Wardrobe Change

Well, as long as I could delay and have the excuse that I didn't go shopping, I digged out any of my clothes which was big enough to accomodate my expanding waist.

Belly Belt

The first item that couldn't fit were most of my working slacks! I couldn't button them up or partially zipped my pants. That' when I remember a friend recommended getting a belt extender from Mothercare.

So with that in mind, after nagging hubby several times, we both went to our first "baby" shop to survey on items.

I saw the Belly Belt combo kit and bought it immediately at RM79.90. (If you buy now, Mothercare is selling at 10% discount and belatedly I realised some online shops too). I used the belly belt button kit several times already to reuse some of my slacks. Obviously, I also had to wear long top to cover up the groin area to avoid the "button kit" to be seen. I haven't tried the rest of the belts but I suspect I'm getting lazy since I just digged out more elastic skirts and simple summer dresses to wear these days. Lol

Belly Belt Combo Kit

Whether the waist band has a button, clasp or side fastening, this kit allows you to look great in your own clothes throughout pregnancy.

The Belly Belt Combo Kit contains:

• 2 sizes of Belly Belt button-up
• 2 sizes of Belly belt Slide
• 3 polyester/cotton panels (blue, black and white) to cover the gap

Belly Belt Button Kit

A Belly Belt button kit will fit onto button fastening garments. The kit contains:

• 3 stretchy belts in different sizes with button fastening
• 3 coloured panels (blue, black, white)

Belly Belt Slide Kit

The Belly Belt Slide will fit onto slide fastening garments 

• 3 stretchy belts in different sizes with slide fastening
• 3 coloured panels (blue, black, white)

***
Maternity Clothing

Anyway, that was during my late first trimester to the beginning of my second trimester. Somehow, my tummy size increased by 3-4 inches during my week 16 to week 19!!

Slowly, I started buying elastic pants and string-type pants to accomodate my baby bump. One day, I dropped by Miki Maternity clothing under Padini Concept Store and saw a section of clothing for RM19 each!

I was so estatic about the bargain that I grabbed about 7 items which only cost me RM133.
1. Maternity jeans (very worth it since it retails at RM119)
2. 3-quarter length thighs for daily wear
3. 5 pieces of maternity top which retails from RM49.90 to RM89.90.

Just drapped the whole stack of the clothing on the sofa.. haha

I wished there were more jeans but the remaining one "L" size seems plausible enough for me to grow into instead of all the XL sizes. Thank you Mum for highlighting to me this shop! :)

In fact, few days later, I dropped by to buy another 3 "A-line" tops which should accomodate my tummy during the final trimester. :)

Other clothing
Of course, it helped to have a mum of similar size and close friends. Mum passed on some bigger clothing to me and my friends loan me some of her maternity clothes.

Hence, I told myself, "No more shopping for maternity clothes".

Oh yes, a little word of advice, take a luggage bag and pack all your older clothings into it. I did that in a sad manner saying "See you clothes in half a year's time.. I hope". Lol.. Then you'll have space for your maternity clothes.

Belated, I realised now I need to get new bras (maternity bras, nursing bras) and nursing tops...
Sigh.. the shopping list goes on but I do need to invest on good bras because they support my hubby's precious.. lol which will now go to my baby.. hahaha

NEXT stop.... Bra shopping.. lol

Shopping diet 101

As I'm aiming to save for a trip, I have started my shopping diet 101.... after a few luxurious splurges these 2 months to celebrate my birthday- hah!

1. Set a budget
My lunch budget is now RM5 for mixed rice and IF I have to eat in those commercialised "kopitiam", my budget is RM10. How you may ask?

Seriously, it is not as easy as it sounds because inflation has gone sky rocket with prices of food going up over every single little excuse i.e. petrol increase, sugar price increase, electricity bill increase, shortage, etc. (And it never goes down back despite the price drop of the said reasons!)

Rule no. 1: DO NOT order any drinks. Go back to your office and drink warm water (it's healthier) or make your hot drinks. Sounds pathetic but a drink cost RM0.50 (chinese tea) to RM2.50 (milk tea) or RM8 for "so-called juices".

Rule no.2: Take smaller portion and less variety.
I actually have to test it out. The aunty who calculates the price of the dishes + rice is not consistent. Sometimes when I reduce to a small portion of rice, she gives discount and sometimes she doesn't. I try to cut down to smaller portion or even take vegetables + tofu instead of any meat to reduce the cost.

On the plus side, I hope I won't gain weight? Lol But sometimes my tongue craves for variety and I tell myself, yes you may have a RM7.50 Sub-of-the-day Subway Sandwich. Lol

2. Avoid Warehouse Sales
Seriously, avoid it like a plague. Preferably avoid even looking at blogs like shoppingnsales or newspaper. Once tempted, once you go and just take a look, once it's a bargain, you're hooked. You'll swipe the credit card and come out feeling happy for getting such a bargain till the bill comes, you're screwed!

Image borrowed from this blog.

On a side note, I found out MPH warehouse sales was over the weekend and it was such a bargain. My friends bought 10 Lonely planet books (quite recent edition) at RM10 each!! Sniff.. it cost RM100 plus over sometimes... Arghhh.... control... sniff... bookss...

3. Avoid Budget Shops
Actually, it'll be obvious what is my weakness... books! So when I found BookXcess in Amcorp Mall, I usually spend RM100-RM200 on books.... arghhh

Hence, that is the next rule: to avoid places with permanent bargains for at least a year. Lol
And perhaps try to finish up reading the books I already have.

4. Stop buying small items
Another shopping trap is Daiso. Seriously, you can get all sorts of little knick-knacks from there for only RM5. Mind you, "only RM5/item". So take caution when you happily throw in little cutesy stuff into your basket and it'll amount to RM50 and above for 10 items. That happened to me when I say all the dogs clothing sold there - so far I've bought at least 5 for my mum's new poodle.

Same goes for candies and drinks from convenient stores like 7eleven. You might think 80 cents for a tube of Polo sweets is nothing much but if you buy it daily... you get the drift.

5.  Eating out
This is something hard to execute. When I go out with my bf, sometimes we like to have a decent meal to treat ourselves. But do you know it cost RM50 for 2 main dishes and drinks just for the 2 of us? Gosh.. if we eat out every weekend... say average, 4 meals (lunch & dinner) for 4 weekends, it will cost us RM800? No point eating poorly cooked, tasteless/over added MSG food in cheap kopitiams because it'll spoil your mood too.

You can save by eating at home. Try cooking and you'll never know your other half actually has hidden culinary skills.

Look out for discounted groceries after 8.30pm in Jaya Jusco supermarket e.g. their fish or even discounted sushi. Then again, some even pay for almost expired food (usually imported food like chocolates, biscuits, etc) to save but I don't think I'll do that ... yet. Lol

***

In short, if you're really focused in something, you will do it. I wish I could apply this in losing weight and toning my body instead. Somehow, laziness easily creeps in to make me opt for the bed and more shut-eye. ;)

Wish me luck!

Shoes Review: Guess Pewter Leather Heels

I've been eyeing gladiator heels for sometime since the trend started few years ago (2008?) but I couldn't get the right design. In fact, when I finally found one I fell in love with - no size!!

That's the dilemma with shoes, right gals?

Well, so when I randomly looked at shoes and if it fits and there's a spark of magic, I got to have it! Lol. I can imagine the shoes for days if I don't buy it. All right - I have to admit, I have a thing with shoes.... lol
Ta dah! Bought my ..second pair of gladiator heels/stilettoes! First was a pair of gladiator wedges which I love but "sayang"(reluctant) to wear.. haha.. I've never bought any heels with such a skinny heels before... But it just made me feel good and sexy when I tried it on.

Unravelling the package... tsk tsk

I know I have not mastered photography for macro/objects yet. It's hard taking picture of the shoes while I'm wearing them. Hence, here are the blurry picture of my pewter leather heels for now.

There are some scuff marks and scratches but there is only one pair left and I bought it at a bargain. It retails at RM389 but I got it at RM129 (about 70% off!) Isn't that a bargain? (I know, typical "woman-bargain" mentality).

In fact, I have just the right dress to match this heels. The only question is "Will I wear them" and "When will I wear them"? ;)

First of... lose off some weight to take off the pressure on my feet in such a heels. Hah..

This is actually the most recent heels I bought.. I'll intro another few more pairs I bought before this.. just because of the "woman-bargain" mentality..  (Note to self: No more purchases of shoes for a year? ) Stay tune for more heels-eye-candy! ;)

Neglecting my blog

Oh my... so sad, I've been neglecting my blog and my to-blog list is over-flowing. Argh... I should not let work control my life. I will try to post up my latest shopping and experiences to share here.

In fact, there is one big event that I've not wrote about before I forget... something to do with knees, roses, dining and diamond. Get the drift.

But last weekend, I bought myself a pair of Guess stilettos!! I can't believe I got it at a steal since it's an out-of-season outlet. Best of all? It makes me look and feel sexy.

Remember ladies, women's best friends are killer sexy heels... because walking in them does "kill you" but looking great and sexy is worth the torture. Lol

It does match a little nice shimmering dress I bought recently too. Next thing on the list - to shed the fat and pounds on me.. Lol

I miss shopping

I found the secret to cure shopaholics. It's called replacing with "work". Lol

I'm not a workaholic!! It's just a combination of work need to be done with lack of manpower and sense of responsibility. Hence, work, work work...

I've missed shopping. Since working late for this year, I've not really enjoyed shopping as I used to. I can't find nice clothings for myself and even shoes that makes me go ga-ga.

Sighh.. in fact, the latest shopping spree I did was on toiletries. Lol

Guardian is having a promotion on selected items.
I bought a few bottles of their body scrub (Guardian SPA Bath Scrub 750ml) with 2 scents: Green Tea or Lavender at RM8.88 from RM16.80. What a bargain! ;)

Initially, I've bought body scrub separately but I find them too oily. Hence, I've decided the lazy way of getting a bath scrub (body scrub cum shower gel) I prefer lavender for a relaxing feel at the end of the day but the smell of green tea is quite refreshing.

Next item worth considering is the Dove shampoo and conditioner range. Since they are trying to sell off their old packaging, grab a few of these items while stock lasts.

Hence, that's the end of my toiletries shopping spree. hahaha .. sad.. :P

Shopping Haul for Mother's Day!

Another great buy which was not expected. I've found the Mother's Day gift for my mum. What is it?

Ta-dah! It's a Natio Spa Retreat set. Different from the ones I bought before. I unintentionally found this only one hidden in another Sasa outlet without showing the discounted price or it was even on sale. I remembered my last buys hence, I curiously asked to check the price.

The Natio Spa Retreat set consists of a pep-up body cleanser, coconut and shea body butter, heavenly hand cram, cotton robe and Natio tote bag. Guess how much I paid for it? The price tag states RM138 while the receipt wrote the original price as RM254. After discount, it's only RM69! :)

It's a simple nice body pampering gift for my mum. I think she'll like the robe to slip into after a nice hot bath (like in the hotel). In the meantime, I'll have to abstain the temptation to just give this to her now instead of waiting for May to come! ;)

Spa Haul

I was looking for body scrub and some body pampering items when I stumbled upon these goodies at 50% off last weekend. I just couldn't resist. Initially, I was contemplating on spending in Body Shop but just decided to give these a try. :) I found them at the lower shelves in Sasa while waiting for my friend to buy her stuff. Never expected to spend that weekend!!

I got these 5 items for less than RM100 after discounts. 1st set consists of a body shower, body mask & body butter with free bag and loofah.

 

1st set (from left): Coconut & Shea Body Butter, Coconut & Vanilla Creamy Shower Cleanser ,Detoxfying Clay Face & Body Mask

2nd set consists of the body polish (body scrub) and an intensive hand cream with a free polka-dotted bag & mirror.

2nd set (from left) : One minute miracle body polish, Heavenly Hand Cream

These are from Natio Spa, Australia. Have anyone tried these before? I find the body polish a tad too oily for me but so far, I love the body butter. :) 

How to Stop Splurging

TIPS: How to STOP splurging? Get banned from the store!
In fact, when I googled about "avoid shopping", I stumbled upon an interesting blog which had this newspaper article on how to avoid shopping. Get banned from the store!!(courtesy of the reluctant husband or boyfriend who had been waiting for his other half to shop)

That would be really effective, but I don't want to get banned!! Somehow, I've also matured from shopping. Seriously! (I hope)

Amazingly, today I went window shopping and selected a few items for purchase but at the last minute, I decided not to buy it. It happened again in the second store.

Why amazing?
Well, I do indulge in retail therapy once a while and recently, the thrill no longer holds the same sparkle as it used to. Hence, it's amazing to me.

How did that happen?
First, I had no income temporarily. That made me avoid all the New Year and Chinese New Year sales early this year. In fact, I had to patiently wait for my new paycheck to pay my loans.

Secondly, the act of refraining to shop during the Chinese New Year sales, had made me more resistant to the sales.

Thirdly, I'm in the midst of moving hence I realised I already have TOO much stuff. My dad casually mentioned that my room is a store room. Sigh...

When I shop, I ask myself...?
Looking through my stuff has made me asked myself this: (The blue lines is the little voice inside of you who justifies your buys.. lol)

How many more bags do I need? (Yes, that one does really match a dress that I have)

How many more clothes will I buy and not wear? (Maybe I'll lose weight and fit in those someday. Or the trend might come back!)

 

How many more shoes shall I buy and keep for years?  (But it's so hard to find a nice pair of court shoes!)

 

How many more magazines shall I keep and collect dust?(But that article inside the page could be useful in future. I just like that outfit in page XXX.)

The list goes on and on..

Hence, what do you think of "Buy Nothing Day"?

Personally, I don't think a day of not buying anything justifies a whole year of consumerism. Lol

I remember browsing an article in the newspaper few months back which mentioned about a group of people who made vows not to shop except buying daily necessities. (Forgot what it is call). The writer shared that it really changed his/her life.

I wonder if I can take it to such an extreme. I still think everything done in moderation is all alright because it's like trying to quit smoking. If you stop shopping cold-turkey, you might get withdrawal syndrome and even worst, bounce back suddenly with excessive shopping in a day!

Meanwhile, I'll just stay at home and be a couch potato! Hope I don't turn into the cat like this!

Ho Chi Minh City Trip

Was away for a free and easy trip in Saigon. Will be posting reviews on:
1. Hotel
2. Shopping
3. Food
4. Sights

Meanwhile, a snippet of my shopping haul. hahaha Broke but happy. Most of the items are to be given away though. I've controlled shopping for the first two days before succumbing to these... ;)

10 Rules to follow during a “Shopping Diet”

Potential new resolutions to help you keep to your "Shopping Diet":

1. Do not bring out any cash when you go out
2. Do not bring out any credit card when you go out
3. Do not go to shopping malls
4. Do not go to sales
5. Do not go out – period
6. Do not browse online shopping website / blogshops/ garage sales
7. Do not go online
8. Do not read warehouse sales blogs or bargain blogs
9. Do not earn money – no money, no spending power
10. Bring your other half along to your shopping outings with the complete mandate to disallow you to buy anything

Well? Sounds impossible? I’ve tried no. 3 but then I turn to no. 6 so there goes my money. (To think I wanted to sell my junk – but I bought more stuff online instead! Ha! I’ve learned to pre-order from US sprees too… oh no!)

Yesterday, I tried no. 1 and no. 2 because bf says we’re going to FRIM to check out the canopy walk. (will blog about this later). I happily surrendered my IC and driver’s license to him; thinking it’ll be easier not bringing anything.

Alas, he had the desire to look for something in Midvalley Megamall after brunch. Coincidentally it is the last day and “special hours” for HSBC cardholders to shop with 20X points. He hates going Midvalley because we take more than half hour to find a car park the last few times we went there.

Earn up to 20X Reward Points when you swipe your HSBC Credit Card at participating merchants of MidValley Megamall, The Gardens Mall and Gurney Plaza from 26 November 2009 till 3 January 2010.

I spotted a pair of Mary Janes shoes which was 50% off. I spotted some other sales which I didn’t even bother walking in to take a look. I tried a few tops and dresses which I might have bought if I had the cash/card.

In the end, I only bought a necessity I need which I had to borrow $$ from bf. (On the other hand – I guess it can be considered as a gift from him. Haha)

Hence, I survived a day without really shopping… Pat myself on my back - reluctantly!!

Shopping Diet

I’ve been using this term for the past 2 months. My friend exclaimed, “You bought something? I thought you said you were on a shopping diet?”

I started reflecting on the term and came to this conclusion.

When a person goes on a diet (from food), he or she does not totally stop eating altogether. He reduces his intake and controls the choices of food he takes.

It’s the same with my “shopping diet”. I define it as discouraging myself to “binge” into shopping by avoiding temptation – don’t go to shopping malls or bring a grouchy friend who scowls horribly when you try to shop (ahem). Avoid shopping malls during PMS or when you’ve shopping-diet for a long duration.

My friend complained that I did not fulfill my shopping diet because I bought a few items. I guess it’s learning to differentiate between needs and wants. It’s also important to priorities which needs are more important and so forth.

Hence, the things I bought which my friend complained are 2 books during a book launch (which I didn’t read at all). My other friend didn’t stop me from buying.. (you know who you are).. lol.. Tempted me with the buying 3 at a discount rate… ahhaha But the most important person to stop myself should be me. Not saying I regretted. It’s a nice book on my shelf. Haha Plus autographed by the author (Another excuse to myself)

Other items I have bought since then are skincare (I need it and the price is going up next month), working shirts (50% off and the cutting fits me perfectly), Christmas presents, makeup items (it’s on sale!!) etc.

Doesn’t this sound familiar to you all? Notice the excuses I tell myself in brackets? Anyway, to make things worse, my goal of throwing/reducing my stuff to 50% is moving very slowly… hopefully forward and not backwards! I’ve even reduced my dateline to end of January 2010. Wish me luck! Yikes!

P.S. Anyone interested in my collection of books? Been slowly “snail-pace” selling them off in lowyat.net.

Christmas Shopping: Tealight Candle Holder

‘Tis the season to be jolly.. Fa la la la lah… la la la lah..

Are you in the Christmas mood? I dread this season. It’s raining all the time, money flies out my pocket and I have to eat lots! Sound like a pouting child?

Well, just kidding.. Obviously, I like this season especially now… It’s the end of the year!

Usually, we have a number of public holidays in December i.e. Christmas & New Year! Coincidentally, a few public holidays fall on every Friday in 4 weeks in a row this year! :) My ideal figure for a weekend – 3 days!

Everyone is busy shopping for presents, preparing festive meals and going for long holidays. I regretted not buying extra stuff to be given as Christmas gifts…

I’m keeping all these 3 tealight candle holders for myself. I got them in one of the shopping malls in Singapore (can’t recall which as I was too tired carrying my luggage and shopping).

Isn’t the painting of the Christmas scene just "divinely lovely and Christmasy"? (sorry, out of adjectives.. haha) I was taken by the cute little angel. Santa could have been cuter but I guess this one seems more artisy.

But pause for a moment, didn’t we celebrate Christmas not too long ago? Another year has gone by? It’s time to check my list of resolutions to see if I have accomplished anything. If not, I will continue to carry forward my resolutions to infinity...

I know a few resolutions I have been carrying forward… will reveal next time!

Earring Organiser – Part 2

Here’s a Christmas gift idea for you all! You still have time to order it and get it delivered directly to your house!

I’ve been eyeing this kind of earring stand for almost a year. It's because you can put quite a lot of earrings and rotate it around (like browsing in shops) to pick the one you like!

Normally, these stands are used by the accessories shop selling earring. However, some kind soul-cum-business women/men out there have started selling the stands directly to consumers.

So far, I’ve noticed this seller in lowyat.net is selling a wide array. I’ve bought a butterfly earring stand for my friend’s birthday gift. Hope you like your gift, Alina! :) We even enhanced the "butterfly" theme by buying her additional items: butterfly earrings and butterfly bracelet!

This is the chronological event of the transaction:
20 Nov - Paid item to seller
23 Nov - Seller posted item
24 Nov - Received item

I find the process efficiently done after payment and speedy delivery with the courier service. However, be clear when you place your orders. I couldn't really order with the chinese characters as I've never learn Mandarin.
Back to the earring stands - My personal concern initially was the material it was made of. I wondered if it would create some sort of reaction to the earrings. Hence, I’ve asked some of the earlier buyers who assured me that their earrings are still fine.

Next, I didn’t have any flat surface left to display my earrings – let alone this stand. Lastly, I was worried about dust on my earrings and the moisture.

Hence, I’ve still stored my earrings in the colourful pillboxes I’ve blogged about earlier.

However, I still wish I have the space to put such lovely-looking-earrings stands because it’s way more convenient to pick and chose your earrings in front of a mirror! (unlike pillboxes which require you to open it up). It’s beauty versus functionality!

*Note: Pictures are taken from the thread selling the item. I do not get a commission for promoting the seller's thread. Just wanted to share my gift ideas here and I noticed the price is reasonable*

Shopping Bag

As everyone gets more "environmental"-conscious, a new range of products fill the shelves in retail - the shopping bag! The alternate to plastic! Say no to plastic and bring your own shopping bag.

Gone are the days you would collect lovely thick, beautifully-designed paper bags from department stores. Now, people would love the reusable cloth bags. About 2 years back, I remember visiting the bookstore in Singapore and I noticed a number of magazines were giving free cloth shopping bags to encourage people to bring their own. Wow.. that's nice.

In fact, some places have started to encourage shoppers to bring their own bag by charging plastic bag. Cold Storage has a no-plastic-bag day on Thursday if I'm not mistaken. Bodyshop does not provide plastic bag on the few occasion I visited them and they suggest I place the item into my bag. Aeon Jusco sells reusuable shopping bags to encourage shoppers to recycle as shown in this article.

Another new breed of bags is the foldable "umbrella" bags. Some have conveniently designed that it will be folded into another smaller pouch while others can fold into a small piece. I've seen one shaped like a little strawberry - so cute! It's RM9.90 in stores.

Why do I call it "umbrella" bags? It's because of the material used which reminds me of the umbrella material. Not too sure if it's the same but it feels like it - light weight and waterproof? Have yet to try if it's leak proof. Ha!

I got myself a few of these "umbrella" shopping bags today. It's only RM4.95 from Guardian pharmacy with a few simple designs.

Why I want these? Not just for shopping (which I hardly remember to bring along as I don't carry handbags all the time) but I noticed that it works well to carry dirty laundry! It also gives me the impression it should be waterproof that I can carry my wet towel and swimsuit after a swim. Will try that soon! Plus, I read somewhere in the newspaper that this bag would be useful for additional carry-on during rough travels.

Hence, go grab yourself one of these and stuff into your bag to join in the season of "environmentally"-consicous citizens! ;)

Psst.. I think it'll make cheap convenient and practical Christmas present too if you're really out of ideas. Lol!

Upcoming Entries

Oh no, this is a first for me. I have a to-blog-list. I’ve been away outstation the last few weekends for weddings and all. The radiant bride and charming groom dominates the night. But nobody will notice the punctual guests who attend all these weddings. *Shrug* Except our growling stomach ! lol.. Anyway, to my dearest friends – I had a lovely time at your weddings! :) Got to meet up old friends, dress up and photograph each other like mad!

Here are the upcoming entries I haven’t had the time to sit down to properly blog about and some teasers!

1. Cosmetic Storage
Do I just put into clear plastic boxes? Nice woven baskets? Strewn over the table? Or stuffed into the cosmetic bag and pour them out when I need them? Alas – I found the perfect solution in Singapore.

2. Hotel Review: Hangout @Mt. Emily
I was eyeing this hotel 2 years back when it just opened. The reviews were great and it seemed affordable. I managed to stay there this time around. Took pictures of the rooms we stayed.

3. Food Review: Ipoh Lunch (before Penang makan-makan)
Armed with information and a map from food reviews online, we searched for the famous food

4. Food Review: Day 1 – Penang
4 girls went to 2 locations with lots to eat for a tea-time snack!

5. Food Review: Day 2 – Penang!
Just 3 locations for 6 dishes for lunch

6. Parking Rates around
Pay parking on ALL days including public holidays? Pay parking almost 24 hours a day? What are the rules?

7. Elf Product Review
My haul arrived within 1 month of ordering from the spree but I have yet to test it out except one.

8. Eye-makeup Product comparison
I got 3 different brands to test out their effect – first time doing this but I was curious with the huge price difference for the same product

9. Online Shopping Review : Acmamall.com
I have been delaying this review because the items I got from there are Christmas presents!

10. Earrings Storage 2
I've mentioned how I kept my earrings before but it's worth repeating because I got this for my friend's birthday! I didn't realised there are more patterns around which are worth considering. I even saw one in a reindeer shape in a shop display. Where can I get that?

In the meantime, I guess these will be my “homework” on the upcoming public holidays I’ll be having – every Friday for 4 weeks! Yipee! :)

Beautyholics Anonymous:SCA Giveaway!

Beautyholics Anonymous has finally opened her blogshop called "Sweet Contemplation Accessories". She has handmade pieces which are mainly chainmaille ones.

Hence, she's generous enough to have a give 2 sets of her SCA items.
To take part in the giveaway, go to her website and answer these 2 questions by leaving a comment below the post:
1. Where are you from?
2. What’s your favourite piece of jewellery? No, not from her store (although you can still name one from there if you like ), but which piece of jewellery do you love the most? Perhaps given by a loved one? Tell her your story!

Here is my favourite jewellery with my comment! Wonder if i'll be lucky enough to win! Wish me luck! *Fingers crossed*

Good day to all! This is Joyce from Malaysia.

My favourite jewellery is ALL my charm bracelets. My mum promised to get me a charm bracelet when I was younger but never did due to financial circumstances.

So when I grew up, I just went berserk and got myself a few with different themes.

My favourite is the "I'm a Woman" bracelet which I chose 5 important charms: a diamond ring (forever), Cinderella's slippers (fairytale), a crucifix (God), a terrier (pets) and a couple (relationship).

To me, those are important aspect to a woman!

Lotion Bath

Since I don't eat enough vegies and fruits, my skin is kind of dry. I have resorted to lathering myself with body lotion after my shower.

Hence, I have 2 HG for body lotion during the past few years. During the day, I use any of the Nivea Body range like Intensive Milk - I will stock up on this during sales in either Watsons or Guardian Pharmacy. I find that it is not too sticky and not too thick.

Then during the evening, I would use something of a thicker texture which is my favourite St. Ives Advance Body Moisturisers. I prefer products with aloe but somehow I just like the scent of the Collagen Elastin range.

Imagine to my delight when I saw Guardians' 7 day special: RM8.88 for a bottle of 532mL St. Ives Advanced Body Moisturizer!! (Its normally priced around RM21.90 with RM16.90 - the cheapest I got).

So this is what I have stocked up so far. I'm telling myself it is enough but imagine that, you can buy 2 and a half bottle now versus 1 bottle when there is no sales! How? Is these enough? Should I buy somemore? :)
But I wonder why is it so cheap? Sometimes, it means they are clearing stock (no more??) Or there is new packaging or new products? Hmm...