All Out & My New Giveaway Winner~*

Is it Friday yet? Is it? I am sure it is Friday on another side of the earth but unfortunately tis is not here....yet. Friday never seems to approach quickly enough..especially this week. I am so anticipating for a 3 day weekend, how about you? Okay ladies and gentelmen (are they any male readers here by the way?), my giveaway winner has yet to claim her prize despite the email I sent so I picked a new winner. And the new winner is.........Simplyyvonne!!! Woo...hoo girlie, please stick your pretty little face in here and send me your address to claim your prize at narakista at gmail dot com.

It has been awhile since I made a few attempts to style this pretty little skirt and this rosette top. Attempt after attempt, I did not like the results so I quited trying. Until the other week, my creativity must be at its peak or something. I thought I tried something different and took the risk.

Pleats, rosettes, ruffles and lace.....bring it on baby~~!!!!! Hmm....I kinda like what I see.

Love Summer Accessories~*

Okay ladies, my apologies for late announcement of my secret one year blog anniversary giveaway.....no I haven't run away with the prize even though I secretly thought about it...hehe. The winner of two Smashbox mini pallettes is...........Mishi a la Mode - congratulations girlie!!! Please email me at narakista at gmail dot come with your address. Thank you everyone SO SO much for taking the time to participate and being here. There will be more giveaway in the future but I do not advertise them in the subject line anymore. Surprises will come to those who read ;)




I am a big earrings person. Earrings are my most favorite pieces of jewelry that I make a commitment to wear everyday. During spring and summer, I tend to go with bold and bright colors. During winter, I yearn for sleek, simple and elegant pieces. These two antique/vintage pairs are my recent favorites, I can't wait to wear them for sure.







Bracelets and rings are not really my thing though. I don't wear them as much because I don't like the feeling of having stuff hanging and dangling on my fingers, hands and arms in general so I must keep that in mind and stop buying them unless I make a commitment to wear them more often.

Father's Day Special~*

I am getting more adventurous (or crazy as you may say) with my pose this time around. What can I do with the same old background , right? I decided to combine two topics in one post today because I felt too lazy to blog the other day, I admit. So here goes the outfit I wore on the weekend plus Father's Day special...Tada.

Shall we start with OOTFD (Outfit of the Father's Day)? I know by this point you are tired of seeing me in ruffles but bear with me...hehe. It must be my signature style (or my obsession) or something.

Onto Father's Day recap, I bought this card for my dear husband and even customized it for him! How special is that, right..right?

Fathers make the world go round as much as mothers do. Even though they do not do the exact same things women do for their children. Fathers bring in a different vibe and energy of parenthood and partake in raising children in different ways.

There are all kinds of fathers out there. From fathers who never change diaper to fathers who do it all, except breastfeeding. I am very lucky as two men in my life fall into a second category. One is my own father and another man is a father of my child. Both men are extraordinary, they go above and beyond, and always go extra miles for their loved ones.

My father is someone who I always look up too. Growing up in an Asian family back in Thailand, we do not show/express "love" as openly as families in the west especially now that all his kids are all grown-ups. We find it kind of awkward to "hug" or to say "I love you" every now and then. Expressing love should not be awkward but it is when you are not used to doing it. Now that my parents and I live on the opposite ends of the earth, it has never been easy. Seeing them once a year or every two year is a true torture. A phone line seems to be the only thing that connects and keeps us close. I know for the fact that I always find this comfort in his voice when I hear him on the phone. There are times when I don't have anything to say but I just want to hear his voice and I feel better.

One of the obvious demonstrations of his act of going extra miles in the recent years was when he traveled to the US back and forth twice in 2009 and 2010 to help me and my husband with our first baby. He stayed for a total of almost 8 months. People find it interesting to hear that grandpa is in charge of that. He fed, changed diapers, put a baby down for naps, played with her and everything on repeat 5 days a week for the entire 8 months. And remember this is a man. I can't even do that as a mother.

Friends, what do you appreciate or love the most about your father?

Multi Colors~*

There is something about us "women" that fascinates men when it comes to shopping. Have you ever been in a position which you could not decide on "what color" and end up getting tops/bottoms/shoes same style but in a variation of colors. Have you ever been a situation which you could not decide between two items and feel stupid about being indecisive? My answer: "Yes!" and "Yes!"

Top and shoes: purchased from Bangkok

Skirt: Zara

Belt: came with another skirt from Kohl's

This is an obvious example. I saw these tops in Bangkok and had a "really" hard time with my shopping decision so I decided to get one in each color - black/grey/pink - you name it. I was drawn to them because they have these unique details on the sleeves. Then I found that I had the toughest time styling them. Since they are more of "dressy top" with a lot of details going on the sleevs, I had no clue what to wear with it. I am not 100% posive with this ensemble but this will do until I find another way to style it.

On another note, I am going to sell two of them on my blog sale soon (grey $20 - worn once and light pink $25 which is brand new). Fabric are combination of cotton (body part) and silk-like material on the sleeves. Size is somewhat between xxs to xs. I am going to have an exact measurement posted soon. If you are interested, please feel free to email me (narakista (at) gmail before I put them up. I have several pieces of brand new clothes that I am going to sell and hoping to take pictures and put them on blog sale soon.

Shoes and Belt

Money Talk: A Tale of Shopping Ban & I am my own worst enemy~*

”I am on a shopping ban” – are you familiar with this phrase? Does shopping ban really work? My answer: imaginatively yes but it does not work in reality. I find an extreme approach like to ban or stop one self from doing something is not the way to go in general whether it is shopping or dieting purposes unless you are a highly disciplined person. We set a challenge, we achieve such challenge and at the end of the road, we celebrate and reward ourselves with some shopping treats.

Not to long ago, I shamelessly admitted to my husband that I think I have this compulsive shopping behavior and I feel like I buy for the sake of buying sometimes (or most of the time..wa ha ha). So I told him I wanted to make a commitment to “limit” my purchases from now. I carefully chose the word “limit” instead of “ban or stop” because I hate to swallow my words when an urge strikes. Shopping ban backfires in several ways for me personally. I am good for a period of time but at the end of the ban period I find myself going ooh-la-la and spending twice as much. “Where all the money go” used to be my husband’s and my favorite phrase as well, we used that a lot before I started doing a budget.



I have been doing a budget for “years” but never pay close attention to my “makeup/clothes/accessories” spending. It has occurred to me that I completely fail in that area by hiding these expenses in the “etc spending” category all these times. Therefore, I could never tell how much exactly I spend on my junks annually. I do my budget in an excel spreadsheet and I have two main worksheets that I look at everyday: “saving worksheet” and “expenses tracking worksheet”. I divide our spending into “fixed bills”, “dining out”, “child-related”, “home-related”, “entertainment” and “etc” categories. Recently, I was shocked to see the amount we spend on dining each month (given that I cook dinner at home at least 5 days/week and I also pack my lunch 4 out of 5 working days). I just couldn’t believe it and that led me to think perhaps I should put my clothes/beauty purchases in a separate category and finally face that ugly truth. Oh - yeah..it is ugly alright.

I used to spend a lot of money on skincare and beauty related products in the past years (tell me about it) and sometimes I didn’t even need them. I bought just to satisfy my curiosity and experiment new brands and such. Also I still can’t get rid of my bad habits of being a clothes hoarder. If you remember my trip to Bangkok this year, I came back with a suitcase full of new clothes that I have yet to wear, I probably only use 40% of them. Yet I still go out and buy new clothes here and there. Ridiculous – that’s what I said. Althought I do not think my spending is out of control to the point that I buy and get myself in debt. I can definitely put that money in a saving or save up to buy something that I truly like and will use often.

It is time to rethink about the whole budget situation. As much as I want to cut down everything, like literally everything, I hate for my family to feel like we can’t enjoy our lives just to solely focus on saving. We both work to bring home the bacon, we both have 401(k) & some money in an emergency saving and we should at least be able to reward ourselves in some ways. Our family rarely go on vacation ever so it makes sense to splurge on dining out. That is our main entertainment/luxury that we can afford so let it be.


Having something in a written form such a spending spreadsheet helps tremendously, trust me. You can create a very simple one in an excel spreadsheet and list “date” in one column, “stores you purchase from” in one column and “amount” in another column. Sum them up monthly and annually, that annual spending number will do a trick. I know for the fact that I can’t completely stop myself from buying…but…yes but I have decided to choose a middle path – limit/set allowance and avoid unnecessary purchases. It sounds more realistic and approachable.

Fellow bloggers - Have you ever tried "shopping ban"? Did it work for you?

Triple treats~*

Cardigan: Charlotte Russe (old)Ruffle blouse, handbag and shoes: purchased from BagnkokLeather skirt and bracelet: Forever 21

Mixing three differnt textures (ruffles / lace / leather), I called it my triple treats. I experimented this ensemble yesterday but decided to put a pair of pants on (and changed my shoes as well) and headed out for work. Somehow, a leather skirt does not seem appropriate for most offices in general, except for those who work in the fashion industry - a fashion editor perse. I love leather skirt because it has this edgy look and is sassy.

I think I could tone this outfit down by switching to a different pair of shoes, perhaps a pair of classic black pumps but I do not have ones (duh!). You know I have always loved seeing women in classic pumps but I personally don't like wearing them myself. I prefer open toe shoes simply because my feet can't breath and eventually stink (ewww - yuck!!!), just not very practical for me.

I wanna be cool~**

Blouse, Shorts and Bracelet: Forever21

When I said I want to be "cool", I literally meant "cool" in terms of weather index. The heat index registered at 95 F and above this weekend. This is the only the beginning of the very hot and sweaty summer. I felt like my foundatios was melting by being outside for just 5 minutes. Driving in a car during summertime is such a pure hell especially after you park it outdoor and that heat just bursts into your face as soon as you open the door. It feels like being inside an "oven" (even thought I have never been in one" and the air condition just doesn't kick in fast enough.

Heartache

I came across this photo the other day while reading at my favorite Thai news site. It sure provokes many different emotions and thoughts. An image of a blind beggar in front of a high end boutique is something you can see everyday in so-called "developing" countries where a majority of population suffer from poverty. Not only a blind man, you will be able to spot many homeless children as young as 3 years old risking their lives by selling flower garlands on "busy" streets. Elderly women in their 70's and 80's with ailing health condition with hungry small grandchildren by their side begging for food and money on a footpath under hot sun.

It is such an intense scene that get me to stop and think about a lot of things in life and that "guilt" for buying things I do not "need". This images portrays a high contrast between wealth/materialism VERSUS unfortunateness/poverty....something on the totally opposite ends. It gives me a horrible feeling of a "heartache" and truly brings tears to my eyes. I remember when I still lived back home in Bangkok, it was one of the hardest thing to see and walk by. I came come, kept thinking how their lives would be tomorrow or will there ever be tomorrow for them?

I had this "heartache" feeling very often when I still lived in my motherland - Bangkok, Thailand. I used to watch a program that came on after an evening news where it featured a daily life of these unfortunate people. Often, they showcased a different family which consisted of very old grandparents and small grandchild/grandchildren living in a shack in a rural area. The grandparetns were very old and had some health issues but they still had to take care of a grandchild because their parents left to a city to find job and never returned. I am telling you, I hated watching those as it's heartbreaking and I always ended up literally bursting into tears and couldn't sleep. It is very sad and depressing but it gives you a new outlook and teaches you some lesson in life.

Unlike many developed nations where a majority of population is middle class, Thailand and many nations in Asia particularly Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Lao, Burma and etc.) have soooooooo many poor population. Comparing to a pyramid, the rich and the middle-class are at the "very" top while the rest of the pyramid represents the poor and the unfortunate population. The rich people are so rich that they can afford to buy an array of Hermes bags in every color available while the poor are so poor that they can't even afford food to keep them alive on a daily basis.

My parents are not religious (we are buddhist just like most people in Thailand, and I still am and will be Buddhist by heart and soul while my husband and dauther are Christians). We rarely go to temple but my mother always teaches us to "help others" whether human or animals. We do not neccessarily have to donate money to the temples where they already have so many generous people donating. Look around and beyond yourselves, see who else are in need and give what we can give. We do not have to be rich to give and I strongly agree. The most important thing is to make sure everyone in your family have the basic neccessites they need (physically and emotionally) before going out and reaching others. There are a lot of people who often donate to charities and help others in need but treat their parents horribly. Something is awfully wrong with that picture, don't you agree?

As I moved far away from my country and settle down in this "developed" nation, I don't get to see those scenes everyday, yet I still "need" be reminded from time to time that problems and poverty still exist in this world. I need to stay true and don't get carried away with materialism because they are only superficial and only make you happy temporarily. It is okay to reward yourself with these material objects but it is important to find a moderation. I think we all have come so far in technology and revolution that we "sometimes" forget what and where a true happiness is. Everytime I look at this picture, it is a great reminder for me. I have this very strong argument with myself. One side is saying "why should I dump 2k or 3k on a bag that made from a poor dead lamb or a scarf that claimed to be made in France while that money can help those in need, that money can go along way for them". My other side is arguing "why can't I pamper myself with some luxurious items and feel like a millionaire for 5 minutes?" Honestly, I am torn.

One of my passions in life is to one day set up a foundation to help animals/elderly and children of my own. It truly is a "big" dream as it requires so much dedication / generous resources in terms of money, time and knowledge. I am not sure if it will ever come true but for now I support these organizations in my country from afar as my fund is available.

Friends...What thoughts come across your mind when you see the above photo?

P.S. I am not turning my blog into a "serious/heavy" blog but I thought I share something provoking and differnt here and there instead of doing the same old fashion/beauty related posts. I hope you enjoy it, please feel free to let me know whether I should continue to bring something like this or not. On another note, thanks for sharing your financial stories/philosophies with me :)

Money Talk: The Beginning

One of my all time favorite topics/articles is personal finance.yah..yah..I know it is not very exciting but it is a big deal in everyone's life. Reading financial articles/blogs used to be something I did everyday until I discovered the fascinating world of fashion and beauty blogs over a year ago.

I was fortunate enough to have hard working parents, especially my mother who still works non-stop up until now in her mid 50's, she just can't sit around and relax. They fully supported and paid my and my brothers' educational expenses and basically everything under the sun. We never worked or had to worry about money in our lives in that matter. However we learnt to save up to buy what we wanted without bugging parents for extra. Expensive stuff or name brand products..we "never" owned them when we were under 20 years old comparing to some super fortunate kids that own some of the most expensive designer handbags at 18 or younger (lucky you, by the way). They were something that came by after we graduated from university and actually made our own money to have them in our possession.

Looking back now I feel more than grateful because a lot of people struggle to get out of student loans which continues to haunt them years later down the road and it delays plans in purchasing a house or saving. Thank you..thank you and thank you mom and dad for your lifetime sacrifice.

Since I always had such luxury of getting paid by parents, I never truly understood the importance of saving nor the concept of paying bills in general until I started a family of my own. At 24 years old, newly wed, moving to a foreign country without my family by my side and $500 in cash in my wallet, I knew a new chapter in life would lead me to something adventurous and challenging. I knew I had to do something about my life to make me feel secured, financially.

**Now...Friends...At what time/circumstance/situation/age in your life when you seriously started thinking about saving up or looked at money differently?**

One Year in Blogging: Heart to Heart~*

June 2011 marks my blog's first anniversary, hard to believe it has been a year. All those posts and countless hours rambling, venting, complaining and chatting aimlessly, I have found my precious and quiet sanctuary within this small corner of blogsphere. A place I call "another home for my soul".

Some of you may remember that I started this blog in a hope to temporarily escape from motherhood. After almost 17 months into a new role of being a mother, I couldn't handle my 24 hour motherly life any longer. I needed some kind of a break, emotionally. I do not have a luxury of having my parents, in-laws or a nanny to help whenever I need like some lucky moms out there and to top it off, my husband works in shift and we NEVER have the same days off in 6 YEARS. Kudos to all single parents, stay at home moms and military wives out there, I don't know how you do it - you are my heroes/heroines!!

Being a mother, you lost this big chunk in your life called "freedom, sanity, good night sleeps, romance and yourself" literally - but at the same time you discover the most amazing, one of a kind feeling called "an unconditional love". The kind of love you will NEVER understand or experience until you become a mother. You love someone so much that a single drop of her tear can break your heart...a small giggle can brighten your day. You feel guilty that you can't afford to be a stay at home mom and had to rely on a complete stranger to take care of your 6 week old baby and was worried all day long. You feel bad about not being able to stay with her to witness her new milestone everyday but you feel like you can't handle her terrible two behavior for another 5 seconds.

It truly is a "BIG" trade-off. An unrealistic mentality of "I-can-do-it-all" also put me in distress. I was completely lost, confused and couldn't find the right balance. I was a mom and that was the only identity I knew and wanted to be the best mom I could be. I could care less about fashion, makeup, my hair, purses, what Kim Kadashian is up to, vacation or the world around me. All I wanted to focus on were taking care my baby, making a marriage work, constantly keeping up with a never ending chores at home and working as a full time career woman while struggling to maintain my sanity. There are countless emotional breakdowns along the road but also laughter, happiness and joy - it is "life full of different flavors". I can say that I hate motherhood at times but I love my daughter every second if that makes sense.

A year later, I wish I could tell you I finally found the balance I was hoping for but I have yet to successfully get to that point, but things have been better than what it used to be. I learn to make a little time for myself even if it is just an hour and let go of things. It has been a fun and rewarding journey to say at least. I discover who I used to be and all the fun things I used to enjoy doing along with new found passion in photography and writing. The best part is to have found some of the sweetest bloggers who continuously pour the kind words of encouragement and support. So "thanks" to you for being here and taking the time to leave your comments. It means a lot, your presence and interaction sure makes blogging much more enjoyable than a one-way communication.

I have really enjoyed doing a secret giveaway and stop advertising it in a subject line. Hopefully, I will get to know new followers who are genuinely interested in my blog rather than the items. I am hosting my one year anniversary mini giveaway here, there are 2 items: two Smashbox pallettes (one for eye and one for lip). In fact three items, there is also an eye liners pallette but I wanted to keep that one for mysef - haha. Both are brand new and this giveaway ends Friday 6/24/2011 at midnight US central time.

Mandatory: You must be a follower of 52newdays to enter this giveaway, open internationally (1 point) - no need to leave your email. A winner will have to email me to claim her prize within 2 days or I will leave a comment on your blog upon an announcement.

Extra points - optional:

-Place a below banner on your blog and link back to this giveaway if you think my blog is worth spreading the word (1 point)

- Become a follower at my "Blog Sale by Nelah" (More items will be added soon, both clothes and makeup) (1 point)

Thanks for stopping by, as always