Thursday, July 18, 2013

I ❤ Summer Tag



Hi everyone!  I had a long nap today after so long. It was really nice. Earlier today, I attended a firm event. This was my company's 2nd annual golf scramble. I've never picked up a golf club ever in my life nor I've gone to a golf course before. I'd always thought golf is fancy smanchy sports. Some people might hate me for saying this, but I'd never thought golf as a sport. But today, I can see it as a sport for walking almost 2 miles carrying my golf club sets. I was told that I was a natural, but I don't know. I don't really like it. It's a lot of waiting time, and I prefer a more upbeat, heart-pumping sport.

Anyway, I wasn't sure what to do for a blog post. But then I remember of Ingrid's (missglamorazzi)
I ❤ Summer Tag  video. You can check out her video here. Let's get started!

1. Favorite bronzer for summer?
 I am matte bronzer kinda gal. I don't really like shimmery bronzer. It just makes my face looks like a disco ball, especially during the day when the sun hits my face. It's just too much for a daytime look. Lately I've been using Rimmel Sunny matte bronzer, but to be honest, I don't love it. It does the job, but I prefer TooFaced Chocolate Soleil matte bronzer with its deeper tone and chocolate scent.

2. You're relaxing in a hammock, on a tropical island. What are you sipping on? 
(Favorite summer drink)
Most likely coconut water. I love love love coconut water, especially during hot days like now. My favorite is from this Vietnamese dessert place called Bambu and it's dessert #1. It's so yummy!

3. Favorite summer lip product?
I prefer moisturizing tinted lip product rather than full on lipstick. Lately I've been using Revlon Kissable balm stain and Revlon lip butter. They're just so easy to apply and feel comfortable on the lips.

4. Pool or Beach?
I'm kinda in between with this one. I like hanging out at the beach, but I like swimming in the pool better. I gotta admit, I'm a little bit of scared to swim in the sea. It's just beyond my scope of swimming ability to stand against the waves. Haha. I like both, but if I have to choose, I'll choose beach regardless.
More natural, more freedom.

5. Summer = crazy hair! What's your must-have styling product?
I don't really have any issue with crazy hair. I naturally have fine straight hair, and they are mendable, in most times. But one thing that I now can't live without is dry shampoo. I just love spraying them on every other day when I have my "second hair day" to absorb the excess oil. I love Suave dry shampoo. The scent is really refreshing!

6. Sun bathing or fake tan?
I am definitely a tanning virgin. Haha. I don't sun bath and I don't fake tan. I haven't touched base on any tanning or whatnot. But I gotta say, I don't like sun bath to get the color. I don't like sun-bathing period. I guess, coming from Asia, especially from where I'm from, sun-bathing is not what we normally do. Instead, it's something we avoid. People in my hometown prefer porcelain looking skin. Different country different perception of beauty. Interesting, isn't it?

7. Favorite summer nail polish?
Wet n Wild "I have a Refresh-mint". Fun, bright pastel color. Looks good on anybody!

8. Any summer traditions?
I 'officially' started to have summer in 2009. Indonesia doesn't really have summer. It's tropical season all year round. So, every summer, I got 12 weeks of holiday and I went back to my hometown and just hang out. Now, after I started working, the only summer tradition that I can think of is camping. I have it every year now with my friends.

9. Favorite summer scent?
I love floral scent. The perfume that I've been using is Daisy eau so fresh by Marc Jacob. The scent doesn't get old!

10. Favorite BBQ food?
Might be a boring answer, but I love meat. As long as it's meat and it's bbq, i'll eat it!  lol

11. What's your favorite summer-proof product?
Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray. It keeps my makeup in place. At first I thought this product was kinda a joke. Why would you spray liquid to a perfectly made-up face? But I see it now. It just sets the makeup products on your face and locks them in place. It doesn't 100% prevent smudging, but it reduces oil and what not. It's extremely important especially during the hot summer weather.
I also have my handy dandy facial sunscreen from my dermatologist. Sunscreen is important! Prevent aging, sunspot as early as possible guys!


12. Any summer vacation plans this year? No plans? Tell us about your dream summer trip!
Nope, no vacation plan except for a weekend camping trip in late August. I'm saving my PTO for Christmas. So excited! I don't really have a dream vacation, but I did enjoy my trip to Avilla Beach. I think it's a perfect place for a summer getaway. The place is just so quiet and relaxing. I'd love to go there again soon.

❤❤❤


Friday, July 12, 2013

4th of July Getaway: Skunk Train and Botanical Garden

Happy Friday everyone! Finally I have time to post this lovely photos from my trip last week to Mendocino Area on 4th of July. My boyfriend took me to Mendocino area, which is about 3-hour drive from where we live. It was a long drive, but really it was worth it. 
We went on this 1-hour experience on Skunk Train. It usually a 4-hour round trip, but due to a landslide on one of its track, they cut the trip short, which honestly for me is enough to relax and just enjoy the ride in the nature. The fare is $20 per person. I admit it is a little bit much for a 1-hour train ride, but we paid for the experience. 

Inside the Skunk Train

An open wagon where most people just stood there enjoying the view and the very nice weather. 


The train singer who kept us entertained. Very nice guy!


Finally got someone to take a picture of both of us. The train wasn't that long, but it was packed!

From the skunk train, we drove for about 30 minutes to Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. I gotta say, this was by far the best garden I've ever been to. It's not just a garden with flowers and everything, but you could actually walk to the ocean. I didn't expect the garden to be that huge, but it was. The walk was amazing. I love garden, and want to have my own someday in the foreseeable future. It's funny to think back now that my mom was always buying flowers to pretty up her garden and I kept telling her to stop. Now I can't wait to have my own. 

The beginning of the garden. There was entrance fee of $14 per person, but it you go in a group of 12 or more, it's $7 each. 


Behind me is a rose garden. It was not as exciting as it sounds, but I really like this entrace-gate type of thing. It reminds me of Secret Garden.


Random giant stone eggs in the middle of our walk


This place is really popular for weddings and many events. The site is just really beautiful. You have colorful flowers surrounding the area and just behind it is the ocean. 

The ocean view. The picture doesn't do it justice. It was a breathtaking view.

Friday, July 05, 2013

Never Stop Dreaming

Happy Friday! I was looking forward for the 4th of July weekend, and now I don't want it to end. It's already Friday and soon it's gonna be Monday again.
Excuse my whining, i don't mean to spread any negativity.

Yesterday, I went to the beach with my boyfriend, enjoying the view and the sun, and unfortunately, the wind. We didn't go into the water beause it was really cold despite the bold sunshine. I kept holding tight my jacket and walked on the beach paying attention to how majestic all of this view in front of me. 

                     
      We saw crab shells everywhere. RIP crab family. 




I've been watching Private Practice on netflix. It's not as good as my favorite Grey's Anatomy, but it does take my mind off when I'm taking a brea. Addison, the main character, lives in this gorgeous ocean-view house. She literally can see the beach from her patio. I wish i could live there. Someday, maybe. Never stop dreaming, cause when you stop that's when the hope dies.