Merry Christmas!

Or happy holidays for those who don't celebrate Christmas. 

This Christmas didn't really turn out the way I wanted it to be, it could've been a lot better, but I'm looking forward to a better one next year. 

Even though I was complaining about having work all week, I think I'm kind of glad that I have something to keep me busy all week. I feel so bored at home after a while and I just can't stand being here x__x there's nothing wrong with what's going on at home, but it's so boring I guess. 

Short post, so until next time! :)

First Semester is Over!

I took my last final today, so I'm officially on winter break! 

This morning sucked. I had a final at 9:00AM. The shuttle was supposed to come at 8:50, but didn't come on time, so I went to take the train instead. I left my wallet in room, so I didn't have money or my train card, so I ended up having to walk across campus and was late. :T The final was okay, but I wasn't really that prepared. 

Some of my exam grades/semester grades are posted up..and they're okay, but there were some regrets overall. It's a pity that two of my professors won't be teaching again after this semester. 

Anyways, I'm looking forward to just relaxing for the time being :) I have work all of next week though, but I need the money. :x 

I've been playing Scramble with Friends lately...let me know if you play!

Well, until next time!

Finale Dessert Tasting

Hi :) I'm updating my blog instead of studying for my first final tomorrow x.x I'm getting tired too, so I'll probably go to bed after this. :x

I bought a Groupon for a four course dessert tasting for four at the end of the summer for a place called Finale and it was the last day today so I had to use it up :o If you follow me on Instagram, then you probably already saw all of these :P

First course:

Chocolate covered strawberries

They weren't that sweet, but it wasn't bad either. Turns out they cost $27...holy crap. Imagine all the boxes of strawberries I can buy with that! Then again it's like $4-5 at Godiva for one.

Second course: 

Right: Manjari Mousse | Left: Boston Cream

I thought these two were pretty good :) The Manjari Mousse came with a blackberry cabernet sorbet which I thought was a nice addition. These were tiny though, like 1" in diameter. The Boston Cream came with a vanilla gelato sandwich. 

 Top: Pumkin Cheesecake | Bottom: Apricot Cherry Bread Pudding

Didn't try either of these, but they looked nice. 

Third course:

 Strawberry sorbet

The cups were white chocolate but for some reason it tasted like hard caramel. Didn't really like it so much.

Fourth course:

Chocolate Bliss (for two)

I wasn't expecting so many things x.x My favorite was the molten lava cake in the middle. We couldn't finish it..this gentleman came over and chatted with us for a bit and when we left, he made me feel bad about wasting the leftovers because we didn't pack it up either ;(

 Top: Apple Alamode | Bottom: Tiramisu

Didn't really try these either except the tiramisu, which was pretty good. It was like wrapped in some weird layer though.

 The bill...I didn't remember how much the Groupon was worth since it wasn't one of those spend $XX deals, so I was surprised when I saw the check. I definitely wouldn't pay $110+tip for all that :o eating so much dessert made us all sick of desserts lmao.

Afterwards, we went to get normal food :x

Assorted seafood ramen

You can't even see the noodles, but it was so good! :x It looked like packaged ramen at first, but it tasted like authentic (as far as I know) ramen. There wasn't that much seafood though.. 

Black Friday Shopping Pt. 2

Here's part two of Black Friday. Took a while, but yeah...

Theory: Juin | Rue21: Hello Kitty Tee

Theory was giving out gifts for the first hundred purchases. Women get a tee and men got either a tie or a bow. It's appalling that the shirt retails for $75...it's really soft though @__@ I also bought a matching shirt with a friend, who tagged along. 

Our last stop at the outlets was Swarovski. I came out with two things thanks to the wonderful boyfriend<333

Hello Kitty Pink Bow Pierced Earrings

Hello Kitty Pink Bow Necklace

We left at 5:00 to go to Best Buy. I bought a laptop for my dad. Mine is being sent in for repairs right now...I wish I could just steal his laptop lol. Target was also across the plaza, so I dropped by because I had some things I wanted to pick up. I went earlier that night at 9:00PM, but they weren't open until 1:00AM. -__-

Target buys:

I admit that half of this is just guilty spending, but the gift tags/stickers are ADORABLE. I would buy more except I don't think I'll ever get to use them. Or even bear to use them.

Last stop: iHop

By the time we left iHop, I was starting to crash.. it was around 7:30AM and I guess I just got so tired I was falling asleep in the car xD I got home about an hour later, went to sleep and woke up at 4:30PM.

Here are some bonus photos:

 I thought this polish was pretty cool.. I took the brush out and couldn't really tell how it worked though, but I Google imaged it and it's supposed to do like a marble effect? This is from Rue 21.

Stuff I tried on but didn't purchase.
1) Theory Nichele (navy) - this one actually came in my size :T But I didn't want navy just yet...sigh
2) Ann Taylor shirt - I thought of getting it but ultimately it was sorta plain and I had something similar.
3) Anna Taylor blazer - Good thing I didn't buy it... I know nothing about the fit of blazers, but it was just so boxy so I couldn't bear to buy it. I might've if I didn't find anything at Theory just because I didn't know any better.

Zoya: Rory

Zoya Rory is from this summer's Surf Collection. 

The coloring looks pretty different in each of the photo, but you can kind of get an idea of its color.

Zoya Rory (2 coats + top coat)

Application: Very easy! The polish applied well and I only need 2 coats for full opacity.

Color: It's like a magenta color. I was actually kinda disappointed by the color because it seemed more light pink on swatches online, but not in person. 

I started getting tip wear maybe 2-3 days in, so I was a bit disappointed. 

Essie: Where's My Chauffeur?

I've been looking all over for Where's My Chauffeur? after seeing it a lot on Instagram. It was was either constantly sold out or not available at all. Luckily the boyfriend found it for me and picked it up. YAY thanks <3 

I know that this color is being compared a lot to China Glaze For Audrey, and from what I've gathered they're not dupes at all. For Audrey is greener and a bit dustier looking, whereas Where's my Chauffeur is more blue. I haven't done a direct comparison yet, but I'm pretty sure what I've been reading is accurate.

More phone photos because I still don't have my memory card.

Where's My Chauffeur? 3 coats + top coat

Application: It was just like any polish. It took three coats for opacity, maybe 2 if you use thicker coats.

Color: It's a very nice robin egg blue. It dried slightly darker than the bottle.

I don't really have much to say about this polish LOL but it's a very nice color. I dunno why but I really wanted it but now that I have it, I don't feel as excited about the color anymore. Don't get me wrong because I do think it's a very pretty color. I haven't used For Audrey in a while, so I can't really say which one I'd pick out of the two. 

American Apparel: Poppy

One of my first American Apparel polishes! I also picked up Hunter at the same time, which I haven't gotten to use yet. 

I forgot my SD card at home, so you'll have to make do with my phone pictures.

Poppy - three coats + top coat

Application: The polish was a bit to the runnier side, but it wasn't bad at all because it made the application really smooth! The two coats were kinda streaky because I didn't do really thick coat, but it evened out by the third coat. They're advertised to be opaque with one coat, but I think that's only if you do a really thick coat (which I didn't do)

Color: Very bright and fun! I don't really know how to describe the color.. it's not quite red, orange, or coral. Maybe it's like a combination of all of them. But either way, I feel like Poppy is such a fitting name for it. It's definitely screams spring or summer though. 

Overall, I think I'm going to really like American Apparel polishes after this experience, but the main thing that bothers me is that the color separates too much in the bottle. I'm lucky to pick up two bottles that didn't have this problem (yet), but the rest of the ones in the store were so separated that it's kind of gross and shaking it doesn't really seem to help either. 

My Laptop is Fixed!

As of right now, I'm very pleased with ASUS's warranty :) If you read my post about it last time, my casing was breaking apart and they replaced it for me. It was shipped out and back to me in less than two weeks and given Thanksgiving, I'm surprised that they were so efficient with it. But it did feel like forever lol.

Now I have all my files again and Photoshop :x I put everything on a USB and I actually ended up losing that...so I'm glad I have my laptop back now. I'm glad I copied everything too..initially I actually moved everything to the USB and didn't leave anything on my laptop. I just hope they didn't go through or take my files rofl. Not that I have anything to hide and it would be weird why they would take it, but it disturbs me to think that they could've. 

I have a week to do my fifteen page research paper from scratch. I'm not looking forward to that because I'm still not caught up with my sleep @__@ 

Anyways, until next time!

Black Friday Shopping Pt. 1 // My First Suit

This year I went to the outlets to shop for Black Friday. I went last year as well..and waiting in traffic was terrible because I had to use the bathroom :x This year wasn't really as bad. We started heading there around 10:30PM or so and arrived at 12:30AM, not too long after stores began opening.

I was mainly hoping to find something from Theory and when I got there..looking at the price tags made me lose hope lol. There's no way I can afford to pay $400 a piece, but as I ventured towards the back, I found more affordable options. 

Nichelle

Joanie

 Max C

I know the photos make them look sloppy, and I wish I could model them, but I don't have any good lighting at home.. nor am I good with taking full body shots. Hopefully in the (near) future I'll be able to do a more thorough post on it.

I almost bought the set in navy, even though I wanted black, but they didn't have my size. I was hesitant to ask if there were more in the back, because generally stores always say what's out is everything they have. But I did anyways and they didn't have it.. but when she was talking to her co-worker about it, she mentioned that they had Nichelle in the back, not Gabe B. Nichelle was the one I wanted, but I guess I accidentally pulled out Gabe B. when I showed her which black one I wanted.

They only had size 00 and size 2 left. I went with the size 2 because the 00 was a tad too tight.. the size 2 looks fine, I think, but I hope there's no little details that I couldn't catch. It was either getting my size, but in navy or size up with the color I want and I chose the latter. Everything is final sale, so I can't change my mind afterwards :\

I actually regret not trying Gabe B. But they didn't have my size anyways, so I guess that doesn't matter, but it seems to be the more popular choice of Theory. I was also hesitant to buy the pants too, since it would just add more $$$ but I decided to do it anyways since it'll be harder to find a matching pair later on. It's way too long for me as it is, so I had to find a place to tailor it :(

But now that I have everything.. I should be all set for at least the next four years lol. I don't really expect to wear it for much aside for class, which requires us to dress up business formal, and maybe interviews by the time I'm a senior. I still need heels though, actually. 

Well that's all for now :x I didn't get a chance to edit the other photos yet and I don't have Photoshop in the laptop I'm using right now at school.

Tag: Ten Expressions

I got tagged by Sally for this. Here are the rules:

You do ten different facial expressions, either your own or do the same ones I did.

I had a friend do them with me :D

I want to tag:

Banny

Che

You two need to have more silly posts on your blog :P So hope you guys have time to do it and have fun with it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! For those who celebrate it, I hope you're having a nice time with your friends and/or family.

I still have no idea what I'm doing for Black Friday :o Like where I'm going or when. Is anyone planning on shopping or are you holding out for Cyber Monday? I don't know if I even have much money to go shopping tomorrow because I have to pay for my spring tuition next week :X But I'll blog about it if I do end up going shopping, which is highly likely. 

Pep Rally

Every year on the day before Thanksgiving, my high school has a pep rally and preceding graduating class comes back to see everyone who's home for Thanksgiving and collect their yearbook.

I've actually been looking forward to going back too..and seeing everyone who I wouldn't see otherwise lol. But...I overslept. I woke up at 11 and it ended at 10:45. Typical me. I only set one alarm for this day too...who am I kidding?? One alarm is never enough to wake me up, so I don't know why I didn't bother setting more. Conveniently my alarms for my usual Wednesday class were also turned off, so I had no back ups either. Now I have to go back when nobody is even there :(...

Anyways, I'll end my sob story with some ramen:

The restaurant was so small and couldn't fit anyone, so I had to wait an hour and a half outside before getting seated. It wasn't even worth it in the end, and I was just feeding the hype. :(

Liebster Award

Mikki nominated me for the Liebster Reward :D Thanks!! My first blogging award thing :D

Rules:

You must post 11 facts about yourself.

You must answer 11 questions from whoever nominated you.

Choose 11 bloggers (with less than 200 followers) that you would like to nominate.

Create 11 questions to ask your nominees.

Let them know they are nominated!

No tag backs

11 Facts:

1. My favorite color has been pink since I was little, but at one point in my life I actually liked sky blue equally, if not more.

2. I really like polaroids and photobooth pictures, but I don't take them as often as I'd like.

3. I'm quite camera shy.

4. As much as I enjoy painting my nails, I rarely do my toes. I've only done it 3 times this year.
5. I don't sleep like a normal person. I'm awake when I should be sleeping.
6. Lately, I've developed an obsession for crane machines, but it's toned down since.
7. I used to design layouts and banners for Xanga
8. I like to keep things new and dread having to open up things that are packaged. Non-practical stuff of course.
9. My eyelashes are my favorite physical feature of myself.
10. I eat faster than most people.
11. I sleep in as much as I can. So usually I wait until the last minute to wake up.

1. What is your favourite cartoon/anime?

Ayashi no Ceres. But Lost Universe, Fushigi Yugi, and Tenchi Muyo! will always have a special place in my heart because it's the first ones I discovered on my own, not including stuff like Dragon Ball or Pokemon.

2. Most memorable moment?
Hm.. I don't really like a moment that I hold memorable in particular lol.

3. Favourite meal?

Hmm...so many. Most likely a curry dish or shrimp and clams with rice. 

4. Do you use instagram?

Yes! Username: xlila

5. Harry Potter or Twilight?

Neither. I've never read or watched either of them.

6. What is your dream job?

CEO of some well-known company. Or at least making lots of $$$

7. What is your style?

Usually a shirt with a pair of jeans. I need to dress myself up more lol.

8. What do you do for a living?

I'm a student with two part time jobs.

9. Share one of your beauty tips.

Err I don't really have any :( I guess something obvious would be always use base coat and top coat when you paint your nails.
10. Do you have any pets?

Nope. I used to have turtles and a goldfish.

11. Who is your favourite fashion designer?
None. I don't really pay attention to designers.

Here are my questions for you:
1. When did you start your blog and why?
2. What is something that you are passionate about?
3. Where did you go to for your last vacation?
4. What is a random childhood memory that you have?
5. Where would you like to see yourself in five years?
6. What helps you relax?
7. Morning person or night owl?
8. What are five tangible things you wish you had right now?
9. What is your favorite time of the year and why?
10. What accomplishment are you most proud of?
11. What site do you visit the most?

Most of the bloggers I follow have 200+ followers or they're hidden, so I can't find that many.. so I choose Sally!

Converted to iOS!

I've been using my Motorola Atrix for a bit over a year and a half and finally need a change and due for an upgrade as well. Here's the surprise that I've been wanting to show you guys ;)

Accessories: headset, adapter, usb cord

For the past few years I've been complaining about wanting an iPhone but never got one -__- I like how there's so many nice cases for iPhones, but there's never any for my phone since it's not even that widely used. I ordered it on October 22 and received it November 6, but I didn't actually get the phone until Friday since I didn't have it shipped to my school due to complications.

I personally prefer the look of the iPhone 4/4S more, mostly the back where it's all white. I don't like the back of the iPhone 5. But I'm vain, so I want the latest technology. 

I like how my Android was more customizable, but at the same time I can do the same with my iPhone if I figure out how to jailbreak it and mess with all the themes and whatnot. But knowing me, I probably won't. I prefer the camera of my iPhone since the one on my Atrix SUCKED. 

I don't think I have a strong preference between Android and iOS, I might actually prefer the Android platform (by a tiny bit), but the flexibility of the cases for the iPhone triumphs. :)

So far the only regret I have about the iPhone 5 is the new charger; I'm going to have to carry it around everywhere since it's very unlikely right now for people to have it around. Most phones, Androids and not, are micro-USB compatible and other iPhones use the other charger..and not that many have the new iPhone yet, so they won't have the new charger handy. :\ 

I can't wait until my screen protector comes.. it's been 3 weeks!! I still have the plastic it came with on and it's like coming off -__- But I don't want it to get scratched so I don't have any other choice. I can't hear people on the other line properly because the plastic covers the hearing speaker thing lmao.

Anyways, that's all for now. Until next time!!

China Glaze: Glittering Garland vs. OPI: Live and Let Die

After I put on Live and Let Die, I realized that it seemed pretty similar to Glittering Garland, which I bought months before. I haven't actually tried Glittering Garland yet, but I just remembered that it was a pretty dark green with shimmer. It seems that a lot of other people have been wondering if they were the same as well. 

Three coats each

As you can see, they are NOT the same. Glittering Garland is a lot brighter and lighter because it has denser green shimmers. Live and Let Die has more subtle shimmers consisting of mostly gold, but with some darker green shimmer. 

I thought the shimmer of Live and Let die would build up with more coats, but it actually didn't do anything. 

Bottle shots:

It really depends on your personal preference of which one you like more. Glittering Garland is definitely more noticeable and lighter, whereas in dimmer lighting or from afar, Live and Let Die has a very subtle shimmer effect. I actually can't decide which one I like more haha.

First Snowfall of the Fall!

Yesterday, it snowed for the first time this season :)! It snowed a lot actually.. not a lot where it's like a snowstorm, but a decent amount where it covered the ground. It's been so cold lately..yesterday was in the 30s! But weirdly in few days (next week) it's getting back up to 60s..

I also have a couple of good news!

First, I found the SD slot on my laptop! It was actually hidden UNDER my laptop, so you can't really even see it if you're just looking at the sides of it. No more hassle to upload photos now :x

Second, I got a very exciting package that I'm looking forward to showing you guys and receiving myself. I had it shipped to the boyfriend, so I don't have it either.. ahhh the suspense!

And then not so good news...

My laptop is falling apart more.. :( When I called in to ask them if I can have it shipped in to get repairs they gave me the authorization number and everything through e-mail. But when I was reading the e-mail the other week it said that having damage on the case (what I have) would void my warranty all together, so I wasn't sure if I should send it in or not...

But I've been reading successful stories of those who got their laptops repaired, so I'm crossing my fingers and (hopefully) sending in my laptop this week! I'm debating whether or not to wipe my data though since it's such a hassle to get everything back on and it's more like a physical issue so they shouldn't have to need to get on my laptop. Mehhh...

I've also been lacking so much sleep. I've been getting like 2-3 hour sleeps every night with 1-2 hour naps on some days :\ I dunno why. I just never feel tired when it's nighttime but so exhausted during the day.

Butter London: All Hail the Queen (Matte)

Last time I used All Hail the Queen, I never got to take pictures, so this time I made sure to do it. 

All Hail the Queen (3 coats) + Matte Finish Top Coat 

The matte top coat dried fairly quickly and it was dry before I knew it! No smudging. It kinda killed the holo effect of the polish though so that it looked like fine white shimmers. 

Here are photos of All hail the Queen before mattifying it :D Excuse the messy edges.. I tend to apply my polish everywhere :X I debated whether or not to post them because of the mess, but it's so pretty, so I didn't want to keep it to myself :P

I'll definitely repost when I have a cleaner shot of it next time I use this polish!

Anyways, I finished watching Avatar: The Last Air Bender over the weekend and began episode one of The Legend of Korra xD My stomach has been feeling a lot better, but I just have to watch what I eat so I don't upset it. This was such an awful 3-4 days of pain and suffering, but at least now I can eat properly.