Thanksgiving Weekend Update

Family decided not to do a turkey this year but look what my aunt broke out:

 

As you can see she already decimated a good portion of the chocolates before bringing this out after lunch (before dinner). These were cute and I'm sure they would make a great gift (my aunt certainly appreciated it).

After spending the day with relatives/family I left to go see the BF at around 11pm. He had wanted to go to H&M at midnight. He googled around to double check times and location and we saw a video from last year's Black Friday opening and it was madness. When we got to the mall we had to circle around for what seemed like forever to find a spot in the garage. His handicap pass was not an advantage at all, all the spots were taken! Finally when we got inside (around 1am) he though maybe the crowd at H&M had died down a bit but nope! There were lines, barricades and security patrolling the entrance of the store! We left around 3am completely exhausted (he practically had to drag me since I was falling asleep standing up, not to mention I fell asleep in the Macy's dressing room while he trying on stuff). By then the garage started to empty and you could see tons of parking spaces. I didn't buy anything (didn't plan to, Black Friday can be such a ripoff) but he did manage to score a sharp looking coat for a very reasonable price. Maybe next year I'll be better prepared and be able to take a nap before going. 

Flipping through ads/coupons/etc...is it just me or did Chuck lose some weight? A skinny rat is so wrong, they should be fat and plump! He's so deprived of fat that his hair is turning white! 

Diva Cup: Updates

11.20.12 - Evening

Tried on the cup during my shower. Good thing you don't have to be on your period to wear this (unlike a tampon), then you can practice how to insert and take it out. My first attempt at insertion failed but after I squatted a bit more in the shower it was fine. I didn't have any issues with the cup not sealing. The cup felt quite comfortable but the stem kept poking at me. I didn't think it would be a big deal but as I was trying to fall asleep it kept bothering me so I decided to just take it out. 

Ouch. It was a bit of a struggle to get it out. More than I had anticipated since inserting the cup was pretty much as hassle free as you can get. I'm definitely going to need to figure out how to break the seal. Trying to pull out the cup while it's still sealed can be a bit painful. Also the cup itself may be a bit too big. If after I cut/trim the stem and learn how to break seal and I'm still experiencing discomfort with removal of the cup...I'll have to try a different brand. Ladycup maybe, it's the smallest cup on the market apparently. 

Diva Cup: First Impressions

Placed an order for a DivaCup through Amazon (pre-chid birth/under 30 version) for $23.05 on Sunday 11/18 and today it was delivered! 

I also ordered eyelid tape, Eye Charm Double Eyelid Tape 50 count ($4.20) to mostly get the Free Super Saver Shipping but also trying to even out my lopsided eyes, which have been bothering me more and more lately (the right is single and the left is a not insignificant double lid). Total amount = $27.25

So back to the cup.

I first heard about this when I was a freshman in college. Back then, it wasn't readily available and the cost was prohibitive for me. Cost and convenience of purchase were really the only things holding me back (now it's available so cheap on Amazon) I was otherwise convinced that I would convert from tampons/pads to the cup one day. Environmentally friendly (ew, think about all the tampons/pads a woman uses and throws out in her life time...sitting in some landfill!), safe (can't get TSS), convenient (holds much more than even the biggest tampon), cost-effective (thinking about how much I'll save over the next few years..yes!), and of course comfort. 

Ok, so I've already drunk the kool-aid and I'm totally biased and convinced that it'll be unicorn tears and baby saliva. Well, just to remind you, I still haven't tried it on...yet! I'm on the last day (or two days) or my period and I'll try it as soon as possible and report back. 

The kit includes a small floral pouch to keep your cup in while not in use and a "Diva" pin. And an instructional pamphlet I still need to read through xD.  

After holding the cup in my hands I noted two things: it's a bit dusty (so I'll give it a rinse in cool soapy water) and the feel on the outside of the cup is very smooth. The DivaCup is made from medical grade silicone, stuff that gets used to make heart valves and such. That's why it won't cause TSS. Most seem to be able to keep it on for past 12 hours because it holds so much (and if you can't get TSS, then why bother emptying?) The stem looks kind of  long and the cup itself is a bit more rigid/stiff than I had expected. I guess I thought it would be super thin and soft but then it probably wouldn't work. And you can even measure your blood flow! First reaction to that was an amused smile but you never know...there could be women who need to monitor blood flow for their health. 

If you're wondering what prompted my memory of the DivaCup it was two things. I had been on my first BCP since January and it completely dried up my period...and made it weird in other ways. So I switched this month and wow..I soaked through my sheets. And I realized I didn't want to back to dealing with tampons...so naturally I though back to getting a menstrual cup. 

=] 

On my office desk...

1. Nivea Creme Tin

I don't know why but if I'm not working I'm usually not using this stuff. Don't get me wrong I really like it and I think it works well but for one reason or another I just prefer using it at work. At .99 cents this is really not a bad deal and I love the cute tin with the adorable kids! I think there are different designs Nivea puts out occasionally too. The scent can be kind of strong and once I had put it on at this place I was temping at, a co-worker walked into my cube (that I shared with another) and asked if someone just put on baby powder sunscreen. Initially the scent did bother me a little but it has grown on me and now I enjoy it. And then a few weeks later the same co-worker walked in and asked what smelled so good. So maybe it takes a few exposures, lol. As you can see the texture is a thick cream so if left somewhere a bit warm it'll soften up. I really like using this stuff on my cuticles and general fingertip area. It may be a bit greasy depending on your preferences but I actually like that I can sit back and give myself a mini massage working the product in. 

I know some people may be turned off by the fact that it contains mineral oil (oops forgot to take a pic of the backside with the ingredients listed) but it's not an issue for me. I also don't buy into the mineral oil automatically equaling bad/unsafe/clogging. Skin mileage varies people. I will say that I only use this on my hands. Skin mileage also varies depending on where it is applied. 

As you can see I'm running low/out. Time to repurchase and then re-purpose this tin! =]

 2. Nivea Express Hydration Daily Lotion

I was running low on my usual lotion that I use to hydrate my skin after washing my hands and I was able to find this little sample in a zippered pocked in my purse. I'm not sure how to describe the scent on this one except that it's less powdery than the Nivea Creme and more floral. It really is kind of like a much lighter version of the Nivea Creme. I actually don't like this and I wouldn't buy the full sized product. For one, it contains denatured alcohol. Sorry but my hands are already parched after washing them why would I risk further drying them out? Now earlier I said skin mileage varies and for me, having this ingredient so far up the list is a no. It says the lotion softens and absorbs quickly and I'm betting that's what the alcohol does. Still, I'm just not impressed with this product, especially since it's retailing for about $6-8 dollars depending on the stores. 

I am willing to use this at work and only because I don't want to be wasteful. But as soon as it's done I'll happily recycle the bottle. 

 3. Vaseline Intense Moisture Conditioning

First off, let me say that lotion came with the purchase of two pump bottles of Vaseline lotion (forget which variety, but basically I like 'em all) at Costco. It seems to retail (not sure) for around $3 at most drugstores. This particular variation of the Vaseline lotion line seems to moisturize very well. But, if your skin is prone to drying out, as in you need something to seal it off, this won't cut it. I like the the Intensive Rescue Repairing Moisture and/or their Coco Butter lotion for better all in one use and for the winter. Also if your skin is really super dry they have a clinical version which I sampled before and was also really good. Bottom line, I like the Vaseline lotion line because they have high quality products at an affordable price point (and in different sized bottles) for a variety of skincare needs. No I don't work for them but hey Vaseline you can send me some free stuff any time!

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. I pretty much always keep a Vaseline lotion of some sort at my desk. I top off with Nivea Creme on drier hand days and/or on days where there's a ton of paperwork and filing to be done. 

4. Oil Blotters

Ok, technically, I keep these in my cosmetics pouch (I keep two, and no that's not excessive and day I'll show you why!) and not on my desk. But wow, do you see that? Most days I use one after lunch to blot off excess oil. I try to avoid this as much as possible by taking care of my face and trying not to over dry my skin (which I think is much worse than oily skin). Sometimes though, it's unavoidable as my skin looks like it's glistening and then I have a meeting to go to at 2 where it would be preferably if my shiny forehead was not the beacon of attention. 

It's so cool to see a the blue square just turn completely transparent. By the way, the material is not made out of paper and it soaks up soo much more than traditional oil blotter paper sheets. I get these as a 'free gift' from buying my Nexcare acne patch stickers (awesome shit! deserves a post on it's own but need to wait for a killer whitehead to do so) from a seller based in Hong Kong. So I don't how much it costs and I even threw away the first pack! Talk about being wasteful. Anyway, I really appreciate these little gifts now and hopefully I won't run out soon. 

~

I keep very little on my desk as you can see. The three items above I usually just keep and leave on my desk. While the last item and other cosmetic items I keep in my pouch/purse and take home with me. 

Things Go Down and Up

Up: Got a job offer from a great company in a division with a great program in the position I wanted.
Down: Offer/program does not start until August.

Up: I am getting used to exercising daily and now I don't feel like my day is complete with my trusty Brad Fit (aka VirtuaGym app) leading me through some exercises
Down: Last night the video function on my Samsung G3 stopped working. Wouldn't play any videos on YouTube, DailyYoga, etc. Had to reset the phone this morning cause it drove me crazy. The up is that the video now works and  at least my data was all backed up.

Super happy and excited about my job offer. And the down is really an up because now I can live it the fuck up!!! Yesssss! All things considered my day has been pretty fucking awesome. The title of the post is exactly right. Things can go wrong but there is always an upside! =]

Unfortunately I have no pictures to share today! Which is a shame because on the way back to the parking garage after my interview this morning (no the offer isn't from this company) I saw a little bird just sitting on the sidewalk near some bushes. I think the poor thing was hurt because I could almost touch it and it just blinked at me. =[ I feel kind of bad for not coming back to scoop him up and take him to a vet. I actually REALLY regret that now.

Lots of things to share later this week when I have more time. Because of my interview and the phone interview I had to stay later at work (voluntarily, I wasn't corned or forced into it) to make up hours. So I came home late and now I'm pretty tired. Can't wait, lots of other posts in the works!

Two skincare staples and an Antique Singer

Just two things I currently can't live or do without:

Kose Softymo Deep Cleansing Oil and HadaLabo Hyaluronic Acid Lotion (there are many name variants, sticking to the simplest one) for $15.00 and $17.32 respectively from Amazon with "Free Super Saver Shipping". I placed an order on Friday night 11/10 and it was delivered today on 11/12. Only two days, awesome~! Great basic items to any skincare routine and they last a long while too. I'm probably overly generous with the lotion and it still lasts me a good 4 months. The cleansing oil could probably last between 3-6 months depending on whether you wear a lot of makeup and if you use it both day and night. I would say I'm a light user (but I also apply this generously) so it can last me about 5 months. 

Sometimes when I'm sick of putting things on my face or just plain run out of moisturizer I just use the HadaLabo Lotion on my face. Even though it's just purely for moisture enhancement (think moisturizing toner) and you're advised to put something that will 'seal' like a cream or actual lotion to finish up your routine. I don't do the 'just lotion/toner only' thing often; only in times of dire need to give my skin a break or my wallet a reprieve. Simple, straightforward, and effective with no unnecessary bells and whistles just to make some 'lable claim'. I definitely approve. 

The oil cleanser is great. Massage it in. Do the eyes last, then rinse off with warm water. Perfect! Sometimes I double cleanse afterwards with a foaming cleanser. Sometimes I don't. 

I wish products like these existed on drugstore shelves here in the US. Although, would I really prefer driving to a drugstore vs having it conveniently delivered in two days? Nah.

~~~

Yea, how amazing is that? It's so old and dusty too. Not sure about the exact age, I tried to figure out what model/make/moreinfoingeneral at this link from Singer but no dice? I don't think it's fake but even so, a pretty neat piece of craftsmanship isn't it? I've actually known about this table for about 5 years now (sits in the kitchen with tons of crap on top of it) but I've always just kept it in the back of my mind, saying, "one day..." And really, one day what? When I first opened up the table a few years ago, I tried to get it to work and even pulled it out to set the machine upright but I couldn't figure out how to get it to turn on. I also tried threading it, but again, failed. So I guess it'll still have to wait until someday. 

Printed out a 40% off coupon from Michael's, I may buy a seam ripper from Michael's but only if it's cheaper than the Amazon listed priced for this baby. Baby steps to this whole sewing/tailoring thing. 

~~~

Two interviews tomorrow, one on campus (full time for next year) and one phone interview (just for a contract position but temping at this company would still be really great if the match is good). =]

Moved from the 20 minute novice workout on the VirtuaGym app to the beginner's 30 minute workout. Hopefully I'm not imagining it but I feel slightly more taut in my back and torso. I don't look skinnier but I feel a tiny bit of it. It seems either I'm more aware of my body now or my muscles are tightening up because my posture seems to be a lot better too. Win win all around I say. 

And lastly what I had for lunch today, below. Just imagine it in a glasswear bowl and multiple the amount by 1.5 or double it. I'll probably be eating this again for lunch tomorrow since someone (dad) decided to cook up monster sized portions. I probably need to add cooking to the list. Someone (moi) in this family has to start cooking healthier!

Weekend Update 11/9 - 11/11

Went to bed super late on Friday night because I was busy playing around with the blog. Since I lost track of time I ended up doing my VirtuaGym workout late and after I finished showering  and got into bed it was 1:45am already. Needless to say I was tired from the week and so even though I woke up at 7am in the morning out of habit I went back to sleep and woke up at 11am. 

And look! My comb completely snapped when I tried to detangle my hair before showering. Oh well, I can't complain that it's too bulky to take with me when I travel now, haha. 

Behold the strength of my hair!

Saturday

Made a stop at 5Below when I left the house on Saturday. Yoga mats ($5 each - one for me one for BF), Baby powder ($1), dry shampoo ($3), and the cutest Hello Kitty travel toothbrush kit ($4 or $5 I believe. I showed restraint; didn't buy it).

After leaving 5Below I wandered into Ulta (once a beauty addict, always a beauty addict) to just have a look see. As always, beauty stores sucker me in, resulting in spending an inordinate amount of time trying to convince myself to NOT fork over my money for something I could mostly definitely live without. Luckily I have pretty good willpower so I got to enjoy my window shopping/me time. Their clearance section looks kind of amazing right? Too bad you'll have to really dig through everything to find a treasure. Most things that looked halfway decent weren't marked down low enough, saw some polishes marked down to $7.50 from $8.00. Come on now, how is that even considered clearance? Obviously I passed. 

Sunday

After a much needed binge at Honeypig (for some bulgogi and spicy pork belly )we stopped by Shilla Bakery to sample their carby goodness. The "Glasses Bread" was yummy, sweet and savory, though I would have preferred more savory/cheesy goodness than the sweet shu cream inside. Made the BF 'wear' the 'glasses'. Did not look happy but will save the picture to randomly stare and laugh at him when I'm bored. xD