GREAT LIFE ADVICE FROM A LIFETIME MOVIE

BABYSITTER'S BLACK BOOK

Over the weekend I finally had a little time to myself so what better time to browse through Lifetime movies? They are my guilty pleasure. I came across Babysitter's Black Book when I was listening to Avril Lavigne's new song Give You What You Like (opening song to the movie). It is based on the true story of some high school girls who were so desperate for money for college they decided to prostitute themselves to the dads who they babysat for. While watching this movie I actually learned some pretty important life lessons that I thought I would share with you guys. Who knows you might end up learning something yourself.

Lesson #1 17 YEAR OLD GIRLS DO NOT MAKE GOOD PIMPS

You gotta have experience when it comes to pimping and only with age comes experience. Acing your classes mean sh** if you want to be a good pimp.

Lesson #2 IF YOU EVER FIND YOURSELF HAVING TO DECIDE BETWEEN BECOMING A PROSTITUTE OR LIVING WITH COLLEGE DEBT CHOOSE COLLEGE DEBT.

Lesson #3 PROTECTION IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE A PROSTITUTE OTHERWISE ALL THAT HARD EARNED MONEY WILL BE USED FOR ABORTIONS #aintnobodygottimeforthat

Lesson #4 DON'T SLEEP WITH YOUR ARCHENEMY'S UNCLE

Lesson #5 PROSTITUTION IS ILLEGAL....

You think people would know this by now in this society 

Anyways hope you guys enjoyed this little post. The movie overall wasn't that bad it is really hard to judge movies when they are based off of real life events considering we don't know EXACTLY what happened. But if you are looking for a Lifetime Movie to watch check it out.

CLICK TO WATCH

Tips For Long Lasting Makeup

With the hot summer season coming up what better time to talk about some tips to keep you looking your best despite the hot weather. 

TIP #1 

Prep your skin

Before any makeup application takes place make sure you prep your skin (cleanse, moisturizer and exfoliate) so that your makeup applies effortlessly. Prepping your skin can also help your makeup adhere better to your skin.

Product Suggestions:

Cleanser- Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser 

Exfoliator- St. Ives Apricot Scrub

Moisturizer- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 40

TIP #2 

Primer

This is a step that many of us out there often skip, but when we want our makeup to last especially during hot weather it is super IMPORTANT to apply primer. Primer is a product that creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup. It creates a nice smooth and even layer for your makeup. It also helps your makeup last longer so you don't have worry about touchups throughout the day.

Product Suggestions: 

Maybelline Master Prime

Smashbox Photo Finish 

TIP #3

Look for waterproof or water resistant makeup

This one is a no brainer. A lot of beauty brands out there today have added tons of waterproof/water resistant makeup to their line. Today we have everything from waterproof foundation to waterproof eyeshadow and mascara. For mascara go for something waterproof and for any other makeup go for water resistant (this makes it easier to take off later on). 

Product Suggestions:

Foundation- Makeup Forever Face & Body Foundation

Mascara- Urban Decay Cannonball

Bronzer- Hourglass Waterproof Bronzer

TIP #4

Setting Spray

Probably one of the best beauty inventions ever, setting sprays have become very popular in the beauty world and is a go- to product for all the celebrities and celebrity makeup artists out there today. A setting spray locks in your makeup without any creasing which powders can cause if you touchup throughout the day. It also refreshes your skin.

Product Suggestions: 

Skindinavia Setting Sprays

Urban Decay De-Slick Setting Spray (For Oily Skin)

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (For Normal to Dry Skin)

TIP #5

Keep it Light

Try to go for lighter makeup on hot days rather than heavy makeup which can crease and drip. Not to mention lighter makeup looks and feels better on your skin. 

Review: Benefit Rollerball Mascara NEW!!!

Benefit Rollerball Mascara

PACKAGING:

When it comes to packaging, Benefit never disappoints. The Rollerball Mascara comes in a black tube with a "soft" baby pink cap that has little indentations in it. The cap not only is adorable but functional as well providing a nice grip during application. 

The brush is a curved rubber wand. The shape of the wand is functional for a nice curl and length but difficult to reach the inner corner lashes.

FORMULATION:

I love love love the formulation of this mascara. It provides great length and holds your curls, even those stubborn Asian lashes. You really don't need more than 2 coats for long lashes. It doesn't provide as much volume as I would like, but if you already have voluminous lashes then this should not be a problem for you. The color payoff is pretty nice it isn't super dark but just enough to give your lashes a kick. As for the wear  time, the mascara isn't advertised as waterproof but rather long wearing for up to 12 hours and it is just that. I have had this mascara on for almost 24 hours and didn't have any big issues aside from a little bit of flakiness. I also had some issues with dryness of my lashes. It didn't harden them like rocks like what most mascaras do to my lashes but it was very dry a couple hours into wearing it.

But overall this is an amazing mascara and definitely worth trying!

OVERALL:
4.8/5

You can purchase this where Benefit is sold.

Retail $24.00

Macy's

Sephora

Ulta

Benefit online

Weekly Playlist 3/18/15

Come Jam With MEEEEE

1.) Ghost - Halsey (Lost Kings Remix)

2.) The District Sleeps Alone Tonight - The Postal Service 

3.) Stiches - Shawn Mendes 

4.) To Be Alone With You - Sufjan Stevens 

5.) Institutionalized - Kendrick Lamar

6.) Weight Of Love - The Black Keys

7.) Your Style - Troy Ave 

8.) Losing My Religion - R.E.M 

9.) Otis- Houndmouth 

Tips for Flawless Looking Skin

With spring here and summer just around the corner it is time to kick our skincare in high gear and get that flawless looking skin! 

TIP #1 DRINK LOTS OF WATER

This one is a no brainer and a lot of you out there are either already doing it or know a little something about it.  Drinking lots of water not only keeps your body hydrated but flushes out unwanted toxins in your body which can damage your skin. It is recommended to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day ranging from 8-16 ox per glass depending on how much you can handle. I usually try to get in at least a gallon a day give or take and my skin not only looks better but I feel better because of it. If you don't really like to drink water or just get bored from it infuse your water with fruits like lemons, limes, berries and cucumbers. Try to stay away from the flavor waters at the store as they tend to contain chemicals and unnatural flavorings that are not so good for you.  

TIP #2 CLEANSE, CLEANSE,  CLEANSE 

As women we all have those days where we just wanna skip washing our faces and just dive into bed with our makeup on. I have been guilty of doing it on several occasions and every time it has had backfired. So no matter how tired or lazy you might be WASH YO FACE!!! Besides the makeup dirt does build on your skin throughout the day especially if you go outside your home. By not cleansing your skin all that makeup, dirt and oil will get trapped and form bacteria that can cause breakouts, acne and so forth. It is okay once in awhile to use just the facial cloths to cleanse the skin on those days where you can't barely function but don't take it for granted... 

TIP #3 WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

The phrase beauty from within is very relevant when it comes to our skin. In order to look and feel good about ourselves on the outside we must look and feel good inside. Let's be honest, eating healthy is HARD but not impossible to accomplish. It is all about achieving and maintaining balance and listening to your body. Try to stick with lean protein like chicken or fish, fruits and of course veggies. Avoid foods that are too processed and high in unhealthy fats and calories. And of course don't be afraid to indulge every once in awhile. If your body is craving that seven layer chocolate cake then go for it! As long as you are not eating chocolate cake everyday for your meals you are fine. Food deprivation can only lead to bad eating habits which in turn can make you look and feel horrible. Life is short so enjoy it. 

TIP #4 EASY ON THE MAKEUP

Makeup is awesome! I LOVE LOVE LOVE makeup but wearing globs of it everyday doesn't do anyone any good. Makeup shouldn't be used to hide our imperfections but rather enhance them because it what makes you well YOU. Try to keep your makeup routine to a minimal on an everyday basis and go all out for special occasions and don't forget to take days off and just let your skin breathe. 

TIP #5 WEAR SPF

Growing up our moms always chased us around telling us to put on our sunscreen. Well if your mom did that go and send her a gigantic gift basket. SPF not only protects your skin from UVA/UVB rays which can cause skin cancer it also protects your skin from free radicals, premature aging and wrinkles, and sun spots. Even when it is cold outside sun rays can still penetrate the skin so wear SPF EVERY SINGLE DAY for as long as you live.  To make it easier to remember to put on everyday buy a day moisturizer that already contains a SPF. (Try to find a SPF 15 or higher) 

Si's Life: Chinese New Year '15

Hey guys I apologize for putting this up so late. I misplaced the photos on my computer and had a bit of a time trying to locate the file but after a couple hours of searching I was able to recover most of the photos. So as most of you probably know by now I am Chinese so I celebrate Chinese New Year. Unlike New Year's here in the states we actually don't celebrate till February due to the lunar year calendar and all that I won't go into the history. But this year is extra special because it is the year of the SHEEP (not a fucking goat...)!!! And as you can guess I am a sheep on the zodiac. I also share this year with two other members of my family; my uncle and my grandfather from my mom's side. 

Because the majority of my family is in China, the family that I have here don't totally go ALL OUT. We do celebrate with a party with family and some family friends that consists of LOTS of food and alcohol (of course) and watching the Chinese New Year's concerts broadcasted over my parent's satellite dish. It is always a fun affair and who doesn't like to watch & record drunk relatives making a fool out of themselves. Unfortunately due to strict laws of fireworks here in the states we don't do them. The fireworks used in the new year celebrations are 10 times more powerful than the average Fourth of July fireworks. They sound more like nuclear bombs. And as much as I would like to annoy my parent's pesky neighbors I had to refrain. Going to jail for those pesky neighbors would not have been worth it. Anyway I wanted to share some of the food that was part of the celebration. The main dish is usually dumplings but that can vary with different family traditions. Along with the dumplings there are usually tons of side dishes because eating too much dumplings can get boring. 

DUMPLINGS (2 TYPES: PORK & TOFU)

SIDE DISHES 

TOP LEFT: SAUTÉED CHINESE BLACK MUSHROOMS W/CARROTS & EGG

TOP RIGHT: CHINESE COLESLAW (A FAMILY FRIEND MADE THIS I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT WAS IN IT)

BOTTOM LEFT: SOBA NOODLE SALAD

BOTTOM RIGHT: MA PO TOFU

COLD SLICED BEEF

DESERT TABLE

TABLE SETTING

Review Otterbox Commuter Series iPhone 6 Case

Why yes I am back with ANOTHER cell phone case review. Like I mentioned in my last review I have a problem but this time I actually behaved. I gave the case to my mom who was looking for something a little less bulky and more stylish. I always love the Otterbox cell phone cases but they are ridiculously expensive and generally very bulky and hard to put on and take off. But I decided to give it a chance after some research into their Commuter Series. 

THE COMMUTER SERIES

-Slim design compared to the original Otterbox

-2 layers of protection (Silicon & Hard exterior cover)

-Exposed Apple Logo

-Easy application onto phone without any fuss or damage to the phone.

-Easy access to buttons without having to push down hard

-Comes in various colors

-Simple & Chic design

-Available for iPhones 4/4s/5/5s/5c/6/6+

Samsung Galaxy S4/S5/S6

-Also comes in a wallet case form

OVERALL:

5/5

You can purchase Otterbox's Commuter Series online & at Best Buy. They come in an assortment of colors and designs. Otterbox's website also offers customization. 

The average retail price for the Commuter Series is $39.90 and worth every penny.

Spring 2015 Clothing Recommendations

It is almost that time of the year.... SPRING CLEANING!!! Now while most people clean houses this is the time of year I clean out my closet. I throw out the stuff that just can't be saved, donate the things I don't wear and sort our any pieces that can be transitioned into the new season and pack up the rest into storage to save more space. I also pick up a few new pieces to freshen up my wardrobe. Here are a few recommendations from my wish list this spring!

ASOS Swing Dress w/embroidered detail $46.00 @ ASOS.com 
CLICK TO BUY

Very similar to a shift dress this ASOS swing dress is a light and fresher alternative. Great with some strappy sandals and a  small brown cross body bag. 

Sunny Spot Skirt $49.99 @ Modcloth,com
CLICK TO BUY

I am in love with this skirt!!! Between the color and retro vibe this is a great edition to any woman's closet. You can pair it with a flowy chiffon blouse or a nautical crop top. The pairings are endless! 

Paisley Palace Blue Print Romper $47 @ lulus.com
CLICK TO BUY

Rompers are great editions to any wardrobe. They are stylish and a complete outfit just by itself so you don't have to fuss on the days where you can't find anything to wear because only god knows we have all been there before.
  

Project Social T Avery Racerback Tank Top $29 @ urbanoutfitters.com
CLICK TO BUY 

Tank tops are a staple in any woman's wardrobe regardless of the season but definitely essential for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. Project Social has some of the softest and high quality clothing out there and for a good cause. This tank also comes in a taupe color. 

DAILYLOOK Sidney Crisscross Blouse $34.99 @ Dailylook.com
CLICK TO BUY

Simple, chic and versatile all in one, this blouse embodies all. You can dress this down or up, with shorts, skirts, pants,jeans and so forth. Also comes in black.

Current Reading List February- March 2015

With spring break finally here (at least for me) I can finally relax and read what I want. Despite being a Floridian for the last 10 + years or so I am NOT a beach person. The hot sand and pee filled ocean never really appealed to me. But getting back on topic, I haven't had much time for any pleasure reading since starting graduate school. So this spring break I am going to do a little binge reading and catch up on what's out there. Here are the ones I picked out and hope you guys might enjoy them too.

Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?

By Roz Chast 

A Memoir 

Out of all the books I picked up this has to be my favorite! Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant by Roz Chast is a memoir about her relationship with her aging parents. Roz explores through family dynamics and the topic we all dread to talk about... the inevitability of DEATH. Roz takes memoirs to a whole new level by using comics to tell her story. The book is filled colorful illustrations as well as personal photos from Roz. A combination of comedy, life lessons and mostly importantly love. No matter how old we get the love for our parents never seems to change. Incredibly honest and moving, you won't want to put it down. 

Grace's Guide: The Art of Pretending to be a Grownup

By Grace Helbig

Grace Helbig has already taken the YouTube world by storm with her hilariously "informative" videos and now she is doing what every other YouTuber out there is doing... write a book. I have read a lot of the books out there written by YouTubers, but this one is definitely the most relatable. Grace covers many important topics on becoming an adult from how do date, "grown up" food, to even how to make adult friends.  But of course she adds her own hilarious spin that helps the everyday girl or guy conquer the "adult" world. Highly recommend if you are looking for a light and funny read. 

The DUFF

By Kody Keplinger

I recently just saw the movie in theaters and fell in love! I didn't realize till after I saw the movie that is it based of a book. But hey what movie isn't these days. The DUFF is a coming of age story that deals with the downs of high school more specifically being a DUFF or otherwise known as designated ugly fat friend. If you seen the trailer for the movie already you will have a sense on what the book is about. If Mean Girls and A Cinderella Story had a baby this would be it. GO and see the movie first! 

Fresh Off The Boat

By Eddie Huang

A Memoir

I started watching the TV show based off of this book and thought why not go and read it. What drew me into this book/ TV show was that it reminded me a little of my life. I know exactly and can relate to what Eddie was going through growing up in Florida after coming from a different country in the 90s. I cried so much from laughing that my family and friends thought I was going crazy.