Hopelessly Hopeful

I found a carefully laminated note on which I had printed some beautiful words many years ago. There is just something so hopelessly hopeful, or hopefully hopeless about this note. It struck a chord within me many years when I first read it. Yesterday, a decade later, the slightly-yellowish note still make me cry a little when I read it.

I never knew the title of this note. I couldn't find one when I google it (there was a grand total of 4 results when I searched!). I name it, Hopelessly Hopeful.

And this note is for myself. I need it. I need to know... that it is okay. I will be okay.

You say that your sky has been changing lately.
That you're tired and broken.
That the answers you thought you'd found don't seem to work anymore.

We've been down these sad roads a hundred times before,
sat quietly on lonely hillsides,
cried with forgotten songs on the radio.

Always it was our belief in other days that got us through.

I remember planting dreams with you,
chasing wishes and watching flowers.
But what I remember best is how you always made me laugh,
even when the world around us was falling apart.

All these years walking the solitary paths where I
found and lost myself a thousand times,
I never felt alone because you were in my memory.
You were there.
And I will always stand by you.

Go outside now
and walk away.
Find one of these roads again somewhere,
in the quiet shade of gentle trees.
Take this note and hug your shadow
and love yourself
and remember these things:

There is nothing in the world worth giving up
what you've already achieved.
You will always be a fighter and a dreamer.
Now more than ever,
you've got to look deep within your heart and
believe.

45 Life Lessons

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland, Ohio.

“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I’ve ever written.”

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month.

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.

9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.

16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.

35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come.

43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield.

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

Choo Shoe

The days of our lives shall henceforth be defined by the days before Jimmy Choo for H&M collection was launched, and the days after.

Adding more sChoo to my original Choo shoe collection, I didn't mind that these were highend styles at highstreet price. I am even willing to even squeeze my size 7 feet into those delicious blood-red heels which are actually one size too small for me. I had to heartlessly reject a girl's desperate plea and tears for me to give up my heels to her. I almost could overlook the fact that these Choos were Made In China, not Italy. I did battle a mob of 300 shoe-intoxicated women to land my hands on whatever was left on the shelf two minutes after launch time. I do genuinely feel powerful and sexy in these sky-high heels.

"The little blue box" shall not be exclusive to Tiffany&Co anymore. Gimme some Jimmy Choo blue boxes too!

Of Abaya And Niqab

I came across this funny picture when I was surfing the internet. It was posted on this Muslim girl's blog about abaya fashion -- yes, she advises on how to bling-ified the black cloth or accessorise the overall look! She gives very interesting and useful tips for abaya-cloaked ladies. I actually enjoyed her blog reading very much.

I have always wondered how the ladies wearing niqab distinguish one friend from another. Is it just by the different abayas they are wearing? Or eye makeup (which I promise you, the Arab ladies does the best eye makeup in the world)? I've asked this question many times to many Arab friends but never got a satisfying answer. Usually the answer is "you just know". As for me, I only try to differentiate them by their abaya's blings or their handbags. So far it works... but once. I approached the wrong abaya-cloaked lady and spoke to her for several minutes before realising she was not the right person I was looking for. Blimey!

Did I mention I especially love the metal face veil of the traditional Emirati women? I find the metal piece very alluring and emphasises her big black eyes. The professing of my like for the metal face veil is often met with strong reactions from my friends. Same queer looks I get when I tell them how much I adore the Arabic oud perfume! Ah, I'm really made to live in this part of the world! (That'll be another blog entry on its own another day.)

Four Fabulous Years

I know, I know. I haven't been blogging in a long while and I oughtta have a fabulous entry to make up for the the break. But I've just been swamped with... life! And today actually marks the 4th year anniversary since I arrived and lived my life as an expatriate overseas! 4 good years since I flew away from the safe harbour of home. 1461 Arabian nights spent in this foreign land I now call home. The best years of my life too. I will always treasure these days more than any others in my life!

How did I dare leave home for a foreign job, foreign land, foreign lifestyle at a young, brash age of 24? (Yes, you calculated correctly. That'll make me 28 now.) How did I know the world outside was not too tough for my soul and spirit? How did I decide that my appetite for Life is bigger than my fear of being trapped in the pseudo-perfect safe haven back home? I did not know. I did not know that the world could break my spirit; but I'll survive. I did not know my brash decision to leave my home country would teach me this much, enrich my life this much. I did not know many things as a young, fresh-from-university, over-protected, pampered girl from a land far away from this one now. But I leaped. I just decided to take the leap of faith, and went ahead.

It is a decision I will never regret. I've seen many folks come and go in this place -- some endured, some didn't. I've learnt what it takes to survive overseas: tough spirit, open mind, love for life and joy at work. Life, especially life away from home can be harsh. So if life throws me lemons, just made lemonade! Toughen up, and keep moving on! That's how I survive, learn, and grow up over these years.

I would enjoy spending another 4 years in this temporary home. I would even miss watching the progress of this land as its most historical moments are yet to unfold. I love my life and friends made along the way here. After travelling 5 continents, collecting uncountable stamps in my passport, sleeping in the 5-stars hotels in 3rd world countries, but also experiencing 3rd world foolishness in 1st world countries, a hard disk full of pictures of the old and new Wonders of The World, right now the time is right for me to go home. I feel it, I know it.

It has been a good run.

Cheers!

Halo

I love sitting at my desk in my aparment in the late afternoon. The sunlight reflects itself off the building opposite mine, beating the ray of halo and heavenliness into my room. I love stretching out my hand and trying to catch the sun beams, or just letting the ray of afternoon sun cut through my fingers. Or sometimes just closing my eyes and bask in the halo of warmth and glow.

Just another quiet afternoon which I can reflect and give thanks. Just me, my thoughts, and the reflection of the ever-burning sun. Beyoncé's Halo was playing on my iTunes. What an apt song for all that I have been feeling.

This is the moment I love most everyday.

Halo (by Beyoncé)

Remember those walls I built
Well baby they're tumbling down
And they didn't even put up a fight
They didn't even make a sound
I found a way to let you in
But I never really had a doubt
Standing in the light of your halo
I got my angel now
It's like I've been awakened
Every rule I had you breakin'
It's the risk that I'm takin'
I ain't never gonna shut you out
Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace
You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your face
Baby I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can see your halo (halo) halo
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can see your halo (halo) halo
Hit me like a ray of sun
Burning through my darkest night
You're the only one that I want
Think I'm addicted to your light
I swore I'd never fall again
But this don't even feel like falling
Gravity can't forget
To pull me to the ground again
Feels like I've been awakened
Every rule I had you breakin'
The risk that I'm takin'
I'm never gonna shut you out
Everywhere I'm looking now
I'm surrounded by your embrace
Baby I can see your halo
You know you're my saving grace
You're everything I need and more
It's written all over your face
Baby I can feel your halo
Pray it won't fade away
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can see your halo (halo) halo
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can see your halo (halo) halo
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can feel your halo (halo) halo
I can see your halo (halo) halo
I can see your halo (halo)

How To Look Fabulous In Ten Minutes

My friends were in their car when they phoned me -- the me which was still in bed, napping. They told me they were on their way over to pick me up to go for a drink. "How long before you reach?" I asked. Ten minutes, they said.

Ten freaking minutes?! Like 600 seconds? To get ready and look fabulous for a night out at the pub where drop-dead gorgeous men potentially hang out? I could either wear the first drab I reach in the wardrobe, go plain-faced, pull hair back into a convenient ponytail, and wished there would be no McConaughey-lookalikes at the bar that night, or I could use the ten minutes to make a fabulous looker out of myself! Well, you know what they say about Murphy's Law, when you least expect it, it will happen. I can't look like a wreck when the Pitts and McConaugheys appear in my life!

So, ten minutes. First thing first, take ten seconds to breathe. Really, this is essential. After emptying your mind of the bucket of nerves, start recalling the most flattering emergency clothes you've bought lately. You know, those clothes which you wear on your fat-days -- and still look fab! Now, get out of bed, pull those clothes out and remind yourself how gorgeous they'll look on you soon.

Next, wash your face. Then your regular toning and moisturising. While waiting for the moisturiser to be absorbed fully into your face, change your clothes. By now you should have some six minutes left.

Foundation is the essential part of this makeup routine since you will have minimal makeup, so you need the foundation to even out any dark circles, cover eyebrow's new growth, or just patch up your facial tones. Always wait for the foundation to be absorbed by the skin before applying loose powder. So while waiting, let's waste no time and start fixing the hair. I had the option of keeping it loose but that meant I had to blow it straight. So I decided to keep it in a loose bun on one side instead. A stylish I-just-pull-the-look-together chic-ness!

Four minutes.
Concealer.
Then grab a few chunky accessories to spice up your outfit. Throw them into the bag you intend to carry. Haven't decide which bag yet? Start thinking now. Leave the accessories on the bed first. Do not wear them now.

Three minutes and a half.
Loose powder. Blusher
Then eye liner.
I really do not think one will have time for mascara. I did not. So I needed to draw my eye liner thicker and with more definition. This will dramatise the eyes without the need of a mascara.

One minutes.
Choose your handbag. Throw the accessories in it.
Choose your shoes. One change is allowed. Afterall, shoes really do make or break an outfit! So let's cut us some slack here.

Half a minute.
Throw lip gloss into handbag.
Spritz on some of your best feel-good fragrance!
Take a look at the fabulous you in the mirror. And remind yourself "Damn I look good!"

Ten seconds.
Get out of your apartment and put on your accessories and lip gloss in the lift.

Walk glamorously (and calmly, the last thing you need is breaking out a sweat!) to your pick up point. Yes, it's okay to be a little late. That's hardly close to being fashionably late.
Now air-kissed your friends and compliment on how fabulous everyone looked. Because you know you do too! All in ten minutes' effort!

Be fabulous, girlfriends! Be fabulous, always.

Cougarism

There I said it.

Indeed, cougarism is the word these days. Older women with younger men, there's just a shady excitement to it like eating a forbidden fruit, an unspoken naughtiness that such combination exudes, an illicit discovery we crave to learn more about!

Yes, Demi Moore has done it. So has Madonna. And Mariah Carey. And Jennifer Aniston, and Drew Barrymore, and Kim Cattrall, Cher, Elizabeth Taylor, etc. Cougar is an urban term given to a woman who pursues much younger men. Wikipedia goes as far as specifying a cougar as a woman who sexually pursues men who are at least eight years her junior. Wow, strong words. But what used to be a social taboo and since been glorified by Hollywood -- well then again, doesn't everything get popularised this way these days? Yesteryear's restrains have since turned into victorious conquests and for some women! Hallelujah!

I definitely see this cougar trend growing among my friends. There's always a certain inner-circle cheeky smile that lights up their faces when I get them to talk about their relationship with their younger men. It's hard to pinpoint what it really is but it's like they know something we don't. As if one has to be initiated into the Cougar Club before she can learn the secret thrill of such relationship. It's intriguing, it's alluring, it's tempestuous! Here are a few things they've shared about their cougar relationship.

1) Eager to please
Younger men are eager to please their older girlfriends. They show more attention to the women. Whatever the younger men lack in financial sense, they make up for it by showering the women with special sweet surprises and aplenty attention to their every detail in life. I have to agree with this because older men then to believe they can buy their way into the women's world. And that whatever we need, they can satisfy by buying for us. Well, sometimes what women really need is just attention. Undivided attention from their all-so-important career, or golf/poker nights/beers. With younger men, their older girlfriends are always their priority in life. And most of the time, that's all a girl needs.

2) More respectful
Like shadow that comes with light, older men have inflated egos that comes their age and knowledge. With younger men, they acknowledge that their older girlfriends may be more worldly and thus tend to be more respectful to their opinions, ideas and perspectives. Younger men look up to older women, and shower them with the respect they deserve! For women, it's tiring, not to mention boring, dealing with older pompous men all the time. R.E.S.P.E.C.T, guys. You'll win if you can do that more.

3) Younger, Hotter, please
Like this t-shirt that says "Go for younger men. You might as well. They never mature anyway." That's right! Like men who always prefer younger, hotter girls, women also prefer young hot bods over saggy belly and balding head too. Younger men dresses well, put in effort with their hair, hygiene, skincare, lifestyle, etc. Older men unfortunately mistakenly think that tough and rough is sexy. And that unshaven and unkempt reveals their manliness. I'm just gonna say it once: NO, IT IS NOT. Gimme a metrosexual guy, I'll show you what is sexy.

4) I already have a father
I don't need another father figure in my life, thankyouverymuch. There is a difference between feeling secure with a man and feeling paternal with a man. We are confident, accomplished women who knows what we want in life. We don't need our older boyfriends to judge us, set rules for our lives, or restrict my lifestyle. Pussycat Dolls's song Hush Hush says it well:

I never needed you for pointing out my wrongs

I never needed you for judgment
I never needed you to question what I spend
I never ask for help
I take care of myself

I never needed your corrections
On everything from how I act to what I say

Why is that that only older men judge their girlfriends on who they hang out with, what time they should get home, how they should do things, what they wear, etc? I have a friend who openly declares his preference for older women. He was over at my place before we went clubbing the other day when I asked him for opinion on my ultra short dress. He said that there is no such thing as a dress that's too short. Or a cleavage that's too much. Bless him! Younger men really do know how to make a woman feel more beautiful!

5) Younger men makes women feel young
I still like clubbing, extreme sports, spontaneous travel, dancing in the rain, staying up all night, etc. Every now and then, I like to wreck some havoc. But older men are just too conservative, too proper, and most of all, too tired. Yes, they've been there, done that -- last decade. But I haven't! Why don't you have some fun with me too? In that aspect, younger men live life on the edge, seek fun in everything they do, and love with everything they have. And that is why women feel younger when they hang out with their younger boyfriends! Feel young, look young! Now beat that, SKII!

6) Less baggage
The last thing I need is to be a step-mom. Or dealing with a psychotic ex-girlfriend. Or those so-cliched emotional baggage. It's hard enough being a women. Let me be the only one in your life. Older men are often too jaded, too hard-heartened, too unwilling to love totally again. Well, girls, stop wasting time with such men. Find a fresh young thing and be the one that breaks his heart if you have to. But chances are you'll be in for treat for being his first love!

7) Sexually Compatible
A man's sexual peak is in his 20s and a woman in her 30s. This cougar-match will ensure equal bedroom desires. Also younger men are eager to show their older girlfriends they know what they are doing in bed. So they are eager to satisfy their women. Finally a man who puts our desires before theirs! God bless our younger men!

8) Stamina
Need I say more? 'nuff said. Yum!

I am neither advocating cougarism, or discouraging it. I applaud my cougar girlfriends, and totally respect my guy friends who prefers MLIF.

Hello, Zac Efron! Hello, Chace Crawford. How do you not be a cougar with these hot young bods perfect with those puppy eyes tempting you?

Miss Say Reviews: Skincare Stuff

These are the stuff I bought recently. Spending way too much! Okay, they are "investments", as some girls put it.

Shu Uemura's Cleansing Oil has been much raved about everywhere. They really do remove every trace of make up as oil is the only product that can remove the toughest of mascara. Every bit of my foundation dissolved into the oil too. I love watching the oil emulsify into a milky solution when water is added to the oil. It's like science lab experiment everyday when I clean my face! I do however have two reservation about this. Firstly, I can't get the cleansing oil to spread around my eye properly. Either I get the oil into my eye resulting in blurry vision, or I'm left with residual eyeliner or mascara on the inner eye. Still finding my way around this product -- I've only started using this one week ago. So far, it is as good as the reviews raved everywhere. Get it.

Biotherm Aquasource Non-Stop Moisturiser. This product came highly recommended to me by many flight attendant friends who swear by it. Trust me, nobody knows better about moisturiser than flight attendants. The aircraft cabin air is so dry and the flight attendants have to wear full make-up for as long as some 16 hours at a go. They really do know how to pick a good moisturiser. I have been using Biotherm Aquasource for the last four years and I have no complaints at all. It is super light texture, easily absorbed, and best of all very very hydrating. Imagine this: 5000litres of enriched water in each jar. I literally feels my skin "drinking" up the moisture every time I splatter on this moisturiser. Because it is so light on my skin, using it under make-up ensures a matte face all day. My skin is constantly hydrated and refreshed. I can't emphasise enough how great this product is. Go get it! Pronto!

Kielh's Acne Blemish Control Treatment Gel. I've never used Kielh's product until recently. I had a minor zit outbreak so I thought I'd try this product. It is formulated with a powerful blend of blemish-fighting acids known to minimize the appearance of acne and blemishes. Well, frankly I think it works little to reduce the blemishes once they've already appeared. But perhaps it would be good as a preventive measure. Slight tingling feeling when I use it all over my face. I'd say this is not a must-buy.

No 7 Protect & Perfect Eye Serum. Works just like any other eye cream. Nothing spectacular. I'll stick to my SKII Advanced Eye Treatment Film. The ergonomics of the bottle is not well-designed either. Gotta stick your finger into a small hole to dig out the cream. I'm not liking it. Pass up this one, girls.

Dior Snow Sublissime Whitening Liquid Foundation. I have never been a fan of any whitening product so I was a little hesitant about getting this. Since my Lancome liquid foundation is running out soon, and Dior came highly recommended by some friends, I decided to try it out. The texture of this liquid foundation is thicker than expected -- just a little thinner than a gel or mousse. Because it is quite thick in texture, a very tiny pump of foundation is enough for my whole face. The thick texture does take a little getting use to but you'll find the smooth and brightening effect this foundation brings is enough to compensate for any negativity. My face appears more brilliant and tones the face shade evenly. I simply love how my face appears brighter after using this foundation! This is perhaps the "whitening" effect, and not a paler shade as expected of whitening products. Great buy.

That's all for my recent purchases. Go get 'em.

The Great Divide: Single vs Married

I am having the time of my life! Pardon me for the lack of updates. I just haven't had time to construct my thoughts and my colourful life into words and readable entries. Just too many things going on in life. Bless my soul.

My Facebook photo albums are filled with partying pictures, my weekends are packed with outdoor activities and drinks sessions, my everyday life is a series of exciting projects and making new interesting friends along the way. Press the PAUSE button here. And rewrite the above as if I were married. My Facebook photo albums will be filled with my kids pictures (heck, even the profile picture will be some parenthood propaganda-worthy photo!), my weekends will be packed with cuddle-ups and DVDs, my everyday life will be work-home-dinner-sleep (repeat as often as necessary). *unpause*

When I was home last month, I encounter first-hand the vast difference in lifestyle of the singles and the married. The singles are living it up working hard and partying hard, travelling lots, packing every weekends with tennis/wakeboarding/cycling/you-name-it, catching up with old friends and making new one too, looking fabulous and well-maintained. The married are staying away from public area, preferring to spend "quality time" at home, making a trip to the buffet line at a hotel restaurant THE highlight of the year, jiggling the excess stomach fats of your partner and feeling contented because only you see the real beauty in him/her, and attending other married couples' kids' birthday parties. Yawn, I'm bored just writing about that.

This is the great divide between the single and the married.

The singles dress up, paint their faces, lead a full and fun life day to night (and past that!). The married dresses down, go barefaced, lead a predictable exclusive-to-couple life day to 9pm. The single clubs, and the married snubs. The single loves life, the married loves family life. The singles hang out, the married back out -- of all social events unless necessary. Meeting for a drink means hanging out at a nice pub. Or does meeting for a drink means having a coffee at a cafe near home. You know which is for which.

I was out partying with my single girlfriend when I told her she was the few friends I've had since high school who still clubs. Because I'm still single, she replied. I recalled the previous weekend when I had another gathering with some ex-classmates. They were all either married or lugging a kid around to the meet-up. By 8pm, they flashed the "Junior needs to sleep"-card or "My husband doesn't like me staying out late"-card. Does married life translates to no clubbing, no staying out late, no activities on weekends, no heels or lipsticks, no fun social life? And why do the married view the single as... well for the lack of better words, failure? Before you protest, let me explain.

The married is always eager to hook up their single friends with another wonderful friend (who often turns out to be fugly, balding and smells. And non-existential EQ). The married scoffs at the clubbing scene, despising friendships made at such places. The married sees weekend activities as a dread with no special agenda other than to stay in. But this is the ultimate: The married believe they have made it. And everyone else who is not married have not.

It is no wonder the singles stop asking the married friends out. Because it's most often 1+1 (even if it's a girls' night out!). Also if the singles were to meet their married friends, they have to forgo pretty frocks and lovely locks. They have to dress down because the married can't fit into their summer dresses anymore and doesn't have anything else to bunch up their hair other than an old faded scrunchie. The singles want to talk about their exciting holiday trips, while the married want to discuss breast pumps and diapers.

Neither want to hang out with the other for the lack of common topic of interest. Neither can integrate their lives with the other without some snobbishness in believing they have the better live.

I've seen too many real-life example of uninspired cuddle-up weekends of married couples. I've heard too much self-glorification in the "kind" advices of married couples. I've picked up the "I've made it"-signals from the married friends. (Do you also sense the "I won't ever notice, much less marry your husband even if you pay me a million bucks and he's the last man on earth"-signal from me?)

I won't say which side of The Great Divide is better. But...
I'm young and has the world under my feet. I have lots to offer and lots to take from it. I am just starting to ride the crest of life. I crave the high of meeting someone gorgeous and knowing it could lead to something more. I don't do cuddle-up weekends. I don't like sharing my bed. I'm taking life by its neck and I need both arms -- can't spare one in somebody's arm. I like options. I prefer deciding for "me" than for "us". I enjoy fancy dinner dates, the rush of that first kiss, the lingering goodbyes at the end of the day. I like to be on this side of the Divide. I have the rest of my life for the other side. Why hurry to start now?

Don't need to be on somebody's arm to look good
(I like who I am)
I'm not saying I don't wanna fall in love 'cos I would
I'm not gonna get hooked up just 'cos you say I should
(Can't romance on demand)
I'm gonna wait so I'm sorry if you misunderstood
- Single (Natasha Bedingfield)

99 Red Roses

Any girl who says she doesn't like flowers is a liar. No, no excuse at all. All girls love flowers. Yeah so what if they are not the most practical gifts? A little romanticism goes a long way. A maximum-wow-effect gesture surely won't go unnoticed. And a bouquet of red roses to greet me in the morning still puts a wide smile on my face. Every single time I look at it.

Ninety-nine red roses to be exact. That's the number of roses in this bouquet. The scarlet red roses bled envy from other girls, and invited admiring stares from other guys. That is the full effect of a hugh bouquet of flower. And I cannot say I did not enjoy the attention.

Flowers are really one of the prettiest thing in this world. I love watching them bloom into their full grandeur, I love running my fingers through the powdery-soft petals, I love putting my nose against them and taking in the floral fragrance.

Ninety-nine roses. A very special birthday gift indeed.

I'm a woman, let me indulge in romanticism, fairy tales, beauty, love. And impractical resplendent gifts.

Miss Say Reviews: Nexcare Acne Patch

I don't know if it's the weather back home, or the unhealthy -- but totally to-die-for -- local cuisine that has unleashed a wave of pimple outbreak on my face. The weather back home is so hot and humid I don't even use moisturiser after I wash my face. Bad, I know. I only slather on night cream before I go to bed at night to make up for the lack of diligence in moisturising during the day. And even that has not been a nightly ritual. That's in addition to stuffing my face with the much-missed local cuisine which are more often then not unhealthy -- but oh so super yummy! No wonder my body is reacting in protest to such abuse.

First there was only one painful pimple. (Ok, I can handle that.) When I woke up the next morning, there were two. (Alright, just don't touch them.) And by the end of the day, three (THREE! *pitiful sobs*) are threatening to rise out of of T-zone. Except I know they won't because they are all headless pimples. These are the real killers, aren't they? Painful, swollen, and yet there is nothing one can do about them since there is no pus to squeeze out. I complained of my situation to my bestie while hanging out with her yesterday and she recommended me Nexcare (3M) Acne Patch. Well, she also swears by Clinique's anti-blemish solutions Spot Treatment Gel. But since Clinique doesn't do anything for my skin judging for past experience, I decided to try her other suggestion.

Nexcare Acne Patch works this way. Each patch is a water-based gel which reduces the swelling and redness of the pimple when applied. It works by absorbing the oil secretion of the pimple onto the gel patch. It also acts as a protective layer that prevents infection. Sounds simple and convenient enough to tempt any acne-tortured soul to give it a go. Last night before I went to bed, I apply three patches over the reddish swollen pimples. One was a ginormous size zit so I had to use the bigger size patch over it. The other two were milder so I patched the mini-me size ones over them.

I woke up this morning eagerly to investigate the result. Have the patches work their miracles overnight? Have they sucked enough oil out of my volcanic pimples to power up a whole village?

Well, I am happy to report that two of the smaller pimples are less swollen, and thus "flatter". They are almost invisible unless I press hard into the skin. Good job there. However I am not convinced the patch has much effect on the kingpin pimple. The zit is still quite swollen and red, and painful. I can't tell if much oil has been absorbed since the patch appears pretty clear to me. I believe the resistance from the monstrous zit is much too strong for the little acne patch's prowess.

So go ahead and try the acne patch on small, new-grown pimple. Patch them on immediately upon discovery. (They are clear and match one's skin tone closely. I like that.) As for for cosmic-sized zits, expect little effect but use it as a shield to prevent the infection from getting worse. I just replaced the patch over that massive zit with a fresh one. Work, little patch, work! Work your wonder!

Mid-Week Partying

Mid-week partying is not for the faint-hearted. It is only suitable for the young ones. Or for those who don't have to go to work the next day. Luckily I fall into the second category. (Well, even the first too!)

So I was out at a club last night. On a Wednesday. Till 4am. It was helluva party nonetheless! Brought back lotsa memories of the days when I was clubbing till 4am and waking up at 7 to go to school. How did I ever do that? Ah, it's good to be young and full of energy. And sleep was definitely not a priority then.

I attempted to get out of bed -- four times. No wait, was it three? Or five? I lost count because I was basically climbing in and out of bed all day today. Woke up at 10 to have a quick breakfast which ended up in a struggle between swallowing the food and trying not to puke last night's alcohol. My head was spinning and my ears were ringing. So I decided that I needed the bed again. I laboured agonisingly to get out of bed several times after to get some work done, but to little success. I decided that today will be useless trying to be productive. I'm just too hungover.

Oh but how I miss mid-week partying! Lotsa fun memories of those carefree school days and brash youthfulness. At that age, going clubbing was a religion as it was cool "to see and to be seen" mixing with the popular crowd. A great night out meant getting wasted. Turning up at the school assembly the next morning with bloodshot eyes and reciting the national Pledge with alcohol breath meant you had partied hard.

But these days, clubbing is more of a personal choice than a social pressure. I enjoy letting my hair down with a few moves on the dance floor. I like getting excited about what to wear for the evening and getting my hair done for the party. I love indulging in the girly gossips with my sistas at the bar, or throwing flirty glances at yummilicious strangers across the room. Being a fun drunk, a few drinks always kick the party to a new high! (Now kids if you are reading this, if you drink, don't drive.)

If you are one of those "I'm happily married/in love, I don't need to club anymore"-couple, I don't even wanna begin telling you what you are missing out. If you club just to hook up sweet young things, this entry is not for you. *coughshamelesscough* If you party just to get drunk, here's one word for you -- sad. But if you club because you enjoy a good night out shaking your tushy on the dance floor, indulging in the great company of like-minded pals, getting high on life, you are one who brings the party with you wherever you go! You celebrate life! And you live it up! (Send in your application here to be my partying mate!)

Now I have to go nurse my hangover.

The Other The One

Feeling emo today and realising I'd probably not get any work done after running my errands in town, I decided to get my hair done. I always fix my hair -- cut, colour, rebond, treatment, you name it! -- when I come back to town since I only trust my hairdresser when it comes to my tresses.

Miss Say has an advice with regards to your crowning glory: Your hairdresser is one of the most important persons in your life. Treat him/her well.

You won't find your ideal hairdresser instantly. You have to experiment different hairdressers, visit various salons, endure bad cuts, burn plenty of moolah at expensive professional-use hair products which promises shampoo-ad-worthy hair. Eventually, if you are lucky, you will find that perfect hairdresser -- The One, for you. Then stay with him/her. Till death do you part.

Here's some unconventional tips to look out for in your hairdresser:

1) Delivers results
Basically he should does what his job requires him to do -- cut/colour/etc. A decent job, if not spectacular. If you trying out a new hairdresser, he must at the very least does what he promises to do. If he says a certain cut will frame your face nicely, it'd better does that! I'm not saying he ought to be a magician and miraculously make your face less chubby with a wave of his scissors. But it should be somewhat close -- some obvious deliverable you can see and agree to.

2) Does not hard-sell
Very important rule.
This is a hairdressing for goodness sake, not sales. No decent stylist should behave like a salesman and persuade you relentlessly to sign up for hair packages! They may recommend certain treatment or products, but only once. I hate to spend four hours in the salon chair feeling jittery about when he'll find a new "monthly special" package to recommend me again. No thanks. And only no thanks, once.

3) Chats with you, but not too much
The hairdresser should treat you feel like a frequent flyer with special privilege reserved only for the regulars. These could be asking about the holiday trip you mentioned during your last trip to the salon, or about your pet dog, etc. But more importantly, s/he must not chat incessantly. I like to enjoy having someone shampoo my hair and massage my scalp, and I like to have these done in peace. So if your hairdresser is a chatterbox, consider being a little "unfriendlier" or colder so s/he gets it. Do it at your own risk (of the relationship!).

4) Make helpful recommendation
I wanted to get my whole hair recoloured and rebonded today. But my stylist said only the roots need to be fixed. "You sure?" I asked. He reassured saying he wouldn't turn down money if he could. So he did the minimal work on the roots. And indeed my hair looks like its got a fresh colour boost now that the roots -- and only the roots -- are fixed!

5) Discuss with you prior to any action
This could be either the cost of any product/service, or explaining the service procedure. A good stylist may even go into explaining why certain products is more suitable for your hair quality than others. Never allow the stylist to do anything to your hair without first consulting you. And never be shy to ask about the price first. You should decline if you don't feel comfortable paying for that product/service. And the stylist should not push it. This is the reason why I kept going back to my stylist, he's great with talking me through each step -- he even checks if I'm rushing for time so he can adjust the time needed for leaving the chemicals on my hair. Or asks if the smell of hair chemical is too strong for me.

6) Regular's discount
My hairdresser gives me discounts or promotional price without me having to ask. That's the best part about keeping a regular and responsible hairdresser. You know both your hair and your wallet are taken care of. Today, my stylist even gave my hair a special treatment free-of-charge! He won some hair products in a styling competition and isn't at all stingy in sharing the winning. He rubbed the product into the hair meticulously, as if I was paying for that service. Now that's what I call a great hairdressing experience!

7) Male hairstylist
One last tip I learnt from a girl friend ten years ago. Get a male hairstylist (if you are a girl). Female stylist tend to be task-focused and is less delicate with your head. Male stylists are gentler with ladies' tresses and won't pull out a lock of your mane while combing through it. Over the years, even when I change my stylist, I still request for another male stylist. I promise you this is the most useful tip I've ever learnt. Gay or straight, doesn't matter. But isn't it uber cool like to boast of a gay hairstylist on your speed dial?

How To Make New Friends

Whoever laments that it is difficult to make new friends at our twirty-something age, I'd just like to retort that it is not. It is easier than asking your boss for a promotion, it is not as hard as waking up at six in the morning, and it take more skills to scrub your bathtub when you have perfectly manicured nails than to make new friends.

Just be out there! Be open to going to a concert with your friend's friend's friends, or taking up tennis class with your cousin's colleagues, or meeting up for drinks with your sister's boyfriend's friends. Be open to invitations, and just have fun! When you simply throw yourselves out there and expect nothing but a fun time for yourself, you will attract happy people into your life. You will make new friends along the way -- without even trying.

It has been just over a week since I arrive home and even without planning, an array of activities has been lined up for me. Last week, a girl friend invited me to wakeboard with her boyfriend. I went along even though I haven't done it in years. Afterall, it'd just be a few good laughs should I submarine-d instead of ride the waves. Her boyfriend brought a friend along and after sharing a few (lame) jokes during the boat ride, we were camera-whoring like old friends do.

Last Saturday, my best friend's colleague celebrated her birthday at one of the most popular club in town. My best friend invited me to hang out with her Engineering department colleagues. Despite initial suspicion it would be an uneventful evening, her colleagues turned out to be dancing kings/queens. They were welcoming and chatty, and I learnt more than a few internal jokes and scandals.

Another friend invited me to a gig last night. It was a new album launch gig by a local band of which one of the member is his friend. I know neither the band nor the friend. I have never even attended a gig before! But it didn't take me long to agree to go. Always say yes, if you can, someone once told me. You never know what opportunities life holds for you. And indeed, I met three amazing girls at the gig. They were my friend's university friends. Upon seeing I was left alone at the bar when my friend went for a smoke outside, they invited me to join them at their table. I did, and they made special effort to include me in their conversations. We laughed, goss-ed, drank, and promised to stay in touch when the evening ended.

Throw yourself out there to allow life to open up doors for you. Have a soda the pub with your colleagues even if you don't drink. Have a go at the Pilates class which your best friend has been inviting you to try. Movie night with your friend's poker friends? Why not? You'll be surprise how easy it is to meet new people, and how many folks out there are open to making new friends just like you are.

Remember that everyone is just as uncertain about making new friends too. I am not one that advises people to "just be yourself". (I'll stay in bed all day if I'll just be myself!) You need to push yourself just a little more. My best advice: Be a little more chatty when you meet new friends. Don't just speak only when asked. Do the asking too. Then listen and respond. Everyone likes to talk to someone who seems interested. (And interesting!) Be that someone. It's that easy to make new friends.

I'm loving my new friendships, the excitement of joining new activities, the prospect of knowing there's a world of friends-who-don't-know-one-another-yet.

Bare Essential

The hot and humid weather back home does not incentivise me to wear makeup. Or wear my hair down. Or wear covered toes shoes. (My beloved Prada pumps are still waiting for their maiden voyage onto the street!) Hell, I'm not even wearing a good mood most afternoon when the sun is beating right into my room. What's with this tropical weather? Has it always been this humid?

How does a glamour queen keep her cool in such Amazon-like weather? Wear the bare essential, I advise. Save the chunky bracelet that gathers vapour between itself and your skin. Change the Posh Spice pencil-skirt for an A-line flare skirt. But the one that works best for me, leave out the foundation on your skin.

I need every pores in my body to "breathe" to get the cool air into my system. I hate to think my facial pores are clogged with Lancôme, producing facial oil instead of generating coolness. Foundation plus heat waves equals shiny T-zone, in record-time. (No, I'm not talking about the summer bronzy look here!) Wearing minimal makeup is the only way that works in our all-year summer weather.

Two words: Bare. Essential.

These what I wear on a day's trip to town:

1) Concealer

A colleague of mine said it well: If there's only one thing she can bring to a stranded island, it would be Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat. This is a highlighter that captures the light, reflecting off the dark spots on the face. The result is a balanced, brightened skin tone. A must-buy, trust me.

2) Powder

Powder evens out the patchy tones on one's face like a foundation does, without the mask-wearing feeling the latter induces. I wear Chanel Poudre Universelle. It has smooth texture that glides easily on your face, producing sufficient coverage while allowing your skin to breathe! And the powder stays on the whole day! What I love about Chanel is that all the cases comes in a velvety black pouch. No more unsightly scratches on the pretty case when you throw it into your bag.

3) Blusher
Perhaps your face is already flushed from the heat. For the rest of us, wear some colours on your cheek for goodness sake. The last thing you need is a homogeneous-toned face, like those who are push out of the morgue. Blusher adds a healthy glow to our face instantly. MAC has blusher with good pigmentation. One quick sweep of the blusher is all you need.

For the sunkissed look, I use MAC Foolish Me. It adds a vibrant peachy hue to your cheeks. It looks very orange-y in its case, but turns out to be a nice peach coral colour when applied. The best thing is the shimmer tone in the blusher! It bounces the sunlight off your face during the day, and adds instant oomph for the night! Perfect!

I also bought MAC Pink Swoon recently. With the subtlest hue of pink in it, I easily control the radiance I desire. Barring the shimmer dust in it, it adds an Innocent girlish soft blush to your cheek. Very cute.

4) Eyeliner

A great eyeliner to use is the Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliner. Easy to use and long-lasting, I draw the upper eyelids only for my day-look. Remember, only the bare essential is needed. So this is sufficient to "open" your eyes and make you look more awake. For a night out, I add in a line on the lower eyelids for a more defined look. I often blend the eyeliner out for a soft smokey look too. A note of advice, use the Espresso Ink (a dark brown shade). Black is too harsh for the day.

5) Lip Gloss

Luckily one can't gain weight with lip gloss. Because it is irresistible to not lick off Lancôme Juicy Tube! It took my sister some convincing but she recently took the plunge and bought a Juicy Tube in Toffee Pop. She couldn't stop raving about how yummy it is -- just like the real toffee! I tried it too and it's true! I'm using the colour Framboise now. Well, then again, I have five other colours too! Use it alone or over your lipstick (I say forget about the lipstick), it has little colour but lotsa fun and flavour! Add power to your pout!

Mascara? Save it. Bare essential, remember? Use if only for a night out. Keep your face fresh and minimal during the day. When yours truly is running for time, I even skip the eyeliner. Because it adds little to the face. The most important rule is to keep the look fresh from the makeup pile-up.

One last thing. Keep the facial blotter handy. I use the lovely Pink Grapefruit Oil Absorbing Sheets from Clean&Clear. Great smell, works wonder. Dab your face with the blotter when you feel greasy. Then touch up with a thin layer of powder. Instant fresh look again! Such is a case when you can say less is more! Stay cool, stay essentially bare!

Just Do It (In Secrecy)

Secrecy is the first law of Magic
- Julia Cameron, The Artist's Way

It is no secret that I took a month of leave to come home, in preparation of my exit from my current overseas posting. It is also no secret that I had intention to quit last year, and we're into the second half of this year thus my plans have been much delayed. It irks me to the core whenever someone teases, "you always say you're gonna quit, you'll never do", or jeers, "last year you said the same thing, you're still here now", or mocks, "I've heard that before". The fact is that I did have serious plans to leave my job. But something even more serious and important came up in my life that made those plans inadmissible. At least for the time being. Why should I be subjected to such sneering of skepticism, or be taunted with accountability to them? Or is it with the liability to my declaration of plans? (And hence the embarrassment that follows when they fail?)

I used to believe that announcing my intentions would gather support from friends, or affirmations from the good-willed. Afterall, for a major decision such as changing your job or buying a property, you ought to let everyone in your network know your plans so they can keep a lookout for you, or throw in their two-cent worth of advice, right? Wrong.

Firstly, no one cares that much. Only nosey folks make useless small talks. Because they are also eager to take a jab at you when your "life-changing plans" fail. Friends (and I use the term loosely) who congratulate you on your entrepreneurship now will be quick to throw in those "I already knew"-counsel once you fall from grace.

Secondly, when you share your intentions with the wrong crowd, you will attract their discouragement and unbelief. All the "you shouldn't"s and the "you can't"s. These negative energies can undermine your motivation. Focus on your plan, not on what they think you shouldn't/cant' do.

The other downfall of announcing your plans is that you will give yourself a "premature sense of completion" as mentioned here. And I quote,

You have “identity symbols” in your brain that make your self-image. Since both actions and talk create symbols in your brain, talking satisfies the brain enough that it “neglects the pursuit of further symbols.”

Announcing your plans to others satisfies your self-identity just enough that you’re less motivated to do the hard work needed.

Simply talking about it dissipates the energy that motivates you to put it into action. Don't lose the energy focus. Act on the motivation.

It may be difficult to hold in your excitement about that new plan. It is tough to not share your goals with your mates. But go against your natural instinct if you have to. Don't attract their pessimism. Save your energy for the hard work of your plan.

If you have any plans in life, just do it.
Plan and execute them, in secrecy.

Just. Do. It.
In secrecy.

"If A is success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut."
- Albert Einstein

Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen

No, not the song by Baz Luhrmann. Although it is one of my favourite song. I'm writing about sunscreen.

My Sunday morning was spent at the sea wakeboarding. Damn right, your Lifestyle Queen is getting all healthy and sporty lately, what with the yoga and the wakeboarding. Although this was a common phenonmenon today...
I woke up to an overcast sky this morning. It was perfect for the girls and I since we're not too keen on the tan-look. My friend brought along her spray-on sunscreen and I had a go at it.I hereby declare sunscreen spray is the only way to go for sun protection! Spray-on is so easy to use and is the most efficient way to get the sunscreen all over your body evenly. Also, no more white patches on your skin that happens when the cream sunscreen is not rub into the skin sufficiently. Run out and get this from your nearest drugstore.

Especially when doing water sports, one must remember to keep replenishing your sunscreen. Everytime I was in the water and I wipe the water off my face, I removed some sunscreen from my face too. Thus, the result is a nose as red as Rudolph the red nose reindeer. And my lips are burning and slightly raw as if I just drank tom yum soup. Not a pleasant feeling. Or sight, to say the least.

I also remember my cousin lamenting the tan lines around the top of her feet after our holiday in southern France recently. Or my sister teasing her boyfriend about his sunburnt scalp after their Kota Kinabalu getaway last week. Splattering on sunscreen is only the first step to sun protection. Here are other top tips to sunscreen wearing:

1) Check the expiry date.
Yes, they have expiry date. The active ingredients in the sunscreen may break down and lose their effectiveness after certain period. The last thing you need is a case of a bad sunburn and bad rash from the expired chemicals.

2) SPF 30
This is more than enough. Sun Protection Factor 30 allows you to stay in the sun 30 times longer before you get sunburnt. SPF 30 already blocks out 97% of the harmful UVB rays. Do you really need more? Feel free to use higher SPF, the difference is little.

3) UVA and UVB
Did you know sunscreen is not the same as sunblock? Chemicals in sunscreen absorbs the UV radiation whereas those in sunblock reflects the UV rays to protect your skin. Absorb? Reflects? I say potato, potahto. Just use a sunscreen/sunblock that has UVA and UVB protection. Period.

4) Apply half an hour before going into the sun.
This is to allow the active ingredients in the sunscreen to start working on the skin.

5) Reapply every 15-30 minutes.
I say 30 minutes. I'm really not keen on running for my can of spray-on every 15 minutes in a game of beach volleyball, or putting down my book before I can finish one chapter in that 15 minutes on the beach chair.

This is the crux of the matter -- the list of places one always miss while applying sunblock:

1. Eyelids
   The skin around your eyes are much thinner than the rest of your face. Surely one shouldn't neglect this delicate region.


2. Lips
   Do you want goth-inspired dark lips? Use a SPF 15 lip balm for goodness sake.


3. Ear
   Earlobe and back of ear are the spots we most often missed.


4. Top of feet
   Do you know how difficult it is to get rid of the tan line of your sandals or mary-jane strap if you forget to apply sunblock on your feet?


5. Back of neck
   Flaky wrinkly neck is not pretty. You don't want others to think you're diseased.


6. Scalp or exposed hairline
   Mostly for guys with really short hair. Take note, please.

This shall be your checklist the next time you apply that sunscreen. Now I have to go nurse my tender nose and burnt lips.

Full Of Crap

Today we're going to talk about a rather unpleasant topic.
Constipation. (Or being full of crap, literally.)

City dwellers like you and I are faced with high stress, fast paced lifestyles. The direct consequences of this are irregular eating habits, unsound sleeping patterns, and aplenty illnesses and pains. Especially for women, the problem of constipation is one that plagues many. I have had this problems for many years (decades, even!) and so I'm totally qualified to share with you the remedies that work. I've tried medicine, exercise, alternative chinese medicine, etc. They are of little use. There are only two things that has ever work for me. Ever.

1) Drink water first thing in the morning
As one of the reason for constipation is the lack of water intake in the body, this results in the body absorbing the water from the digested food in the colon. Hence we must replenish the water loss. Drink (at least) a glass of water when you wake up. Let it be the first thing you do once you open your eyes -- before you brush your teeth, before you check your blackberry, before you figure out how you get home the night before.

Drink a glass of room temperature water. Forget warm water, or water with lemon. Or apple cider vinegar. Just plain water of any source (yes, even tap water if they are potable.) I place a bottle of water next to my bed and reach for it even before I hit the first Snooze button. Then when I finally hit the 63rd Snooze and ready to get out of bed, my body is well-rehydrated after the night's sleep. Your body absorbed this water quickly as it has been devoid of water during the your sleep. This water is imperative in preparing your bowel for the day's activity ahead.

2) Have oatmeal for breakfast
If you are like me who love having hot breakfast, then oatmeal is the best thing you can have! Oatmeal is full of fibre which is the nemesis of constipation. Insoluble fibre (like wheat and oat) adds bulk to the stools by softening them so they move easily through the digestive tract. Cook your oatmeal with lots of water so to make it into a watery porridge. Add two tablespoonful of condensed milk and you'll have a perfect healthy breakfast recipe! It's totally yummy! There are days when I wake up craving for the smooth warm cereal first thing in the morning!

Some days when I am lazy to cook, I'll have oatmeal for all three meals! I have a superb savoury oatmeal recipe that'll nurse my hungry stomach in matter of minutes! That's the time one takes to cook the wax-coated, deep-fried, MSG-laden instant noodles! I ♥ oatmeal!

Water and oatmeal have to work hand-in-hand to resolve the problem of constipation. Fibre retains the water we take in. So without fibre, the water we drink gets absorbed directly into the bloodstream or removed from the body as urine. So we need to increase the fibre we eat as we increase the water we drink.

I've never believed these methods when others encouraged me to try -- I'm a pretty skeptical person, you see. But out of desperation, I did. And it's changed my life forever. Two simple things you need to do to make those toilet trip more pleasant.

Remember:
Drink water first thing in the morning + Oatmeal breakfast
No more expensive colposcopy or Ducolax or sweat-breaking toilet trips.

Miss Say Reviews: The Pink Panther 2

I watched The Pink Panther 2 on the flight today. In fact, the flight seem so long I had time to watch two (and a half) movies, have my meal, play computer game, sleep, etc. Anyway, I decided to review The Pink Panther 2 because IT IS JUST SO HILARIOUS! I couldn't stop laughing all the time! I am normally well-behaved and very low profile on my flights, I promise you. After seeing how amused I was by movie, the girl sitting next to me told me she had to watch it too!

Alright, the movie plot may be a tad weak -- just like the first Pink Panther. But hey, it's a comedy so let's not get too serious! Steve Martin almost perfected the heavily French-accented English. It is frustrating just as it is endearing to watch him (as Inspector Clouseau) humiliate himself unwittingly. The jokes, omigosh, those how-did-you-come-up-with-that-stuff jokes got me rolling around the floor aisle in uncontrollable laughter. Steve Martin is a comedy genius!

Inspector Clouseau on finding the Pope's stolen ring: "Ah, the Pope's ring! His wife will be happy to have that back."

Inspector Clouseau to a late arriving member of the Dream Team: "Now let me bring you up to speed...We know nothing! You are now up to speed."

Say it with a artificial Frenchman's English and one has an instant formula for comicality! I am usually not a fan of slapstick dramas. Moreover, this movie was overwhelmed with negative reviews from movie critics -- just like the predecessor. But it reached #4 on its opening weekend. Quite good, I'd say. I'll add that I think the sequel is better than the original. Few other movies have earned that accolade from your truly.

Go watch it.

How To Be A Savvy Traveller

There are more than a few things I have learnt from my hundreds of flight experience. In the last four years, I have taken more flights than bus rides, ate more aircraft food than mom's cooking, slept in more hotel rooms than make my own bed in the morning. (Well then again, I do not get up in the morning most days anyway.) I could offer one more travelling tips than your hand-carry bag can pack. So I've decided to consolidate them and select the top quintessential-but-atypical tips for travelling. Now they don't teach you this in school.

1) Three pairs of footwear
- flats, for extended walking
- slippers, for beach and around hotel
- dressy heels, for fancy dinner and clubbing

When one travels, exploring the city by foot is not unexpected. So what better way to get around town then in flats. Vacation and heels are not friends, period. Ok, unless you are holidaying in Monte Carlos. Wear covered flats to protect your already exhausted feet from the harsh weather condition. Open toes/fancy slippers plus few hours of walking equals to blisters.

I never travel without my Havaianas. Even though most days I sleep once I reach the hotel, sometimes I also make use of the swimming pool in the hotel. Or I may decide to use the computer in the business centre in the hotel. Or go to the beach to chill and read a book (or the dudes-in-speedos). Slippers are the easiest way to get around in.

We never know where life will take us, especially when we travel! So even if you reckon you are set up for the most predictable evening of room service and early night, bring your fancy heels! One may make a new friend along the way and decide to dine in a restaurant. Or have a drink in the chicest club in town. Do not miss out on life's opportunity in fun and spontaneity because of inappropriate shoes!

p.s. If in winter condition, add an extra pair of boots.

2) Hair Conditioner
Four years of intensive travelling and I have never packed my own shampoo or shower gel. If one stays at a decent three-star and above hotel, the amenities in your room will surely include them. I've been lucky to stay mostly in five-star hotels, so the complimentary bath products have been in the L'occitane and Crabtree & Evelyn (eg. Hilton) range.

But please carry your own hair conditioner. This is the only toiletries you need. No hotel conditioner will get it right for your hair. Those complimentary conditioners are usually weak and useless in moisturising your hair. It's tough enough for your hair to adjust to the different water condition, the last thing you need is a useless conditioner. And you may not be able to buy that particular brand in the country even if you have the moolah. So heed my advice, leave the shampoo and bath gel at home. Save the luggage space for that hair conditioner.

3) Colourful clothes
Holiday pictures should look fun! So if you are not the best at striking interesting poses, or pretending you are having the best time of your life, my best tip is to wear colourful clothes. Bring lotsa summer dresses for that beach vacation. Bring a contrasting coloured scarf or multicoloured beanie for the winter holiday. Leave the blacks and the solid colours tops at home. Pack the fuchsia and the yellows so they brighten up the photos even when the background seems dull!

4) Bag with shoulder strap
Bring a neutral colour bag that will match with any colour clothes you may be wearing for the trip. And please make sure the bag has a shoulder strap. Messenger bag or waist pouch (I'll never be caught dead in one though!) are okay too. Arm-carried bags may seem manageable for an afternoon of window-shopping at home. But while on holiday and carrying in it your passport, camera, handphones, maps, guidebooks etc, you may start to hate that Gucci at the end of the trip. And you probably need both hands for phototaking. Shoulder strap bags only, please.

5) Shawl
A shawl is probably the best investment a girl can make in. It is thin enough to pack in your handbag everywhere you go, it is warm enough to keep you snugged. I carry my shawl in my bag even when I go to the mall or restaurants, especially when I'm wearing something sleeveless. When I go on overseas trips, I pack it in my luggage so I'll be ready in case of a sudden change of weather. I have used it as my winter saviour when I forgot Australia is winter in June. I have used it as an umbrella when a sudden rain poured on me in Hong Kong. I have used it to glam up my summer dress when a beach holiday in Athens took me to a classy restaurant in the evening. Oh how versatile is a shawl!

6) Sunglasses
For those who hate waking up in the morning and hate it even more to put on makeup on those early vacation mornings-- when no amount of mascara would make those sleepy eyes open! The best tip, don your sunglasses! I always choose my celebrity-style mega sunglasses that cover half my face. Instant chicness! Save the eye makeup, save the eyebrow trimming, save the blushers. Sunglasses are an essential holiday no-go, from beach holiday to blending in with the ultra-posh crowd in Upper East Side in Manhattan. Voila!

7) Moisturiser
I don't have to explain just how dehydrating the aircraft air is. Anyone who's flown in one before has felt that so-tight-I-don't-need-botox-anymore feeling on their face after a flight. Do yourself a favour and pack that ultra-moisturising face and body lotion and treat yourself to a rehydrating session in your hotel room. I usually pack a sheet mask in my luggage. After a flight, I'll drape the mask on my face before going to bed so my skin has all night to drink up the moisture its lost. Easy tip for lazy folks like me.

Travel light, travel smart. Universal adaptor? Umbrella? Most hotels would provide them at no charge. Whatever you can borrow, share, or reuse, do it.

This list started out with three tips. As I write on, I realised there are so many travelling tips I'd like to share! But if I could only pick my top tips, I say follow the first three tips. Three pairs of shoes, hair conditioner, colourful clothes. They will get you anywhere from Buenos Aires to Budapest to Bali, savvy traveller!