14,972

that is the number of steps I took yesterday, from 7am to 7pm.





Eversince hubby's work team joined the Global Corporate Challenge and was given two pedometers, I took it upon me to use his spare one so I can also keep track of my steps for the day. Having the pedometer on a winter day encourages me to take the stairs instead of the lift and to walk around so I can achieve my goal of 10000 steps. Some days (like yesterday) I am way above my target but on a few lazy days, I fell short.

Its fun having the pedometer on me and I usually check my progress every so often. Why don't you try it? It may help ward off that dreaded winter pounds. ;-)
 
lez get it movin movin!!!

Practical Tips

Last Sunday I finally got down and dirty and cleaned our toilet. After an hour, it looked so sparkly and white! I am so proud of myself because not only did I succeed in cleaning but also, I felt like I helped the environment by using baking soda and vinegar as my cleaning agents! How's that for a kitchen remedy in the bathroom --- doesn't smell as toxic as bleach too. So where did I get the idea of using vinegar and bicarb soda? Well, I have a few books in my library that comes in handy --- The Best Kept Beauty Secret by Diane Irons and Vinegar - The Complete Practical Handbook.

These two books are really handy, it has practical tips, household hints and beauty regimen using everyday kitchen products. They are not only effective but cheap as well.

Some tips that I actually use:

1. Vinegar as my 'hair conditioner' once every six months. This not only keeps your hair softer, the vinegar washes away har impurities caused by too much hair products;
2. Vinegar as fabric softener. I read somewhere that fabric softener actually contains harmful toxins.
3. Use olive oil as hair conditioning, leave overnight for maximum effect;
4. Vitamin E capsules are great for the face, peel it open and apply direct to your face. Vitamin C works as well;
5. Mashed banana is good for the face and hair while mashed avocado is good for the skin.

These books are a good read and I often go back and browse it from time to time. And of course, to complete my beauty read, I flicked thru How to Wear High Heels and Dress Like a Star.

It is so much fun to be a girl!

p.s. yes, those are two french books at the side but haven't got the chance to perfect it just yet.

Wala lang

To celebrate Sally's bday, we went to Belgian Bier Cafe at the Rocks. Its a bit cold so I decided not to wear my party dress and just glam up my look with my MAC Viva Glam 1 lipstick. Napaka red!!!  And the strawberry beer I drank was soooo yummy! Have to go back for another round next time.

Glossy Feature ala Gracy

Inspired by Divasoria's glossy features, I've decided to take photos of the things on my dresser and bath tub. I can't believe I have accumulated this much stuff and it's costing me a fortune! I could just imagine the millions of dollars these beauty companies raked in year after year as we all become too much of a vain. =)

For the hair:

I suffer from heavy hair loss due to frequent chemical straightening that for this year I've decided to give it a miss. To compensate, I 'invested' in Kerastase Oleo Relax range, its really an expensive brand but thanks to my sponsor/hubby I can get this (along with Redken and Loreal) at a much cheaper price as these are available in Nestle staff shop.

I alternate my Kerastase with Organic's natural shampoo, Neutrogena T-Gel (for dandruff-free scalp) and Pantene Fortifying (to reduce hairloss).

For conditioner and hair masque,  I use Keraste, L'Oreal and Redken --- all from the Staff Shop! Btw, I condition everyday and shampoo my hair every other day. Other people would do the reverse.

Because my hair is naturally curly, dry and frizzy, I need to 'tame' it with leave on conditioner and/or oil. My collection include Kerastase and Redken, Body Shop's Grapeseed and my current fave Moroccan Oil. Of all these, Moroccan Oil seem to work for me and I love that it smells great too! Its not as pricey as the rest of my hair relaxers but it worked as well.

Scent:

I love Versace Bright Crystal! It smell soooo sweet. For a more 'serious' mood, I spritz on Gucci and 're-spray' with Banana Rep W during the day. But if I want to smell a bit masculine, I would put on Eternity for Men. =) But of course, the staple Victoria Secret and Bath and Body Works is there for ordinary days.


For the face:

Olay Total Effects, Neutrogena Uktra Sheer with SPF 30, Dove toner (alcohol free) and Natural Instinct Organic toner and moisturizer.

I am not really good at putting on make-up but I would love to know how to!!! Maybe I should join a class noh?

Finally, I got my own Shu Uemera Eyelash Curler.

 Body Shop's Spice, MAC's Frost-Plum Pink, MAC's Hot Tahiti, MAC's Viva Glam 1 and MAC's Pink Noveau

 loving my current favorite - Mac's House of Liberty lipstick. Got it at a very affordable price from my officemate.

Can a girl have too many lippies? Of course not!

Lip Gloss is a must in my bag, my desk, my other bag, everywhere! If I don't have one with me, I have to drop by a chemist to purchase one because my lips get sooo dry sooo quick. Current faves are Carmex and Burt's Bee and of course the ever reliable Papaw.

In the next few months, a few more will be added to my beauty stash and I hope it wont dent my pocket too much.

I bet your 'collection' is more extensive than mine.