2 0 1 7 // A REFLECTION

Hola! It's definitely been a while since the last post. What can I say? Life just got h e c tic or comfortably mundane. I finally finished 3/4 semesters of teacher's college, and now ecstatic to soon go into the last. Going into 2018, I think making new year resolutions is equally important to taking the time to reflect on your past. Like J. Dewey says, "We do not learn from experience... we learn from reflecting on experience." Mhmmm. This is what teacher's college has done to me - reflect! reflect! reflect!

I think it is easy to be caught up with what is front of us - the numerous errands that you have to do, bills you have to pay, and shows you got to watch - that you often forget the bigger picture. Make the time to recognize where you started, see how much you have changed and refocus. If there are any positive changes then give yourself a high-5 and continue them.

If you realize that you evolved into a human being with terrible characteristics and habits then do something about them. If you realize that you need to readjust your priorities then rearrange your time. Don't get discourage if you fail to follow your new goals 3 weeks or 2 days later, each day is a new opportunity to become a better you! You shift that mentality whenever you want. 

If you remember me sticking my phone in front of your face between 2015 - 2017 screaming "do something for my ONE SEC OF THE DAY," voila it's finally done. Better late than never, I finally compiled all of my one second of the days and edited my cottage vlog. 

I got reminiscent of all the great times I had when I was putting it altogether; but, it also forced me to rethink my past because... it wasn't entirely that g r e a t. Like my mom battling cancer, losing a relative unexpectedly, heartbreaks and steep learning curves with adjusting to teacher's ed /adulting. It made me realize a) how grateful I am to have the friends and family in my life, b) the privilege I have in experiencing certain events, and c) that I have conformed to societal norms. dun dun dun. People only want to share the positive aspects of their life online so that it 'candidly' showcases a perfect lifestyle. I think that it's neither a bad or good thing but, just remember the next time you start to compare yourself with someone else's, that not everything is what it seems. At the end of the day, another great philosopher J. Cole once said, "No such thing as a life that's better than yours. Love yourz." 

If you are curious to how my 1 sec of the day footage turned out, see below :) tbh, it's boring though; I just want to make it for my own memories. 

                                         

1 Sec a Day // 2015 - 2017

Cottage Trip // 2017

If you are still reading this, I hope 2018 is everything you wish for, aim for and work for. 

Until next time,

becca

2 0 1 5 // a reflection

2015 was incredibly bumpy, incredibly emotional and incredibly unforgettable at the same time. I potentially say that every year, however, with this blog and my vlogs… THIS year is definitely unforgettable since it is so simple to just repeat replay history. It was filled with a lot of great adventures, new experiences and many WTF am I doing moments. 

Ending this school term alive, hence the 4 months of being MIA, I could not be anymore happier with how things turned out. Yet, at the same time very sad with how fast time traveled.

At the moment, I am very much still learning, still improving and still understanding myself. Though does that process really ever end? So for a lack of better words, maybe I should have just said that I am still on a pursuit of … contentment. Of course, happiness is a state of mind where one chooses to be optimistic and happy. Thus, contentment (although technically a synonym) is what I want to use to portray a bundle of satisfactory level of physical health and mental health, and balanced relationship with friends, family and school. So I guess I personally think that contentment can be measured and happiness can not be. 

This time, when I say that I am excited for 2016, I actually mean it. I know it’s bad to consider a fresh start once the New Year hits but realistically who doesn’t like to drag old familiar behaviour longer until absolutely required to change. It’s the act of human adaptation at its finest right? AND who wouldn’t want fireworks, bright lights or a screaming batch of people saying “happy new year” to solidify a new beginning? It’s much more encouraging that way from my own understanding. So I hope your 2016 will be everything you hoped for, aimed for and worked for. 

Remember, do better; but, definitely try not to compare yourself to others. Look back, admire how different you are now than the past, and simply improve. Eliminate the bugs and make changes. Develop -insert your name here- 2.0 .. or should I really say John Smith 2.016 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

To the future self: keep trying whatever your mind gears you towards, keep doing what your heart says, and eating whatever the hell your stomach desires. Here’s to more challenges yet to come, to numerous foreseen trials and errors on figuring out what you can do or want to do in the near future, to healthier food choices, extra sit-ups and better eye cream. & as always, h 2 o is the way to go, so stay hydrated homies! 

Here's to 

h a p p y NEW y e a r!

Until next time, 
Becca

MONTHLY FAVOURITES // April 2015

Hola! Welcome to another monthly favourites post :) 

By the time you read this, you're probably finally on summer break so woohoo -throws confetti and puppies in the air- CONGRATS on finishing another year! I hope you enjoy whatever summer you got before you're off to work or school again! If you don't have work or school well have an awesome 4 month vacation! :D The weather is brightening up so definitely soak in that sun! As for now, let's dive into this month's favourites!

Going clockwise:

at 12:00PM // Sony HDR AS20 

I recently got this little guy so that I could bring it on my Taiwan trip to VLOG. It's like a GoPro alternative. It's super tiny, easy to use and it comes with a casing so that you can protect it from water.  I am so excited for the day that I can take this swimming. I got it when it was on sale for $150 so if you ever do consider getting this recorder as well, know that it can drop down to that price!  What I have learned about this camera is that the mic can pick up movement around the mic very easily (like you changing your holding position would cause a lot of that rustling sound) and it picks up your voice better when the camera's without its casing! Other than that, it records. shrug LOL But I do have to say, I have yet to determine if this camera is better than my old bulky HD recorder, the FlipCam. 

at 1:00PM // Hourglass - Panoramic Long Wear Lip Liner (Eden)

This was an impulse buy during the Sephora sale craze and I must say #noragrets. It's a nice everyday colour, and I honestly think a lot of people can pull off this brown-pink colour. 

at 2:00PM // Jurlique - Rosewater Balancing Mist

Girl needed a new toner, and that is what this girl got. The real reason to visit Sephora during that Sephora Sale. It's always an exciting time when you use up a product, because that means you will either get more of that good stuff or you look for a new one to test out. I hear that rosewater is actually good for your face, so I decided to test this one out + because of its organic ingredients. So far, so good since my face oddly feels softer hours later, and not immediately after. I would recommend this, it's in a spray bottle (sooo that's hygienic) and the ingredients are organic! I don't know if it usually comes with another free product, but the Sephora associate also just gave me a free Jurlique Rose Moisture Plus Revitalizing Gel- Lotion (15mL) too.  

in the middle // "Wherever You Go, Go With All Your Heart" Journal  

A birthday gift from my friend that now basically contains all the answers and info that I need for my future (in Taiwan). It has a cute cover, cute quote and it's officially dubbed my travel journal.

at 10:00PM // Malin + Goetz - Mojito Lip Balm

I received this in my Ipsy bag back in January, after a few months I can finally say that THIS IS A REALLY GREAT LIP BALM! I actually sometimes prefer this over my Jack Black lip balm. The only downside is that there's no SPF protection in it. 

at 11:00PM // Pandora Bracelet

This is probably as ME as a bracelet could get and my definite go-to accessory. Like to the point of if I was a cartoon character, besides drawing me with a striped shirt and a Casio watch, this must be there too. The icing on the cake is the Buddha charm from my friend as a birthday gift. Why? because I was admiring it a month ago with the sales associate, and since I had absolutely no reason to get it, I  said my goodbyes dramatically. So it was a pleasant surprise when I saw this little guy again, because she didn't know that I wanted this charm nor did any of my friends. It was really just based on her own iffy judgement and kind intentions of wishing me a safe trip to Taiwan. 

Yup, the countdown still continues to T- 5 days now and I am still not ready for it. As crazy as April was with exams and such, I feel like May / June could be just as interesting. Stay tuned for that! But anyways, thanks for reading yet another post! 

Until next time (LOOK OUT FOR DEM VLOGS), 

Becca 

MONTHLY FAVOURITES // March 2015

Hola!

If you're reading this now.. congrats you survived March :) It has been a super busy month for everyone I would say, so be proud of everything that you were able to accomplish thus far! AND yes I know . . I know exam season is right around the corner but HEY! soon enough summer is also right around THAT corner soooo keep on working hard and finish strong bud.

Looking back on March, my favourites for this month is a little different from the past, it actually consist of intangible things this time. Things I would never be able to buy, nor afford in a monetary value.

Such as, 

1. The experience of ICE WEEK 

What is ICE Week you may ask? A week long case competition for all the third year students in the business program. All the students are placed into a group of 5 or 6 and they have a week to write a case and present it at the end of the week. If you can imagine hunger games, basically that but contestants in suits LOL just kidding! I consider myself to be very lucky to have been placed into a group of people that I really much enjoyed working with. The best part is going to semi-finals with them. Despite not making it to finals though, it is satisfying enough to know that we at least tried our hardest. That ICE Week withdrawal hits hard as it sorta feels weird that I won't be seeing them everyday now . . and that part where we have to start attending class again LOL

2. this: 
(I warn you though, it is a pretty boring vlog)

A 3 min video is definitely a super small representation of the amount of time that I enjoy bugging spending time with Selena. This girl has been by my side since day 1 of attending school here, without her it just really wouldn't have been the same. Whether it be her dragging me to go out, napping at the same time, pulling all nighters together or making music covers. Going through all those happy times, sad times, and crazy times with her in the past 2 years.. she's honestly my soulmate. So next year will definitely be a little weird as we will no longer be roomies . . since we are both going to be D o n s. Yupp it's going to be very exciting and very different.

3. in bed with Netflix 

A free trial offer has been offered to me again, and I just couldn't resist. Yup call me brave or crazy to subscribe right before exam seasons. But since mother nature is still struggling with determining what Spring is.. on those days that she nails the weather down I like to enjoy the windy breeze and the sunshine with my headphones on and soundtrack of my life.. buuut on those days that it's super chilly I really like to enjoy that warmth under my blankets in bed with Netflix. Netflix? yes technically you can buy, but the moment where you don't care about school and freely watch Netflix.. you can't. Current Recommendation is Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and for something that is not on Netflix: FRESH OFF THE BOAT!

I hope you have an amazing upcoming month, 

Thank you for reading yet another post, 

Here's to warmer days, (I know this is the longest outro ever)
Becca 

Diagnosis // Heartaches

Stage 1: Severe 

Where acknowledgement of the condition takes place. It feels like your heart popped right out of your chest and where it use to be now feels empty. But that is okay because that is normal. We can just cover up that wound with a band-aid. And if you already started crying by now then please do cry, cry until that last tear falls. It is okay to cry because you are human after all. It just proves that your heart is still truly there and you really do care. 

slowly and surely, you will transition into

Stage 2: Moderate

The grey area. It is the constant battle between I can live without that person because I am a strong independent person and I really really miss and love that person so why can't we just be together  mentality. The phase where you will go through a lot of highs and lows. Yes, you may cry again and that is okay. A lot of thinking and wondering will occur during this period, no matter how many times you think that you have finalized on a thought or idea. 

ever more slowly but surely, I can only imagine that you will transition into 

Stage 3: Mild

Where the half broken heart and half healed heart with a scab over it exists. Half of you is settled on the thought that you can and will live/manage/be okay brilliant without them. While another half of you still cares for that person very deeply. That half that still loves them is now the soft spot of your heart, that will now forever exist for that person. The sad truth is, that is indeed your weakness because you know that if they were to ever appear in your life again you will love them again in a heartbeat.

& if it is a jumble of all of the above, then m'friend you are still experiencing a heartache. I know it's hard, you will feel progress and suddenly you may just regress but eventually you will make it.. Try the following prescriptions to help your condition:

- 100 mL of friends and family. Soak in their love for you and give them your love too!  

- 50 mL of something new to try that is totally different and requires you to learn it. Because I understand if you don't have passion or the mood to do what you usually like to do because a part of you don't feel like being that person anymore right? Well if yes, then try something new. If no, then direct your energy to whatever you love doing. 

- 150 mL of presently important to-dos. YOU gotta do them and you have to face them in tears or what not because if you don't then your future will look just as depressing as your present.
- 1000 lbs of sustenance. Whatever you can force down that esophagus. 

  & of course don't overdose, you go by your own limits. 

One day though, I really hope that your heart will no longer ache and that is when you enter

Stage 4: Being Cured 

I can't tell you exactly how long this whole process will take days, weeks, maybe even years but heartaches can be cured. I know heartaches suck don't they? Just like a cold, unexpected sometimes but all you can do is live with it.  I really believe that soon enough your heart will be cured, in the sense that your heart will no longer feel like it is broken into a million pieces. Your heart will be mended back together by a lot of self-healing and time ..because that is what usually happens under a band-aid anyways right? 

MONTHLY FAVOURITES // January 2015

Hello wonderful being of planet earth, I hope you had an amazing month!

Personally,  I feel like January went by very quickly for me as school took off right at the get-go. For some reason the winter semester of the school year always seem to work at a faster pace than fall semesters. Does anyone else agree? Midterm seasons has already begun and soon enough exams would be flooding in. I wish you best of luck for those midterms!! YOU CAN DO IT! (and by do it I mean achieve an A++ mhhm) AND so if you're on a study break right now or not, what were my favourite items for the month you may ask? 

Great question I'd say! THE TOP 5 items that I have been gravitating towards includes the following:

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills - DIPBROW Pomade (Medium Brown) 

As I mentioned before, I really thought that I had a pretty decent eyebrow routine down... and so I was really hesitant to try other methods (especially pomade). However, it was also the last technique that I haven't experiment with considering I have already tried powder, pencil and gel before. The whole idea of it seemed very unappealing to me for a makeup beginner. It seemed like it required more time than others, as well as more precision than others which means more effort. Nether the less, somehow I ended up buying it because I had a discount coupon and ended up loving it LOL. I have used it for more than a month now, and I even switched it up sometimes between using pomade + pencil, and the original choice of powder + pencil to see if there is a difference. After multiple use of the pomade + pencil it started to get easier and easier to apply + it lasts longer than the original option. Just simply use a light hand and a small angled brush, I didn't buy Anastasia's brush because in case I didn't like using the pomade I didn't want to waste another $23, so I opted in for the ELF one which works just fine. $4 at Target! I like to use the pomade to outline the whole brow, then fill it in with whatever is left on the brush. Using the pencil, I would like to fill in any bald spots and to draw in 'hairlike' lines near the front of the brow. I am really excited to see how this product will holdup in the summer. 

2. Clinique - Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel 

I needed a new moisturizer, instead of going for the typical lotion type, I decided to try out this gel version. I really like this product because it makes my face feel like a baby's bottom every damn morning -no lie! It is lightweight in terms of it doesn't feel like anything is on your face. I have tried another gel moisturizer before and it left a feeling of another layer on my skin which didn't feel nice. The only downside I would say about this product is that it doesn't have any SPF protection, so even though I really want to use it all year round, it is debatable for summer. 

3. Contigo - West Loop Stainless Steel Tea Infuser

My daily caffeine intake consist of tea in the morning and coffee in the evening.  I found this product on sale at Target earlier this month for $8, and I would like to think that it was the best $8 I have ever spent. I have seen a lot of people with the Contigo West Loop Mug (FOR THE CANADIANS: the best place to get it is at Costco where they offer 2 for the price of $20-25, that way you don't end up just buying 1 for $20-25 at any other store).  If you were looking for a mug, I really recommend this mug because it really keeps your drinks hot /warm for a long period of time! Now, if you are into drinking tea and you already have this mug, this tea infuser would be the cheapest way to have a travel mug and a tea infuser mug. so why waste another $20 or $30 on another one? 

4. Genmaicha "Green Tea with Roasted Brown Rice" 

Now the tea to go with that tea infuser.. earlier this month my roommate gave me a tea bag to try,  ever since then I have been drinking it every morning for January. I found out that this tea is actually also known as "popcorn tea" AND I LOVE POPCORN, I think there may be a tiny correlation? I think so. It has a sweet, toasted rice, nutty flavour that could possibly resemble that popcorn flavour. But, I think it is really called popcorn tea because of the toasted rice that can remind one of kernels. 

5. Rimmel London - Provocalips (Kiss Fetal)

It really is kiss proof, transfer proof, food proof and long wearing! That is all you need to know. If you can get a hold of any of them, go for it! Especially Make Your Move which I think is a great pink-brown mauve colour for anyone.

Thank you for reading yet another post :) 

Until next time, 

Becca

MONTHLY FAVOURITES // December 2014

Hello there! Today I will be sharing with you my favourites for the month of December. These would be items that I have been either using practically everyday of the month or just simply loving its existence in my life for the month. 

1. Wilfred Diamond Mosaic Blanket Scarf (Peniche) 

Oh the blanket scarf, you can wear it as a cape over your shoulders, have it draped in front or wear it as a neck brace like an infinity scarf. The versatility is what I really love. If i'm bumming out, I always turn to it to help me cover it all, or if i'm wearing a basic outfit then I turn to it to help me jazz up the outfit.  Besides Aritzia, be sure to check out Zara and Forever 21 for more blanket scarves at a more attractive price! As I found one at Forever 21 for only $16! They are truly a girl's must-have for the season to stay warm faboulously fashionably. Although to a boy, it's a straight up blanket. LOL. Last month a boy legitimately asked me if I was wearing a blanket after seeing me wear it over my shoulders. Grandma Becca here then embarrassedly said no and told him all that she knew about the blanket scarf. He listened and nodded. The End (he lived happily ever after and will probably impress a lot of girls with that knowledge now). 

2. Olympic Collection Red Mittens 

Sadly I couldn't find my old pair of red mittens anywhere, so I had to buy new ones. I was on the hunt for new gloves/mittens, but in the end I still went back to the red mitts. Just because they fit my hands better (hurray for youth sizes), they keep my hands very warm, and it's totally worth $10 for the way it looks and feels. 

3. Urban Decay - Naked Basics Palette  

This favourite goes out to the girl that got me this palette. The GREATEST she is. Unexpectedly and coincidentally she gifted me this. I was actually going to go purchase it later on that day. I'm super excited to test it out as I don't own any of the Naked palettes and I needed matte colours. 

4. Tea Tree Skin Clearing Facial Wash (from The Body Shop) 

I received this product for free from signing up with my email in-stores. After using it for a month, I finally understand why so many people like this product.  I like the refreshing or mild tingly sensation that it gives you when you use it. It helped made my skin clearer, my blackheads disappeared and any other blemishes were not as visible. 

5. Pandora Sparkling Bow Ring

My friend and I bought each other one and another friend one in late November as an early Christmas present. I've been wearing mine almost everyday since. I'm super thankful to have them in my life for the past 10+ years, thus, friendship rings (totes must be the way) to represent that. 

6. Benefit Cosmetics - Posiebalm

I really like it! it may cost more than the regular tinted lip balm, but I find it more moisturizing than any of the other ones that I have tried in the past. There is a mild fragrant to it and a subtle pink tint that's great for an "everyday" colour. 

7. Maybelline Colour Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Colour (Touch of Spice) 

Basically your lips-but-better colour, seriously go try it. In addition, Daringly Nude is a great colour as well!  

8. Gaurdians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix Vol. 1  

This is one of my Wonderful-Boxing-Day-Finds because I didn't have to pay full price for it woohoo. I think this may be a new addition to my study music collection. If you haven't seen the movie yet, GO watch it now.. like right now. Then enjoy the soundtrack :)  

9. Philosophy - Purity Made Simple 

It's a face cleanser that hydrates, tones and removes makeup.  It does all that and smells like london fog (when its on your face..when cleansing).. LONDON FOG!! (need I say more?)

BONUS 10. This Lindt Chocolate Jar 

This is one of the gifts that I received this Christmas. I have never been so happy to receive chocolate as a gift. It's a jar full of Lindor chocolate of different flavours like cappuccino, orange, and strawberry cream (THAT TASTES LIKE POCKY). Mind blowing times. It was the first time that I have ever heard of the Lindt store and how all these other flavours exist. Just like each and every one of em in that jar, the people that got me this gift are simply amazing! 

And that concludes my December Favourites.

Now that I'm finally reaching the end of the post, I learned to not get ahead of myself for next time. A lesson learned on New Years Eve to bring into the New Years. Maybe my next favourite post should only feature my top 5 favourites? But hey you can only learn and improve right?

Thank you so much for stopping by or revisiting again!  I hope you have a wonderful New Years Eve or a happy New Year -depending on when you read this-! :) 

Becca

HOW TO // Survive Exam Season

Hello there! procrastinating or bored are yah? Either or, I'm very happy that you are here! YOU are among the first to read my blog. So thank you, you , you and you for stopping by and potentially sticking around to see my future posts c:

December, oh December. A chilly month indeed it is, but I would like to believe that warmth can simply be found anywhere (in that BOMB.com cup of caramel corretto or under your bajillion of blankets with fuzzy socks on). It is a month filled with joy and jolly spirits to celebrate the various festivities of different cultures. To get into the spirit, yes of course, I WILL watch Elf, I WILL hunt for that perfect gift for you, I WILL wrap the gift terribly along with a illegible holiday card, and WE SHALL have that feast .......... right after my exams are done. mhhmm.

I have 1 more to go, so to take a break from studying, viola here I am.  I shall share with you my mini guide to surviving exam season! Consist of my top 3 advices: (all are my personal opinion, so it is understandable that whatever helps me may not be helpful to you, and they are not like out of the world tips so you can also consider them as mini reminders too)

1. "The Limit Does Not Exist" FALSE!
Know your limit, in terms of knowing when to stop studying and sleep! Be well rested, so that your brain can function at its best! There isn't a point in forcing yourself to learn the material when your brain is half asleep, as you are wasting twice the energy to learn. Take a 20 min nap, and try again with your full attention. I personally need 8hrs of sleep to function the next day, or else I would be -no lie- a walking zombie because my brain just feels super heavy and all I am carrying around is my brain. So no matter what, I will choose sleep over study.

2. Get out of your comfort zone! (aka your bed)
Don't study there, it's a trap to long naps and an unproductive day! Go out of your comfort zone. Leave your house/ bedroom and try a new studying space. I also recommend to surround yourself with other people that are studying to, as in a way they could motivate you to study too! I enjoy discovering new study spaces because it's such a simple pleasure of -almost- claiming your own territory.

and the last one,
3. Turn on hibernation mode
Be like a bear, and gather all your food supplies before the snow hits. Prepare those meals or at least go on that last grocery run for the term to have them ready when exams start! then it would be one less thing to worry about for the season.

OR be lazy and go out once in a while, like after that exam you just finished #treatyourself and celebrate with your friends.

To me, that is just Selena. 

Life is good when all you have to worry about is how to finish all dem nuggets with my friend.  

BONUS tips:
1. if you are one of those people that have to have that caffeine from a coffee shop or tea shop, then why not be environmentally friendly and use a mug? save a couple of cents for using that mug and feel less guilty about buying another! (some coffee shops/ or campus cafes may discount you a bit, for using that mug)

2. if you are the type to listen to music while you study, and you can't take anymore acoustic covers, or instrumental songs (because those are also my go-to category for study music) well have you tried listening to a league soundtrack? yes league, that online game.. those soundtracks can be found on YouTube and they just put you into a mood like you are going to conquer your exams! (fav is the 2013 one)

so in conclusion, yes I am saying sleep, study, celebrate, and eventually celebrate again.

Good luck to you if you have any more exams left, and have a happy holiday :)

(to be honest, I really didn't know what to write for my first post.. and I know I know -pssst- like who needs study tips from another person anyways?! SO A very big thank you for reading up to this far!!)

Becca