AUGUST GOALS

Oh my freakin' goodness!



Honestly, someone needs to push the "pause" button on 2017 because it's actually getting quite scary.

But anyway, Happy August, my friends! I sincerely hope that July wasn't too rough on you. 

The only thing I can remember from July is basically work. So, I guess I did fulfill my July Goals by hustling. I was also able to exercise more which I'm very happy about. I finally got the chance to dance again, which made me incredibly happy. I went hiking for the first time which was great! I swam more. It was all really good. However, I really need to slow down and chill out!

This month, I've found a very strong mantra to live by:


"Everyday we spend not improving ourselves, is a wasted day"


It's August and I want you to ask yourself - What have you done in the past 7 months? Are you improving as a person? Are you getting closer to your dreams? Are you bringing good energy and positive vibes to the people around you? What have you accomplished? 

I will always be striving for improvements and I will always try to better myself. 

This month, my goals are to:


1. Be spontaneous 


Anything could happen in a year, in a month, in a week, in a day, in an hour. I don't want to regret not taking spontaneous road trips or going on vacations. Spontaneity will be my craving for this month.



2. Read more


OMG. I can't even remember the last time I read but towards the end of July, I've been reading a substantial amount of materials and books and articles. I forgot how much I actually love reading!



3. Be a morning person


Yes yes. My mom would say "it's impossible" but I'm going to try to stick to a morning routine in order to be a morning person. Just you wait and see :P



4. No more shopping


For the month of August, I've decided not to buy any clothes and although it already seems like an impossible task, I will try my very best to not spend money on unnecessary things!



5. Cook more often


I made breakfast and dinner last couple of days and I forgot how much I actually love cooking, so I'll definitely be cooking more often this month :)





31 new days ahead. Bring it!

How To Style a Striped Shirt

So, if you haven't seen my June Haul video yet, I basically went a little crazy. I mean, I haven't been shopping in what felt like ages! But in the video, I did explain that things were on sale everywhere I turn to. And come on, you all know that I shamelessly admit that I am a shopaholic. So, sales and I go great together but sales and my bank account - not so much. 

Anyway, I am completely obsessed with this particular striped shirt that I purchased from HnM. It's so simple but it can be styled in so many ways. So, I've put together 3 ways on how I would style this striped shirt. 

1. Dungarees

2. Accessorize 

3. Casual  

Comment down below which one's your fav :) 

X

JULY GOALS

It's official, friends. 5 more months till Christmas!



Eeeeks!



But more importantly, I need to take a deep breath and ask myself this question:


"WTF happened to June?"


I think June was by far the quickest month ever. I don't know guys. I feel like 2017 is just flying by, literally. Next thing I know, I find myself waking up and looking in mirror at a 60 year-old me. Oh gosh, even the thought of that scares me.


Anyway, how was your June? Mine was just that - quick! Other than that, it was a really tough and challenging month. I feel like I'm growing mentally and spiritually every single month.

However, this month, I've decided to live by this mantra:


"Your life is yours alone. Rise up and live it!" 



It doesn't get more real than this guys. I've been restraining myself from loads of things just because I'm afraid to try new things and trust issues and fears and phobias. The list goes on and on. And I've decided enough is enough. So, I am breaking free from my shell from now on (or at least attempt to do so).


This month, my goals are to:


1. Keep hustlin' 


Do whatever it takes to keep myself as busy as possible


2. Learn to stop beating myself up at everything


Something I really want to stop doing. I want to be busy but I also want to know that I won't be giving myself unnecessary pressure 


3. Take time to meet friends and family


Something not to be taken for granted. So, friends, fam, I'm here for you if you need me :) 


4. Exercise more


Sweat more - precisely. Instead of being a couch potato 


5. Be consistent 


With everything - my blog, my writing, my videos, my emotions...





Come on July. I'm so ready for you ;)

What Would You Do If You Were Given $10,000?

Some people could only dream of ever having $10,000 in their bank accounts. Some probably think $10,000 is not a big deal. What I'm trying to say is, there are so many different types of people in the world who view things differently, including money, of course.

But what if someone actually hands me $10,000, what exactly would I do?

Let me just start by saying - the possibilities are endless.


Now, because of my Accounting and Finance background, when it comes to numbers and money, I can be pretty specific. And here's how I would allocate my $10,000.

CHARITY AND GOOD CAUSE

15% would definitely go to charity and things that are important to me, for example, animal shelter, children and families in need, and just general things that I care about because as much as I want all $10,000 to myself, I don't think I can ever live with myself for spending it all on me.




FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS

I would definitely give 20% of it to my family and close friends. Although I don't normally lend money to anyone, because let's face it, that's what banks are for, if a close friend were to ask me for some money, I would definitely help that friend out.

TRAVELLING

Now here's the fun part. 40% of the money would definitely go to travel expenses. And here's how it would work out:

10% on flight tickets:

Among the places on my bucket list - Switzerland, Maldives, Mumbai, New York, Brazil. I mean, I would like to visit these 5 places before adding more places on to my list :P



15% on hotels/accommodations

I'm definitely the type of person that needs a clean bathroom and a nice bed. Some 3-star hotels do do a good job but I mean, if I had extra money to spend, I'd definitely go higher than a 3-star hotel.



12% on FOOD!

Let's face it. I'm a foodie. I don't mind eating street food. However, a couple of fine dining won't hurt too :P And let's not forget snacks and junk food.



3% on transportation

Whenever I go on holiday, I think I spend 70% of the time walking and I'm OK with that. So, I would be a bit smarter when it comes to transportation.

SHOPPING

Now that we've established the travelling part, I would actually spend the remaining 25% on shopping. I am ashamed to say that I'm a full-on shopaholic. Even when I know I don't need that shirt in all 5 colours, I'd still get all 5 - which is something I'm trying to work on right now.





Whoever says money can't buy happiness obviously didn't know how to spend their money wisely because believe it or not, money makes things easier and when things are easier, you are less stressed. And when you are less stressed out, you become a happier person.

It all depends on your perspectives on money and how you actually spend it. So, let me ask you a question. If someone gave you $10,000 right now, what would you do with it? :)

My Life... 6 Months Ago

When you're a blogger or a writer, sometimes you'll have moments when an idea hits you hard on the head like a brick. Today was one of those days for me. I feel like I haven't been personal with you guys lately. So today, I take this opportunity to share with you what my life looked like in the past 6 months.


*I am writing this to share my experience and not to get sympathy or anything from what I had to go through for the past couple of months. I just feel like today is the day I get a little personal. After all, my blog is my baby and I've been wanting to get personal for quite some time now. So, if this is your thing, you can keep on reading. Otherwise, I'm sorry*

September 2016 - The worst month of my life (for as long as I can remember)

• I went for an audition and interview for a job and I wasn't sure if I would get it 
• I was waiting (4 months, to be exact) for my phD application to go through
• Ended a turbulent and rocky long distance relationship
• Was jobless, hopeless, going out for drinks almost every night (thank you Eunice for always being there for me. Sorry you had to see me cry and hyperventilate. Much appreciated. I love you)
• Was crying almost every night because I felt lost as fuck

October 2016 - The toughest month of my life (I've had a fair share of tough months and this was one of them)

• Still jobless and clueless on what my path looks like. Was just hoping everyday to get a reply so I can start my life in a new place
• Had an interview with my phD professors only to find out that they rejected my application and proposal which I prepared so hard for
• Still drinking almost every night to calm myself. As much as I didn't want to worry my parents, I couldn't help myself. Crying every night didn't help much
• Highly intoxicated and started my day at 1 pm everyday
• Started giving up on life and everything in it

November 2016 - What was supposed to be my favourite month turned out to be the most confusing month

• Spent a brief moment in the UK
• After flying alone for 18 hours, I wasn't even sure if I wanted to live anymore. I had lost all hope. I was in complete darkness
• After the "brief" moment in the UK, I came back to Malaysia and 12 hours later, I received a call saying I've got the job which I interviewed and auditioned for back in August
• Rekindled with what was supposed to be a failed love story
• Still felt lost and confused because everything seems like a blur 

December 2016 - When things started to make a bit more sense to me

• I started this new "job". Truth is, I didn't even care what the job was or how much it paid. I just wanted a new life - meaning a new place, a new city, a new job, with new people - starting completely from scratch
• My work "family" welcomed me and I started to see what it was like working in this industry
• Met some nice people and forever grateful for it
• Spent my first Christmas in this new city (with a warmer climate, finally)

January 2017 - A new start

• Adapting is never an easy task, especially when you're trying to start a new life
• Figuring out your future is never easy but sometimes, you just have to
• I still can't picture myself in this job but this is what I asked for. I wanted a change and I got it

February 2017 - A month of learning

• Learned to live on my own in this new city without anyone
• Attended a TV hosting course which I never in my entire life thought I'd ever have the chance to do. Learned the ways of TV hosting and other new things
• Met some nice people who would actually help me with publishing my "novel" and the "book" I'm writing
• Learned to be an independent woman (Destiny's Child ain't got nothing on me)
• Got to participate in various events which I never thought I'd be brave enough to attend

What exactly is the point of me sharing this post with you? 

I want you to know that hard times and tough times don't last forever. I lost all hope for almost 3 months and started to pick up the pieces afterwards. I was crying for almost 2 months and manage to smile after everything. Everyone has problems and tough moments of their own. Be strong and face it. Keep working hard, don't give up even though it feels like giving up is the only option you have at that moment.

I'm not here to tell you life is easy or life is hard. I'm here to tell you that you're a human being and you'll face ups and downs. Sometimes, your downs may take longer than others but nothing lasts forever. Take it from me - a girl who lost everything 6 months ago, to a girl who is starting over and getting a new life.

No matter what you're facing right now, you can do it. Take a look at your life 6 months ago and take a look at where you are now. If you're happy with your progress, I have nothing but happiness for you. If you're unhappy with where you are or your progress, do something about it. I'm with you all the way.