Sigh, how I missed buying makeup. I’ve finally developed lemmings for new and gorgeous makeup once again, but somehow I just can’t seem to part my cash with it. I keep telling myself it’s a good thing in times of a recession, but that’s not stopping me from visiting and lingering at cosmetic counters. Maybe I should just get ’em and be done and over with 😛

Anyway, for today, after tidying my dresser, I’ve decided to take some pictures and show you my humble blush collection. It’s in no way even close to hail-the-Blush-Queen Paris B, or the Blush Princess, Syen, but it’s certainly enough to last me for a very long time.

I love blush. I started wearing them when I was 23, when I started working. Unfortunately, I was completely hopeless in choosing the right colour and always end up getting something so sheer, that it looked like powder on my face, without the flush. It was only when I bought my first NARS blush, Exhibition A, that I began experimenting with colour. That was also when the collection started to grow steadily.

You’ll notice that most of the blush I have are in peach/coral tones. I have warm-toned skin, so pinks don’t look all that good on me. Pink-peaches are fine.

Scott Barnes Chic Palette in Posh (the very first expensive blush I bought from Strawberrynet. First saw this on Paris B’s blog, before she moved to My Women Stuff)
Estee Lauder Signature Silky Powder Blush in Pink Kiss
MAC Grand Duo Mineralize Blush in Intenso (gives a lovely sun-kissed glow, with just the right amount of shimmer on the cheeks. Can be messy when swirling my stippling brush gently on it though)
Silkygirl blusher in Dune Rose (good shade of coral, but a tad too powdery for my liking)
Smashbox Soft Lights Tint
Nichido True Colors blush in Sunkissed
Daiso Multi Cheek (a bargain at only RM5, this was introduced by Connie. Good colour payoff. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it)
Smashbox O-Glow (a traveling must. I bring it with me when on the plane. Don’t have to worry about any accidental spillage)
Stila blush in … I don’t know what. It was a gift from Bee.
Majolica Majorca blush in OR322 (can be a tad orange if applied heavy-handedly. Other than that, it’s a pretty colour)

Jane Blushing Cheeks in Blushing Glow
Benefit Dandelion and Georgia
Bourjois Blush in Rose D’or (I think I might have bought an old one; this is pretty hard and I really had to scrape at it to get the powder on my brush. But once we get past that, the colour’s pretty)
Milani Shimmer Stripes in Miami Glow
Jane Blushing Cheeks Cheek Shapers in Paradise
Elianto Black Label blush in Pastel Pink
Muji blush (got this from Muji in Japan. Didn’t realise it was very shimmery when I bought this. I look like a disco ball with this on)

NARS blushes (highly pigmented stuff. Love ’em!)
Flirt Peek-A-Blush Sheer Powder Cheek Color in Dapple Apple (got it when Target was phasing all Flirt items at 50% off. Good colour payoff. Stupid me almost broke the case because I thought you had to lift the cover, not slide and then lift).
Chanel Blush Dup Tweed Effect in Tweed Rose (most expensive blush I own. Beautiful though).

Stuff I forgot to take pictures of:
Benefit Posietint
Benefit Benetint
Clinique Fresh Bloom Allover Colour

Now that I’ve shown you my blush collection, it has ignited an unbelievable craving for at least one more. Hmm … something by Dior, perhaps?

Hang on, I’ll be right back! 😉

Heard on the news yesterday that this year’s Myer and David Jones stocktake sale didn’t attract that many customers as they did last year. No thanks to the suffering economy, people are starting to tighten their belts and save up for rainy days (and you know what they say, when it rain, it pours).

Still, I couldn’t help but check out the sales yesterday. The hubs and I are on a lookout for an electric blanket, and was hoping to get a reasonably-priced one in the sales. I didn’t come home with one, but I did get some cheap Pyrex bowls, a few pairs of socks, and bits and bobs. I made the mistake of walking past Witchery, because a few minutes later, I came out of David Jones with this.

I don’t know why, but quilted patterns really appeal to me. It could be my sub-conscience telling me to get the Chanel 2.55, oh I don’t know. It’s dark brown, and it’s made of soft leather. Best of all, it was only 50 bucks.

I know I know, I don’t need yet another wallet, but walking out of the store, I sure was a happy camper.

PS: Speaking of the Chanel 2.55, this was what the husband said, and I quote “You and me sign a contract. IF I were to get you the Chanel bag, there will be no more big items for you for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmases for the next two years”. How about it? Should I take him up on his offer? He did mention no big items (ie there’ll STILL be pressies). Hee hee hee 😉

As much as I love the crisp cold air and gorgeous woolly coats winter bring, there’s one thing I dread about the season. I simply cannot seem to control my weight. In the cold, I tend to eat more, and when spring comes, I have this awful load of weight to shed before I get to wear summer dresses once more. It’s a fighting battle, I tell you. Sigh.

As I was leafing through Myer’s Emporium magazine (winter edition) today, I came across a short article of smart snacking, which will come in handy for me when it comes to dining out during the cold season. This applies all year round, of course, but I’m hoping this would help me to control my intake of food when I’m at a restaurant. Oh Lord, please give me strength to persevere and not eat that entire chocolate mousse with that unbelievably decadent hot caramel inside just waiting to melt in my mouth!

Anyways. Enjoy.

Judy Davis, food writer and founder of The Food Coach shares some tips for smarter snacking when dining out.

Finger-food faux pas
“Never arrive at a function hungry and avoid anything deep-fried, says Davie. She also suggests limiting consumption to no more than six pieces.

Excellent entrees
Stop kidding yourself that you’re skipping the calories by ordering soup. Many soups are made with butter and cream and are high in energy (kilojoules). “Tomato-based chunky soups made with loads of vegies are a better choice,” suggests Davie. Other healthier entrees include, “caprese salad, grilled scallops, prawns or octopus and many vegetarian entrees”.

The main event
“At night, avoid rich carbohydrate meals such as pasta and risotto. Instead, choose protein- and vegetable-rich dishes,” Davie advises. “If the main meal doesn’t come with vegetables or salads, always order them on the side, to prevent you from opting for fries or heavy, starch accompaniments.” And the big one: “limit alcohol to a maximum of one glass of wine.”

The little extras
Desserts need not be denied – Davie suggests ordering one serve and sharing it around. “A mouthful or two won’t hurt.” As for drinks, “Vodka and soda has the least amount of energy, whereas sweet cocktails made with cream and spirits with sweet mixer drinks are high in energy. Wine is middle of the road while beer is high in carbohydrates and sugar.”

The final word
“Eat very slowly and chew your food thoroughly,” Davie advises. “You won’t know you’re full unless you eat slowly, as the hypothalamus in the brain takes a while to receive the news from the stomach that it’s full.” (Edit: This is my downfall. It’s embarrassing, but I eat faster than most people I know, and that includes my husband)