It's 2014! - It's Time To Realign!

In Just a blink of an eye, 2013 has come and gone just like that. It's been quite a pleasant journey throughout the years. Looking back, I probably didn't do much that made myself feel extremely proud and accomplished but I too did come far (turned into a semi-workaholic, becoming a grumble monster.. etc!) Oh dear, doesn't look too good. Haha, however I must say there are of course a few incredible moments too such as:-

1. Trying to fit into a completely new environment by getting a new job.
2. Making new friends around the world (The UK, Ireland, Hungary, Poland, Japan, Korea, Mexico, The US) though of course I'm only still in contact with those in Japan, Korea and Ireland :D
3. Found out that I really enjoy life in the education line whereby I am able to interact with students.
4. Made a closer connection with my father in terms of relationships. We're kind of buddy-buds now.

So yeah, there goes 2013 and here comes 2014 so, I guess it's time to realign my path as I proceed in my journey of life. Firstly, let me wish all of you a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Now that its done, next would be "What Are You Gonna Do About It?" This year, I'm committing 2014 to be a year of ACTION! For the longest of times, all I do is say that I want to achieve something, say that I will do something, say that I want something but I never really did anything. So, here's a post on all my resolutions.

1. I will have a steady walk with God.
2. I will complete reading at least ONE (1) book a month! 
3. I will practice my drawing skills weekly.
4. I will commit to a regular gym routine.
5. I will make more time for my dancing.
6. I will continue my Korean classes
7. I will take up ONE (1) new class this year

Simple tasks but definitely not easy to follow so I have to give my all! ;) Teehee, wish me luck guys.

Ever yours,

Virginie Laurency

GuideTo Being A Party Goddess : Part 1

Getting ready for a party can be stressful! What clothes should I wear? How am I going to fit into that jeans? I need to lose a few pound! Oh no, outbreaks! There's just too many things that'll go against you when you just wanna shine on that special night so here's some tips to prevent that from happening :)

Beauty Tip 1: DETOXING!

You know how sometimes, when you’ve prepared your whole life or in this case (whole month/week/day) for an event or function but the morning of that special day, you wake up… look into the mirror and have a surprise visit from a not so friendly guest (zits the size of an elephant) staring back at you!

Detoxing is a process of spring-cleaning your body by removing toxins and replacing them with nutrients and a healthier lifestyle. How to begin this cleansing process is pretty simple. We just have to get rid of some bad habits and adopt good habits for a week (of course, it would do you good if it lasts longer than just a week).

WHAT HAS TO GO:-

1. Processed food such as ready-made meals, cakes and biscuits which are all heavy on the salt fat and sugar front.
2. Chocolate! (I cried when I saw this *wipes tears*) – it is coated with lots of fats and sugar.
3. Alcohol – it is heavy in calories and contains much sugar
4. Full-fat dairy (full-fat yogurt, full-fat milk, whip cream…etc) – well, er…. It’s full of fats!
5. Fizzy drinks – Extremely full of calories, salt and sugar! (Also, coke technically spoils your insides so best drop it out for good)
6. Caffeine such as Redbull, Coffee and other caffeinated drinks or food are full of stimulants that keeps you artificially alert. NOT GOOD!
7. Lazing on the sofa – it’s a terrible habit. Get that butt off the couch and move about.
8. Late Nights – Your organs needs time to rest in order to function properly, in fact, when you sleep, your organs gets to reboot one-by-one. Technically, the starting hour for that process is actually 9pm, so when you don’t sleep in time, the organ that’s scheduled at 9pm will miss its chances to rest and reboot (This was told to me by my doctor as I was having extremely poor health at one stage) . However, 9pm is too early for most of you, so try hitting the sack latest by 11.30pm. For those of you who are having exams and plans to burn the midnight oil, may I suggest that you sleep early too… instead of sleeping late, why not wake up earlier to study? It’s good for your body and you still get to cover your topics. Lack of sleep will cue fatigues, lack of concentration, terrible blood circulation and A BAD TEMPER!

WHAT TO ADOPT:-

1. WATER! Lots and lots of water! Preferably, drink a glass of water every 45 minutes. It aids in flushing out your toxins.
2. Fresh fruits – those who have a sweet tooth like me, (don’t touch that chocolate bar! No, I said NO!) You have a healthier alternative.
3. Green leafy vegetables – excellent detoxifiers and rich in anti-oxidants (anti-oxidants is good for preventing cancer) that helps fight off pollutants in your body.
4. Lean meat and Fish – they’re high in protein. If you’re going out for chicken, try giving up the drumstick and opt for the chicken breast for a week. Trust me, it’ll do you good.
5. Green Tea – full of anti-oxidants to aid your detox.
6. Nuts – rich in omega 3 that helps boost your immune system && healthy snacks that doesn’t make you too fat. Opt for green peas :)
7. Exercise – dedicate at least 30 minutes of exercising a day. To those gym-goers, you’re practically covered but those of you who hate exercising; some stretching, skipping rope, swimming or just walking for 30 minutes is good to go. If you can’t find the time, then multitask! I do some of my exercise in the office while writing emails – simple things like leg lifts and shoulder movements.
8. EIGHT HOURS OF SLEEP MINIMUM! – it’s called beauty sleep for a reason.

Beauty Tip 2: TAKING CARE OF YOUR SKIN!

Your skin is one of the biggest assets you’ll have on your body so it’s beneficial if you take good care of them. No matter if you have oily skin, dry skin, smooth skin, or a mixture of different kinds of skin, you have to avoid these FIVE DEADLY SINS OF SKINCARE:-

• Never apply make-up over broken spots (or pimples you’ve just popped)
• Never apply foundation to just your face – your neck needs some caring too.
• Never apply new make-up over old.
• Never forget to moisture.
• Never take your skin for granted! (Your new best friend is the sunscreen)!

Beauty Tip 3: YOUR FACE IS THE HIGHLIGHT OF err, well… YOU!

1. Lips – Use a lip balm at least once a week. They help to protect and soothe your lips to keep them moist and supple. Avoid them from getting too dry and chapped. NOT NICE. A tip that I personally do is to put Vaseline on my lips before I sleep and to brush your lips when you brush your teeth (gets rid of the dead skins).
2. Eyes – “The eyes are the nipples of your face” – House Bunny. If you find this quote inappropriate, I apologize :D I just personally thought it’s funny AND it’s from the House Bunny! So anyways, the skin around your eyes are very delicate and fine so it takes extra care or else you’ll be having lines and wrinkles by the age of 25.

• Red & painful eyes – you’re lacking in Vitamin A so stock up in your carrots and apricots! They’re full of Vitamin A and anti-oxidants
• Dark Circles – HAH! Sleep less some more lah! The best cure to this is to get regular sleep however you can drink chamomile tea to help treat your dark circles.
• Eye Bags – You can’t really get rid of eye bags but you can reduce the puffiness of your eyes with cucumber slices :) My mom’s secret recipe is that she places two spoons on the freezer then uses the rounded area to massage her eyes before she sleeps. It works!!

1. Hair – Your crowning glory  *teehee* So, your hair would most probably be the least of your problems but if you’re in need for some help with the below problems, here’s some solution.

• Greasy Hair – The best solution is to WASH IT LAH! But if you’ve left it too late for a wash, blast your hairdryer with cold air and blow them directly at your roots to give them an instant bounce. If your hair is greasy from excess use of products like hair serum or spray etc.. Wash your hair through with Vodka (YES, VODKA – but a little bit expensive la). It’s pure alcohol and it will wash all that sticky stuff right out of your hair. Remember to wash with your shampoo and conditioner after!
• Frizzy Hair – The only way to calm that storm on your head is to apply a little conditioner or balm no bigger than a 10 cent coin. Conditioners with a lighter touch include those with shea butter and seed oils will leave you with sexy celebrity curls or straight hair.
• Dry Hair (MY BIGGEST PROBLEM) – Dry hair is thirsty hair so all it needs is some hydration by feeding it moisture. Use less shampoo (which can dry hair out) and more conditioner, preferably one you can leave on. Do not brush your hair when it is WET, it’ll cause your hair to break. Only comb them once it’s dry. Leave your hair to dry naturally for 5-10 minutes before styling (try avoiding hairdryers all the time, it is not good for your hair).

Beauty Tip 4: YOUR TYPICAL MENI-PEDI!

1. Nails – Brittle, broken or chewed nails? Don’t worry, here’s how you can save them :-

• Ridged Nails (uneven nail surface) – the best way to improve the look of your nails is to keep them short and to buff down the ridges with a nail buffer. Do this only twice a month or you’ll damage your nails.
• White Spots – That weird white thingy on your nails that appears once in a while is a sign that you’re probably lack of calcium and zinc or you knocked it on something. Best solution is to let it grow itself out. Just make sure you’re delicate with your actions and don’t swing your hand around knocking them on walls and tables.

1. Feet – one of the most hardworking parts of your body. Let them have a rest and you’ll see that it can be good for your soul as it is for your soles. Pamper your feet by giving them a nice soaking, buffing, massaging and a pedicure :D

Covering tips on make-up and choosing that perfect dress in my following post :)

xoxo, ever yours,

Virginie Laurency

I'm Not A Damsel In Distress ; I Slay My Own Dragons!

I've decided that today will be my turning point. I will discipline myself to not over-share with public/people. It's time I start to be more, hmm what's the word...RESERVED. The world doesn't need to know my problems. They don't even care about it which suck but I guess it's a good thing.

Also, I've come to realized that I've been playing the role of a damsel in distress throughout my 22 years of living. It's pathetic. I'm so much more than just a girl crying out for help. Everyone keeps telling me that I'm a strong girl (as much as I hate it), perhaps it's time I rise up to take my place now. To be the maiden that slays her own dragons!

Because all in all, I deserve to be happy too and I'm going to start making that a reality!

xoxo, ever yours,

Virginie Laurency.

The Art of Pick-Up Lines

Pick-up lines : Do they ever work?

We've are heard of it. Some of us probably have used them on others while some are mere victims of these cheesy lines. To date, I find pick-up line extremely funny. They're not entirely repulsive actually and could really bring out a giggle or two when used correctly by the right person.

This equation seems just about right :)

Pick-up lines are always a big NO-NO and when used, often doesn't bring much of a positive outcome. Why? Probably because most of the pick-up lines are either 1) CHEESY or 2) SEXUAL and well, it's really down-grading the respect a female deserves. *NO! We don't appreciate being objectified sexually even if you think it's a compliment!

 

Technically, these are the not so bad kind that I've heard for some time back in the olden days but somehow, these has gotten old. Hahaha, now, when a pick-up line is thrown at me - we do what girls do best. Counter with sarcasm simply cause we can.

Having been in the dating field for quite some time, I would have thought I've seen (or heard) it all, but I was caught stunted last night during a call with an interesting someone. And trust me when I say that I was speechless. Grinning wider than the Cheshire Cat himself. What was said to me was actually pretty sweet and refreshing - I was totally caught off guard. Let me elaborate.

Most guys would be like - "I see a great future for us and all our little Jimmy (his name) and little Sasha (her name)" but what was used on me was this!

And when you're complaining about how you're fat and round or whatsoever, a typical guy would say "No! I think you're hot. You're perfect just the way you are." Can you guess what was said to me?

"I think you look really healthy. Boys like healthy woman".

WHAT DO YOU SAY TO SOMETHING LIKE THAT?! I liked that. I liked that very much, know why? Because now I can :-

I don't have to worry about being big, round and fat because I have a healthy appetite :D HAHHA and they like it? Nice excuse huh? :P HAHA Okay, my excitement has caused me to loose my flow in my writing. It's practically all gush, junk and all over the place but who cares. I am really really spellbound :P

& the best part of it all is that it really made me feel so "up there", high up on a pedestal. HAHA. He called me QUEEN :O

*faints* - Haha, I think I should stop before I smash my excitement onto the keyboards <3

xoxo, ever yours,

Virginie

Love Will Find It's Way

This is ME! I believe in love and I believe in happy endings. I used to be a girl who sits and WAIT for Prince Charming but eventually I got tired of waiting. Thus, I started my search - high and low, far and wide. I stumble and fall, I rose again.

True enough that I will continue to fall, get hurt, fall and get hurt again but it's all worth it because I know that somewhere out there, there is a man. A man who is stumbling and falling as he searches for me too. Because on his way here, he might have probably fell from a cliff and got stuck on a tree. It is my duty to save my man from that tree :D

What I'm trying to say is that I guess, I am not worried that I will forever be alone because I know I won't be. I truly, strongly believe that God has prepared someone special for me. Yes, I may complain, I may whine and I may get frustrated but that's only because I am an inpatient woman. HAHA but I still believe.... that LOVE will come my way. Why? Cause you're my destiny :P

Hahahah okay, jokes aside. Just have faith. :)

xoxo, ever yours,

Virginie

Picking Up The Pieces

In a mere 2 months time, it will be 5 years since the greatest tragedy of my life. Yes, I got dumped! Not once, not twice but 4 times by the same ONE guy. I know, I know. Shame on him if he fooled me once, shame on me if he fooled me twice & since its actually more than twice, I'm the QUEEN OF ALL FOOLS! While my mind kept spinning in all directions, the equation has always been this simple.

And that was exactly it. HE CHANGED HIS MIND! And they will continue to do so. All these while, I thought I was the problem. I felt worthless, unwanted, abandoned. I felt extremely ugly inside & out. During this 4 years and 10 months, my best friends were Mr Woe, Ms Sorrow, Mrs Anger and Ms Depression (actually, Depression has etched itself into me that it became a psychological problem for me. Mom & I will be consulting the doctors soon for medication. *yikes* - I'm not nuts, I promise!) Basically life was really really hard.

Though it's a little cliche to say that the world was a shade of grey to me and I always felt alone in a room full of people, it's true. I was once a butterfly but I've withdrawn myself from society. Hiding myself in the safe comfort of my own home, locked behind four walls as I wallow in my own pool of mess. It was overwhelming. Funny how when I look back now, I would have felt pity towards me (yes, I self-pity alot & it's not good) not because I was going through a hard time but because I NEVER wanted to accept reality. I didn't want to wake up from this bad dream. That is until NOW.

Like I said, he changed his mind and so did many who came after. I sought for a relationship that would heal the scars and wound I've felt. My aunt once told me that "to heal a broken heart, you have to fall in love with a new guy". Partially it is true but because of that, I wasn't looking for a loving partner. I was looking for a savior, a healer, a man who would accept me for all the things the rest left me for and that made things worst. Going from one bad relationship to another because for acceptance.

So I guess it's time for me to be the 'MAN' in my relationship with myself and start picking up the pieces. I've realized that I am the only one who has to accept myself. Not my ex, not men, not anyone else but me! Because if I am unable to love myself for who I am, then who can?

So here's the plan, I will have to start picking myself up from every angle starting with myself.

1. I will start to dress up nicely everyday. I will put on a dash of lipstick and paint a genuine smile across my face. If I want to feel beautiful, I have to put effort to look the part. No more messy hair and zombie-like face!
2. I will do the things I love. I will dance, I will go party, I will play and have fun because I owe myself that much for the years I've spent NOT having fun!
3. I will pamper and love myself. Whether it's a meni-pedi sesh, an appointment with the waxing spa or indulging myself in a shopping spree and korean meals, it's time I treat myself like the Princess that I deserve to be.
4. I will pursue my dreams. I will sit down and plan it all out nicely then I will follow them step-by-step because I know that I am suppose to rise from the ashes :D
5. I will travel the world. Starting with Korea <3

Because in the end, all that really matters is Me, Myself and I. Because I've realized that with every breath I take, I can actually live without you (all who ridiculed me one way or another). So yeah,

Last but not least, a lovely song by Paloma Faith called "Picking Up The Pieces". I wouldn't want my real Prince Charming to feel like he is picking up somebody else's trash so I'll better myself so that when he comes, I am not trash but a treasure worth loving! :)

xoxo, ever yours,

Virginie