book review: One Man's View of the World by Lee Kuan Yew

He is the founding father and architect of modern Singapore. All Singaporeans (real home grown, local bred Singaporeans) will respect this man because if not for his foresight, aggressiveness and perseverance, we will not become what we are today.

Imagine we are just a tiny dot on this world map with no natural resources of our own, who gives a shit about us? So the value and the position that we have built for ourselves today is all but the hard work of LKY and his team.

He is getting so old now. Perhaps the worst yet inevitable scenario would come soon in the near future. I think all Singaporeans (real home grown, local bred Singaporeans) will mourn should this day come. But his legacy will live on and he will always be known as the best leader that SIngapore history has ever had.

It was written in clear simple English which made it very easy to understand. Surprisingly, it wasn't a boring book, but some of his views were nothing new. This book is highly recommended for anyone who wishes to understands more about the world in a very simple concise summarized manner. His insights are good to have, but I find myself more interested in his critical and rational thinking skills, how straightforward his train of thoughts are, and his "PR" skills. A truly inspiring leader to learn from.

book review: Inferno by Dan Brown **spoiler alert**

I took a very long time to finish this book, not because this book is no good. I was held back by too much stuff going-on. I can only say that I was too ambitious. I am so glad that I have finally finished this book and I made a mental note that I should not over commit on other activities such that I have no time to read <(_ _)>.

 
The twists and turns were quite engaging. But I find the cause of the plot and the ending a little sad. This book highlighted the dilemmas of life and how we should choose. The greatest problem of mankind is indeed denial. If this is really happening in the real world, I feel that the viral vector should allow at least every couple to have 1 child instead of taking the chance away from 1/3 of the population. It will prolong the period for population control to be achieved but I think it is a more "balanced" decision.

product review: NYX HD Eye Shadow Base

I read raving reviews so decide to give it a try.

Pros (⌒▽⌒)☆:

~ With primer on, eye shadow color stands out better and lasts longer.

~ The creamy texture of the primer makes it easy to apply and blend on my eyelid. Its application wand, similar to a lip gloss wand, helps to make application a breeze too.

~ It is slighted tinted (very light beige) so it can be worn on its own for a natural look.

Cons ᕙ(⇀‸↼‶)ᕗ:

~ With the primer on, I find it harder to blend out the eyeshadow color on my eyelid. Blending is possible, but really need more effort.

~ It is slightly tinted (very light beige), which means it might not be suitable for ladies with darker skin tone.

Overall, for a drugstore brand (and thus the affordable price), I would say its a keeper.

book review: The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

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Part of the ending was quite unexpected for me, it was both shocking and touching. We have always perceived science and religion to be always opposing each other, so this book really provided another angle of thought. The story was very interesting. As usual, reading Dan Brown's Robert Langdon series tend to inspire notions of travel. I've never been to Washington DC and found myself researching on the various buildings involved in the story, so it was really fun for me too. I didn't think Washington DC could be such an interesting and mysterious place.

Now I am reading the fourth book in this series, Inferno (as seen on my blog). I am stuck at it for a while because I have been held back by blogging and traveling. I am very determined to finish by this week, because I have 2 other books on hand which I can't wait to start.

Mr. Lee Kuan Yew is the founding father and architect of modern Singapore. He is well known for his straightforwardness in his public speeches, and for his charisma and ability to move his audience.

Singapore would not have become what she is, if not for this man and his vision.

So his latest book is definitely in my to-read list.

Heard too many good reviews for this book. After I have finished the Hannibal series by Thomas Harris, I was looking for similar material because I really love reading psycho-criminology.

Was planning to read this after Inferno, but Mr. Lee's book came in from a friend so I guess this will have to wait.  (∩︵∩)

product review: ghd V Gold Classic Styler (flat iron straightener)

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I cannot stop raving about my ghd flat iron straightener (V Gold Classic Styler).

For the record, I am a fan of volume and a flat iron straightener isn't exactly the volume tool. But when I am in a rush for a quick fix of my messy thick wavy hair, flat iron is the tool I'll grab.

I used to have a Jose Eber Signature Series, which is one of their bestsellers that can flat iron dry and wet hair. I have never used it on my wet hair, no matter what the marketing promises because I am not risking my hair getting fried like a banana. It was a good flat iron, but I always find my hair looking very stiff straight after using it.

Then one day, one of my besties told me about the ghd flat iron. I was skeptical at first but I ordered one anyway. It ended up she gave it to me as a birthday present! And I am eternally grateful to her after that because the ghd flat iron is so amazing! へ(゜∇、°)へ

In the picture below, I have used the ghd flat iron to straighten my hair. You can see that my hair is smooth and looks naturally straight. The curl-in at the ends and the side-sweep-big-wave on my left fringe was done using the ghd flat iron.

my hair straightened with ghd flat iron

Compare above with hair straightened with Jose Eber flat iron (picture below). My hair looks "stiffy" straight and the curl-in on the ends is not that natural.

My hair straightened with Jose Eber flat iron

Pros (⌒▽⌒)☆:
~ The ghd flat iron smooths out my natural curls in just 2-3 times of going through my hair with it. The result is silky smooth hair that looks naturally healthy straight.
~ It heats up really fast! This is a major plus for me because when I am rushing (which is all the time), I need things fast *snap snap fingers*.
~ The switch on the flat iron has a nice light indicator and it beeps when it is heated up. I love the beep sound alert feature. It becomes very intuitive to use --> switch on, beeeeep, use! (Check out video below)
~ It is made of very good sturdy material, yet it is light and easy to use. Great for traveling!



Cons ᕙ(⇀‸↼‶)ᕗ:
~ There is a plastic cover which comes together, that is used for keeping the flat iron in closed position for storage or traveling purpose. It is well thought but the plastic cover fits loosely so it could come off easily. It is especially irritating when I am trying to hold it, or carry it around or pack it into my luggage. I have to take special care that the cover doesn't fly off or my flat iron doesn't fall out and lands on the floor.
~ It is more expensive than most flat irons in the market.

Overall, I would say "YES! Please get this flat iron because it is soooooo good!". ＼(*T▽T*)／
Even though it is pricey, it is worth every cent for the result that it delivers. And I realised that many professional hair stylists use the ghd flat iron on their clients. So without a doubt, go get one!

product review: Revlon PhotoReady 3D Mascara

I love mascara! It is my staple, the only make up item that I would not mess up. So naturally I am always happy to review a mascara.

I have a few strands of fairly long lashes. So I really need V.O.L.U.M.E! I also have sparse bottom lashes so a good comb that could cover my bottom lash would be a plus.

My preparation:
I have primed my top and bottom lashes with Mary Kay lash primer. I chose this primer because it is good enough to condition and protect my lashes yet it does not enhance the effect of the mascara, unlike some other primers.

Pros (⌒▽⌒)☆:
~ The fine bristle brush design allows me to coat every strand evenly. It also coats my sparse lower lashes without making a mess.
~ With just 1 coat, my lashes were lengthened. Woahla!
~ The second and third layers were added on easily, without having to manage clumping of product (too much mascara sometimes tend to lump together).

Cons ᕙ(⇀‸↼‶)ᕗ:
~ Generally, I find that the wand is not well designed ergonomically, especially when I try to coat lashes on my left eye (I am a right-hander). It was also awkward to reach my inner eyelashes. I smudged some mascara on my eye lid a couple of times.

Overall, I would say I love it because its gives me the full volume lashes that I need. I find that I don't need to go all the way to 3 coats actually. Just 1 or 2 coats is already "powerful" enough for me for daily wear. Anything more should be reserved for glamourous dinner parties. The result is really good for a drugstore brand. I guess I will need to try get use to the awkward angle issue to avoid cleaning up smudges.

book review: Mythology by Edith Hamiliton

I didn't think I could finish this book because I read in reviews that it was used as textbook in schools. But I also read that it was good material to start off for understanding Greek and Roman mythology so I took the leap of faith. Guess what? I finished it and I have good things to say about it!

This book is very very good for people who knows nothing about Greek & Roman Mythology (like me). It covers more of Greek Mythology and it was very well organized, making it very easy to follow. Highly recommended for those looking for 101 of Greek Mythology.

The author also explained the origins of the stories, which helps the reader to understand why and how the stories were created. This is quite a thick book but I do not think it is difficult to finish it.

mask it! Mary Kay Botanical Effects Mask

I have problematic acne-proned skin. When it comes to skincare, I am EXTRA SUPER careful.

In my long battle with acne, I have learnt that masking my face often will reduce frequency of break outs and aids in the recovery of acne marks. But not every mask works for my skin type. I used to love a clay mask from Kiehl's but they stopped making it. The replacement product gives me break outs because it tends to over drying.

So I am very thankful when my sister-in-law introduced the Mary Kay Botanical Effects series to me. I have been using this mask for about 6 months, once or twice a week. Personally I do not recommend using this mask more than 2 times a week.

While this mask works for my acne proned skin, it can be used on all skin types as Mary Kay Botanical Effects series is a general line of skincare products from the company.

Pros (⌒▽⌒)☆:
~ leaves skin feeling fresh and looking bright. no break outs! yay!!
~ helps to reduce visibility of acne marks
~ just leave on for 10 mins and rinse off. can be a quick fix before an important event.

Cons ᕙ(⇀‸↼‶)ᕗ:
~ where I live, Mary Kay does not have counters so need to call up their sales representative to order. its not a biggie but personally i prefer sales counters.

It is very important to avoid applying the product (as with all mask products) around the eye area and temples.

this is seriously a very unglam picture of me!   (╯︵╰,)

book review: Hannibal series by Thomas Harris

I have never watched the movie series which starred Anthony Hopkins (even now). I have only begun reading the books after watching the TV series produced by Bryan Fuller. I was really intrigued by the crime scenes in the TV series, which were so creatively done, CSI has suddenly become child's play (though the miniature series plot is still the best).

I have read the books by their publish order.

So here goes my review for the 4 books.

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Hannibal Lecter #1: Red Dragon

The plot was so well analyzed & well planned out throughout the book! It was so grippingly intense that I couldn't put the book down at all! Every detail, of every character, every scene, was so thorough and well thought. Even though it was written more than 30 years ago, his writing technique and his execution was perfect even till this day! Well deserved 5 stars from me!

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Hannibal Lecter #2: The Silence of the Lambs

Dr Hannibal Lecter is really a brilliant character to read. He has so much complexity, I find myself admiring him, even though he is the villain. Of course credit goes to Thomas Harris, who had made this character so mysterious & intimidating! I find my heart pounding as I read on. Super thumbs up!

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Hannibal Lecter #3: Hannibal

I really really really like the ending, which came to me as a surprise. I found the middle chapters to be a little too draggy, and didn't like how they dealt with Paul Krendler eventually. He definitely deserved what happened to him, but I thought it wasn't as perfectly executed, Hannibal style.

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Hannibal Lecter #4: Hannibal Rising

It was the least exciting book amongst the 4. This book talked abt Hannibal's sad childhood and his growing up years. After I have finished all 4 books, I'm kind of disappointed why Thomas Harris did not elaborate on how Will Graham had caught him, as mentioned in Red Dragon. Hmmm...