Movie watch list

• How to train your Dragon
• Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
• Going the Distance
• Curious Case of Benjamin Button

I have also completed my previous list from this post. Watched  500 Days of Summer, Everybody's Fine-- added a short synopsis. I was waiting for them to go to OnDemand :3

• Julie & Julia
• 500 Days of Summer-- Quirky movie, also coz I like Joseph Gordon Levett :3 But the ending was waste.
• Hurt Locker
• Taking Chance
• Up ( I hear is really good, and want hubby to watch with me. But wont since he says it looks like a kid movie. WTF it got an Oscar?!?!)
• Everybody's Fine-- its about a Dad (Robert De Niro) and his 4 adult children and holiday. They all avoid him with poor & fake excuses. Instead, he visits them and discovers things about his children's lives.   And a secret that has been protecting him. 
• It's Complicated--  kind of neurotic story about love.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Currently watching Macy's Thanksgiving Parade.   Hello Kitty balloon, so kewt!! I love her!

Woke up early this morn ON MY OWN, psh.  

Went to Wallgreens for makeup sale. The ones I have is meant for my summer hue.  And of all days to shop for it! It was a ghost-town, only few people on the road & freeway.   I got a few things: the  Almay  Smart shade & balance foundation in Light/Med, the Intense I-color trio shadow for brown eyes & Revlon Colorstay for normal/dry skin in True Beige.  (I have dry, sensitive skin-- and eczema.) 

 I've used the Almay before since it's inexpensive & hypoallergenic. The foundation  is good because its easier for me to match my skintone. At first the product is white, and then blends to my tone.  It's very unique, like a golden tan hue.  Also it moisturizes where it's dry & oil control.  The shadow the trio was my first shadows I ever had.  Also took a shot @ Revlon Colorstay one coz I needed one with heavier coverage.  I have some uneven skintone, dark spots.  At first,  I was going to choose the Med Beige, and worried it'd look chalky.   True Beige was the winner! Tried it on right away, lol.  Relief, since  I usually have bad time choosing foundations.


:/edit/  


True beige was kind of off.  It seemed to light and salmon/pinky tint.  The better match for me is Natural tan!  Totally loving it coz its an exact match. Along with translucent powder, everything stays in place and lasts all day. And compliments!  


 :\end edit\

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Life update!   Lot has happened in past several months.  

As February, Scott & I moved from Concord. Dont worry, I'm not that far away!  We were looking something closer to my job. Commute is shorter, after 2 hrs per day to Tri-Valley before.   Took me a while to settle in,  new city streets/routes, also away from family & friends etc.  However, things are moving along now.  

Then April, my Grandpa of 92 years passed away. (He's my mom's Dad.) I was able to see him 2 days before it was his time. 

We celebrated his life on his Birthday, May 20th. We had it @ Cattlemen's steakhouse. I could not believe how long it had been since I've seen all my relatives!   My Auntie from Florida, my mom's cousins, etc.  Also some great stories of Grandpa.  It was truely a celebration. 

And I havent cut my hair since then. Heh.

My best memory of him is that he'd always have this old camera. It'd have a vertical  flash bulb.   And it would never flash!  and he'd get frustrated, lol. What makes me happy is that he wanted his own memory. I wonder where the pictures are now.

He was also an avid SF Giants fan.  Everytime we'd go to to their house, my Grandpa would be in his bedroom watching it on TV or have the on the radio.  THEN the Giants won the World Series!   It astounds me that it was exactly 6 months after he died.   I'm sure he had something to do with it :3

My FB post that day:

Also as of May 27 this year,  we have been married for a year!  Time freaking flies.  We  had dinner  at Cheesecake Factory.  Mmm red velvet.

October also commemorated 1 year after my Grandma (my Dad's mom) passing.  I'm her first grandkid.  She was a strong woman, after all having 3 boys.  She taught them all how to cook!  My best memory are all from my childhood-- taking muni to Union Square,  eating KFC Chicken Litlle sandwiches on Lombard St, SF, (Guess thats why I continue to eat alot of protein?) All wonderful things Grandmas are.  Thank for everything Grandma,  missyou & loveyou.

There you have it.  Hope you feel in touch now (:

Grandpa

Dear Grandpa,
Today is your big day, Pa. The day you start your journey to Heaven. Im sure it's been quite a journey.  Being in the Army,  seeing your Great-great grandchildren, and a black president.  I still think about seeing you that afternoon, Apr 21.  And happy to have seen you & told you I love you.  Though you would have said "STOP CRYING"  haha.   I hope you enjoy your journey.

I LOVE YOU PA.  And miss you very much.  There isnt a day I dont think about you. 

Love,
Melissa

Shopping

Went to my local Big Lots store yesterday.  Man, that place has some good stuff.  (And FTC no, I'm not being paid by them. This is my honest opinion.) Has furniture, decorations, school supplies, beauty, everything, swimming noodles, etc.   A store for closeout, discontinued items. Alot in large quantities.

You can go nuts in that place. I almost did :3

Bought 2 stacking shoe racks for my hubby's sneakers. It worked quite well, fit 2 pairs on each, and only $5 a piece!

The beauty section can be sketchy.   Saw some generic lotions,  even a lotion by Pillsbury (y'know the little dough boy.)  Kinda gross. Sorry, no evidence/pics!  Though it does have some items that are discontinued from Revlon, Almay, major brands.  But color selection is mediocre due to high quantity.

 It's going to be sandal season,  bought some things for a pedicure set. Inexpensive! (See pictured, reviewed from Left to Right) 

Sally Hansen Salon Mineral Foot Soak ~$2

I've seen this @ CVS, along with similar items from the line.  And it would sell for maybe 2 times more. I kinda got excited when I saw it :3   Packaging claims its..

"enriched w/dead sea minerals, botanicals, & herbal extracts. Soothes and softens tired, rough, achy feet."

Bio Swiss 4-in-1 Foot Care padle~$1

Has a pumice stone, brush, smoothing & metal file. Hoorah for multitasking.

Olay Body Thermal Pedicure foot Treatment~ $7

There was tons the shelf!  Must have been disco[ntinued.] Packaging claims of..

"self-heating, exfoliating scrub for soft, smooth, and soothe feet. with bora bora white sand, micro crystals, pumices, and shea butter."

Very excited for my day off to use these. Yipee.

Also picked a pkg of 32 small makeup sponges, havent used them before so decided to snag them, $1!  Latex free and "non sensitive" (whatever that means) is good for my eczema.

Also I'd like to point out the purpose of my reviews.  To make this clear, here's a list:

• 
  
  To not brag of how much I spend.
• 
  
  To share things with others, how they can save $ for a good buy. 
• 
  
  To excercise my descriptive writing skills.  ( per the chinese zodiac, I'm destined to be a writer)
• 
  
  To the FTC (disclaimer)  These are  my own honest options,  nor am I sponsored by mentioned companies/products.

I started reviewing by inspiration. As I was getting into makeup (yes, i know, late bloomer) I found this site, MakeupAlley. This helped me buy good products and see if it's worth my hard earned $.  And to prevent time returning/exchanging. Really cool site. Highly recommended.

...and its like that ya'll.

Rewindd.

Boo to the rain!  WTF happened to spring.

Today's my day off and feeling like a bump on a log.  Last night went to dinner with husband's Grandparents.  We had pizza and I actually had some wine! Which all the more makes me feel like a rolly polly (sp?)

I just finished watching Julie & Julia, after waiting forever for it to release to OnDemand.  Very good movie, quirky and few chuckles too.   Like Julia (Meryl) saying..

 "Wow! These damn things are as hot as a stiff cock!"

 ..as she took a cannellini bean out of a boiling pot of water.  Also love Stanley Tucci! 

MOVIES TO WATCH ~
-Julie & Julia
-500 Days of Summer
-Hurt Locker
-Taking Chance
-Up ( I hear is really good, and want hubby to watch with me. But wont since he says it looks like a kid movie. WTF it got an Oscar?!?!)
-Everybody's Fine
-It's Complicated

Easter Recap.   Family came over...amazingly they fit in our small apartment! My Mom brought over a roast and soup. I made some fantastic side dishes!  It was really easy and fun to make. (Courtesy of foodtv.com)

- Cottage cheese biscuits

- Roasted Asparagus, which is my new fad!  Its delicious, OMG

- Twice baked sweet potatoes

- Grown up Mac n Cheese, uses Gruyere cheese.  Interesting type since it was my first time shopping for it.  I chose applewood smoked which complimented the bacon very well.  Extra smokey.

We also dyed some eggs. Sister and I wanted to be artistic since so many colors. 

Oscars & Movies

Happy Friday. 

What am I doing?   In my quiet apartment enjoying myself.  Ought to make some dinner too.

Got home still wired.  Work mode.  Hubby was still sleeping (he's been sick with cold/cough, along with asthma.)  Made a snack and watched some of Oscar ceremony I DVR'd.  I watched it live @ my parents house. Mom says "its a recap of the Golden Globes!" I'm like, nooo way.

And "Avatar now occurs in the past!" LOL

Somehow I missed some touching segments.  Like the tribute for John Hughes.   See video here.   I've seen Ferris Buller, Beethoven, Home Alone almost on repeat. They are so great. And will continue to be watched!


Few days after I watched Hurt Locker, which won 6 of 9 nominations.   Jeremy Renner, who plays the main character, is from Modesto, CA

On to watching the rest.. laterrr!

(woo hoo to new layout! love it.)

Herro!

I have returned!  (For recap, click this.) 

Somethings I've been thinking about lately..
As much as I hate computers,  somehow I still gravitate towards them. Seem to have considered graphics design. Comp sci. Making videos.   This blog.

I might as well have carpal tunnel now. Old lady hands. And tired eyes.

 Per typingtest.com:

Test completed - here are your results:

Net Speed: 44 WPM(words/minute)

Accuracy: 89%

Gross Speed: 49 WPM (words/minute)

But somehow my fingers are stiff when doing this stest.   At work I have an ergo keyboard, helps a little.   Maybe coz my laptop keyboard diff..

Side note to self: NEED TO EXCERCISE MORE!

Also, bought some kick ass lipgloss the other day.  From....guess where?

WALMART

I live closer to one now.  Not so sure I like that.

Bought Revlon Super Lustrous lipgloss in  Life's a Peach. First time buy for myself @ $5.94.  This will be my first and own review/opinion. Coz the product is so awesome. I'll try to put real pics of my own later too.   Lets put my descriptive writing skills to work! 

Stats: Life's a Peach #110;  0.2 Fl oz, SPF 15, how revolutionary!
Packaging: The tube is so elegant!   Almost like a piece of art. This would not  be the type of lipgloss to keep in your pocket! I've been staring at it throughout the day (like a nerd) while its out on my desk; standing it up, laying it down, looking at the golden shimmers thru the tube. I was wowing about the gold trim showing when I untwisted it. Applicator isnt really slanted tip either, picks up a good amount of product though. Also not a traditional round tube, more of a square shaped. Facinating thing.

Use:   I've been using this as an everyday lippie since its almost neutral. My skin tone is like a medium tan with warm tones. Its almost a balance to a smokey eye makeup look. (I'm a late bloomer to makeup, har.) The consistency is very smooth, slightly thick (out of 5 being very thick, I'd say its a 2,)  though easy to spread/press around with just lips. Havent tried it enough to tell you how much I needed to re-apply throughout a day. Has a slight sticky-ness,  its a 2/5.  Small golden shimmers too, not chunky or noticeable when applying.  No scent either; maybe a very teeny-tiiiiny faint of a orange creamsicle, rating of a 1/5.   Its moisturizing    too!  Usually I put  a lipbalm on first, then the gloss. I can loose it now!! Lips are so smooth after.

The history of lipglosses and I go way back.  I'd say its my most worn beauty product.   Teenager years, I used to layer diff colors. Even a sliver one with a deep colored one. It turned out OK,  guess that was my experimenting.  Also had the glosses with the flavors!! I'm sure everygirl had Lipsmackers! 

Never really got into lipsticks since they can be drying, and not as easy to apply. Dont like breaking out the mirror and applying.  And I could never figure what colors are best!   

Even so,  other products I've used is Covergirl Wetslicks.  I liked how they are not sticky and somewhat good colors.  I've bought maybe 3 tubes of the Wine Shine color in the past.  Just a good, mild hue that brought life to my lips. Though it doesnt last long and dries my lips. Another from their line is the Amazemint ones, I have the Silly Lilly color.  Neutral, soft, lavendery-pink. It has a minty flavor fto freshen the breath. Claims to have properties that make your smile brighter, more white.  I'd say it does and I love the minty taste.  I have a thing for things minty.

Well, that was fun.    Thanks for reading!

( gotta updated this layout too! It's such an obsession..)

what a waste

Just found..

 the mineral make-up I bought is toxic to my skin type.

 I used it for a day, and was satisfied with the coverage. I had sm rash on de face.  I was excited coz it was "talc-free", which is a known factor to make my skin itchy. Also had some redness to cover and I was impressed that it totally concealed.

Grrr.

Next day, my skin condition was worsened.   I thought it was a re-occurance of my rash from the day before.   It felt like I had a sunburn all over my face, but not itchy.

So, I did some investigating.  As a good consumer AND eczema patient, it is vital I find good products. A good site is http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/. A search-able database of toxic ingredients in cosmetic and personal care products. It also shows a score of its toxicity.

Turns out this product I used may contain includes a chemical called "bismuth oxychloride"  which has same properties of ARSENIC! Ew. 

.............................Psssh.

Returned and exchanged for Physician formula's  Light Bronzer.  Currently under a test run!

Tribute

Just got back from my Grandmother's memorial.

It was like time stood still.

I had the hardest time sleeping last night.Too many contemplations:

Should my husband come with me?

OMG going to see people I haven't seen in ages.

What to wear? Man I need new clothes!

Should I wear her favorite color?  I want to celebrate her life.

I forgot which is her favorite color! Ah!

And sad coz it'll be the final time I will see her.

I'm grateful that I saw her her before I got married.   That day was May 17.
Maybe she wanted to see that first before she went.

Though, She coulda talked me out of it 

At 00:30  my mom called,  wanting to give input whether he should attend the memorial. Even when Grandma was in the hospital, it would have been awkward.  It would have been out of support, don't get me wrong.  But I didn't want my husband to see her like that. My Dad, my husband, and I agreed would be and odd  time for everyone to meet.  I got pissed, since it was already decided, the timing, and discussion of it again. My disagreement was I didn't want to stray the focus away from Grandma.

I ended up going to bed around 02:00 or 03:00. Also had to get up early coz of traffic.  But we forgot it was Columbus day today.  The day before my sis and I went on Columbus St, for Columbus day parade. It was a spontaneous thing, and glad I went.  She also had a field-trip type assignment to quick-draw things from it.  I wanted to catch the Blue Angels !!  And to my luck, they were flying!  It was cloudy, but I saw them like 5 diff times. 

The way I see it, it was a like a celebration for Grandma.
Angels in the sky.

 It's a mix of emotions,  happy and sad.   And the Priest had a good sermon;  explaining she will stay alive in your mind and in your heart.  And the same for my Grandpa I lost in 2001.

I will remember it all.  Happy coz I reminisce about what we did, and what fun. All the things she did. Alot of those times from when I was a little girl.  Walking down the street to KFC and eating chicken littles sandwiches.  Taking the Muni bus to market street.

All of these are flooding me.  I went to work the day after she left. And I swear,  all of the Grandmas called me. Saying they're 83 or 86 yrs old.  Then said they didnt know electronics very well, and to explain things like they're my Grandma. It was like she wanted to talk to me still.

 I don't think she's gone yet.

She's still in my mind.
I think she can read my mind.

And she's swelling my heart.

1921-2009

Way too much going on.

Brain is overheating overloading.

About things like...
relationships,
well-being, 
family,
work,
Life.

I really should be doing something else.

New work schedule started: 0900-1800 (that's 6pm, military time FYI) with Sunday/ Weds off.  Seperate days off are easier, dont feel as over-worked. Prior I had 1100-2000/ Tues & Weds off.   Not a big diff just that there's more traffic. I was on-time today.   Just that I took calls subconsciously and somehow effortlessly for the 1st 2 hours.

Though I may have had a cranky voice ;\ 

Update

My HTML skills stink.

Last time I blogged or had a journal, as you know, was maybe in high school. The primitive era.

10 year HS reunion is in 4 years. Ehhh.
Yeah, you do the math.

And as far as I can recall, I've always been some what an intellectual. Always reading, writing.  In school, my best friend and I would be pen-pals. Even though we call eachother or get together.

Just where the hell did all the creativity go? Here's my attempt to dust away cobwebs from this thinker of mine.

Also will try to post pics. Hubby got me a red Nikon S60 last Xmas, which needs to be used more!

Subjects of major interest:

>> Skin care/ health. I've had moderate/severe eczema all my life and have had to use many different medicines for it. I almost think my bod is toxic coz it's absorbed so much. Sure you will say "I have eczema too!" And say you have it here, here, and here. I have a more severe degree. This is how I can share products and procedures with people like me.

This isnt a pity or woe-as-me post. It was hard growing up, being self conscious about it all. At that age, you want to be a kid, but would have these responsibilities for your health. I always had my mom help me apply the meds to my skin. And when I hit the teen-age, the era when you don't-give-a-shit-about-anything-but-yourself, it just stayed the same or worsened. Now that I'm older, its full circle. Like why didn't I take care of myself better. As result I have scars, hyper pigmentation spots, etc. I don't want to say I suffer from eczema. My younger cousin has it too, and I see her do same things I did. I don't want her to butcher her budding self esteem. Girls these days have it hard. Too inspirational, I'm considering being an advocate for young girls and eczema.

>> Beauty. I could never figure out makeup in my younger years. Couldn't really ask my Mom coz she didn't wear any. I'd say the only product that I've worn the most is mascara. Do you curl your lashes? My in-laws say they pull your lashes out. However they have long-ass eyelashes already, LOL!

Before I got married, I was getting into it. Looking @ tutorials on YT/ Youtube. Its so easy! And inspirational. I've checked other blogs, and try the products they used and recommended. Lotta times they would make my condition worse. Though I'm an eczema patient, not really supposed to wear makeup. Again, I can share products with people with conditions like mine. This will be my mark!

And gotta enjoy being a girl!

>> Food. I've been cooking more than ever these days, being a Mrs.

>> Movies & TV. Last Monday started all the new prime time shows. My brain and DVR overloadeddd.

I'm sure there will be other subjects, its so limitless!

Happy Birthday Sister!!!

T-Minus 3, 2.. 1! Blog launch!

I started this blog shortly after I got married. The post below is back dated from June 15.

Enjoi!

Afterparty

I have come to the conclusion to blog. Had an idea of writing a journal instead, but my thoughts would run faster than my pen would. I'm at a new chapter in my life. I know I haven't told the world and my peeps, but I'm a Mrs. now! :] It's a big change and challenge.

AND holy crap I'm going to be 25 this year, lol.

Plus, I've always had a passion for writing. Grammar and how you express things also intrigues my brain. And also to share my interests. It's been a really long. My last blog, alas, I was post-high school. I tried to search for it for the memories, but to no avail T_T. It's probably outdated, lol. Access denied.

So what's Life like so far? Time is flying by like no other. As if it had Vtec .

Yeah, you can say I'm a car nerd.

And coz I ♥ my Honda.

Something I grew up with. And coz my husband is just the same.

Anyway, we were on "vacation" from May 25 to June 11. Spent 5 days in Vegas. We got there on the 25th, and thinking other visitors were leaving from the holiday. But eh, so crowded.

Still.

We flew Virgin America, most loveliest (and affordable!) airline ever. Left from SFO, we decided to upgrade to first class for $50 each, since it was $15/check-in bag. It was awesome; Leg room-a-plenty, free headphones, each seat equipped with a LCD touch screen, free movies. And purple lights, so stylish. Loved it. And attendants were so cool! They served us snack boxes. Never had one of those or HEARD of one of those on a flight. This one had some hor dourves. 3 small cups of cous-cous, with cherry tomatoes & other ingredients. Looked kinda sketchy, since my lethal allergy to nuts legumes. Short ride, watched half of 'Shopaholic' I'd give it a rating of 3 of 5, it had its funny moments. Scott says its an American adaptation of a Chinese storyline too.

[EDIT] Also cake button on the remote! Entertaining.

Arrived in LV around 4, and we saw our best man while checking into Mandalay. He and his girlfriend had drove in. His face looked tanned, lol. Check-in lines were packed!

Still.

For the rest of the night, visited the Wynn & the Venetian. Also met up with another friend. The hotel was so be-a-utiful! It was fun, played some blackjack w/ $40 ended up with $70 ^_^ And played war.

Yes, war is available @ the Wynn & Bally's.

Mandalay has 2 elevator banks: floor 2 thru 16, and second for the floors 16 to the sky. Sadly, We were on the 29th floor. Waiting for one was forever and a day, plus the elevator area was small. AND going down, it'll stop on each floor. We have noted to ourselves to stay in the first 16 floors.

There was one instance where an Australian chick asked a dude "does this go to the Sky bar?" in her accent. When she said "bar" it was more like "baah." SO the dude replied, "no this isn't the elevator to the baah" She said he was ridiculous and got off on the next floor. Dude explains that he was married, and hated other women that thought they were conceited.

Next day (26th), day before the big day, my family arrived. It was kind of a relief since night before was about dudes and gambling.I was excited since its been a while since we've been on a vacation together. My fam's room was on the 22 floor and my Aunt & Uncle was on the 10th floor. Can you imagine the elevator wait time?! Ha. Scott & I decided to be traditional for the pre-wedding evening. He went with his friends around town.

My sis (maid of honor) and I went around town also, around 19:00 we dropped by Macy's & Clinique counter for wedding makeup. (For the gals reading, I have a separate post of what I got.) I know, I know, should have bought it before I left. Woulda have saved me time to do other things. The consultant was really nice, didnt feel pressured or rushed. She was awesomeee. It was closing time now, we went back to the hotel. I had to go to bed early coz I had an early hair appointment.

I can tell you pre-wedding jitters/anxiety wasn't worth it. My mind over calculates. Sometimes to the point of overheating. I need to chill. We had decided to get married @ Mandalay sometime in late Jan/ early Feb. It was a challenge. Spending time on the phone, emailing the coordinators, etc.

And we could not have done it with our Mothers.

Gosh, what would you do without them?

They had made all the calls we needed to. We both work full time jobs. Myself, working in a call center doesnt give me time to use my cell and make personal calls. We really owe it to them.

So now its the big day. I woke up too late late to give me breakfast time. Eh. Ran downstairs to the salon, they were nice enough to get me a bagel! The stylist's name was Toni, a Angelina Jolie-esque of a lady but with red short hair. The experience was OK, didn't chat much coz I was hungry and I wanted her to concentrate.

Final product, and 65 hairpins later

I got out of the salon around 12:30 (whew!) Went up to my auntie's room, everyone was getting ready there. It was a mad house. My dad was already dressed. He is always so calm and collected. That's why I love my dad, and where I get those traits from. Everyone else was scrambling; I just sat around coz my dress wasn't pressed yet.

Ah, this is a long post! And time that day flew by like nothing else. Everything went well; our ceremony only lasted 15 mins. And I entered in the last 5! LOL.

... to be continued!