Welcome to this year's first anti-haul blog post. One of the things I like to talk about in this blog is stuff I am not buying. It's used to be beauty heavy but I guess it can be anything that I am not buying, really. I just want to keep my wallet shut from impulse buying and be more conscious when shopping this year. 

I always like to throw on some quick disclaimer: the things I am going to talk about is very personal to me and they are my personal views. The products may be your most loved products and that is absolutely fine. I am not throwing shades to anyone and please take my words with a grain of salt.

Washi Tapes

Just any types of washi tapes in general. The wide one, the regular, the thinnest - all of them. I never use my washi tapes especially the big fat ones. I don't know how to use them properly. I think it makes my bullet journal looks even more sloppy than it already is.

I think my washi collection is pretty decent and could last me for the rest of my life. I am just going to use up whatever I have at home and never purchase them again. 

Stamps

You know those stamps that require you to peel off the stamp and place it on an acrylic block, dip it in the ink pad and then stamp it onto the paper?

That sounds like a lot of work, prone to smudging and most of the time I hate the font they're using. I would much rather write things down using my own handwriting. Ink pads also tend to dry out fast and you have to clean the stamps after each use which is quite annoying.

Stickers

I love stickers. They're fun but if a sticker is going in my bullet journal it needs to serve a purpose. I used to just put them all over the page because I am so sick looking at my sticker pile that's left untouched for many moons.

And yes, you guessed it. I don't know how to 'sticker decorating' because having a bunch of stickers in your drawer seem to be all the rage.

Page Flags/ Sticky Notes

Everybody and their mother would go crazy over the page flags and sticky notes that have cool shapes and colours that are usually super affordable BUT for what reason? They never stuck to anything. It's freaking useless and I use them probably once a year.

Amanda Rach Lee Doodle Planner

I am pretty sure most of you have heard of Amanda. She has her very own planner that you can buy and it already has doodles drawn on all of the pages. It's pretty unique though. It's just not for me. I am not used to a planner that's already decorated, I want to decorate it on my own.

Stencils

I hate these. The fact that it takes up so much time to just aligning the stencils to try and fit between the dots which rarely line up really baffles me. I think stencils work better on a completely blank page rather than a dotted journal.

Are any of these on your anti-haul too? What are some bullet journal supplies you don't use?

• Sunday, May 09, 2021
• anti-haul

I Am Not Buying These Bullet Journal Supplies

Welcome to this year's first anti-haul blog post. One of the things I like to talk about in this blog is stuff I am not buying. It's used to be beauty heavy but I guess it can be anything that I am not buying, really. I just want to keep my wallet shut from impulse buying and be more conscious when shopping this year. 

I always like to throw on some quick disclaimer: the things I am going to talk about is very personal to me and they are my personal views. The products may be your most loved products and that is absolutely fine. I am not throwing shades to anyone and please take my words with a grain of salt.

Washi Tapes

Just any types of washi tapes in general. The wide one, the regular, the thinnest - all of them. I never use my washi tapes especially the big fat ones. I don't know how to use them properly. I think it makes my bullet journal looks even more sloppy than it already is.

I think my washi collection is pretty decent and could last me for the rest of my life. I am just going to use up whatever I have at home and never purchase them again. 

Stamps

You know those stamps that require you to peel off the stamp and place it on an acrylic block, dip it in the ink pad and then stamp it onto the paper?

That sounds like a lot of work, prone to smudging and most of the time I hate the font they're using. I would much rather write things down using my own handwriting. Ink pads also tend to dry out fast and you have to clean the stamps after each use which is quite annoying.

Stickers

I love stickers. They're fun but if a sticker is going in my bullet journal it needs to serve a purpose. I used to just put them all over the page because I am so sick looking at my sticker pile that's left untouched for many moons.

And yes, you guessed it. I don't know how to 'sticker decorating' because having a bunch of stickers in your drawer seem to be all the rage.

Page Flags/ Sticky Notes

Everybody and their mother would go crazy over the page flags and sticky notes that have cool shapes and colours that are usually super affordable BUT for what reason? They never stuck to anything. It's freaking useless and I use them probably once a year.

Amanda Rach Lee Doodle Planner

I am pretty sure most of you have heard of Amanda. She has her very own planner that you can buy and it already has doodles drawn on all of the pages. It's pretty unique though. It's just not for me. I am not used to a planner that's already decorated, I want to decorate it on my own.

Stencils

I hate these. The fact that it takes up so much time to just aligning the stencils to try and fit between the dots which rarely line up really baffles me. I think stencils work better on a completely blank page rather than a dotted journal.

Are any of these on your anti-haul too? What are some bullet journal supplies you don't use?

Read more »

To be honest, for the past few days, my sluggishness totally consumed me. We're once again in a restricted lockdown here in Sabah. Most activities are prohibited and we're not allowed to go to places. It's a mess.

I feel tired most of the time, my sleeping pattern has left the chat, I sit around a lot, and basically just unable to be as active as I normally would. It's quite draining but I'm thankful I still have bits of these moments to remember in April.

April was a weird month.

1. Had the worst gastric pain ever

I had a full-blown gastric pain just before Ramadan and it lasted for almost a week. I've always been that girl with occasional minor gastric pain but this time it's a catastrophe. My stomach was so sore and it felt like I've been pumped full of air in my upper body. I was so gassy and I let out so much excessive wind I thought I was going to pass out. My s/o kept telling me to go to the doctors with him but I insisted. 

...and the pain got worse. The joke's on me.

So to the doctors, we went and everything is sorted out. Thank goodness. I was given three packets of medicines (Pantoprazole tablets, Drotaverine tablets, and Paracetamol) and I learned my lesson, guys. Finished the meds and got new ones and still taking them at this point. I am really cautious about my diet now and just overall be really wary of what I will be putting inside my body. Stay healthy, you guys!

2. Ramadan month

As someone who has occasional gastric pain, fasting is never really a barrier for me. I will have a day where I can feel the pain but it's not major. My trick is to always stay hydrated and never skips on dates, after all, it's a sunnah. Anyway, I have set up a few realistic goals for this Ramadan and they're:

• Never skips dates for iftar and suhoor
• Keep my screen time low (Usually, it's 11h but ever since Ramadan, it's currently at 7h! Yes to single digits!)
• Be moderate of what I eat
• Give away as much stuff as a form of charity (charity doesn't always have to be spending money, especially if you don't have any)
• Put filters on my tongue (almost lost it but quickly recite "astaghfirullah")

What are your realistic Ramadan goals for 2021, ladies and gents?

3. April's bullet journal flip through

Notes: I messed up the cover page because I was distracted hence the sloppy outcome. I didn't have that many important dates for April, though. I just went with my puasa sunat tracking and my usual period tracking. It's so handy dandy to me. 

Notes: I forgot to sum up my overall spending for April but it was way humble than my March's spending. Nothing over RM100 was spent in one go and that's a record. As far as habits go, didn't manage to workout every day because I was nearly passed out and it's Ramadan. However, I did a great job in reading! I read almost every day last month so *pats my back*

Notes: I was doing so good halfway through the month but then something happened and Movement Control Order (MCO/ quarantine) is back and it's even more restricted. It's a whole lotta mess. But I am thankful for my gratitude log. It's so fitting during this rough time. 

Notes: Most of my inspiration when it comes to my weeklies is this foreign Telegram group that I joined. They like compiled lots of bullet journal ideas - it's packed but they never credit the original creator. What a bummer.

4. Got my AdSense approved in one try!

I am not much successful in blogging, and I still call myself an amateur, a newbie after all these years. There's still so much I have to learn. I have totally had great moments upon relaunching this blog back in October 2015!

It was never in my mind to monetize my blog. I was so reluctant about throwing up ads on my blog just because I was so concerned that my audience will not like it. I waited for a few years before finally displaying ads and that speaks volume.

I applied for Google AdSense (for the first time) on April 17th and get it approved on April 18th! It was such a great feeling. I got help and advice from other bloggers as well and that too is an awesome feeling. 

5. Fearless: Taylor's Version. Godsent!

I was stunned, to say the least. Fearless Taylor's Version brings back countless memories and not only that but she also included a selection of brand new songs by her in the tracklist. I grew up on Taylor's songs by being a fan since her country days. Back to the time when my only problem was waking up early to school. Haha!

It's crazy how years later, the same songs, lyrics and music still carry the same meaning as before and it kinda makes you feel the same feeling as before. I was mostly in my heartbroken phase while jamming to Taylor's songs back then but I can still feel that and I am not even heartbroken right now! It's insane.

To some, "Fearless (Taylor's Version)" might just be another album from that famous singer, but to me, it has more meaning than anything else. This is definitely my soundtrack of the year. It's all over the internet if you want to hear it for yourself. 

How's your April? What are the things you grateful for last month?

• Saturday, May 01, 2021
• five things

Five Things In April 2021

To be honest, for the past few days, my sluggishness totally consumed me. We're once again in a restricted lockdown here in Sabah. Most activities are prohibited and we're not allowed to go to places. It's a mess.

I feel tired most of the time, my sleeping pattern has left the chat, I sit around a lot, and basically just unable to be as active as I normally would. It's quite draining but I'm thankful I still have bits of these moments to remember in April.

April was a weird month.

1. Had the worst gastric pain ever

I had a full-blown gastric pain just before Ramadan and it lasted for almost a week. I've always been that girl with occasional minor gastric pain but this time it's a catastrophe. My stomach was so sore and it felt like I've been pumped full of air in my upper body. I was so gassy and I let out so much excessive wind I thought I was going to pass out. My s/o kept telling me to go to the doctors with him but I insisted. 

...and the pain got worse. The joke's on me.

So to the doctors, we went and everything is sorted out. Thank goodness. I was given three packets of medicines (Pantoprazole tablets, Drotaverine tablets, and Paracetamol) and I learned my lesson, guys. Finished the meds and got new ones and still taking them at this point. I am really cautious about my diet now and just overall be really wary of what I will be putting inside my body. Stay healthy, you guys!

2. Ramadan month

As someone who has occasional gastric pain, fasting is never really a barrier for me. I will have a day where I can feel the pain but it's not major. My trick is to always stay hydrated and never skips on dates, after all, it's a sunnah. Anyway, I have set up a few realistic goals for this Ramadan and they're:

• Never skips dates for iftar and suhoor
• Keep my screen time low (Usually, it's 11h but ever since Ramadan, it's currently at 7h! Yes to single digits!)
• Be moderate of what I eat
• Give away as much stuff as a form of charity (charity doesn't always have to be spending money, especially if you don't have any)
• Put filters on my tongue (almost lost it but quickly recite "astaghfirullah")

What are your realistic Ramadan goals for 2021, ladies and gents?

3. April's bullet journal flip through

Notes: I messed up the cover page because I was distracted hence the sloppy outcome. I didn't have that many important dates for April, though. I just went with my puasa sunat tracking and my usual period tracking. It's so handy dandy to me. 

Notes: I forgot to sum up my overall spending for April but it was way humble than my March's spending. Nothing over RM100 was spent in one go and that's a record. As far as habits go, didn't manage to workout every day because I was nearly passed out and it's Ramadan. However, I did a great job in reading! I read almost every day last month so *pats my back*

Notes: I was doing so good halfway through the month but then something happened and Movement Control Order (MCO/ quarantine) is back and it's even more restricted. It's a whole lotta mess. But I am thankful for my gratitude log. It's so fitting during this rough time. 

Notes: Most of my inspiration when it comes to my weeklies is this foreign Telegram group that I joined. They like compiled lots of bullet journal ideas - it's packed but they never credit the original creator. What a bummer.

4. Got my AdSense approved in one try!

I am not much successful in blogging, and I still call myself an amateur, a newbie after all these years. There's still so much I have to learn. I have totally had great moments upon relaunching this blog back in October 2015!

It was never in my mind to monetize my blog. I was so reluctant about throwing up ads on my blog just because I was so concerned that my audience will not like it. I waited for a few years before finally displaying ads and that speaks volume.

I applied for Google AdSense (for the first time) on April 17th and get it approved on April 18th! It was such a great feeling. I got help and advice from other bloggers as well and that too is an awesome feeling. 

5. Fearless: Taylor's Version. Godsent!

I was stunned, to say the least. Fearless Taylor's Version brings back countless memories and not only that but she also included a selection of brand new songs by her in the tracklist. I grew up on Taylor's songs by being a fan since her country days. Back to the time when my only problem was waking up early to school. Haha!

It's crazy how years later, the same songs, lyrics and music still carry the same meaning as before and it kinda makes you feel the same feeling as before. I was mostly in my heartbroken phase while jamming to Taylor's songs back then but I can still feel that and I am not even heartbroken right now! It's insane.

To some, "Fearless (Taylor's Version)" might just be another album from that famous singer, but to me, it has more meaning than anything else. This is definitely my soundtrack of the year. It's all over the internet if you want to hear it for yourself. 

How's your April? What are the things you grateful for last month?

Read more »

I am not much of a morning person by choice but this year has been quite the opposite for me. It's definitely something I am working on because I have been starting my day at 3pm for over 15 years now and that speaks volume. Now I just want to get things done in the morning and still have plenty of time for myself and everything else before the sun sets. 

I've learned that it really radiates more positive energy into our lives if we start it with good habits or routines. It's also important to know that how you start your morning really sets the tone for the rest of the day. I just want to feel more mornings the year and it's definitely not a smooth journey. However, these things I do in the morning really helped me to make the rest of my day better and I hope you may find these helpful too!

Make the bed

It's really that simple. I feel better just by making my own bed because less clutter = less stress. I feel so accomplished even if it's something small. I used to never really make my bed and it actually drives me nuts.

Have some natural sunlight

Opening all the curtains and letting natural sunlight flood my space really elevates my mood. Sunlight is a natural energy giver so it's really important to have it in the morning. 

Take a walk

Speaking of sunlight, I just love to take a walk in the morning. It really helps to clear a messy mind and it brings nothing but positive energy. It's just you, the sun and the scenery. Sounds so therapeutic to me!

Stretch

I am all for my stretching routine because I want to have K-idols' killer shoulder and neckline so bad. All jokes aside, stretching is great to help loosen your muscles after sleeping. I spend just 15 minutes doing light stretching or a few yoga poses which really gets me ready to accomplish more tasks.

Have a good morning drink

I love to have a cup of warm tea, especially in the morning. It's not really a healthy option but I just can't function without my tea. It comforts me.

Shower before 10am

I like to set a target on everything I do, one of them is this. I feel so good when I shower early in the morning. It's used to be before 8 but that's not realistic to me. Sometimes I woke up pretty late so I changed it to 10. 

Feed stray cats

My backyard is pretty much their shelter so it's easy for me to find them and feed them. How can you not be happy or at least be in a good mood after feeding the strays? 

Do my skincare routine

It's something that I look forward to every single day and I just can't wait to put a checkmark on that in my bullet journal. Doing my skincare routine in the quiet morning hours is just the best. 

Smile

It's sometimes the very first thing I do as soon as I wake up. I need to make this a habit because it does work. I will say something really positive about myself and that it's going to be a great day and it really works, most of the time.

What are the little things you do in the morning to make the rest of your day feel better?

• Monday, April 19, 2021
• lifestyle

Little Things I Do in The Morning To Make The Day Better

I am not much of a morning person by choice but this year has been quite the opposite for me. It's definitely something I am working on because I have been starting my day at 3pm for over 15 years now and that speaks volume. Now I just want to get things done in the morning and still have plenty of time for myself and everything else before the sun sets. 

I've learned that it really radiates more positive energy into our lives if we start it with good habits or routines. It's also important to know that how you start your morning really sets the tone for the rest of the day. I just want to feel more mornings the year and it's definitely not a smooth journey. However, these things I do in the morning really helped me to make the rest of my day better and I hope you may find these helpful too!

Make the bed

It's really that simple. I feel better just by making my own bed because less clutter = less stress. I feel so accomplished even if it's something small. I used to never really make my bed and it actually drives me nuts.

Have some natural sunlight

Opening all the curtains and letting natural sunlight flood my space really elevates my mood. Sunlight is a natural energy giver so it's really important to have it in the morning. 

Take a walk

Speaking of sunlight, I just love to take a walk in the morning. It really helps to clear a messy mind and it brings nothing but positive energy. It's just you, the sun and the scenery. Sounds so therapeutic to me!

Stretch

I am all for my stretching routine because I want to have K-idols' killer shoulder and neckline so bad. All jokes aside, stretching is great to help loosen your muscles after sleeping. I spend just 15 minutes doing light stretching or a few yoga poses which really gets me ready to accomplish more tasks.

Have a good morning drink

I love to have a cup of warm tea, especially in the morning. It's not really a healthy option but I just can't function without my tea. It comforts me.

Shower before 10am

I like to set a target on everything I do, one of them is this. I feel so good when I shower early in the morning. It's used to be before 8 but that's not realistic to me. Sometimes I woke up pretty late so I changed it to 10. 

Feed stray cats

My backyard is pretty much their shelter so it's easy for me to find them and feed them. How can you not be happy or at least be in a good mood after feeding the strays? 

Do my skincare routine

It's something that I look forward to every single day and I just can't wait to put a checkmark on that in my bullet journal. Doing my skincare routine in the quiet morning hours is just the best. 

Smile

It's sometimes the very first thing I do as soon as I wake up. I need to make this a habit because it does work. I will say something really positive about myself and that it's going to be a great day and it really works, most of the time.

What are the little things you do in the morning to make the rest of your day feel better?

Read more »

Today I will be debunking a few common misconceptions about bullet journaling. It has been on my mind lately. I see some people jump on this bandwagon just because it's trendy. It's more like a helper for your productivity and getting organized. Because of how seemingly "perfect" and creative bullet journals are online, a lot of people can be intimidated by that and come to the wrong interpretation about the "right way" to bullet journal. 

I am not here to teach you the right way to bullet journal and there's no such thing as the "right way" to do it (this is also a myth!). I am here to stop you from believing your nasty thoughts about bullet journaling. I know you have those thoughts because I did when I first starting to keep a bullet journal. Well, most of the things are completely untrue and let's talk about it!

Myth #1: There is a "right way" to do it

Let's talk about this first. There is no real "right way" to do it. Yes, I said it. The whole idea of bullet journaling is to create something that works for you; flexible and customized to fit your needs. You can do anything you want in your bullet journal and don't ever think yours is the wrong way to do it.

I have found that my setups have evolved so much since I started bullet journaling. I have been able to create a system that works best for me. It's a whole process and I have definitely come a long way. As long as it works for you - you're doing it right.

Myth #2: You have to be creative at doodling/ drawing/ lettering

No. You don't have to be artistically talented to keep a bullet journal. Some people incorporate art, lots of doodles and creative letterings into their bullet journals but that doesn't mean you have to. If that isn't your thing, you can totally do it your OWN way. There are a lot of minimalist bullet journals out there without any heavy embellishments and they look immaculate! 

I do decorate my bullet journal with doodles but nothing too crazy and lots of modern calligraphy just because I like to keep it that way (I can assure you they all look super amateur). My setups are pretty much the same every month and that's absolutely fine. You don't have to be incredibly creative to start a bullet journal.

Myth #3: You need tons of fancy supplies

You don't need it all. The only necessities for bullet journaling are a notebook and just a few writing instruments. The bullet journal method itself is already minimalist. You may feel like you just have to get those fancy markers or a few rolls of washi tapes.

I am not saying fancy supplies are bad for you, no. I have these things and trust me, you will probably end up not using half of what you buy. And those brush pens tend to have a much higher price than your average pen. Don't feel the pressure to catch up with other people and their stationery supplies.

Myth #4: You need to be consistent

You don't have to. This isn't a must, it's an option. It's totally fine if you miss a day or two. Sometimes we just need a break from something and you can take a break from bullet journaling too.

I sometimes take a few breaks where I would skip a day or two or an entire month! You can use your bullet journal as often or as little as you want. There's no pressure to follow other people's routine.

Myth #5: Bullet journal takes a lot of time/ makes you less productive

"Bullet journal is too much work and time-consuming!"

I am pretty sure you have heard this at least once in your life. This is probably the biggest myth of all! It can take a lot of time ONLY if you want to. If you're really concerned about your time, you always have an option to use a printable bullet journal. Yay for bullet journal efficiency!

I personally spend 2-3 hours doing my monthly setups and I am fine with it. The time I spend on my bullet journal is major when it comes to my mental well-being. I find it so calm and peaceful. Nothing really takes away your productivity when you're clearly creating a system that's customized to you.

Do you have a bullet journal? What's other bullet journal myth you would add to the list?

• Thursday, April 15, 2021
• bullet journal

5 Common Bullet Journal Myths You Should Never Believe

Today I will be debunking a few common misconceptions about bullet journaling. It has been on my mind lately. I see some people jump on this bandwagon just because it's trendy. It's more like a helper for your productivity and getting organized. Because of how seemingly "perfect" and creative bullet journals are online, a lot of people can be intimidated by that and come to the wrong interpretation about the "right way" to bullet journal. 

I am not here to teach you the right way to bullet journal and there's no such thing as the "right way" to do it (this is also a myth!). I am here to stop you from believing your nasty thoughts about bullet journaling. I know you have those thoughts because I did when I first starting to keep a bullet journal. Well, most of the things are completely untrue and let's talk about it!

Myth #1: There is a "right way" to do it

Let's talk about this first. There is no real "right way" to do it. Yes, I said it. The whole idea of bullet journaling is to create something that works for you; flexible and customized to fit your needs. You can do anything you want in your bullet journal and don't ever think yours is the wrong way to do it.

I have found that my setups have evolved so much since I started bullet journaling. I have been able to create a system that works best for me. It's a whole process and I have definitely come a long way. As long as it works for you - you're doing it right.

Myth #2: You have to be creative at doodling/ drawing/ lettering

No. You don't have to be artistically talented to keep a bullet journal. Some people incorporate art, lots of doodles and creative letterings into their bullet journals but that doesn't mean you have to. If that isn't your thing, you can totally do it your OWN way. There are a lot of minimalist bullet journals out there without any heavy embellishments and they look immaculate! 

I do decorate my bullet journal with doodles but nothing too crazy and lots of modern calligraphy just because I like to keep it that way (I can assure you they all look super amateur). My setups are pretty much the same every month and that's absolutely fine. You don't have to be incredibly creative to start a bullet journal.

Myth #3: You need tons of fancy supplies

You don't need it all. The only necessities for bullet journaling are a notebook and just a few writing instruments. The bullet journal method itself is already minimalist. You may feel like you just have to get those fancy markers or a few rolls of washi tapes.

I am not saying fancy supplies are bad for you, no. I have these things and trust me, you will probably end up not using half of what you buy. And those brush pens tend to have a much higher price than your average pen. Don't feel the pressure to catch up with other people and their stationery supplies.

Myth #4: You need to be consistent

You don't have to. This isn't a must, it's an option. It's totally fine if you miss a day or two. Sometimes we just need a break from something and you can take a break from bullet journaling too.

I sometimes take a few breaks where I would skip a day or two or an entire month! You can use your bullet journal as often or as little as you want. There's no pressure to follow other people's routine.

Myth #5: Bullet journal takes a lot of time/ makes you less productive

"Bullet journal is too much work and time-consuming!"

I am pretty sure you have heard this at least once in your life. This is probably the biggest myth of all! It can take a lot of time ONLY if you want to. If you're really concerned about your time, you always have an option to use a printable bullet journal. Yay for bullet journal efficiency!

I personally spend 2-3 hours doing my monthly setups and I am fine with it. The time I spend on my bullet journal is major when it comes to my mental well-being. I find it so calm and peaceful. Nothing really takes away your productivity when you're clearly creating a system that's customized to you.

Do you have a bullet journal? What's other bullet journal myth you would add to the list?

Read more »

Admittedly, during the quarantine period, my screen time increases. I have resorted to staring at screens be it my phone, laptop, the TV, and all other electronic devices I have. While I think it's amazing how technology has the ability to keep us all connected even virtually, it's important to stay away for a while from looking at a screen.

This is not my first time doing a 'digital detox' of some sort because I have definitely done this in the past where I quit Instagram and deleted the app for a while. It was a success, my screen time dropped rapidly and I want to do it again this time without having to delete any of my apps. 

I know it's definitely easier said than done for some people because their work requires them to stare at their phones or laptops all day. However, you must have that one day to yourself and you should have it screen-free. So here are 10 of my personal favorite activities you can try with zero screen necessary. (Some links used are affiliate links)

1. Start a bullet journal

Bullet journal has encourage me to distance myself from unnecessary stress and to have ample time for myself. I know it takes a lot of time to set up the spreads but you have all the time in this world for yourself and yourself only. It's worth it because it has been boosting my happiness level and improving my mental and emotional health. I think it's one of the best things you can do for yourself — besides having to stay away from looking at your phone, you will likely feel content.

Here are some bullet journal spreads you can try out that actually promote self-care:

• Gratitude log (a life-changer!)
• Positive quote page
• Habit tracker
• Mood tracker
• Self-care essentials

2. Pick up some arts and crafts

The benefit of having an artistic sister is to have a free art/ painting lesson at any time I please. Some time last year, I was given a painting lesson at home and it turned out well except for I painted like an amateur. But that's okay. It's one of the great things to do without having to look at your phone and just enjoy the ambience.

3. Give yourself a manicure/ pedicure

There is something about doing my nails that I find so calming. I don't usually paint them but when I do, I use these peel-off nail polishes that have tons of beautiful nude colors. If I don't feel like painting my nails, I will just file them using a glass nail file that will add shine to my nails and just clean my cuticles. Love me some fresh, clean, and shiny nails!

4. Practice stretches every day

I have been doing shoulder stretches to achieve a killer shoulder line and neckline for over a month now. I can slowly see the result but I still have a long way to go. This is something you can try as well without having to look at your phone or laptop. I did this every day in my room, completely silent.

5. Try new makeup looks

Because of the pandemic, I see myself actually having lots of fun playing with colors even with no places to go. It has become like a creative outlet for me. I just love the process even more now because I can take my time with it and no one's rushing me. I can really experiment with what I already have and try out various ways of applying products.

6. Practice modern calligraphy

Calligraphy is so much fun to learn. It's actually pretty easy using whatever supplies you have. I have a bunch of brush pens at home so I practice using those types of pens. And as they say, you won't get good at it overnight, so practice regularly. It can take hours but I feel good if it doesn't involve my phone at all. 

7. Color an adult coloring book

Coloring is one of the best ways to unleash your creativity as well as a stress-reliever. These adult coloring books can keep you occupied for hours at a time and you might actually forget that you have a phone.

8. Meditate and have a cup of tea

Tea and meditation go perfectly together because they both promote calmness and can reduce stress and anxiety. I sometimes find it hard to practice meditation but this tea meditation is a great way of introducing meditation into my life! Now it's just you, your body, your mind, and your tea.

 9. Finish a home improvement project

I have always enjoyed doing home improvement projects all the time but I stopped because who has the time? Well, now that we're all staying at home and the pandemic has given us all the time we needed, what are you waiting for?

10. Tidy up and clean everything

One of my most favorite activities to do that doesn't involve any screens! Take the advantage of a sunny day to wash your bedding, clean the bathroom, clean out the kitchen cabinets, and just organizing every bit of your home. Nothing beats a squeaky clean house!

What are some screen-free activities that you absolutely love?

• Friday, April 09, 2021
• lifestyle

10 Absolutely Screen-Free Indoor Activities You Can Try

Admittedly, during the quarantine period, my screen time increases. I have resorted to staring at screens be it my phone, laptop, the TV, and all other electronic devices I have. While I think it's amazing how technology has the ability to keep us all connected even virtually, it's important to stay away for a while from looking at a screen.

This is not my first time doing a 'digital detox' of some sort because I have definitely done this in the past where I quit Instagram and deleted the app for a while. It was a success, my screen time dropped rapidly and I want to do it again this time without having to delete any of my apps. 

I know it's definitely easier said than done for some people because their work requires them to stare at their phones or laptops all day. However, you must have that one day to yourself and you should have it screen-free. So here are 10 of my personal favorite activities you can try with zero screen necessary. (Some links used are affiliate links)

1. Start a bullet journal

Bullet journal has encourage me to distance myself from unnecessary stress and to have ample time for myself. I know it takes a lot of time to set up the spreads but you have all the time in this world for yourself and yourself only. It's worth it because it has been boosting my happiness level and improving my mental and emotional health. I think it's one of the best things you can do for yourself — besides having to stay away from looking at your phone, you will likely feel content.

Here are some bullet journal spreads you can try out that actually promote self-care:

• Gratitude log (a life-changer!)
• Positive quote page
• Habit tracker
• Mood tracker
• Self-care essentials

2. Pick up some arts and crafts

The benefit of having an artistic sister is to have a free art/ painting lesson at any time I please. Some time last year, I was given a painting lesson at home and it turned out well except for I painted like an amateur. But that's okay. It's one of the great things to do without having to look at your phone and just enjoy the ambience.

3. Give yourself a manicure/ pedicure

There is something about doing my nails that I find so calming. I don't usually paint them but when I do, I use these peel-off nail polishes that have tons of beautiful nude colors. If I don't feel like painting my nails, I will just file them using a glass nail file that will add shine to my nails and just clean my cuticles. Love me some fresh, clean, and shiny nails!

4. Practice stretches every day

I have been doing shoulder stretches to achieve a killer shoulder line and neckline for over a month now. I can slowly see the result but I still have a long way to go. This is something you can try as well without having to look at your phone or laptop. I did this every day in my room, completely silent.

5. Try new makeup looks

Because of the pandemic, I see myself actually having lots of fun playing with colors even with no places to go. It has become like a creative outlet for me. I just love the process even more now because I can take my time with it and no one's rushing me. I can really experiment with what I already have and try out various ways of applying products.

6. Practice modern calligraphy

Calligraphy is so much fun to learn. It's actually pretty easy using whatever supplies you have. I have a bunch of brush pens at home so I practice using those types of pens. And as they say, you won't get good at it overnight, so practice regularly. It can take hours but I feel good if it doesn't involve my phone at all. 

7. Color an adult coloring book

Coloring is one of the best ways to unleash your creativity as well as a stress-reliever. These adult coloring books can keep you occupied for hours at a time and you might actually forget that you have a phone.

8. Meditate and have a cup of tea

Tea and meditation go perfectly together because they both promote calmness and can reduce stress and anxiety. I sometimes find it hard to practice meditation but this tea meditation is a great way of introducing meditation into my life! Now it's just you, your body, your mind, and your tea.

 9. Finish a home improvement project

I have always enjoyed doing home improvement projects all the time but I stopped because who has the time? Well, now that we're all staying at home and the pandemic has given us all the time we needed, what are you waiting for?

10. Tidy up and clean everything

One of my most favorite activities to do that doesn't involve any screens! Take the advantage of a sunny day to wash your bedding, clean the bathroom, clean out the kitchen cabinets, and just organizing every bit of your home. Nothing beats a squeaky clean house!

What are some screen-free activities that you absolutely love?

Read more »

Hello, gorgeousness! In this post, I will be taking you to my 12 random, best Shopee finds under RM100. Surprisingly, my previous Shopee finds post was such a hit so I am doing another one. It's going to be home products heavy that you may not need but who knows. Take this opportunity to shop during Shopee Raya Special month and save your moolah. (Some links used in this post are affiliate links)

Tech

Sunset Projector

I saw a lot of people on TikTok is going bananas over these sunset projector lights. This is one of the best ways to give your space that warm, good vibes while making it look extra dreamy and fancy. It also looks like something that will instantly lifts up your mood!

LED Light Strips

I am sure you have seen these before but if this is brand new to you, no biggie. Light strips are nothing complicated whatsoever. You can attach these pretty much everywhere you want in your house and you have full control through an app or the remote control to adjust whichever color you like. This is so cool!

Cute Cat Air Humidifier

I have been eyeing this air humidifier for a while. I have one that's functioning well so far I guess when that dies on me, I will be getting this one. It has the upgraded ultrasonic technology (whatever that may be) and a touch screen button and of course a super cute cat ear design.

Decor

Artificial/ Dried Flowers

Artificial flowers never go out of style and they're here to stay. These are great quality artificial flowers and my favorite ones are the pampas and wheat. It's so simple yet it's so stylish to have in your home. I like the vibe I am getting with these artificial flowers.

Modern Clear Glass Vases

You can't go wrong with these modern clear glass vases. They serve a lot of purposes and pretty much one of the most handy types of vases to own. It looks great on its own or filled with lots of immaculate artificial flowers!

Vinyl Self-Adhesive Flooring

A great one to have if you need a quick fix to improve your space. This is great if you're a DIY kind of person and you want to have the experience of a professional, beautiful-looking floor without having to pay a hefty amount of cost. 

Soft Fluffy Carpet

I own two of these and I can't resist the urge to bury my feet just for fun into the plush and soft-touch carpet. A well-placed fluffy, shaggy carpet can instantly make a space look ten times more opulent, no? Just me? 

Faux Fur Throw Pillowcase

As if a fluffy carpet is not enough, I have a fluffy faux fur throw pillow case for you! Is it just me or fluffy everything can completely transform the feel of your space by creating soft texture and coziness? Just me again? I just love a good luxurious coziness in my house.

Office/ Organizers/ Misc

Minimalist Nordic Style Desk

I have a very simple workspace setup at home and this is perfect for my workspace vibe. This one is giving me the Scandinavian style of desk and I am living for the simplicity!

IKEA Style Nordic Chair

Don't you love a minimal style of chair like this one? It's all over Pinterest and I have been itching to get one for myself. You know what, I am just going to get all the Pinterest-worthy chairs and desks. 

Silicone USB Cable Organizer

Aren't you tired of searching for the right cable through your cluttered socket extension? Well, I am. I will throw a fit if they're all tangled so it's time to have a couple of these USB cable organizers to keep them all tangle-free.

Sturdy Clip-On Tablet/ Phone Stand

I will admit, I am a sucker for phone stands like these because I love to watch videos on YouTube while laying down on my bed so it's really handy to have one. I will search for the best phone stand on Shopee and I found this one. It's definitely sturdy and I don't have to attach this one to my body, thank god!

Are going to snatch any of these items? Let me know your best Shopee finds!

• Wednesday, April 07, 2021
• lifestyle

Best Shopee Finds Under RM100

Hello, gorgeousness! In this post, I will be taking you to my 12 random, best Shopee finds under RM100. Surprisingly, my previous Shopee finds post was such a hit so I am doing another one. It's going to be home products heavy that you may not need but who knows. Take this opportunity to shop during Shopee Raya Special month and save your moolah. (Some links used in this post are affiliate links)

Tech

Sunset Projector

I saw a lot of people on TikTok is going bananas over these sunset projector lights. This is one of the best ways to give your space that warm, good vibes while making it look extra dreamy and fancy. It also looks like something that will instantly lifts up your mood!

LED Light Strips

I am sure you have seen these before but if this is brand new to you, no biggie. Light strips are nothing complicated whatsoever. You can attach these pretty much everywhere you want in your house and you have full control through an app or the remote control to adjust whichever color you like. This is so cool!

Cute Cat Air Humidifier

I have been eyeing this air humidifier for a while. I have one that's functioning well so far I guess when that dies on me, I will be getting this one. It has the upgraded ultrasonic technology (whatever that may be) and a touch screen button and of course a super cute cat ear design.

Decor

Artificial/ Dried Flowers

Artificial flowers never go out of style and they're here to stay. These are great quality artificial flowers and my favorite ones are the pampas and wheat. It's so simple yet it's so stylish to have in your home. I like the vibe I am getting with these artificial flowers.

Modern Clear Glass Vases

You can't go wrong with these modern clear glass vases. They serve a lot of purposes and pretty much one of the most handy types of vases to own. It looks great on its own or filled with lots of immaculate artificial flowers!

Vinyl Self-Adhesive Flooring

A great one to have if you need a quick fix to improve your space. This is great if you're a DIY kind of person and you want to have the experience of a professional, beautiful-looking floor without having to pay a hefty amount of cost. 

Soft Fluffy Carpet

I own two of these and I can't resist the urge to bury my feet just for fun into the plush and soft-touch carpet. A well-placed fluffy, shaggy carpet can instantly make a space look ten times more opulent, no? Just me? 

Faux Fur Throw Pillowcase

As if a fluffy carpet is not enough, I have a fluffy faux fur throw pillow case for you! Is it just me or fluffy everything can completely transform the feel of your space by creating soft texture and coziness? Just me again? I just love a good luxurious coziness in my house.

Office/ Organizers/ Misc

Minimalist Nordic Style Desk

I have a very simple workspace setup at home and this is perfect for my workspace vibe. This one is giving me the Scandinavian style of desk and I am living for the simplicity!

IKEA Style Nordic Chair

Don't you love a minimal style of chair like this one? It's all over Pinterest and I have been itching to get one for myself. You know what, I am just going to get all the Pinterest-worthy chairs and desks. 

Silicone USB Cable Organizer

Aren't you tired of searching for the right cable through your cluttered socket extension? Well, I am. I will throw a fit if they're all tangled so it's time to have a couple of these USB cable organizers to keep them all tangle-free.

Sturdy Clip-On Tablet/ Phone Stand

I will admit, I am a sucker for phone stands like these because I love to watch videos on YouTube while laying down on my bed so it's really handy to have one. I will search for the best phone stand on Shopee and I found this one. It's definitely sturdy and I don't have to attach this one to my body, thank god!

Are going to snatch any of these items? Let me know your best Shopee finds!

Read more »

Whoops! I am so behind my schedule right now. I know I have been so absent lately and I have missed talking to you guys so much. I took a break, once again. I am just going through some stuff and I am just gonna say this, I would really appreciate it if you could spare some time to pray for my mental wellbeing. Not going to elaborate this further but I hope we are ALL going to be okay. Anywayyy.

March was such a rollercoaster ride.

March's Highlight

1. My first wedding event after several lockdowns!

Despite a worldwide pandemic and lockdown that pretty much saw a ban on weddings, like literally, many of my friends' wedding ceremonies got postponed since last year. I can safely say that it was such a moment when I had to get ready to finally attend my colleague's wedding.

I have been putting on makeup during lockdowns for myself and myself only to see and no places to go. When I was beating my face with makeup that day (it was such a good makeup day, btw) and the thought of eating lauk kenduri with my makeup on was lit. Don't mind me, homegirl just wants to flex her makeup look.

🤤

To be honest, I was in a dilemma because obviously there were going to be other guests so I was really like: “Will SOPs and proper cleaning protocols be followed? I hope there will be no close contact among guests.” I, of course, took the extra precaution of applying several coats of hand sanitizer every 15 minutes and put my mask on if I want to talk to people to take safety into account. It was such a simple yet immaculate wedding ceremony, btw.

2. Instagram Reels

Tell me why we're always late to the bandwagon. I believe Instagram Reels launched back in 2020 and it was just recently available on my Instagram app. Anyway, if it doesn't ring any bell, this is TikTok 2.0, you guys. I don't see the point of me installing the TikTok app because I am hooked to this Instagram Reels! I can kinda see why. And to be honest, I think Reels is more appropriate for me because I feel like an old fossil on TikTok. I can see myself really utilizing this new feature because as we're saying, I am already on my way to recording my next Reel. My Instagram is @lennezulkiflly

3. March's bullet journal flip through

4. Of doing the K-pop idols 90 degrees shoulder workout

Being a totally not crazy K-idols fan, I realized that most female K-idols have something in common and that is killer collarbone + sexy neck and shoulder lines. They have this almost like a 90 degrees shoulder line and that's what makes them look like a total hottie in every outfit. Not going to lie, my many years of bad posture really did their damage. So to fix that I took the plunge and do some stretching routine for my neck and shoulders for 15-30 minutes every day for a month to see if I can get that killer collarbones and beautiful neck and shoulder lines.

A month has passed, did it make a drastic change? No, I don't think my shoulders were reformed into a complete K-idols killer shoulder. HOWEVER, it's slightly better than a month ago and my collarbones are more defined. If anything, I became much more flexible after a month of painful stretching. It's worth it! I am so going to incorporate this into my everyday workout routine.

5. ABH Soft Glam eyeshadow palette

This should come as no surprise because I don't shut up about this palette ever since I got it. This was way before my 2021 low buy and it was like a self-reward-thingamajig. Anyway, it has been over a month and I am still obsessed with it. It's so beautiful for everyday shade, it has every color that I need to create an everyday daytime or nighttime look. 

Honestly, these are the only shades I gravitate towards as of now because it's going to take a while for me to incorporate vibrant, wild colors into my looks again. This palette is so useful for me, I can throw this in my travel bag and feel fine with every shade and not feel like I need to pull in another palette.

How's your March? What are you grateful for last month?

• Friday, April 02, 2021
• five things

Five Things In March 2021

Whoops! I am so behind my schedule right now. I know I have been so absent lately and I have missed talking to you guys so much. I took a break, once again. I am just going through some stuff and I am just gonna say this, I would really appreciate it if you could spare some time to pray for my mental wellbeing. Not going to elaborate this further but I hope we are ALL going to be okay. Anywayyy.

March was such a rollercoaster ride.

March's Highlight

1. My first wedding event after several lockdowns!

Despite a worldwide pandemic and lockdown that pretty much saw a ban on weddings, like literally, many of my friends' wedding ceremonies got postponed since last year. I can safely say that it was such a moment when I had to get ready to finally attend my colleague's wedding.

I have been putting on makeup during lockdowns for myself and myself only to see and no places to go. When I was beating my face with makeup that day (it was such a good makeup day, btw) and the thought of eating lauk kenduri with my makeup on was lit. Don't mind me, homegirl just wants to flex her makeup look.

🤤

To be honest, I was in a dilemma because obviously there were going to be other guests so I was really like: “Will SOPs and proper cleaning protocols be followed? I hope there will be no close contact among guests.” I, of course, took the extra precaution of applying several coats of hand sanitizer every 15 minutes and put my mask on if I want to talk to people to take safety into account. It was such a simple yet immaculate wedding ceremony, btw.

2. Instagram Reels

Tell me why we're always late to the bandwagon. I believe Instagram Reels launched back in 2020 and it was just recently available on my Instagram app. Anyway, if it doesn't ring any bell, this is TikTok 2.0, you guys. I don't see the point of me installing the TikTok app because I am hooked to this Instagram Reels! I can kinda see why. And to be honest, I think Reels is more appropriate for me because I feel like an old fossil on TikTok. I can see myself really utilizing this new feature because as we're saying, I am already on my way to recording my next Reel. My Instagram is @lennezulkiflly

3. March's bullet journal flip through

4. Of doing the K-pop idols 90 degrees shoulder workout

Being a totally not crazy K-idols fan, I realized that most female K-idols have something in common and that is killer collarbone + sexy neck and shoulder lines. They have this almost like a 90 degrees shoulder line and that's what makes them look like a total hottie in every outfit. Not going to lie, my many years of bad posture really did their damage. So to fix that I took the plunge and do some stretching routine for my neck and shoulders for 15-30 minutes every day for a month to see if I can get that killer collarbones and beautiful neck and shoulder lines.

A month has passed, did it make a drastic change? No, I don't think my shoulders were reformed into a complete K-idols killer shoulder. HOWEVER, it's slightly better than a month ago and my collarbones are more defined. If anything, I became much more flexible after a month of painful stretching. It's worth it! I am so going to incorporate this into my everyday workout routine.

5. ABH Soft Glam eyeshadow palette

This should come as no surprise because I don't shut up about this palette ever since I got it. This was way before my 2021 low buy and it was like a self-reward-thingamajig. Anyway, it has been over a month and I am still obsessed with it. It's so beautiful for everyday shade, it has every color that I need to create an everyday daytime or nighttime look. 

Honestly, these are the only shades I gravitate towards as of now because it's going to take a while for me to incorporate vibrant, wild colors into my looks again. This palette is so useful for me, I can throw this in my travel bag and feel fine with every shade and not feel like I need to pull in another palette.

How's your March? What are you grateful for last month?

Read more »