Sugar overloaded

Desserts are so good for my soul but not good for health nor my waistline. They are such guilty pleasures!! I used to be a big desserts eater and I mean I could eat it for breakfast, luch or dinner. This is the most vulnerable time of the year when I find it SO difficult to resist the temptations of those mouth watering and decadent desserts. Halloween is next month, Thanksgiving is just around the corner and here comes Christmas.

Image source: southernliving.com>

I have been cutting back on sugary stuff in the past 3 years but holidays are always an exception :D

Image source:epicurious.com>

I love the aroma of fresh baked/made desserts filling the house, especially in November and December. It simply tells me that holidays and the wonderful times are about to happen.

My goodness, I could not believe today is the last day of September!!! Where did all the time go?!?! Time flies at its higest speed whether we have fun or not.

Last but not least, I took these pics a few weeks ago but totally forgot about them.

What do you work for? & Blog Award

My perspectives towards career are different as I grow older. I used to be one of the most notorious job hoppers out there when I was in my early 20's, freshly graduated from university. I changed to three different jobs within one year and a half. Every time I changed a job, I demanded higher salary too and I got what I wanted. So what was I thinking right? Not much really. I simply let my ego, pride and immature thinking took control. Graduating from one of the top five universites in the country with 3.something something GPA and being a bilingual graduate gave me an impression that every employer wanted to hire me.

Image source: www.designboom.com

I literally lived in a fantasy world where I thought I deserved the best yet things in real life were completely different. I never had to work to pay bills or worry about financial responsibilities, my attitude towards career was "blank". I worked because that was something people do. At this point, you may wonder if my parents are millionaires or I live a life of Paris Hilton, well my answer is "no" but I am not the poor who try to live a lavish life either. Let just say we have some financial securities and my mother is a hardworking woman who knows how to manage and save money wisely. That's how she could provide a more comfortable life for her children.

I got my first reality check when I moved to the States. Starting a family of my own and having bills to pay did give me a wake up call..like "Hello, this is a real world!" My husband is not a rich man so we both have to bring home the bacon. Finding a job in a different country could be hard especially when you don't know anything. At that time, my parents in-law started their small food business and they thought it may give me something to do so that I wouldn't stay at home and be bored during the day.

Washing dishes, chopping vegetables and doing kitchen work were not something I enjoyed and never thought I would do in my life. I had a really hard time doing it but at the same time didn't know how to decline my in-law. It was my ego, once again, that put my life in misery while helping my in-law with their business. I thought I should not have had to do this kind of work, I had a degree, I never had to work hard and bla bla bla. My self-esteem was at its lowest during that time and I kept my mouth shut by not telling any of my friends back home about it. Litterally, it was a legal job and I got paid but the type of lifestyle and luxuries I had back home came back to haunt me over and over.

Four months in the food business misery and a long process of getting a work permit, I finally landed my real job in a corporate setting where I have been working for more than 5 years (gosh that is such a major milestone in my career to stay somewhere this long!). Things changed a lot since then, I am no longer a job hopper and do not even dare thinking about it.

I work because I want to support my family and to have some sort of financial security. I work because I like the people I work with and I enjoy the financial freedom that I have. I work because it makes me appreciate and value every single dollar more than ever.

What is your career goal?

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Last but not least, special thank to the lovely Nadia at Alwayssummerontheinside for the blog award :)

When life surprises you~**

Talking about a major life changing event, I am pretty sure everyone has a story to tell. I have been through several changes in my life especially in the past six years. It is part of life that every single person in the world encouters at any given times whether we are prepared or not. Some people have more difficulty dealing with changes than another. As for me, I think I did quite well with all the changes that happened in my life.

My 1st major life changing event was when I moved to the States six years ago. I had always wanted to visit the U.S. but never ever ever ever thought about living here. If you believe in destiny, I guess my love life had been planned by someone up above. I was a girl who had everything , so funny, I couldn't find one thing - "love". As a matter of fact, I didn't even want to make a long term commitment, let alone tieing the knot with someone.

But you know life surprises you when you are least expected. I found "love" on antoher side of the earth with someone whom I didn't even feel "the butterflies in my stomach effect" the first time we met. Yet, true love grew and matured slowly and beautifully. It was totally opposite from what I experienced in my puppy love. I felt at ease, I knew I could trust this person even though we lived on different sides of the eath. Almost two years of a VERY LONG distance relationship and some financial damages from plane tickets and calling cards, we decided to make a big move. So what happened when two people who lived in different continents came to agreement as where to share their lives together. We didn't have much choice, really. I would love so much to live where I lived so that I could stay close to my family but it would be very difficult for my husband to start a career in my country. Since I have a degree and am able to speak English, we thought I may have a better luck starting my life here.

I knew I should feel excited and I did but the thought of leaving the country where I was born and grew up for more than 20 years deeply saddened me in a way that I had never thought I would feel. I never realized how much I loved my country until the day I left. I could never forget the moment the plane took off, tears were rolling down my face..it was very emotional. I was grateful for my husband and my in-laws to accompany me to the States. It would be a real 20+ hour misarable flight without them.

My first two years were very tough for me. It was not only from trying to adjust to my new "home", but changing my status from "a single girl and a spoiled daughter" to a full time wife. Household chores didn't appear to be in my dictionary. I know it sounds stupid but I litterally cried and got upset the first time I had to do laundry lol. All I had to do was load the dirty clothes into the washing machine but I had an emotional breadown from having to do a simple chore. Looking back now, it was plain stupid. I totally lived in an unrealistic world back home. Six years later, I do all kinds of household chore and even cook. My parents and friends couldn't believe their eyes.

But that was nothing compare to the moment I became a mother. The world stopped spinning and my life has changed forever. So what is your major life changing moment?

Okay..these pictures have nothing to do with the story but hope you don't mind. I found a skirt at Kohl's during my last visit and I just love the "wild" print on the skirt. It reminds me of safari :)

First love lasts a lifetime

Whether I want to remember it or not, it never appears that I can ever forget my puppy love. When September comes around, it brings back memories and reminds me how I fell in love and how I lost it.

Looking back now, it is funny (definitely not funny when it happens, right?). I was not sure if I could remember more of the good times than the bad times. First lovehit me hard. It was one of the best moments in my life...I got to experience the butterflies in my stomach. I know what it was like to be crazy in love. That love happened in no time but did not last long either. We were both still young, immature and probably expected too much from each other. Things quickly turned sour. Perhaps, we were not meant to be together.

Apparently, losing the first love is the best thing that could ever happen. Since then, I become stronger, more mature and realistic. Most importantly, it proves to me that true love will come around, if not now it will be later.

It may take someone a lifetime to find Mr. or Ms. Right. You see some people have gone through heartbreak after heartbreak and never seem to find the one. Perhaps finding love is not as difficult as keeping the love.

What do you remember from your first love?

P.S. Sorry I haven't commented on your blog lately, I am dealing with my litte girl's temper tantrums in the past few days. She is on her way to become the "terrible two"!! Wish me luck in this battle.

The Columnist Twill Pants and Random things

(Folks, you have come to the right place. This is Nelah's same old blog, I just played with new design and tested out my long lost html skills)

I guess I am not totally head over heels over this particular style. I ordered two Twill Columnist pants in heather gray and pitch black. The style and fabric are very beautiful and modern but I don't think they look as flattering as the Editor Wide Waistband here. For some odd reason, they are also bigger in the waist area despite the fact that they are in the same size (00S) as the Editor but I assume the position where it sits on the body is differnt. There is a gap (around 1 inch or so) but I can fix that with a belt. Since it is sort of loose, that makes these pants too long. I had to wear 4 inches heels!!

If your waist is less than 26, these pants may be too big on you.

In below pictures, the heather gray has NOT been washed but the pitch black went through one wash. The fabric looks and feels better after going through one wash. I decided to keep them and plan on getting both hemmed.

My next pair(s) will definitely be the Editor.

I took my little girl to the Mall this Saturdy for her shoe's shopping since the ones she has are getting old and falling apart. My husband and I have been buying shoes for her from Stride Rite store which specializes in kiddies' shoes. They are pricey but there is no doubt about the quality. Since she is at the age where she is on her feet all the time, we want her to have good shoes that conform to her feet and provide good support. Boy, we spent $70 on two pairs of shoes for a 20 months old!! That's more than I spent on mine!!!

Is that little cowgirl boot adorable?!? We didn't buy that one for her. Maybe next time.

Okay my turn now - I was drooling over these sexy heels when I walked by. Boy oh boy, they are gorgeous but I had to say goodbey darling because they are 5 - 6 inches tall!! Crazy!!! I will definately kill my back walking in these shoes. What the heck is going on with shoes these days? The heels are ridiculously and incredibly HIGH. If only there were about 2 - 3 inches, I may suffice.

Next, we went to Toy R Us, I wanted to buy a slide for my little girl. She gets to become more adventurous now so I thought she may enjoy it. I just can't help myself checking out some other toys and was amazed with these toys for girls. My goodness, there is a hair salon set, a FABULOUS dress up trunk. C'mon people, it is for a little girl. I don't want to hear my girl walking around the house saying fabulous all day long. My goodness. That little dress up trunk is for 3+.

Today, Forever21 goes big and bold at the Mall in my area. There used to be a store inside the mall but today they had the ENTIRE building to itself. This is like a Forever21 empire! It is a gigantic building in the same mall complext and today is the grand opening (which I didn't know). I am not sure how many floors this building has but Forever21 fans in my area can go crazy shopping here all day long. It offers all lines (Love21, Faith21, Heritage1981, full line of accessories and so on). This is a place for you my dear Collete of Statements in Fashion

They are in the new building, new store, new floor plan but one thing that will never change is loud and annoying music. I walked in and out in less than 5 minutes.

Avril Lavigne Jeans rock!

Oaky okay..I am no longer a teenager but I can't resist these sexy! Abbey Dawn by Avril Lavigne (I didn't know she has her own clothing line but seems like most celebrities these days have one, don't they?). I was wondering in Kolh's this past weekend after a long break from this retailer. Kohl's and I have a love-hate relationship because I do not always find good looking stuff, most importantly, even their junior clothes are sometimes too big. However, I managed to snatch a few items at great deals this past visit. One of my biggest surpise turned out to be these jeans (denim, whatever you call it) by Avril Lavigne in Junior Department.

I have to say that those strings and that particular design caught my attention.
The last pair in size 0 was available. The fitting was great and very comfortable because it's made of both cotton and spandex (more spandex obviously). Very strechy and form fitting.

These are the best looking jeans in Junior Department I have ever seen since I shop at Kohl's. It compliments the shape of an adult and do not feel or look funny in the crotch area like most kiddie's jeans. So I give it 10 out of 10. The lenght may be a tad bit long but does not look too bad in my opinion. Creases in the upper thigh and knee areas add the fun and funky feature. Wanna go clubbing anyone?

Full price is $48 but I got them for $26.40.

Express Twill Columnist Pants are coming up tomorrow. At the same time, this is a great time if you are interested in buying anything from Express. They are now offering $30 off $75 purchase or $15 off $30 purchase until this Sunday (9/19). You can't beat that deal!

I was excited when I saw an email from Express the other day. Elle @ Fast Food Fast Fashhion and Jean @ Extra Petite are also very thoughtful and told me about this deal so that I won't miss it. Thanks ladies :). I am going back to grab more Editor Pants.

Health or Wealth?

I used to think being wealthy must be wonderful but I no longer think that way since I have a child. If I had to choose between wealth and good health, I would pick good health over money in a heartbeat.

As I get older, it is obvious that money can't buy everything. It can't stop the loves one from dying. I was down yesterday as I heard a very sad story of one employee at work. I don't know her personally but I heard the story from someone else. Her three years old niece just lost a battle to a rare genetic disorder (Zellweger syndrome) this past Sunday. From what I understood, it is a painful disease and no cure yet exists. Infants born with this disease usually die within the first year of life.

This unfortunate loss is not the first time for this family. Her parents had a little brother who was born before her and died from this same disease at the age of 2. After he passed away, the mom found out that she was pregnant. They were beyond excited but later to find out the baby girl had the same disease. They were completely devastated. I couldn't tell you how much this story broke my heart. As a mom, I just can't imagine how difficult it was for a small child having to go through such pains and how suffered both parents must have felt seeing their little ones in so much pain and dying in front of them, not once but twice.

My little girl is healthy and strong, I am so thankful for all that. I also want to be healthy and strong for her because I want to be able to see her grow and accomplish every milestone in her life. There was one day last year when my little girl and I were enjoying each other company quiety in the backyard. It was one moment that I looked at her and told myself that I can't die. I have my whole life to live for this little person. It is just amazing how strong and loving a person can become when she is a mother.

Last but not least, The owl's closet has recently given me a blog award. I am so glad that someone really likes my blog. She is a real and sweet blogging friend whom I have come in contact with on a regular basis. Thank you very much :) I assume it is a tradition that once you've received an award, you are supposed to forward it to the next person. These are ones of many blogs I love and make sure to visit them frequently.

1) The Owl's Closet

2) A Working Mom's Closet

3) Statements in Fashion

4) Petite Little Girl

5) Petite Gorgeous

(Okay I am not quite done yet, can I do more or only 5 are allowed lol)

Face of the Day

Up close and personal shot - and messy hair

I felt like painting my bare and plain boring face the other day.

Smokey eyes - Nelah Kadashian..lol

Have a great week everyone~xoxo

Deeply in love with Express

Never thought I would fall even more deeply in love with Express until the moment I tried these pants on. One of Express signature pants "Editor Wide Waistband" have recently become the love of my life.

This past Labor day, I determined to shop new pants since I hadn't done so in a year and I really needed a new pair. I was actually browsing Express website a few days before that and came across their newest style "the Twill Columnist" which is low rise, slim fit and barely boot leg. They look very chic yet appropriate for work so I wanted to see in person.

Boy - I was blown away with wide selections of pants at Express. Their pants are incredibly beautiful and well made. The best part is that they also offer short seam version for smaller women as well (I didnt' know that!). One of the sale associates pointed that out to me while I was looking for my size. Pants with regular lenght are coded with R and pants with shorter lenght are coded with S (00S, 0S or 2S for example). Unfortunately, this particular Express store didn't carry short lenght version of the columnist but I tried the regular lenght anyway to see how they fit. They looked pretty amazing and fabric was of good quality - thick, beautiful and machine washable (yes!).

My excitement continued as I moved on and found the Editor pants (wide waistband, flare legs and low rise) style, I just couldn't resist picking them up.

Lucky me, I could find my size in 00S. The moment I put them on, it was love at first try! Perfect lenght, perfect fit, perfect perfect and perfect! I am able to wear these pants without getting hemmed at all. I wore them to work the next day and they were very comfortable. No wrinkles. I love it so much for the fact that I don't have to bring them to the dry cleaner and they came out beautifully after the 1st wash. No ironing required whatsoever.

Backview

Sideview

Since I still had my mind set on the Columnist, I ordered two pairs in two different colors online as soon as I got home. (Dang!! I just found out today that they now offer 50% off the second pair on all their pants!!! OMG my excitement totally ripped me off)

That was the first time in my life to spend $180 on three pair of pants in one day. These pants are of high quality and I know I will be able to get good uses out of them.

The Twill Columnist pants are on their way and should get here by next week. Please stay tuned :)

Leopard print~**

Black and gray are my top two favourite colors for clothes. They are simple yet elegant. Did I mention that they seem so perfect for Fall?

So when I found this leopard print top in black and gray, my reaction was beyond excited. I couldn't help myself but purhased it. Since animal prints will become a trend this fall, why wouldn't I get one for my empty wardrobe?

When was the last time you saw clothes made in "U.S.A"? This one actually was made here, amazing!

Feeling crafty the other night but the craft supplies that I ordered from Japan for my new "Kawaii" craft project have not arrived, so Itook the Konad nail kit out and started decorating my nails instead.

I do not usually paint them so it was quite a challenge trying to apply nail polish evenly. Can't remember the name of this color but I bouth this particular nail polish at Forever21 ages ago.

Earrings: side view

And front view

Tomorrow is Monday but thanks goodness it is a holiday~!! YAY~~~!!!

Animals night~**

I came across a post on Cruelty Free Beauty Products blog by Karen a few days ago. As an animal lover, my heart was breaking when I read about the horrible story behind the fur/clothing industry. The descriptions are extremely graphic. I could barely read until the end.

Please check out her blog if you love "fur coat" and tell me if you can proudly wear your beautiful fur coat ever again.

I personally do not own any "real" fur products but after reading that story, I decided to ban all fur items altogether - no matter real or fake. To be honest, I had no clue about the whole process until I read her post. Do animals always have to be killed for us to get their fur? It is hard to believe that money and greed can turn some people into satans.

There are two groups of people that should be blamed. The fur industry and the consumers especially those who know the fur coats they are wearing come from the animals who were once in extreme pain and fear. How can you do that type of job everyday and go to sleep at night? OMG!

I am not an animal activist but I love animals. Story like this sadden me. I have rescued strayed dogs/cats and injured birds ever since I can remember. I used to have 5 dogs at one time. The owner left them behind when they moved to a new home. All of them had mild to severe skin disease because the owners didn't take good care of them. My mom and I saved and had them in our house (luckily we lived in a spacious house so we had a lot of space for them). They lived with us until their last day of lives.

Strayed dogs and cats are another major social problem in Asia, especially Southeast Asia where I used to live. Thre are thousands, ten thousands or millions of strayed animals. A lot of them have serious skin diseases. Their lives may seem worthless to some peole but I just can't leave them to die. It is not their fault to breed but the owners' fault who are horribly irriponsible. People buy puppies and kittens because they are "cute" but once they outgrow that "cute" stage, people would leave them at temples, on the highway or wherever is convenient for them. Can you believe it?

One night, I watched "Animal Horders" on Animal Planet and thought "oh my god, that's me"lol.

Please give you pet(s) a big hug and be a responsible pet owner.