTEMPT! Haha!

Actually it was super easy and fast. I had fun doing it!
Went to bed with these.. Lalala~
Wasn't expecting much results actually. Just try lor.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

The next day.. 

Wow, all the pieces stayed on and none of them drop off despite me turning in my sleep!

CHECK THIS OUT!!! ♥

WOW IT REALLY WORKS!! ♥

Super love the effects!!

I ukulele-ed! ♥

Went JB with Elise the other day.. AT LAST!

Was searching for my contact lenses when we chanced upon a shop that sells instruments..

UKULELE!!!

Been wanting to buy one for ages so that I can start learning it.

Yes, it is a #NewChallengeForMyself

(Previously I challenged myself to learn cycling.. And I did it! ♥)

Initially I wanted to buy a cheap one to try, in case I give up.. Heh!

But after reading some advices online, i decided to buy a better one.

No point buying a cheap one with poorer sound quality right?

Knowing myself, I'll probably be less motivated to learn it!

And so..

Presenting my new 'family member'.. 小乐乐! ♥

Isn't she beautiful!! So is her "voice"! ♥

Bought it for about RM210.. Love her!

Her body is made of wood (instead of plastic) with aquila strings.

And it comes with a bag too!

Fingers are sore, red (sometimes a little purple) and even a bit swollen.

But the music is so beautiful that I just wanna keep playing it!

Had this strong feeling that I will keep trying until I've learnt it..

Even if my fingers bleed!

---

So I started watching Youtube tutorials and practising it on my own.

SO HARD to memorize the chords and change them accordingly!

My fingers feel so clumsy! So gonna keep practising!

---

Started by solely learning basic chords.. Which I soon felt bored. 

Decided to learn chords by learning to play songs.

1st song that I started learning.. 小幸运!

This lady teaches well but I can't catch up with her speed.. >.<

(I will come back to her video later when I'm more zai.. Lol!)

---

Found this! Another good teacher and her speed is more noob-friendly.. Haha!

But I still haven't learnt it though.. Practise practise!

Omg, that Bb chord!!! *SULKS*

---

And then I decided.. Maybe I should be less ambitious and learn a super simple song first..

Tada! Simple and a song that needs to be sung several times in a year! LOL!

The HAPPY BIRTHDAY song!

This guy teaches quite well but he talks so much about his sister's birthday. Gosh!

Advice: Skip to 3:39 if you just want to learn how to play the song!

After learning the simple version, I decided to learn a harder version!

---

This version feels 'richer' compared to the simple one.. I like!

After learning the simple version, this is quite easy to learn.

But I still need to practise more to play it fluently though!

---

Playing the ukulele is A LOT harder than I expected!!

Sometimes I wonder, 

How can people remember sooo many chords and notes??

How is it even possible to do certain chords??

How can the fingers be placed like that!!?

The person who invented ukulele is a genius indeed!!!

But after practising, it does actually seem easier.. WOW!?
And being able to play ANYTHING (haha) feels absolutely amazing! ♥

(Initially, I didn't even know how to place my fingers properly!!)

Hopefully after A LOT of practice, I can finally play the ukulele like a pro!

Although that's not going to happen anytime soon.. Haha!

I don't know.. 1 year? 2 years?

Fortunately, I think I really love it.

Have been practising it for at least 1 hour daily..

(In fact, sometimes I played for 2, 3 hours without realising it!)

Although my fingers hurt, I hardly notice it too.

In return for beautiful music, this little pain is nothing~ :)

Hope I can be good in playing ukulele eventually! 

♥♥

Review: Honeywell QuietCare True HEPA Air Purifier with Germ Reduction, 17000-S

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored ad.

---

It's been quite a while since I received the Honeywell Air Purifier..

..AND I AM SO LOVING IT! ♥♥♥

(Especially during the current haze season!)

Videos

Previously posted these on my Instagram.. 

How to Replace the Filter

So simple, right!?

Sound Test!

Once I actually dozed off while the air purifier was on 'high'!
(But then again, Shuqi always says that I can doze off at anytime, anywhere..
So maybe it's just me lah! Hahaha!)

---

My Experience

Nowadays I stay in my room as much as possible to avoid the haze.

(Besides, I love my room and Fluffy's in my room too! Heehee! ♥)

The other day, I was lazing in my room with the windows shut and my air purifier doing its job. 

Everything seemed like normal. Totally forgot about the haze until I left my room to go to the bathroom (to bath). 

Once I stepped out of my room, I immediately noticed a 'chao ta' (burnt) smell!

Unlike previous years, I didn't feel sick due to the haze this time! Woohoo!

Oh, thank God for the air purifier!

And I feel so happy knowing that Fluffy is safe from the haze~♥

---

How to Get It?

Just in case you are curious to know where I got mine from.. 

Wanted to buy from stores in Singapore but the prices are at least doubled compared to the ones sold online! 

Yes, same model! Thought of ordering from Amazon but fortunately, I found a good deal in Singapore!

In fact, this is the cheapest (and best!) deal that I managed to find~♥

Love the fact that it comes with a brand new transformer!!

(This model is an import set from US, hence the voltage is not compatible with the one in Singapore. 

Hence, a transformer is needed in order to be used in Singapore.)

Seller was so patient in answering my endless questions too!

This is how the transformer looks like.

It's quite big and heavy.

The design of the air purifier is not elegant and pretty as other brands like Novita, Sharp, etc. In fact, it looks more like an old school printer or fax machine to me.. Haha! And worse, it has to be hooked up with a transformation.. Not sleek at all liao lor!

Hence, those who value beauty over practical use may not like Honeywell air purifiers.

(But my priority is an air purifier who serves its practical use well so I am okay with the design and all.)

On the day when the air purifier was supposed to be delivered, the seller even dropped me a little reminder! 

Good right??

But there's one con of buying this model though: NO LOCAL WARRENTY.

The warrenty is 5 years.. But only valid in US. Haha!

And of course, no one in their right mind would send the air purifier from Singapore to US just to save on the warrenty. The shipping charges (to and fro) are prolly enough for me to buy a brand new set!

However, this seller allowed me to have a 1-to-1 return if the product is found to be faulty within the first 7 days.. 

But well, the same air purifier is still working well in my room~~ :):)

Personally I don't mind taking the risk after reading reviews and doing some calculations.

(Besides, most brands in Singapore only offer 1 year warrenty anyway!)

But if you are the sort who cares a lot about warrenty.. You may want to think twice.

For those who are looking for air purifier, I would definitely recommend this brand and model!

IT REALLY WORKS!

Hope this helps!

(Seriously, when will the haze season be over... >.<)

Cleaner Air Required Urgently!!

Been feeling unwell due to the "Hagen Daz" (haze 跟 dust, lol) lately.

Suffering from runny nose, "itchy" throat, irritated eyes and even headaches!
I guess that is not surprising considering that I have sinus.. :(

While typing this entry, the PSI was.. 

Cute app, by the way! Haha!

---

Recently I discovered the existence of air purifiers! 

Omg, I can't believe that I was so ignorant..!! 

Even without the haze, I believe an air purifier is beneficial to me since I have sinus!

Plus I have Fluffy now and she stays in my room..
It'll be good to have a good air purifier that helps to collect her fur!
And with the haze seemingly getting worse these days, we need clean air!

Especially my dear little Fluffy! (Love this photo of her.. Haha!)

She's only 5 months old.. My vulnerable baby! #OverprotectiveOwner LOL!

Do You Know..
Small animals are even more susceptible to the effects of haze since their lungs' capacities are much smaller!

---

Many times, I was so tempted to just grab one from the store..
But on second thoughts, air purifiers are so expensive!
And I intend to use it for at least a few years if I do get one!

Since it's a long haze-full weekend.. I guess the most ideal activity for me is..

Staying at home and doing research on AIR PURIFIERS!

How to Choose an Air Purifier
Click ↑ to find out!

Whoa! I was quite shocked to realise this:

Don’t confuse the term “true HEPA” with “HEPA-type” when considering an air purifier. 

They are drastically different. 

Wah! This is so misleading!

Silently cursed unethical brands for wasting my time and efforts on checking up their products..
By misleading me with the term, "HEPA-type".. Grr!

But I'm glad that I knew this before I bought any! Thank God!

---

After overloading myself with information and reviews..

Finally I decided to get this!

Honeywell QuietCare True HEPA Air Purifier with Germ Reduction, 17000-S

Recommended by many users online!

Design isn't as pretty as the Novita one that I almost bought..

But I do believe this is better.

(废话 right! Otherwise, why would I order this instead.. Haha!)

Managed to get a good deal for it!

But alas, the transformer is out of stock so I can only get it next week!

So looking forward to receiving it!

Probably will do a review on this when I receive it!

Heh!

In the meantime, here are some reviews that I came across!

Users' Reviews from Amazon

Personal Blog: Neurotic Ramblings

So informative!

http://neurotic-ramblings-sg.blogspot.sg/2013/07/air-purifiers-for-haze.html

http://neurotic-ramblings-sg.blogspot.sg/2013/07/our-honeywell-air-purifiers-from-amazon.html

Youtube Reviews / Guide

Transpose Leo

(Same brand but not the same model I ordered though.)

HoneywellStore

Good guide for me when I get it! :)

A couple of days more before I get my air purifier!!

Until then, I just gonna TAHAN!!

Wish me luck.. Sob sob!

Resuming My Spiritual Journey ♥

..After so long!

Since I'm on a journey, I went to find some "companions"!

---

Mookaite

Previously I mentioned that Shuqi and I are keen to join the Animal Communication Course in my earlier post.

Emailed the course provider but there was no reply though.
Guess I can only do some research on my own for now!

Read somewhere that Mookaite Jasper aids in communicating with animals!! 
So I quickly went eBay, browsed through so many ads for hours..
Finally saw something that I like and ordered 2 of these for Shuqi and me!

Voila!

Yes, a bracelet made from Mookaite crystals!



So pretty! ♥♥

Was pleasantly surprised that the seller's actions were so fast!

Within 24 hours of making payment online, I received this email:



Yeah! Can hardly wait!!

---

Bought the bracelets mainly to aid communication with animals.

Was pleasantly surprised that they have many more properties (well, if you believe!) as below:

Physical 

Mookaite is an Australian aboriginal healing stone that bestows strength. It helps with the healing of wounds and with regeneration. Useful in stabilising health and in fortifying the immune system, Mookaite also purifies the blood in the liver and the spleen and can help with the glands in general, the stomach, water retention and with hernias. 

 Mental / Emotional 

Mookaite encourages within us, the desire for variety and new experiences. It can make us more flexible in our thinking and enhances our decision making. It also helps us to recognise that there could be several possibilities for the outcome of any issue. It also helps us to choose the best solution to that issue. Mookaite helps us to embrace and celebrate new circumstances and helps us when dealing with negative situations. Mookaite helps us to be kind to others, and also, quite importantly, helps us to be kind to ourselves too. It is a very protective stone, and is particularly good as an emotional protector. 

Spiritual

Mookaite helps us to realise that meditation may be possible during any activity. It is also said to stimulate contact with loved ones who have passed over and helps us to better communicate with animals..

---

Clear Quartz & the 7 Stones

Earlier on, I started to listen to the morning and evening tracks for clearing chakras.

(Just to spiritually prepare myself for the Animal Communication Course.. Haha!)

Was searching for the Mookaite when I decided to get something that is related to chakras! 

Was searching and searching with something vague in mind,,

It's like.. I couldn't figure out what exactly I wanted. But yet I knew what I want.

As I browsed through various stones and different designs, it got clearer.

"Not this. Not that."

"Natural stones representing each chakra."

"Clear Quartz."

AND I actually found something that matches what what I (vaguely) wanted!!

Tada! This IS perfect. Just what I wanted!!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

The seller of the Mookaite bracelets was faster and this seller was super fast!

Very impressed indeed!

 I actually ordered this AFTER I had ordered the Mookaite bracelets.. 

But I received the order updates for this item first!

\

Wondering when I can receive it? So eager to have it!

---

Benefits of each type of crystal used: 

 Red Jasper

Is the supreme nurturer and encourages spiritual development at a gentle rate. 

Can also help alleviate stress. 

Orange Jade 

Brings joy and teaches the interconnectedness of all beings. 

It is energetic and quietly stimulating. 

Yellow Jade

Is thought to be a very lucky crystal. 

Energetic and stimulating, brings joy and happiness. 

 Green Aventurine 

A grounding stone with a powerful multilevel cleansing effect, agate stabilises energy. 

 Blue Aventurine

A good all round healer. 

Is said to be a good choice for migraines and for soothing the eyes. 

It is thought to help poor circulation. 

Lapis Lazuli

Is a blue healing crystal that promotes psychic ability. 

A bonding stone in love and friendship. 

 Amethyst

Is a violet crystal which helps develop your psychic abilities. 

It is known as one of the master healers. 

Clear Quartz

Also a master healer and can be used for most purposes. 

Native Americans called this the 'brain cells of Mother Earth'. 

Extra Info from the Seller:

"I will send your crystal pendant to you already charged with healing Reiki energy. When you receive your pendant you need to hold it in your hands, picture light surrounding it and state your intention for it; ie what you want it to do for you, for example is it to attract love, to heal a condition or for protection against negative energy etc. Wear your pendant as much as possible, or keep it near to allow you to benefit from its vibrations and energies."

Super love this seller! Maybe will buy more stuff from him / her in future!

---

Next! 

I need to clear the clutter from my room and make it come alive with loads of positive energies!!

Simple Bliss on a Lazy Sunday

Planned to exercise but it was TOO HOT out there. Really! >.<

Hid in my room instead and enjoyed the simple bliss with having Cookie and Fluffy by my side.

Thank you God for blessing me with these 2 darlings!

This is how Happiness feels like.. ♥♥♥

Cookie was resting in the background so here's a close up of her! ♥

Seeing them happy and contented brings me so much joy and warm!

Love them so much! ♥

---

Ever since Shuqi mentioned about the Animal Communication Workshop, I can't stop thinking about it! Don't even know when is the next course intake but I'm already starting to do research and thinking of how I can prepare myself for the course.. Haha!

In fact, I even added the trainer in Facebook.. And she accepted! :)

Wanted to get her book but the shipping charges are so expensive!

(More expensive than the book itself!)

Wonder if the course provider sells the book too? Hmm..

I do wish I can communicate and truly connect with animals though!