Charm*ed .

After 3 years with LJ, I've finally decided to switch back to blogger. Because...

- i started off with blogger anyway
- blogger is still more user-friendly
- there are soooo many build in gadgets to put in your blog; all idiot-proof
- many nice templates for you to choose from

And the migration turned out easier than I thought!

So there! www.mermaidd-charm.blogspot.com

Cya at blogger!

At Seventeen event // Zirca

One's my BFF since secondary school, the other's my BFF since poly years. Both are people whom are so dear to me!

And these are the times when you look back at those times we'd laughed and fought together, and smile now cos you know how much we've all grown, together. And we are still here, together. <3

“Friends are like bras: close to your heart and there for support.” ;)

xoxo,
p. ariel

Just did my first facial in years! And even the beautician was exclaiming about how much shit she extracted from my face today. T.T

Youth, once gone, never comes back. And despite everything, human beings are narcissistic and vain animals. I've even seen aunties checking themselves out when they walk pass a mirror ok.

Trust me, the world is really much less nicer to you when you are fat and ugly. Sad but true.

So, why save the money?

But, BE CONTENT.

It's ok to spend money on beauty cos everyone wants to look good, but aging is inevitable. Go ahead with 1 or 2 cosmetic surgery if that will give you confidence. But spending tons of money on multiple botox sessions and cosmetic surgeries and end up looking like a fake & freak?

"Makeup is meant to enhance your beauty, not cover it up." Same goes for cosmetic surgeries.

xoxo,
p. ariel

Chasing away Monday blues with a cuppa of my fave kopicino and ...

a tinge of blue (以毒攻毒!),
//made up & ready to go!

a new item (be it an accessory, a bag, a pair of shoes, a dress or makeup!),
//samantha thavasa card holder, gift from Japan

a surprise gift from my lovely colleague (so sweet, so thoughtful!),
//mini bits ribbon ring

and good friends like them!
//before butter
//after butter

And so, Monday passed rather pleasantly, ending with a dinner with a long time friend whom I haven't met in years. It's always nice to catch up, but not so nice when it strikes you how long you've known each other, which then reminds you of your (old) age. :x

xoxo,
p. ariel

On this hot summer day, I decided to wear my new polka parka out for a movie date with my bestie.



And I kept feeling that I'm receiving stares from others, who're probably thinking. "Why is she wearing a raincoat when it's so hot?"

Then I thought, why should I care about what others think? Confidence is often what brings out the beauty in you, and is also often the key to the the difference. If you think you are beautiful, people will think you are too.

So.. I AM BEAUTIFUL!!! Hahaha.

On the other note, I finally went to watch Pirates of the Caribbean in Shaw's new IMAX theatre and I gotta say, this ultimate 3D movie experience is worth every bit of my $22!!

I know it's freaking expensive but all of you should catch a IMAX 3D movie at least once and you won't regret!!



And.. I love Johnny Depp!! :D

xoxo,
p. ariel

Embracing my shopping loots from ASOS.com :D

If I didn't buy so so so many things I didn't need/use, I'd be rich.

But... I wouldn't be as happy! heehee.

xoxo
p. ariel

Wanna get natural-looking curls effortlessly without harming your hair by using hair tools that cost less than $2?
That means no more need for $100++ hair curler that damages your hair!

In my recent business trip to Jakarta, 2 gorgeous Indonesian girls (Unee & Vina) taught me how!
They are just so so pretty!

Here're the hair tools I was talking about! Each cost less than $2, and you just need 1 to get the curls!
I was kiasu, so I bought many back, just in case! Haha.

Simple demonstration by Vina on Sharon.
Vina says what she does usually is to clip her hair up like that while she put on her makeup in the morning!

So Sharon & I tried it for ourselves!
We had our hair tied up like that for an hour or so...

Wa la~!!
Not too bad for our first tries!

Flashing our most confident smiles now that we have pretty curls!
Confidence really do make the difference in the world!

But because we are not using heat to curl the hair like how a hair curler works, the curls might not last as long as the latter. Hence, Vina & Unee advised us to spray a bit of mousse or use a little styling wax to keep the curls intact all day!

Ain't it amazing?! Simply pin your hair up with those clips when you are doing your makeup in the morning, or when in your car on your way to work, or during office hours just before your dinner date & you can achieve such pretty curls! 1/2 to 2 hours is all you need, depending on hair types.

Who doesn't like to cam-whore with pretty girls?? Heehee.


& lastly, the fun & lovely ladies at work!


xoxo,
p. ariel

All hell went loose at PUMA's Social Finale Party on 21 April!
First half of the star-studded party at Old School (Mt Sophia), followed by part 2 at Phuture.


I like going to events with my girls, spending time with them & getting to know new people. Although I'm not the biggest fan of alcohol, it's a great catalyst to loosen an introvert like me up! Alcohol makes me feel so carefree!


Apart from activities like table tennis, table soccer, there're gals going around taking polaroids. Love this!


With great new people I met! ... & Phoonie!


My fave photo! LOL


The epic failed King of Gambler look. hahah




Kitty!


Tim Ho!


Sheila Sim. She's so lovely!


Esp love drinking with Dee, who will laugh crazily with me!


Jin Yin!


Cheese!


Cheese!


Cheese!

Sadly, my virgin trip to a PUMA event is also the last of their string of events. Had surely enjoyed the night away...!

Lesson learnt: When you drink, don't take picture. When you take picture, don't drink.

For more photos, go to PUMA's Facebook fan page: www.facebook.com/pumasingapore
They've got more exciting stuff coming up!

Credits: Most photos taken by Sebastian. Edited by me.

******

Oh no, I'm flying off in 8 hours time. No time for sleep AND packing my luggage !!!

xoxo
p. ariel

My biggest regret would probably be not continuing to dance after I graduated from secondary school. During these 8 years, I've missed out so so much. But nothing is ever too late!

Like always, I made the decision to join Danz People Recital 2011 without much thinking, but I'm absolutely glad I did!

Through these short 1 and 1/2 months, I gave everything I had, but I gained so much more in return. Friendships, fun, glory, and most importantly, passion for dance. I felt really bad about having to sacrifice many other things during these few weeks..I can only ask for understanding and forgiveness.

I am really thankful to Maxine & Michelle for introducing me to the recital, and of cos, abunDANCE who are the most helpful & fun team mates one can possible ask for. And not forgetting our dance instructor, Alex, for inspiring all of us, giving us so much guidance, and helping us to shine on stage.

As the Chinese saying goes, 台上三分钟,台下十年功. We practised so hard for umpteen hours just for that 3 minutes on stage. But it was all worth it, and I'm absolutely loving it, and I am already anticipating the next time.

And now, photos from DP recital 2011!!

Shots of me & some of my my team members!
Plus Avee & Jess, who came down to see us, LOVE!!


Group shots!


abunDANCE FTW!


A collage of heart-felt thoughts & customised cap for our loving instructor, Alex!


Even after the event ended, many of us were still high with adrenaline, so we headed for some Thai supper, followed by yoghurt!!!

Just look at that look of pure happiness on Priscilla's face!! Yay to chocolate lovers like us!!


Our happy chocolate treat. LOVE!


Till the next time,

xoxo,
p. ariel

that makes me happy.

Be it food, people, or things I do, from all the parts of my life. These are the things that keep me going despite the negativity, the stress, the worries.

These are the types of things we all should treasure, remember, and keep close to our hearts, and when things get tough, remember you are not alone.





















Dancing later tonight.. Yay! GOOD NIGHT!

xoxo,
p. ariel

It's been about a month since I'm back from Taiwan with little sis, and time seemed to just fly by. I didn't even have the time to experience the dreadful holiday withdrawal (which is a good thing). I didn't even have enough time to sleep! And this explains the lack of updates.

I've also taken up dancing again recently! Times of dancing is pure love & enjoyment. My only regret is stopping dance for almost 8 years.

But becos life is so packed, I find it quite fulfilling. Life is short, and I don't want to waste my youth away.

I want to live life, experience things, create memories.

*****

Some pics taken in Taiwan! Love 3 things from Taiwan most - the food, the people, & the dogs!!!


Love the feel. It looks cold, empty but peaceful.


Fave donut shop - Mister Donut!


Woah!


The original, always the best.


Cute right?!


Hair makeover!



Our new hairdo~



Absolutely adore the bakeries in Taiwan! All the breads look so delicious!

More pics on the way.. Till then.

xoxo,
p. ariel

A very long time ago, I used to walk along the streets smiling to myself, for no particular reason. Now, I felt like bawling my eyes out in public, for no particular reason either. Is this part of growing up?

When we were young, we couldnt wait to be an adult so that we can do whatever we want.
Now that we've grown up, we wish we were kids again so that we can do whatever we want.

The irony of life.

I try very hard to be a good person, to be open-hearted, to be generous, to be kind, to think the best of everyone. That is who I want to be. But it is very hard. Especially being surrounded by selfish people who deeply piss you off, & negative people who influence you with their negatives thoughts.

Of cos, there are also the very nice people who brings a smile to my face cos their kind gestures. Toward these people, I feel appreciative towards them, but also much guilt for the things I didn't do enough.



Coming home to see my lovely hamster, I feel happy again.

Thank god for the little <3 things in life that keep me going.

Be strong.

xoxo,
p.ariel

I absolutely love my 2 new hamsters, Super & Coffee! They are so adorable!

Hammie 3 (Junior) passed away yesterday. I feel so sad, but he was lucky to die of old age instead of sickness like Hammie 1 (Xiao Bai) & Hammie 2 (Xiao Hei).

Hammie 4 (Super) was left all alone after Junior died, so we bought Hammie 5 (Coffee) to accompany her.

Super must love Coffee so much cos she kept sticking to him! That is so sweet. Seeing them sleeping soundly together at the wheel cheers me up loads!

xoxo,
p. ariel

It's definitely a cool thing to be able to get away from all the stress and buzz to enjoy just the sky and sea, even for a day or 2.


Relax; how many of us really know how to do that in midst of our hectic lifestyle?

xoxo,
p. ariel

One will never be happy if you are not content.

I may not have the picture-perfect or fairytale family, but they are the best family I can ever have. Though such feelings are hard to express in words, through the bond we know how deep it touches us. <3



It's the grey parts in life that make things complex; it's the complexity that makes us ponder; & it's the pondering that makes us appreciate when we finally comprehend.

xoxo,
p. ariel

Oh, I just can't beleive I'm 24 this year. I think ever since I was 21, I kinda stop counting my age. sighs

Nonethelss, Happy Chinese New Year!

Though CNY has kinds lost its meaning for me, it's still an occasion where families gather, and so, I'm happy for that.



And it's my first year giving out red packets... zzz, what an experience! Aahaha.



Wishing all good health, abundance joy, & wealth!

xoxo
p. ariel

31.12, the last day of the year, also yours truly's birthday. I had a rather simple but blissful birthday because of those loved ones around me, and for that I am blessed.


this is my family (mum's out for her D&D)


this is my lovely mum


the celebration at home

Cindy brought us to Don Quijote, a Spanish restaurant @ Dempsey for dinner.








ah lao


sis in law


the Lius




the menu of good & expensive food


Bacon roll asparagus


Baked Scallop


Grilled Mix Vegetable


The marvelous Spanish Seafood Paella Valenciana, leaves you savouring every mouthful, lusting for it many days after


Seafood Angel Hair in Squid Ink Pan - a unique & delightful Spanish dish everyone should try


Chicken Skewers


Orange Cheesecake - probably one of the best I've ever tasted! With a tinge of orange taste, light cheesecake feel..


Lava Chocolate Cake, every chocolate lover's dream come true. Coupled with vanilla ice cream, it's a match in heaven.


The classic & gorgeous CK watch from my sisters & cousins!


Cute vintage bag from Cindy <3


A thoughtful card with precious well wishes


My new fave smell - Lanvin

A great end to 2010, may this new year be an even better for you & me. A toast to 2011!

xoxo,
p. ariel

Happy birthday to me!

xoxo

OUR DINNER:


Top to bottom:
- Chicken stew kan dang
- Little white veggie
- Doban djan prawn
- Double C soup (corn & carrot)

<3

xoxo,
p.ariel

ps; btw, for those who dont know, xoxo means hugs & kisses~