Sick and tired of straight and unmanageable hair. Sick and tired of hairbuns.

TBC…

You know why I always keep my hair in a bun? Because I feel that tying my hair up not only keeps hair off my face, but brings out my facial features too. In this very windy weather of Melbourne, my hair always gets messed up. Not only that, on bad or good hair days, I bun up my hair because it never goes out of fashion. In fact, a really high bun is in these days. Here’s how I tie my hair bun – even for my dance classes and they are really secure. It’s neat, classy, quick and efficient. Suitable for people on-the-go who want to prim and proper.

Tip: You need a elastic hair tie good enough to secure your hair three times overlapping each side. You could always wear hair accessories with this hairstyle or even a hairband.

Next, here’s how Grace does the french twist. I find that this method doesn’t work for me because of the texture of my hair, it slides off easily and I find the chopstick / pen uncomfortable in my head but it works for many people and looks really classy and elegant. Suitable with a little-black-dress (LBD).

Hope you enjoyed that, and I’ll share more tips in time to come. You could probably tell that my style is pretty no-fuss and no-hassle.

It was a really lovely hillarious weekend with my family members, just the four of us. So much fun and laughter in the family. It’s really nice how we sisters (Jean and I) can still take the weekend off to go home with our parents back to Ipoh just to visit my grandma and aunt (at the same time pass out my wedding cards). We’d both purposely sit on my dad’s lap, kacau my mum (coz she’s “kacau-able”), make fun of each other and just eat reasonable and affordable good food. Good times and, as usual I had my favourite Palak Paneer at Old Andersonian’s Club and Hor Hee noodles in Hollywood Restaurant, Canning Garden.

My wisdom tooth is pretty much cured, just waiting to get the stitches off me. The wonders of dental technology! I’m just comparing this last extraction to my last one that cost me RM300 several years back in Ipoh. It was reasonably okay but I really don’t recall today’s pain as much as I endured those days when I extracted my bottom right tooth.

Oh, if you must know – Do my braces affect the extraction of my wisdom tooth? The answer is “no” because my brace does not sit on that particular tooth and those teeth with braces don’t affect the extraction.

Here’s what I wrote on my old Xanga blog in 2005 that I have already privatised just before I left Malaysia to get a degree in Perth:  

Waiting for the toothfairy
Written on 21 February 2005

WARNING: Should you find this entry gross, leave this page.

Everyone wants a perfect set of teeth. Taking care of teeth is especially important to obtain the perfect Darlie or Colgate model set of teeth. But, some are less lucky, probably due to genetics or other factors that may contribute to certain “bad luck” (I would call it), when it comes to teeth.

I’m one of the unlucky ones, having my right bottom wisdom tooth growing horizontally. In the long run, it would push my whole set of teeth. Plus, if I don’t pull it out sooner, it might hurt, get swollen, and I might get sick in Perth where surgery charges to remove the wisdom tooth in Ozie may cost up to AUD$2000 (if I’m not mistaken). In KL, it costs RM500. So, the only option is in Ipoh, where it cost me RM300 (supposedly RM350) because the dentist is a close contact. A friend of mine had his removed at the general hospital in Ipoh, it costs RM50 with referral from a local private dentist (equally as good). I chose the private dentist.

The operation took about an hour as the roots were pretty deep in. First, he put anaesthetic to numb my mouth, then slowly got his way through jabbing into my gums. After a while, it got more tedious for him, and he resorted to using all sorts of other utensils that involves drilling. In the process of it, I was gigglish at the sound of the drills. There was hardly any pain, although I found myself holding my head still, as he tried to pull my tooth out with all his might. After such a long time, my jaw got tired of opening too wide the whole duration. When that ended, I was relieved, but blood was gushing out. That was not it. He used a strand of black thread to stitch my wound. My eyes were kept wide-open (mata terbeliak) as I imagined if I were a piece of cloth, and had feelings, the needle poking through me over and over again. I thought that was the end, but it was just the beginning.

I saw my tooth. I insisted on keeping it. It looks really cute. I think I will take it with me to Perth. Come on, it’s my wisdom you know?

I had to take three different types of medicine. Capsules of antibiotic, for pain and tablets for pain 4 times a day which lasted me for about 5 days. If you like pain inflicted on you, you would find the swelling and suffering a pleasure. However, that didn’t exactly work for me although I thought I could take the pain, initially. I am not afraid of jabs and dental check-ups. The worse part was not being able to talk and eat. My right jaw was numb and I could hardly open my mouth. That night itself, I ate KFC’s mashed potatoes. Following days, I had chee cheong fun, Kenny Roger’s macaroni and cheese, soup, porridge, yoghurt, ice-cream, yong tau foo, etc. For the first time in my life, I really didn’t feel like eating at all and developed a minor gastric problem. However, I am improving these days. At night, I gargle my mouth in salt water and dab on the remains of salt onto my big ulcer on my inner lip (I probably bit my lip when it was numb).

The bad thing about having to feel all this pain is also having people stare at you. I had two ladies staring at the retarded way I ate, on a few occasions. The continuous kind of stare. I didn’t like that at all.

After a week of removing my wisdom tooth, the dentist removed the stitches. It was easier than ever. I almost didn’t realise him removing it. I thought he was merely checking on my teeth.

The pain is still on after so many days, and somehow strain at the thought of meeting my friends in my condition, speaking in pain, biting onto my raw gum each time if not because I really want to see them before I leave for Perth.

I vow to have real perfect teeth that look like dentures. That would be in two years time. I hope my other wisdom teeth grow vertically. After all, a good set of teeth attracts. I would want to criticize in my heart about other people’s teeth next time. I know of a friend who had horrendous goofy-looking teeth. After putting on braces and taking them off, she ‘advertises’ the importance of having nice teeth for what she is looking for in a person online. I want to have the rights soon. Then, I wouldn’t lose so many tvc jobs especially those to do with chocolate, chewing gum, and toothpaste.

Here’s a lil advice for those of you who may go through this. Never ever be too over-confident that it wouldn’t hurt after the surgery. You will be so wrong. And, make sure you have sumptuous meals before that. Good luck in dealing with it!

I’ll just put my wisdom tooth under my pillow and wish a lil wish anyway. Who knows, my wish may come true?

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So that was the end of my entry in 2005. I find it funny - the way I used to narrate my thoughts. Oh, speaking of gargling mouth with salt water to clean the mouth or heal the open wound from dental extraction, here are 60 uses of salt. Pretty useful, check it out!

THE 60 USES OF SALT

*Thanks Joanna Ng for sending this to me!

1. Soak stained hankies in salt water before washing.

2. Sprinkle salt on your shelves to keep ants away.

3. Soak fish in salt water before descaling; the scales will come off easier.

4. Put a few grains of rice in your salt shaker for easier pouring.

5. Add salt to green salads to prevent wilting.

6. Test the freshness of eggs in a cup of salt water; fresh eggs sink; bad ones float.

7. Add a little salt to your boiling water when cooking eggs; a cracked egg will stay in its shell this way.

8. A tiny pinch of salt with egg whites makes them beat up fluffier.

9. Soak wrinkled apples in a mildly salted water solution to perk them up.

10. Rub salt on your pancake griddle and your flapjacks won’t stick.

11. Soak toothbrushes in salt water before you first use them; they will last longer.

12. Use salt to clean your discolored coffee pot.

13. Mix salt with turpentine to whiten you bathtub and toilet bowl.

14. Soak your nuts in salt brine overnight and they will crack out of their shells whole. Just tap the end of the shell with a hammer to break it open easily.

15. Boil clothes pins in salt water before using them and they will last longer.

16. Clean brass, copper and pewter with paste made of salt and vinegar, thickened with flour.

17. Add a little salt to the water your cut flowers will stand in for a longer life.

18. Pour a mound of salt on an ink spot on your carpet; let the salt soak up the stain.

19. Clean your iron by rubbing some salt on the damp cloth on the ironing surface.

20. Adding a little salt to the water when cooking foods in a double boiler will make the food cook faster.

21. Use a mixture of salt and lemon juice to clean piano keys.

22. To fill plaster holes in your walls, use equal parts of salt and starch, with just enough water to make a stiff putty.

23. Rinse a sore eye with a little salt water.

24. Mildly salted water makes an effective mouthwash. Use it hot for a sore throat gargle.

25. Dry salt sprinkled on your toothbrush makes a good tooth polisher.

26. Use salt for killing weeds in your lawn.

27. Eliminate excess suds with a sprinkle of salt.

28. A dash of salt in warm milk makes a more relaxing beverage.

29. Before using new glasses, soak them in warm salty water for awhile.

30. A dash of salt enhances the taste of tea.

31. Salt improves the taste of cooking apples.

32. Soak your clothes line in salt water to prevent your clothes from freezing to the line; likewise, use salt in your final rinse to prevent the clothes from freezing.

33. Rub any wicker furniture you may have with salt water to prevent yellowing.

34. Freshen sponges by soaking them in salt water.

35. Add raw potatoes to stews and soups that are too salty.

36. Soak enamel pans in salt water overnight and boil salt water in them next day to remove burned-on stains.

37. Clean your greens in salt water for easier removal of dirt.

38. Gelatin sets more quickly when a dash of salt is added.

39. Fruits put in mildly salted water after peeling will not discolour.

40. Fabric colors hold fast in salty water wash.

41. Milk stays fresh longer when a little salt is added.

42. Use equal parts of salt and soda for brushing your teeth.

43. Sprinkle salt in your oven before scrubbing clean.

44. Soaked discolored glass in a salt and vinegar solution to remove stains.

45. Clean greasy pans with a paper towel and salt.

46. Salty water boils faster when cooking eggs.

47. Add a pinch of salt to whipping cream to make it whip more quickly.

48. Sprinkle salt in milk-scorched pans to remove odor.

49. A dash of salt improves the taste of coffee.

50. Boil mismatched hose in salty water and they will come out matched.

51. Salt and soda will sweeten the odor of your refrigerator.

52. Cover wine-stained fabric with salt; rinse in cool water later.

53. Remove offensive odors from stove with salt and cinnamon.

54. A pinch of salt improves the flavor of cocoa.

55. To remove grease stains in clothing, mix one part salt to four parts rubbing alcohol.

56. Salt and lemon juice removes mildew.

57. Sprinkle salt between sidewalk bricks where you don’t want grass growing.

58. Polish your old kerosene lamp with salt for a brighter look.

59. Remove odors from sink drainpipes with a strong, hot solution of salt water.

60. If a pie bubbles over in your oven, put a handful of salt on top of the spilled juice. The mess won’t smell and will bake into a dry, light crust which will wipe off easily when the oven has cooled.

Note: Bulu Kening = Eyebrows

These days, I spend my money largely on groceries. Window-shopping is my favourite thing to do as I can automatically shut my mind off buying things when I don’t have the money. The last time I ever shopped for clothes was during Boxing Day. Other times, my money would be spent on keeping in touch with girlfriends at cafes, which is something I realise I cannot do too much, that’s why I’m always indoors.

When it comes to spending money on beauty, I don’t indulge much in spas, manicure and pedicure. The last time I had a proper one was a treat from my aunt in Singapore but I vow to do it at least three times a year as a thorough cleaning for my nails. I do my own nails and they are quite well-kept except for my ingrown toenails that are cut-in too deeply. Facials are a no-no for me, for fear of someone ruining my skin. An exfoliating scrub sponge is good enough with my Clearasil wash and Biotherm creams. My entire Rimmel make-up set was provided for, enough to last me for the next two years. I spent mostly on contact lenses, something I pre-bought in a huge bundle to last me for many months.

I pluck my eyebrows every fortnightly when extra stubs appear. I think that proper eyebrows make a person look complete.

Make-up is supposed to enhance one’s features and not supposed to be overdone. I have had my fair share of bad days of make-up. I never regretted joining a reality show more than a year back because the many amateur make-up artists created my many looks, some which made me look pretty horrible, like the second last photo in this blog entry. At least I know “what not to do” when I make myself up.

Make-up should be kept to a minimal at most times, or none at all (I’m sure your man would prefer this alternative). Enhancers which are loud, like fake eyelash extensions and strong-coloured lipstick should only be used at functions.

For guys, I think guys should pluck their eyebrows and shape them. It’s not called “vanity”, I call it “decency”. I also do think that it is fine for a guy to put concealer on a pimple, but not foundation. If applied properly, the concealer won’t look like one. I have seen a guy wear foundation before at a function and had at least three persons ask him if he was wearing foundation (you simply cannot hide the “cake”) and he simply denied it. It didn’t help as he was really dark hence the caked-up look. Well, unless you’re dark and tanned like myjojo then scars and pimples won’t be visible. Hehehe.

For those who aren’t used to plucking their own eyebrows, here’s how I pluck mine and shape (draw) them afterwards.

Firstly, you need this:

An eyebrow-tweezer.

Your eyebrows would have grown by this much, either more or less. Sometimes, even joined at the centre depending on the nature of your hair. Mine’s pretty fine.

So how do you pluck? Ensure that you have washed your face to soften the hair follicles and open the pores so that it’s less painful when you pluck. When you pluck, pluck AGAINST THE GROWTH OF YOUR HAIR. So as you can see in the photo, my hair grew towards the left, so I pluck and pull towards the right. I read this from Cleo Magazine in the Beauty section. However, some other sources say that you can pluck towards the direction of your hair growth. Whichever direction you go for, make sure you hold the tweezer close enough to your hair root so you don’t damage the hair follicle.

It’s a little red after plucking, but mostly fine after a while. I also couldn’t get rid of some of them – “dots”. I’ll wait till it grows out in a few days. If it’s a little red, you can use an ice-cube over your plucked eyebrows. Otherwise, just leave it for about ten minutes, the redness will disappear.

My eyebrows after plucking. However, my eyebrows look a little too light. I need some enhancer.

I need to shape and draw my eyebrows.

Start by placing a pencil at the centre on one side of your eyebrow. Your eyebrow should start about  one to two centimetres from the temple of your forehead. You don’t need it after a while, actually. Use your gut feel and don’t stand too close to the mirror for misjudgment, and likewise when you stand too far away.

When should the eyebrow line end?

Just slightly past the end of your eye to make your eyes look bigger. Slant your eyebrow pencil.

This is how it should look like – strong and bold. Suitable on the following occasions:
- at work (more corporate feel)
- when you wear less make-up and want to go with only eyebrows, mascara and lipstick.

Play it down more when you have heavy eye make-up on or depending on occasion.

Smooth it out with the eyebrow brush.

Complete eyebrows.

You know how a make-up can make a person look really ugly? Look at my make-up here:

Star Celeb 2007

My overdone eye-lashes and coloured contact lenses. Still want to follow the trend? If you’re thinking of wearing coloured contacts, you might want to play down the make-up alot more. Otherwise you’d end up looking as scary as me – when jolly well I wouldn’t make myself up to look like this. To the make-up artist of this face of mine, I’m sorry but you’re pretty bad. Hope you learn from this bad judgment. This lady in yellow is not the make-up artist by the way.

Sorry to give you all a nightmare. I have trust issues when it comes to other people handling my make-up.

For my sister’s wedding dinner (heavier make-up for night photography), I did my own make-up. I am also considering to do my own make-up for my wedding. We’ll see.

This week, I will hardly have any photos of my cooking. Instead, today I’d like to focus on “exercising vanity”. I just went crazy in my Nike gym outfit. *chuckles* This is just the start, still have flabs here and there. So much to tone up. First step in exercising is to either be upset with my current figure or and to be glad with certain assets I currently have. I think many people feel bad about themselves because they forget to recognise their body’s asset. The parts I like about my body are my wide shoulders and the line that cuts right through my stomach that helps me shape my abs (from ballet days) and my strong calves. If I want to name parts of my body that I don’t like, there are, but why not work on what I like than what I hate? (Yes I did mention in one of my previous posts that I don’t like the love handles.)

Good night!