I just had one of those moments where you look at the clock, and then again one minute later, and somehow over an hour has passed. I’m hoping that the clocks have just gone forward, rather than me losing an hour inexplicably.
I just had a date. A third one. With a boy I think I quite like. As I drove home though, I wasn’t filled with giddy excitement so much as feeling furious at myself. I’m pushing him away and I don’t want to, but I can’t seem to stop myself from doing it.
We met online, and talked most if not every day for a month before our first date. As far as first dates go, it was nice, we were both clearly nervous as we talked too fast and remained relatively formal. We both agreed that we’d had a nice evening and would like to see each other again, so arranged for date number two, where he picked me up and drove me home. It was another lovely evening, and we again decided to meet up again, which was this evening. Bearing in mind this is two dates in and no moves made, I sort of had the idea of inviting him back to mine after dinner, so it wasn’t so awkward. He did come back, and we watched a film. He put his arm around me, which was sweet. I started to get really nervous, and as soon as the film ended, rather than let him make another move, I suggested I should probably take him home and dashed off to the loo. I kicked myself, but thought there’s always before we leave and in the car. But no, subconsciously blocked him on both those occasions too.
I could understand it if I didn’t like him, and didn’t want anything to happen, but I do and I do. It’s almost as if it’s the anticipation that’s causing me the issue, I can’t handle waiting to see what will happen so run away instead - sometimes metaphorically, sometimes less so. I’m just so pissed off with myself. In the car I could so clearly see him gearing up to it, but I just said see you later instead. In fact, I think I said take care. That’s even worse.
If my wheel didn’t have a horn in the middle, I would have face planted it.
Sunday 25 March 2018
Monday 19 March 2018
Traffic
A little over a week ago, I posted about my favourite Korean drama series. For some reason, that post has nearly 10 times as many views as I normally get on my posts in that time. I cannot figure out why, or even where these views have come from, as my traffic stats don’t really reflect the numbers. I can tell that they all seem to be from Poland though, most likely on windows using Firefox.
Weird.
In the past, these sorts of numbers are usually followed by incessant spam comments and a trail of where the views are coming from, but there is none of this here. To be honest, I don’t know how the system works. It could be one guy with an internet connection problem who just keeps refreshing the page for all I know.
In the past, these sorts of numbers are usually followed by incessant spam comments and a trail of where the views are coming from, but there is none of this here. To be honest, I don’t know how the system works. It could be one guy with an internet connection problem who just keeps refreshing the page for all I know.
I do enjoy looking up my stats. It’s just interesting to see where people are from and how they find these posts. As I don’t write this blog for an audience, I don’t advertise it or even label it correctly, so the fact that anyone can come across my ramblings is impressive, let alone nearly 50,000 people. I have a couple of friends who blog much more professionally than I do, I’d love to know how many views they tend to get.
I think my sister should do a mummy slash gardening blog. It’s all about mummy blogs these days, and the gardening side would be a good niche. You get sent free stuff left right and centre when you are a mummy blogger, and you only have to stick up a post twice a week or so. I’ve even checked out domains. I’d do it myself but I’m not a mum and there are thousands of sewy/crafty mummy blogs out there already.
In other news, I brought my cat a three level scratching post today. It’s basically a climbing frame for cats, and I’m only now realising that the reason I had a climbing frame as a kid is probably the same reason as why I got one for my cat - to stop me from being annoying, to make me use up energy, and to keep me out of the way. Anyway, she loves it.
I think my sister should do a mummy slash gardening blog. It’s all about mummy blogs these days, and the gardening side would be a good niche. You get sent free stuff left right and centre when you are a mummy blogger, and you only have to stick up a post twice a week or so. I’ve even checked out domains. I’d do it myself but I’m not a mum and there are thousands of sewy/crafty mummy blogs out there already.
In other news, I brought my cat a three level scratching post today. It’s basically a climbing frame for cats, and I’m only now realising that the reason I had a climbing frame as a kid is probably the same reason as why I got one for my cat - to stop me from being annoying, to make me use up energy, and to keep me out of the way. Anyway, she loves it.
Addict
I’ve been adding things I want to my basket on Yesstyle for a few weeks now, just as and when I think about it. I’ve got no real intention to buy it all, at least not in one go, but somehow, I’ve found myself being the wrong side of $200 worth of Korean beauty products.
I thought I’d outline them here. Just because.
COSRX - Clear Fit Blemish Cushion SPF47 in #21 Bright Beige
I’ve heard such good things about this cushion. For those that don’t know, Asia seems to do liquid foundations in a compact form, so the product is soaked into a sponge inside the compact and you then use the puff to apply. This cushion is skincare and make up combined, and specifically designed with acne prone skin in mind to not only cover, but also treat. It contains Centella extract and niacinimide, both of which I hear are great for acne prone skin. It’s not cheap at just over $25, but it comes so highly recommended by some of my favourite Asian beauty bloggers that I have to try it out.
Missha - M Magic Cushion Cover SPF50+ in #21
I’ve tried the Missha M Perfect Cover BB cream before, and still use it in the summer. For over half the price of the COSRX cushion, I’m just intrigued as to what another cushion will be like.
Yousha - Cushion Foundation Case
I was watching old Gothamista videos today, and found one where she makes her own cushion using the Bourgois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation and various serums to create her own skincare make up. I think this sounds like an excellent idea! I need an empty cushion to do this, and for less than $5, this one will do.
Heimish - All Clean Balm
This is a balm cleanser, something that I’m really keen to try. As far as I can gather, it’s a balm that melts in the hands to form a oil, which then emulsifies with water. I’m intrigued as to whether balms will be better than oil cleanser, as at the moment, I am pretty sold on using oil cleanser for the rest of my life. I was weighing up between the Clean It Zero and this one, but opted for this one in the end as I’ve heard a few people say that the Clean It Zero can sting the eyes a little. Rumour is that the people who make Heimish used to work for Clean It Zero and basically made the All Clean Balm to solve those sorts of issues.
COSRX - Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
This seems to be the go to gel cleanser for most of my favourite beauty bloggers. I like my Simple and Garnier gel cleansers but why not see what the Asian brands are like.
Klairs - Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
This is probably the product that I’m most desperate to try. Vitamin C is supposed to be SO good for fading acne marks, and I have so many marks to fade. I did quite a lot of research into which Vitamin C serum to go for, and this one seemed to be the best. The only thing to take into account is the faff that comes with Vitamin C serums in general, which is that they can oxidise. So you’re supposed to keep them stored out of sunlight, and preferably somewhere cool. So, the fridge then.
Labiotte - Chateau Labiotte Wine Lip Tint in #CR01 Rose Coral and #CR02 Sauternes Coral
This is just a little but if fun. It’s a lip tint, that looks like a little bottle of wine. It's got good reviews too, so for the price, why not.
COSRX - Acne Pimple Patch
I’ve heard these are a game changer when it comes to break outs. They’re little stickers that you pop over a spot and it protects, heals and hides them all in one. You can even wear make up over them.
COSRX - Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Snail goo is supposed to be great for your skin. It heals acne, fades scars and hyper pigmentation, is anti aging and just generally fab all round. This was always my favoured snail product to try, but CosRX just don’t seem to exist on amazon, so I’ve had to make do with Nature Republic and Benton instead, both of which I’ve really loved. Still want try this one though.
COSRX - Centella Blemish Cream
I was looking for a spot treatment that contained Centella. I found this one, it was by COSRX, and the reviews were good. I haven’t really heard much more about it, and it wasn’t a product that I hunted out so much so that I came across it, but the alternative is the Teca Cream by Wishtrend, and those reviews were not so positive.
Etude House - Sunprise Must Daily Lotion SPF50
Step 10 of the 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine is sunscreen. I cannot imagine putting sunscreen on my face voluntarily every day. Maybe korean sunscreens will be less sunscreenish than British ones.
This has ended up being a really long post. I thought I’d be done by midnight. LOL.
I thought I’d outline them here. Just because.
COSRX - Clear Fit Blemish Cushion SPF47 in #21 Bright Beige
I’ve heard such good things about this cushion. For those that don’t know, Asia seems to do liquid foundations in a compact form, so the product is soaked into a sponge inside the compact and you then use the puff to apply. This cushion is skincare and make up combined, and specifically designed with acne prone skin in mind to not only cover, but also treat. It contains Centella extract and niacinimide, both of which I hear are great for acne prone skin. It’s not cheap at just over $25, but it comes so highly recommended by some of my favourite Asian beauty bloggers that I have to try it out.
Missha - M Magic Cushion Cover SPF50+ in #21
I’ve tried the Missha M Perfect Cover BB cream before, and still use it in the summer. For over half the price of the COSRX cushion, I’m just intrigued as to what another cushion will be like.
Yousha - Cushion Foundation Case
I was watching old Gothamista videos today, and found one where she makes her own cushion using the Bourgois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation and various serums to create her own skincare make up. I think this sounds like an excellent idea! I need an empty cushion to do this, and for less than $5, this one will do.
Heimish - All Clean Balm
This is a balm cleanser, something that I’m really keen to try. As far as I can gather, it’s a balm that melts in the hands to form a oil, which then emulsifies with water. I’m intrigued as to whether balms will be better than oil cleanser, as at the moment, I am pretty sold on using oil cleanser for the rest of my life. I was weighing up between the Clean It Zero and this one, but opted for this one in the end as I’ve heard a few people say that the Clean It Zero can sting the eyes a little. Rumour is that the people who make Heimish used to work for Clean It Zero and basically made the All Clean Balm to solve those sorts of issues.
COSRX - Low PH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
This seems to be the go to gel cleanser for most of my favourite beauty bloggers. I like my Simple and Garnier gel cleansers but why not see what the Asian brands are like.
Klairs - Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop
This is probably the product that I’m most desperate to try. Vitamin C is supposed to be SO good for fading acne marks, and I have so many marks to fade. I did quite a lot of research into which Vitamin C serum to go for, and this one seemed to be the best. The only thing to take into account is the faff that comes with Vitamin C serums in general, which is that they can oxidise. So you’re supposed to keep them stored out of sunlight, and preferably somewhere cool. So, the fridge then.
Labiotte - Chateau Labiotte Wine Lip Tint in #CR01 Rose Coral and #CR02 Sauternes Coral
This is just a little but if fun. It’s a lip tint, that looks like a little bottle of wine. It's got good reviews too, so for the price, why not.
COSRX - Acne Pimple Patch
I’ve heard these are a game changer when it comes to break outs. They’re little stickers that you pop over a spot and it protects, heals and hides them all in one. You can even wear make up over them.
COSRX - Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
Snail goo is supposed to be great for your skin. It heals acne, fades scars and hyper pigmentation, is anti aging and just generally fab all round. This was always my favoured snail product to try, but CosRX just don’t seem to exist on amazon, so I’ve had to make do with Nature Republic and Benton instead, both of which I’ve really loved. Still want try this one though.
COSRX - Centella Blemish Cream
I was looking for a spot treatment that contained Centella. I found this one, it was by COSRX, and the reviews were good. I haven’t really heard much more about it, and it wasn’t a product that I hunted out so much so that I came across it, but the alternative is the Teca Cream by Wishtrend, and those reviews were not so positive.
Etude House - Sunprise Must Daily Lotion SPF50
Step 10 of the 10 Step Korean Skincare Routine is sunscreen. I cannot imagine putting sunscreen on my face voluntarily every day. Maybe korean sunscreens will be less sunscreenish than British ones.
This has ended up being a really long post. I thought I’d be done by midnight. LOL.
Wednesday 14 March 2018
3 months
I turn 30 in 3 months.
To put this in perspective, by this point in her life, my sister was married and in the final stages of her first pregnancy. Three of my friends were married with a child, one with her second on the way.
Me? Last night I ate 3 Easter eggs instead of my evening meal - and an orange, you know, to make it healthy.
I keep thinking things have got to change, and then doing nothing about it. At the start of the month, I decided that 3 and a half months was enough time to lose 2 stone - it is only just over half a stone a month. Then I spent two weeks eating bread and chocolate and not doing any exercise. It’s not even just about weight, not only do I not fit into half of my clothes, but my skin is a mess too. A lot of people say giving up dairy really helps clear up your skin, and I certainly noticed losing weight was much easier when I went plant based.
So this is the plan. Cut down on dairy, do more exercise, be more proactive.
Become a better person before you hit 30.
To put this in perspective, by this point in her life, my sister was married and in the final stages of her first pregnancy. Three of my friends were married with a child, one with her second on the way.
Me? Last night I ate 3 Easter eggs instead of my evening meal - and an orange, you know, to make it healthy.
I keep thinking things have got to change, and then doing nothing about it. At the start of the month, I decided that 3 and a half months was enough time to lose 2 stone - it is only just over half a stone a month. Then I spent two weeks eating bread and chocolate and not doing any exercise. It’s not even just about weight, not only do I not fit into half of my clothes, but my skin is a mess too. A lot of people say giving up dairy really helps clear up your skin, and I certainly noticed losing weight was much easier when I went plant based.
So this is the plan. Cut down on dairy, do more exercise, be more proactive.
Become a better person before you hit 30.
Saturday 10 March 2018
Rewatchable
I used to write review posts every time I finished a series. These posts documented my transition from anime to Japanese drama to Korean drama, which is pretty much what I stick with now. There seems to have been a drastic rise in Chinese dramas lately, but I haven’t yet felt the desire to explore them. To be honest, I used to really enjoy writing review posts, but slowly it turned into a chore and eventually I just couldn’t be bothered anymore. I’m fairly certain I stopped writing reviews when I started using Viki, so the first drama that I didn’t write a review for must have been “The Heirs”.
Wow. So long ago. I wish I had dates of when I started and finished watching each series. Mydramalist only tells me alphabetical list.
I have been thinking for a while about writing a post about the Asian dramas I have enjoyed since stopping my review posts, but I figured that would take me ages. So, instead, here are 5 dramas I would rewatch and recommend to anyone for a first time viewing.
Chicago Typewriter
Three resistance fighters from Japanese occupied Korea in the 1930’s are reincarnated in modern day Seoul. The series follows a writer, his ghostwriter and a book lover as they start to remember their past lives and solve the mystery of what happened. It’s a really interesting story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and I found the history of it so fascinating.
Descendants of the Sun
The captain of a Special Forces Unit has a chance meeting with an old girlfriend when she volunteers in a war torn country with her team of doctors and they are stationed together. Various things happen, and every episode is the perfect mix of danger, romance and hot guys running around topless. Also, Onew is in it.
Healer
A second rate reporter discovers ‘Healer’, a mysterious illegal errand boy run foul of dangerous people, and through various chance meetings, strives to discover his true identity. Again, it’s a lot of action, blindfolded kisses and general addictiveness.
Secret Garden
Classic romantic body swap. I did actually review this one, and wasn’t too impressed at the time, but it’s a story that has really stuck with me and I often think about watching it again. The sit up scene *sighs wistfully*.
W - Two Worlds
The daughter of a missing famous webtoonist is sucked into the world her father created, and the only way out is to make the chapter end. Over time, she finds herself being pulled into the cartoon more and more as she struggles to find her father and the identity of a mysterious character who keeps trying to kill the main character. Lots of action, lots of laughs, a huge amount of chemistry and one that keeps you hooked episode after episode.
I actually started this post with no idea if I had 5 dramas or 3 or 20, but somehow it magically worked out at 5. Score.
Wow. So long ago. I wish I had dates of when I started and finished watching each series. Mydramalist only tells me alphabetical list.
I have been thinking for a while about writing a post about the Asian dramas I have enjoyed since stopping my review posts, but I figured that would take me ages. So, instead, here are 5 dramas I would rewatch and recommend to anyone for a first time viewing.
Chicago Typewriter
Three resistance fighters from Japanese occupied Korea in the 1930’s are reincarnated in modern day Seoul. The series follows a writer, his ghostwriter and a book lover as they start to remember their past lives and solve the mystery of what happened. It’s a really interesting story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and I found the history of it so fascinating.
Descendants of the Sun
The captain of a Special Forces Unit has a chance meeting with an old girlfriend when she volunteers in a war torn country with her team of doctors and they are stationed together. Various things happen, and every episode is the perfect mix of danger, romance and hot guys running around topless. Also, Onew is in it.
Healer
A second rate reporter discovers ‘Healer’, a mysterious illegal errand boy run foul of dangerous people, and through various chance meetings, strives to discover his true identity. Again, it’s a lot of action, blindfolded kisses and general addictiveness.
Secret Garden
Classic romantic body swap. I did actually review this one, and wasn’t too impressed at the time, but it’s a story that has really stuck with me and I often think about watching it again. The sit up scene *sighs wistfully*.
W - Two Worlds
The daughter of a missing famous webtoonist is sucked into the world her father created, and the only way out is to make the chapter end. Over time, she finds herself being pulled into the cartoon more and more as she struggles to find her father and the identity of a mysterious character who keeps trying to kill the main character. Lots of action, lots of laughs, a huge amount of chemistry and one that keeps you hooked episode after episode.
I actually started this post with no idea if I had 5 dramas or 3 or 20, but somehow it magically worked out at 5. Score.
Tuesday 6 March 2018
702
I missed my 700th post. 700, that’s crazy.
Sure, a good portion of them are from 2012 and 2013 when I was attempting to blog every day, and I imagine the majority of the posts in previous years are some form of BEDA - remember when that was a thing?
It’s also been 8 years. So much has changed in that time. My strongest desire back then was to make it in the film industry, and to go on a 10 day tour of Egypt. Korea had yet to pique my attention, and I was only just starting to rediscover my childhood cartoons that would lead me to Japanese media. My music tastes were based on Harry Potter and Lost, I wrote a book every November and I was trying to make a quick buck by doing online surveys. I was still making and breaking the same old New Years resolutions though, so not everything is different. I love reading through old posts.
Sure, a good portion of them are from 2012 and 2013 when I was attempting to blog every day, and I imagine the majority of the posts in previous years are some form of BEDA - remember when that was a thing?
It’s also been 8 years. So much has changed in that time. My strongest desire back then was to make it in the film industry, and to go on a 10 day tour of Egypt. Korea had yet to pique my attention, and I was only just starting to rediscover my childhood cartoons that would lead me to Japanese media. My music tastes were based on Harry Potter and Lost, I wrote a book every November and I was trying to make a quick buck by doing online surveys. I was still making and breaking the same old New Years resolutions though, so not everything is different. I love reading through old posts.
Sunday 4 March 2018
*whispers* Stop, Baby Don’t Stop
You would have thought with a three day weekend, I would have been more productive with my time. Nope, I have done a big fat nothing.
I don’t quite know how to break out of it. I think it’s because I’m alone, it’s hard to get the motivation to do anything other than just exist when you’ve got no one else to do anything for or with. Maybe that will change soon. Maybe as the weather gets better, I’ll feel less lazy. Maybe I’ll actually get the will power to stop getting fat.
Not this weekend though - this weekend I made myself a double portion of flapjack.
I’ve been playing a lot of NCT lately. I’m pretty hooked on Boss, and Baby Don’t Stop, which I’ve handily embedded above. I was reading through old posts the other day and I really like it when I embed videos, as a lot of the time, I had totally forgotten about them so they served as a nice reminder of what Heather from 6 years ago liked.
I’ve also started a new drama. I liked Just Between Lovers a lot, but the main girl was a bit rubbish because she was a barbie kisser. I did feel for Junho, he really tried. Anyway, now I’m watching Cheif Kim. Junho is in it again as the baddie, and the main guy is Ahn Dan Tae from Dear Fair Lady Kong Shim. It’s ok so far, I’ve snorted with laughter a couple of times, but for the most part, I find him a bit too much. I really want to watch Hwayugi but Viki says it’s not been licensed in the U.K. yet, which sucks, and means it joins the likes of Okay, That’s Love and Witch’s Romance.
Oh how I wish Korean Drama series would have better titles!
I don’t quite know how to break out of it. I think it’s because I’m alone, it’s hard to get the motivation to do anything other than just exist when you’ve got no one else to do anything for or with. Maybe that will change soon. Maybe as the weather gets better, I’ll feel less lazy. Maybe I’ll actually get the will power to stop getting fat.
Not this weekend though - this weekend I made myself a double portion of flapjack.
I’ve been playing a lot of NCT lately. I’m pretty hooked on Boss, and Baby Don’t Stop, which I’ve handily embedded above. I was reading through old posts the other day and I really like it when I embed videos, as a lot of the time, I had totally forgotten about them so they served as a nice reminder of what Heather from 6 years ago liked.
I’ve also started a new drama. I liked Just Between Lovers a lot, but the main girl was a bit rubbish because she was a barbie kisser. I did feel for Junho, he really tried. Anyway, now I’m watching Cheif Kim. Junho is in it again as the baddie, and the main guy is Ahn Dan Tae from Dear Fair Lady Kong Shim. It’s ok so far, I’ve snorted with laughter a couple of times, but for the most part, I find him a bit too much. I really want to watch Hwayugi but Viki says it’s not been licensed in the U.K. yet, which sucks, and means it joins the likes of Okay, That’s Love and Witch’s Romance.
Oh how I wish Korean Drama series would have better titles!
Friday 2 March 2018
Don’t put your skin on snow
Remember how I said I was going to post every day in 2018?
22 posts in January. That’s not bad. 6 in February?!? I know it’s a short month but that’s just taking the piss, Heather. Let’s do better in March, huh?
The weather is horrible at the moment. We had a snow day today, (still woke up at 7 and was more awake than I’ve ever been in my life) and I’ve very much hibernated inside in the warm and dry. The roads look horrendous, so I’m glad I could just stay in, but I think I’ll have to venture out tomorrow at least to clear the car and paths. I made the mistake of opening my front door, not realising all the snow had blown to build up against it, and then had a snow avalanche in my hallway. I also made the mistake of doing hand prints in the snow with my cat, and then realising how cold it was so having to warm our hands back up on a warm towel.
Lesson of the day. Snow is cold. Do not put bare skin on it.
I watched some of the fancams from the Japanese SHINee concerts. You know I cried, but the boys looked like they did well.
I also watched a few NCT music videos. I’d only really seen chewing gum before, and they looked like such babies that I’d kind of ignored everything else. They are not babies anymore. Its ridiculous how talented and successful these kids are.
Agi sees me typing and thinks it’s a hilarious game. I wonder when she’ll grow out of her kitten playfulness? I don’t want to wish it away, but it’d be nice to type without having a kitten attacking my hands. Or my head.
22 posts in January. That’s not bad. 6 in February?!? I know it’s a short month but that’s just taking the piss, Heather. Let’s do better in March, huh?
The weather is horrible at the moment. We had a snow day today, (still woke up at 7 and was more awake than I’ve ever been in my life) and I’ve very much hibernated inside in the warm and dry. The roads look horrendous, so I’m glad I could just stay in, but I think I’ll have to venture out tomorrow at least to clear the car and paths. I made the mistake of opening my front door, not realising all the snow had blown to build up against it, and then had a snow avalanche in my hallway. I also made the mistake of doing hand prints in the snow with my cat, and then realising how cold it was so having to warm our hands back up on a warm towel.
Lesson of the day. Snow is cold. Do not put bare skin on it.
I watched some of the fancams from the Japanese SHINee concerts. You know I cried, but the boys looked like they did well.
I also watched a few NCT music videos. I’d only really seen chewing gum before, and they looked like such babies that I’d kind of ignored everything else. They are not babies anymore. Its ridiculous how talented and successful these kids are.
Agi sees me typing and thinks it’s a hilarious game. I wonder when she’ll grow out of her kitten playfulness? I don’t want to wish it away, but it’d be nice to type without having a kitten attacking my hands. Or my head.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)