The OL Life

Ah yes, I've finally become what I've always dreaded - an office lady (OL). To me, that term ages someone by a decade; I flinch when someone calls me an OL. Somehow the student life I had half a year ago seemed so free of responsibilities. Or maybe it's just the nostalgia speaking. In any case, I still feel the same. I still have the same spirit of fun, because youthfulness is a state of mind.

Working life isn't as bad as I thought, probably because I'm not working in a large corporation and doing a soul-sucking job. I'm enjoying myself learning how to do things which are not only specific to this job, but will be useful for internet marketing and business in general.

I love the office culture and the people, and I love the Pacman wall beside my table.

Kung Fu Jungle (一个人的武林) Movie Review

I watched the movie preview of Kung Fu Jungle (一个人的武林) yesterday, courtesy of migme. It's a highly anticipated movie because director Teddy Chan made it as a tribute to Hong Kong action cinema. While I couldn't identify all the cameos (I think I watch more HK dramas than action movies), I did recognise a few famous action stars like Tony Leung and Jackie Chan who appeared in the funniest places - the latter in a TV programme within the movie.

Life with a Dog

I love dogs, but I've never had a dog... until February this year, that is.

I had been experiencing anxiety problems for about a year since 2013, partly due to the low-frequency vibrations that had been bothering me at night. A lot of things were hanging in the balance for me - thesis, sleep, mental well-being - and I felt so tired of struggling with my problems. My dad, trying his best to find a solution for me, suggested getting me a dog. He figured that a dog would get my mind off my anxieties and give me a sense of purpose (apart from thesis).

He was mostly right. In February 2014, we went to an adoption drive and it was there that Holly first entered my life.

Hada Labo Super HA Hydrating Lotion Review and Pictures

(This post is part 3 of my Daily Skincare Routine series)

Ah, Hada Labo, the brand that everyone loves because it's simple and it works. I'll be talking about using Hada Labo Super HA Hydrating Lotion as a day moisturiser in this post. I know it's counterintuitive as it's labelled as a lotion (toner) and not a moisturiser, but HA (hyaluronic acid) is so awesomely moisturising that this lotion is enough.

Summerlong

I was sifting through my computer and found these photos from one year ago. It was part of my first ever portrait-focused "photo shoot" with a DSLR while I was living it up in HK for a month.

Although the weather was insanely hot - worse than Singapore weather - I still had fun shooting this at our school bus stop. The greenery was lush and the cement added a nice contrast. I'm thinking of doing more of this if I can! I think the photos turned out rather well, heh. Also I had fun doing this zine-like spread with the pictures. Hee.

Here's presenting the Summerlong shoot from 2013...

Russell Organics Eye Cream Review and Pictures

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Ever heard of Russell Organics? It's a cruelty-free and certified vegan brand that promises an effective, non-toxic skincare experience with three different product lines: skincare, hair care and men's skincare. They were nominated recently for the 2014 Eco-Excellence Awards too, so I was really excited to try out their products.

As someone with the bad habit of sleeping late and drinking water before I sleep, I'm always on the lookout for the perfect eye cream to counter puffiness. Most eye creams tend to feel slightly greasy or sticky, so I haven't been too keen on using them. I've been testing Russell Organics Eye Cream for almost a month now, and I'm pleased to say that I'll continue using it because it's simply great!

Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner Review and Pictures

(This post is part 2 of my Daily Skincare Routine series)

I've gone through many toners over the years but none has stuck so faithfully to me as the Neutrogena Alcohol-Free Toner. I use this toner in the day and at night after cleansing my face with Bioderma Créaline H2O Solution Micellaire.

While some don't use toner and simply put on moisturiser after cleansing their faces, toner is actually a very useful step in your skincare routine. Toner removes the remaining dirt from the skin, balances the skin's pH, and preps the skin for absorbing moisturiser. There's really no point in buying the best skincare products when your skin isn't primed to absorb them!

Bioderma Créaline (Sensibio) H2O Solution Micellaire Review and Pictures

(This post is part 1 of my Daily Skincare Routine series)

Bioderma Créaline H2O Solution Micellaire is my HG facial cleanser/make up remover. I love it because it cleans without drying the skin out and doesn't contain fragrance, which is a godsend for sensitive skin. I've used more than 8 bottles of this, and will be using it until it's discontinued (touch wood!)

First off, it looks and feels just like water. Its barely-there scent is very pleasing and soothing. I like the fact that I don't need to rinse my face after using this cleanser as it doesn't leave any residue unlike cream/oil cleansers. It's also fairly moisturising on its own and is gentle on the skin.

Daily Skincare Routine (2013-14)

As promised, here's the daily skincare routine I've been on for about a year or so now. My skincare routine has changed drastically over the past few years as I have been trying to decide which products were best for my skin. I've finally settled on the perfect combination (for now) and my skin has never been better!

New year new stuff

Well, so this is officially my first proper post after the hiatus. It's strange writing again after so long because I don't quite know where to start, but I'll try. Okay new stuff that has happened:

1) Antelune

As some of you may have noticed, I have a new site: www.antelune.com! It's more of a place where I publish my creative endeavours - fiction, poetry, musings, visual art, music - because somehow it feels strange to post them up here between lifestyle and beauty posts. I'm not sure if I've mentioned this before, but my life-goal is sort of to be an artist doing mixed media stuff. So basically visual art + performance art. Apart from that, I can write, sing, and play music so hopefully something will come of it. To be honest, I'm not even sure where my abilities will take me, but I'm putting some faith into realising my dreams. Whatever it is I do, I aim to inspire wonder and help others somehow. Not sure how I'm going to do that right now, but I'm believing that it will come to pass.