Happy Mothers Day

My Mum and My Daughter 

M U S T   W A T C H

Happy Mothers Day

Everything good about me, came from my mom. If I can be half the mother that she is, I will consider Motherhood a success...

♥ JANUARY FAVOURITES

I am starting to make these monthly favourites an ongoing series. I personally love reading what other bloggers have been loving for the month. Not only because I am naturally a nosey person, but to also find products that have evidentally been tested and used. Not much has changed since last months' products. On a brighter note, Can you believe it's already February?! For some bizarre reason, I still tend to write the year 2014, than 2015 - good thing posts are automatically dated right? Nevertheless, Here are my 2015 January favourites.

1| Uh-Oh! Guess who got her hands on the LA COLOR Pro Concelaer! This most-raved concealer (considered the dupe of MAC pro concealer) has reached it to my January Favourites. This concealer was the most sought out product in the beauty world, however, being a UK resident, this brand was very hard to find. I.finally found LA GIRL products in Beauty Base, Stratford Wesfeilds. I grabbed three of their shades as I didn't know which colour would suit my skin tone: Cool Tan, Medium Bisque and Pure Beige. The consistency is not too thick but not too runny. The creamy concealer is highly-pigmented but I still advise a setting powder on top as throughout the day, the concealer does sink into your fine lines.

2| As a mummy-on-the-go, I have less time to get ready in the mornings. For that added pop of glam, I have been using the 24HR COLOR Tattoos on my lid. SMUDGE-PROOF. WATER-PROOF. BABY-PROOF. I cannot describe how amazing these drugstore cremes are. With your finger, just blend those babies onto your lid and that's it! Instant-glamification. I had been reading up on these eye cremes prior to purchasing them, just to see whats shades would suit me and what others thought about it. I am so happy I finally purchased these beauty steals! I have been loving On and On Bronze.

3| For those of you who are familiar with my blog, I am an unnecessary MAC lipstick collector hoarder. The infamous MAC Ruby Woo was last months favourite, however, since the festive season has now ended, my darling Woo has now been surpassed by another shade - MAC Flat Out Fabulous. This gorgeous shade is once again another Retro Matte finish and is a deep berry/fuschia hue. It stays put for hours and surprisingly not as drying as the red one. Since the sun finally shines in London (even if it's only for a day out of the whole week) I feel like this gorgeous raspberry-like shade is easily wearable and completes a simple look.

4| For Christmas my mum gave me a matching Michael Kors wallet for my matching tote. I was over the moon since I wasn't expetcing her to give me anything! Since having a child, I hardly get given anymore gifts as Neveah, my daughter, is now the baby of the family.

BLOGGER OF THE MONTH

I have been reading, browsing and even socialising with my gorgeous blogger friend LaaLaaMonroe from DolceVanity a lot this month. A must read blog for lifestyle advice and beauty reviews. Her personality and aura is so positive and supportive. We both have been discussing about our minimalistic changes for 2015, we both have been accumulating so much extra baggage in our houses, unnecessary items of clothing and beauty products just piling on top of each other. We both found out that we were going through a positive lifestyle change and have been supporting each other since - well done boo for sticky to your goals.

♥ The Mummy Tag

After reading Alex from Bump To Baby's The Mummy Tag, I decided to also try this tag out. This also gives me a chance to introduce my new niche to the blog - Lifestyle & Motherhood. I have been wandering how I would ease in the introduction of mummy and lifestyle posts until I came across this! I love answering TAGS and this being perfect, I answered the 20 questions straight away!

1. Are you a Stay at Home Mum, or a Working Mum?

I am currently a stay-at-home mum. I have been meaning to update my CV as I would like to get back to work soon, hopefully by the end of this year.

2. Would you have it any other way?

Nappies are far from cheap so any little pocket money I can earn is worth it, I love spending every waking day with little miss but balancing money (bills, grocery shopping and random bits n bobs) can be difficult at times. So getting myself back to work gives me a bit of me-time and also help with our family financially.

3. Do you co-sleep?

Nope, she is strictly in her cot every night. I don't think she even has space to snuggle herself in between mama and dada right now anyway... haha!

4. What is your one must-have item for your baby?

Spare socks! the amount of odd socks I have had to put on her is ridiculous!

5. How many kids do you plan on having?

Right now, We're fine with just the one! But in the future, I would love 2 more. Hopefully a boy next time.

6. Date night? How many nights per month?

We're quite lucky to have my boyfriend's mum living around the corner from us - she loves having Neveah over frequently which is lovely. My mum also drives up to pick Neveah up for the weekends as well. Our date-nights consists of pizza and Netflix, a little quiet rest in-doors is all we need, gosh we sound old...

7. Your childs favourite show?

Dora The Explorer!

8. Name one thing you bought before you had your baby and never ended up using?

Newborn vests! During my nesting period, I was constantly purchasing all-in-one vests and suits not knowing Neveah was born 2 weeks late and would only wear them for a couple of few weeks.

9. Your child’s favourite food?

Spaghetti!

10. How many cars does your family have?

None. #TFL

11. Weight gain before pregnancy, during and after and now?

To be honest, I actually lost weight when I was pregnant. I was ecstatic after giving birth as I haven't been that small since God knows when! Unfortunately, the weight is annoyingly back on and I am once again currently trying to shred those pounds again. Bummer!

12. Dream holiday with your kids?

To visit my boyfriend's fmily in Jamaica and also my family in the Philippines.

13. Dream holiday without your kids?

I would love to go America with just the boyfriend. One day... One day...

14. How has your life changed since your baby has been born?

Life has sped up faster and I feel like I've matured so much in a short amount of time. It's not a bad thing, I guess it's normal when becoming a mum. I also used to love going out, however these days, all I really want to do is stay at home and clean.

15. Finish the sentence: 'It makes my heart melt to see … My boyfriend and Neveah having memorable moments together.

16. Where do you shop for your kids?

Anywhere that catches my eye! Mostly Marks and Spencer and H&M.

17. Favourite makeup and skincare products?

I am a MAC lipstick hoarder, I have a disgustingly unnecessary amount of MAC lipsticks.

18. Huggies or Pampers?

Pampers.

19. Have you always wanted kids?

Yes. I have always pictured myself to have kids in the future. Three to be specific - one down two to go!

20. Best part about being a mum?

Watching Neveah grow and learn into a beautiful and independent individual. Make mama proud 'Veah!'

Thanks so much for reading.

I TAG any mummy who wants to do it too!

2015 | My Personal Goals

N E W  Y E A R S  R E S O L U T I O N

As we close the doors for 2014 and welcome 2015 with open arms, it's nice to have a fresh new start and set goals to challenge us throughout the year. I felt to write my New Years Resolutions, well, more like a change of lifestyle. I never really set goals for myself, however, this year, I felt like it was time for a change.  A good change. Hopefully I'll stick to most (or at least one) till the end of the year!

P e r s o n a l  G o a l s  

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE & A FITNESS ROUTINE

This is pprobablythe most popular new years' resolution! I did start my fitness and lifestyle change earlier (24th January) as I wanted a head start, and mainly because I was just motivated to do it. It doesn't matter if you're early or late. There's no set time to start. Just start! I don't drink that much water. Hopefully, this year will change, favorably, I always loved  ice-cold water, even in the winter, it's just remembering to put the jug in the fridge. For Christmas, I also got a smoothie maker from my mother-in-law, which means more fruits, more veggies, more yummy healthy snacks/lunches and maybe a few recipes for the blog!

I also purchased a treadmill, yup! I was spending nearly £52 a month for gym membership and Argos was having a sale (4 months of gym prices equals a treadmill) so I went for it, cancelled my membership and grabbed that machine with open arms. My room is officially a gym with a bed lol As you can seem I'm all set. Now, time to maintain.

FAMILY TIME

I am very, very, very family-orientated. I guess, growing up in a big Asian family, it's just the norm to celebrate anything and everything with family all around. Cooked a lot for dinner? The whole family's over. Bored? The whole family's over. As I am now a mum, I also want to carry on the tradition of always having family around and doing everything as a loving, supportive unit.

FIND AND MAINTAIN A GOOD SKINCARE ROUTINE

My skin has been terribly dry this season. it's the worse its ever been! I am still on the look out for new products that suit my skin type. I also would love to keep a consistent facial routine day and night as I also want to try and not wear makeup every day.

SAY "YES" TO MORE OPPORTUNITIES

I suffer from anxiety and occasionally agoraphobia, so I lack the confidence to say "yes" to a lot of opportunities. I tend to psyche myself out stuff for no reason. Finally, last year, I attended a blogger event where I had so much fun and met so many amazing people! I would love to and attend more and more as I get comfortable and build my confidence, and maybe once and for all, find a way to suppress my anxiety that stops me from being all that I can be.

ALWAYS SAY TRUE TO MYSELF & GAIN CONFDENCE

Besides my anxiety, I also have body issues. As a plus-size young woman, in a society where bootys, boobies and tiny waists are a "thing," it is hard to find the confidence. Well, it was. Since having a child and finding a more positive outlook in life, I am on my journey to finding the inner-confidence to not care about whats others' think.

My biggest resolution, not only for this year, is to teach my daughter to be herself - by setting a good example throughout her life.

FIND A JOB

It's that time to start finding a job to care of my family, especially now that we have our own home. I feel that this year is filled with so many opportunities, and of course, obstacles to overcome. It is hard to find a job these days, but when there's a will, there's a way. And for my family, there's always a way.

What are your New Year Resolutions?

please comment below

I also have a A MAC Lipstick Giveaway (of your choice) HERE

Are you Happy?

Hi guys, sorry I have been M.I.A for quite a while now, there's just been so much going on at home and in my mind. I finally have the time to just sit down and relax with a bit of ice tea and a pen and paper in my hand. What was supposed to be a small post became a topic that is personal and plays a massive impact on my life. 

ARE YOU HAPPY?

we all have our days of self-loathing and low self esteem. Hiding under a rock away from the outside world isn't really the way forward though is it?

For years I have been very conscious of my weight and my appearance. I loved to shop - just like any other girl, I loved heels - just like any other girl, I would look for outfits and pair them with some killer heels - just like any other girl; I loved fashion! However, behind closed doors, was someone completely different. My anxiety fed off my lack of confidence making me feel fat&ugly. For a lover and a follower of fashion, you'd think the clothes she wears would be striking and full of bold colours, and the confidence oozing out of her would be enough to slap someone in the face for not turning back for another glance - sadly I was the complete opposite. When it came down to actually wearing pieces that were on-trend, sexy, classy, I felt I would stick out like a sore-thumb in a sea filled with beautiful skinny girls.

"A fat girl in heels? who does she think she is? a fat girl in a crop top?... L O L" would play in my head as I walk down the street. My self-esteem was at its lowest; I had hit rock bottom.

ONE STEP AT A TIME

I am still struggling with my confidence and anxiety. it took years to hit rock bottom so it would obviously take years, even twice as long to gain it back, however what comes down must come up.

THE RIGHT BALANCE

As a new-mum, adjusting to motherhood is a big step LEAP. It can take a toll if your not careful. Believe me, it does get overwhelming especially if you have had some underlying issues beforehand. Hormones are heightened and so every mood and feeling inside of you is heightened.

"the dishes are not done! Oh crap! the clothes are still not in the wash! Neveah eat your dinner! CRASH! ...great now to clean up the floor..."

STRESS is one main factor for weight gain/loss; usually leading to comfort eating/or not eating at all. Insomnia can also be another annoying factor, this led to my random agitated, moody behaviour and tantrums from eating unhealthily.

FIND SOME TIME FOR YOURSELF

Even if it's 15 minutes of the day: sit and relax, meditate, read a book, paint your toenails, do your make-up, soak in the bath a little longer than you would. 

"do it for yourself. You are not super-mum and that's okay." Is what I would tell myself.

I'm not really very good at organising as you can tell, so I decided to write up a daily routine where every hour is logged with things to do. This successfully helped me organise everything to what time I should start cooking dinner, to Neveahs' bath time, to her nap time.

Try it. This may even work for your lifestyle, you don't have to be a mum, organise a schedule that fits you.

TREAT YOURSELF

Yes it is okay to buy a new pair of shoes, or a handbag or even some sassy lingerie. Wearing/using things that makes you feel more empowered, confident and sexy isn't vain, Go out and have some fun with friends or family; have a sneaky snack, a devilishly daring drink, spoil yourself once in a while, its okay to be a bit selfish - you owe it to yourself after a hard days work. Surround yourself with smiles and laughter and soak in that positive vibe =)

SMILE

When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself you are beautiful, praise yourself. A smile can brighten up your day and even someone else. Smile with others, find something that just makes you smile.

GET ACTIVE&EAT HEALTHY

Eating and exercising well keeps the mind and body well. When you feel clean and healthy inside, it also shows on the outside. After a workout how do you feel? That fat burning, sweat dripping, your heart pounding oxygen throught your body? Do you feel fresh after? More awake? Full if energy? Releasing those endorphins reduces your perception of pain. Knowing you worked out hardcore in the gym makes you feel more positive about yourself therefore your confidence levels go up. "I did it, it was a struggle but i pulled through" - giving yourself a pat on the back are little things that add to your confidence. Healthy eating is a happy living that co-exists side by side with an active, healthy and longevity lifestyle.

I pushed myself to also get fit for this summer, not only to lose weight but to generally live a healthier lifestyle. I took the 30 day challenge, and even though I did not complete it in the required 30 days; I still pushed myself to finish it. Pace yourself, take your time, the first step is always the hardest, and that's changing your daily routine, the next big hurdle is to maintain. I was feeling tense muscle pains in areas on my belly i didn't know i had! My abdominal muscles were finally getting a wake up call! I felt so good about myself, I started buying healthier organic fruits and veg to try and maintain this happiness and a sense of accomplishment.

it took a long time to get where i am now but my journey isn't over. To love yourself is the hardest thing to do. By accepting embracing your flaws and loving the things about yourself, you are one step closer to kicking that voice in your hard saying, "YOU CAN'T" out for good.

Name 3 things  (or more) you love about yourself ? please share =)