Jan 22, 2009

the first wealth is health

A woman walked up to a little old man rocking in a chair on his porch.

"I couldn't help noticing how happy you look," she said. "What's your secret for a long happy life?"

"I smoke three packs of cigarettes a day," he said. "I also drink a case of whiskey a week, eat fatty foods, and never exercise."

"That's amazing," the woman said. "How old are you?'

"Twenty-six," he said.




credit: pic

I wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year and good health all year round!

Jan 15, 2009

"them" photoshoot



in reply to this blog post entitled: "Them".
I've decided to hold a photoshoot: a tribute to "them".
So yeah, stay tuned. ;)

Jan 14, 2009

My 20th lunch date


Another backdated post. Following Chingy's style :p
The day after my "blindfolded party, I scrambled at about 7 am to rush to Puduraya to take the bus home. I celebrate my birthdays with the family every year without fail with the exception of my 16th when I was away. So, we went for lunch at the Indulgence: Restaurant & Living in Ipoh.



We started with the garden salad.
Oh I love the radish and zucchinis.




Mushroom soup. With three pieces of garlic bread.
Thick and creamy; don't even think of finishing it yourself.


Tasted almost like Secret Recipe's award winning Irish lamb stew.



I ordered a Grilled Halibut with Prawns and Mash Potato.
Maybe it's an acquired taste, it's a little fishy but no doubt, fresh.
The lemon made it palatable.


Chicken with tomato gravy (the name was fancier)
A bit (Very) messy, so if you're on a date, well, don't.


The ambience is alright.
You don't get much privacy, really.
It's like a high class cafe in my honest opinion.




It's very cosy, no doubt.
Although maybe a little too echo-ish.
I wished there was a partition- maybe like those Japanese-themed/Bali-wood.

Okay, this isn't a really good review. I didn't write the proper name of the dish for one. And we're not regular patrons- but maybe there's a reason to it.

But without a doubt that it is value for money, for the food, although for Ipoh standard, it is indeed a little pricey- something you would save for special occasions. The service was impeccable. Maybe some place you want to try when you come to Ipoh.

Jan 13, 2009

2009 trends Oh-So Pallatable

Not for eating but totally drool-worthy! 2009's looking bleak for most, but certainly not for those who are bold and go-getters. Ignoring the fact that this person (me) behind this blog doesn't seem to leave an impression as a fashionista; I can be a pretty kick-ass image consultant. :p Behind this strong facade, there is some (fashion) sense, whether you want to agree or not.




The "chic" colour pallette for the season. A play of ironism, a combination of neutral and rich.



The 66th Golden Globes 2009 was pretty much sub-dued by the neutral tones (economy) that waltzed down the red carpet. But these are few of my favourites: Forget-the-dark-roots-Drew, she was nothing less of fun, flirty and chic- wearing John Galliano, Beyonce does her best to accentuates her figure with an Ellie Saab creation (gorgeous!) and the lovely Eva Mendes and her oversized (bow) Dior dress (which is in season and not everyone can carry that look) and very in-trend statement turquoise jewellery.





As you can tell, neutral is the new black this season. Bohemian yet classy look, the gladiator sandals are still looking great, the flowy dresses, nothing too tight, the tights are doing alright, very grey-washed tone yet rich pastel, butterfly motives, wavy loose (bob) hair, a gradual transition from the perfect bob look, big pockets, tunics, big belts are still in- but with a twist.





Neon on neutral, the figure skating skirts.




I can't tell you how much I love the bikini design (and I don't even wear one). One sholder strap designs are in again, off-shoulder tops are doing pretty well. Sheer look is in but make sure you wear something nice inside, Renee failed the look at the Golden Globes, so be cautious on that.



Chunky, look-at-me accessories are still in, and very in with close attention to details. Turquoise are definitely in!



I think this came around last Autumn but is going crazy this year, but I would love a pair of Oxford boots. So delicious! But of course I still love "my" (not yet) Louboutins.



As much as I dislike incentuous shows like GG, I absolutely adore Serena's Chinese Laundry Strate Boots for $99 at Zappos.



To a more fashionable 2009: Click!

Jan 12, 2009

Second-look: Titanic is about making each day count



I must admit that the many (many) times I've watched Titanic and the million times listening to "My Heart Will Go On", and every time without failure, I could feel the eyes rolling back of my head and I don't deny the fact that it was extremely cheesy (the parodies tsk tsk, and movies can sometimes be overplayed too).

Last night, it was on the tele, and you know the saying, absence makes the heart grows fonder, it has been 9 years since I've watched it, so I figured watching it(again) wouldn't hurt. It didn't change, and what changed was me, 9 years ago and now, and how I look at it. First of all, it wasn't as cheesy. Second of all, the message behind it, and the emotions the characters portrayed, especially Kate Winslet. Congrats to her on winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress/Best Supporting Actress. I look forward to watch her in Revolutionary Road.

Nevermind the fact that "Jack" was mentioned 80 times by Kate, and "Rose" was mentioned about 50 times by Leo (People actually took time to count them) Their acting were brilliant; so compatible, I can never imagine Matthew Mcconaughey playing Jack (how awful it would've been). Mind you it was 1997, and actresses like Kate Winslet could get away looking un-emiciated and looked absolutely real, and not the Hollywood we have now. If Sienna Miller was casted instead, I don't know what to say.

Enough with criticizing or complaining.

I've always been enthralled by sinking ships-themed movie. Not that I'm morbid or anything, I have a little confession that I have a fear of drowning, which is ironic because I love water sports. I started swimming when I was 6 and have absolutely no traumatic experience with water before. But the idea of having water filling your lungs with no room to breathe just, well, scares me to death. It's always the thinking and not the real experience that kills you. There are so many cases of which prisoners who were sentenced to death are tricked to believe that they are jab with a poisonous needle, when in real they're not, but they die anyway.

Watching Titanic and Poseidon made me emotional. The last moment on earth, how people react to it, how you can reflect your whole life in that few hours before you know you're going to die. Your loved ones, and struggle to stay alive no matter what the intentions were. Should I save someone trapped inside or save myself and spending the rest of your life, living in guilt. There's nothing worst than that, in my opinion.

You talk about possibilities of exploring the world, big dreams, this and that, and then, poof, you're about to die; will you continue try to be thankful for your life so far, or wonder why should it be you?

I got air in my lungs, a few blank sheets of paper. I mean, I love waking up in the morning not knowing what's gonna happen or, who I'm gonna meet, where I'm gonna wind up. Just the other night I was sleeping under a bridge and now here I am on the grandest ship in the world having champagne with you fine people. I figure life's a gift and I don't intend on wasting it. You don't know what hand you're gonna get dealt next. You learn to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count. -Jack Dawson-


Make each day count. Well said. Indeed, make each day count. I think if we live for tomorrow, then how about today? If we don't make it till tomorrow, do you blame God for not giving you time? People come, people go. Emotions come, emotion go. So, make each day count. I guess by being thankful is a good way to start.

Sometimes in the oddest timing, you just pause to think. Life is about making choices. If you make money for today for tomorrow, you might lose the time to enjoy it. Your loved ones, your health to name a few. It's about living for the day, planning for tomorrow, if it doesn't come, then at least you made today count.

On a lighter note, Ioan Gruffudd and Kathy Bates are the few actors who shone like the "Heart of Ocean" necklace last minute in the movie, whose acting were fantastic (no pun intended) indeed.

My fav 5 scenes in the movie:

1) As Jack held Rose up on the rails- he was holding her hand, and they were playing with each others' fingers. (I have a weird fetish for fingers, sorry!)
2) The spitting scene.
3) The jaw-dropping look on Jack's face when Rose was naked in front of him.
4) The axe scene. So much for practice, and Jack's hands were still in tact! Woohoo!
5) Jack's dialogue as above. Make each day count. Spoken like a true artiste!

What's yours?

BBC News-Flash: Polite Britons died on Titanic
Okay, it's a little insensitive, but it doesn't pay to be polite, sometimes.

Jan 9, 2009

What's wrong with Direct Selling?

I was first introduced to Direct Sales when it was blooming back I was 11 maybe. Probably that traumatized me because till recently, I always had a bad impression of Direct Sales, an understatement I would add.

Door to door sales, robot talk about what products they can offer, high start-up fund, member-get-member; it became a taboo, and you know you would avoid people who does them, and especially your relatives and friends, let alone strangers. click here to read an article.

Today, so many (direct-selling) companies (old and new) started to change the bad perception everyone has on them. From denying the fact that, "We are not direct-selling companies" while putting down other companies, to a lot other gimmicks which you and I probably know it from the back our heads. If we see one, we will know.

Let's fast forward 9 years.

Last year I turned 20, and was a fresh diploma graduate. I grew up telling myself that the only reason why I'm doing what I'm doing is to avoid employment. Hey, why make someone rich if you can make yourself one, right? So, I began opening up my mind. For starters, I started browsing online for opportunities, and I did manage to meet up with one and I listened...And a few others as well...

Today, after a fair share of listening to these direct selling companies, I was able to see the pattern; how some did differently, the dos and don'ts, the "convincing" factor.

First of all, let me journey you through; from what direct-selling is all about, pros and cons, and what is determines the success of the company, in a casual manner with some personal stories of my own.


pic: credit

textbook definition:

"The direct personal presentation, demonstration, and sale of products and services to consumers, usually in their homes or at their jobs." agree?

My interpretation of direct-selling is that it enables successful duplication (if done the right way), and one of the best way to market your product and make sure it reaches out to the masses- mainly by personal story, and demonstration, and results.



pic: credit
This funny story happened to me just yesterday. Apparently my friend gave my number to soap bar's salesman, and only called me afterwards to ask me if it's okay (out of courtesy), what can I say? I just "Okay, he can call me. I'll listen to what he has to say". So the call came in last night, after an "interesting" tele convo, he sent me this message, because I asked him to send me a website link so I can read about it.

"www.nst.com.my. Then search under (insert soapbar's brand) Very famous de. If ppl dunno they really not consciousness bout the latesrt trend." (sic)


Epic failure, if you ask me. First of all, to give the readers the benefit of doubt, he was probably nervous that he appeared to cocky. When he asked me whether I have heard about it, honestly no, and he told me it's better to check out the review rather than the website. Forget the brokenenglishidon'treallymind but he's got attitude but then again he could be nervous. By the end of our 3:55 convo, I already tuned out half way and I wouldn't want to hear from him again, plus a black mark on the (unheard of and supposedly famous) brand.

Now, no wonder people hide from direct-selling people. And take note, once someone tells you "This is not a direct-selling thing, don't worry", you'd better be, because most likely it is. I rather you tell me the truth rather trying to denying it, I mean, direct-selling is not a crime, and you're definitely doing it ALL wrong!

Rule of thumb: If you are a direct-selling company, admit it!



pic: credit

The determining factors to success for any company esp a direct-selling company is simple as 1-2-3.

Products, System and Brand.

Products. Simple rule is that if your products doesn't work, then don't bother. Nothing less than what it promise to deliver. That's that. Okay, if it works, work on a system and brand. Who's behind it? Research? Scientific support? Stuff that makes you go, "Okay, this can probably work".

System. Now this determines why you should or are able to adapt to it. Team work, the support, the "marketing plan", and bottom line is that "Can it pay you well?" If you work like a dog for a week and your commission is only 100 bucks, then you might as well, get an hourly paid job or office job.

1)Does the system pressure you to push the product to the consumer?

2)Does the system tells you to introduce 10 people you know and make them a member (member-get-member scheme)?

If yes, once again, don't bother working for this company.

Brand. No doubt that this is the bridge that holds the system and the products. What does it stands for? Everyday, we associate ourselves with a brand. Let's see if you can answer the following:

1) I fly with ________ because ________
2) I drink _________ because _________
3) I only buy _________ sport shoes because _________

Of course the fact that the brands that you filled up those blanks can work; most importantly is if you can relate to the brand. There's a difference in a product that is made in China and something that is made in the USA. What's the difference? You know it.

Here's a good article on misperception about direct selling.

Just recently, out of desperation, so to speak, I began opening my mind. I began asking myself, "Hey, is this the kind of life you want right now?'" "What do you want?" "What am I not doing right as what successful people has done it and made it?"


Those are the questions you would want to ask yourself.

Jan 8, 2009

Love and no mushy stuff

















Apparently my top posts are mostly about relo and sex. To be exact, I do have a lot of anti-male ego stroking and "single ladies" theme topics. It's not always angry, maybe a slight hint.But I do wonder sometimes, whether my candor is being excepted esp by the male species. Let's move on.

I just thought of sharing this picture. Such irony. Just thought of escaping the stereotype. Hmm... Nah, why be a kill joy right?

It's not really about relo or sex this time but it's based on a song entitled Love by none other than David Choi. I would like to share this particular verse.


Left here undiscovered
I want to share this gold
With people of the world

Abundantly filling
Every single heart
And here's the best part

Okay, as I'm typing this, I'm finding it hard to grasp the meaning of this entire post. It seems meaningless but I'm trying to find an opening. I just think it's such a wonderful thing to do, to be able to share, and add value to people's lives. Just because we're struggling doesn't mean other people don't.

We try not to burden ourselves with worries of the world, but at least we try to empathize, and remember the next time round, when you're feeling down, you will know that we all struggle together. Keeping a job, keeping your family together, keeping up with school work, keeping friendship and making decisions; big or small.

I think it's good to reflect on 90/10 principle and live life, love more, and the most important thing is be happy.

Did I find the opening?

Jan 7, 2009

Now you can Wear Your Music

This takes fangirl-obsession to a whole new level. I thought owning a pillowcase with your favourite celeb face all over it is extreme, but now you can wear them "OMG-I-own-a-piece-of-him!" in one breath.

Of course, for a cause, a good cause.


$200 for a piece of Mayer.
if only my credit card was in hand.
i mean *thisisjohnmayeryou'retalkingabout!*


For $100-500, you can own a "piece" of your favourite band/singer, at the same time donate to the cause that these artists chosen. 100% from the sales goes to causes from Make a Wish foundation, PETA, Unicef to Keep a child alive and so many more.

Before you get any ideas, this is what I meant by a "piece" of your fav artists. Not "Billy Bob" freaky "I-possess-you-because-I-have-your-blood". Ew! Moving on, all these used guitar strings (obviously) are from Mayer's guitars. Imagine you can wear a piece of "Your Body is a Wonderland" performance? Now wipe off your drool. Tsk. tsk. *wipes mine* ;)



pic: jm team blog

You can even carve your fav artist initials to mark the "most-beautiful" day of your life. LOL.


pic: jm team blog

And look at that. Now if your girlfriends are jealous, slap this on their forehead. "Take that!, I spent $200 on the strings and you're telling me it's made in China?!?" Well, most probably.



And look how sweet Avril's bracelet look. And no sign of Pink! Phew. Only for $150.
Very cheap! -note the sarcasm-




Now, you know you want to get me one of these. LOL.
Okay, maybe not. I'll just be happy with my $10 guitar strings- and it's brand new!


So, it's WearYourMusic.org and support some good causes at the same time you brag to everyone you have a piece of John Mayer for $200 (at least try to pretend you're being charitable). And no, this is not a sponsor post, but they should give me one of Mayer's for doing this. I just find this amusing. :) But it's a cool idea, all in all.

Jan 6, 2009

60 seconds to fame

You need 10 minutes to shower but only 1 minute to determine your success.


How is that even possible?

I have read Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, and I have watch a fair share reality shows from American Idol to America's Next Top Model to Survivor ;) How do you know that person is going to go far- getting into finals- to sum it- be successful? How can you tell?

A case study in Blink shares the power of thin-slicing where one can differentiate a fake art when everyone thinks it's real (or want to believe it's real, and nothing less). How Pepsi manages to penetrate into Coca-cola's market? None other than creating a thin-slicing product.

Today I read an article that came in my email entitled: One-Minute Excellence. (Click to read) What is it all about? Just like the author wrote: "In short, you do it and it's done". In my own interpretation, it's that split second decision to either grab that opportunity, that determines your success or failure.

The point of my whole point is the point that I want to point out. How many points are there? ;p

Okay, the point is, if you really want to change, if you can sacrifice, if you can take the risk, if you want to be healthy, if you want to live life to the fullest; it only takes a minute. So the next time an opportunity comes knocking on the door and want 1 minute from you, will you just say YES?

My personal story was, yes, I sacrificed that 1 minute, and I didn't regret it. Okay, it didn't take me 1 minute, but a few minutes or maybe hours because you can decide and I'm sure you're smart enough to know whether it is for you. It didn't take me 1 minute but I opened my mind to a lot of "1 minute" and I decided on one. So, moral of the story is nobody gets it right the first "minute". Like life, you go through hard knocks and trials, to get it right.


The only thing you need to do is to [close your eyes] but keep your mind wide open. -Bridge to Terabithia-

You never know when is it coming, but if you're prepared and happens to be the right person and at the right time and with the right passion, just jump onto the surf board and ride along the waves.

Make this 2009 a great year.
It's in your hands.
Just follow your heart.
First step to success is never comfortable at first.
Be well, body.mind.spirit.
You're going to need a lot of energy.
How you do anything, is how you do everything.
Baby steps. Don't rush! But pounce on every opp!
Oh, for the love of mankind, just do it!
"Yes, we can!" ;)

Jan 2, 2009

the new year

Funny how we look forward to the 1st of every year, and it's only "special" for one day. ephemeral. Like how the flowers back home in my garden only blooms at night and dies off the next few hours. It's 11:11 am as I'm typing this, yet another ephemeral moment. I think it makes life interesting, and it keeps you going. If we know it's going to be there forever so to speak, do you think we will appreciate it?

Businesses thrive on it, one thing's for sure. Flowers and chocolates on Valentine's. They even make Chocolate Easter eggs, for goodness sake. It comes and it goes and it comes again, and that makes it special. How ironic.

T'was a good year. 2008. Crazy year. but I believed, if not everyone or most of us, I think besides the physical age, I grew older. Yeah, the body.mind.spirit. Maybe it wasn't a bed of roses, maybe it's the worst; but if you're not dead, you pretty much haven't gone through the worst. I mean, what does not kill you, only makes you stronger. Don't listen to me, listen to Kanye West. Heh.

I think what we can learn from 2008; the year the economy literally crashed and burned, is to go back to basics. Yes, economy in 2009's looking pretty bleak. Some usher the new year jobless, most doesn't have a big fat wallet. I don't see why we should go in circle figuring out "WHY ME?". We all knew that this was coming; speculations and over inflated economy, carelessness and greed; okay, and trust? Wallowing in self-pity is a case in point.

It's time to stand up if you have fall for the first time. It's time to take it slowly, step by step to improve your condition. I once attended a course 5 years ago, and this quote which is still on my bedroom wall today, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results". So, lesson learned is that if what you're doing now isn't showing anything, then try a different method, pronto!

So, what are you doing yesterday that didn't work, and you know you can do it differently today? Nike says "Just Do it" and before that little idiotic voice says, "I can't, I don't know how", Adidas says, "Nothing is impossible!". Even US President-elect, Barack Obama says, "Yes, We can!". What do you mean you can't?

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