Review: INOA L'Oreal hair color at Rush Kensington

I am a creature of habit in many ways, but especially when it comes to hair. Ever since I went red at the beginning of the year I have been back to the same colourist, who uses the exact same formula. However, I was given the opportunity to try out Rush and thought it would make a good post as they have many outlets around London now, and are quite reasonable (much more so than my regular department store salon). Here's how I got on:

I arrived with faded orange locks and mousey roots. I quite like the strawberry blondey colour that I get 4 weeks post colouring, but I usually have to go neon orange at first to achieve this. I needed a boost but nothing wildly different, and wanted to try avoiding the luminous glow of freshly dyed hair to get something a little more natural.

BEFORE

I chatted to colourist/stylist Victor and he introduced me to IONA by L'Oreal, a fairly new hair colour that is ammonia free and supposedly much better for your hair. The lack of ammonia worried me somewhat, as I didn't want my hair tone darkened, but the shades available were much more appealing than the L'Oreal Majirel that I normal have. Copper hair dye is always limited, but IONA had a good selection, and I settled on a blend of 8.04 and 8.40.

It is advertised as being gentle on the scalp, but I found it stung a little more than my regular colour! Still, what is a little tingle in the name of beauty? It applied on as a purpley colour, but soon developed in to a red. After half an hour, I was led to a basin and couldn't wait to see the results!

I was so happy with the outcome! My hair has been transformed (thought not too dramatically) to a rosy copper hue with golden undertones. It looks natural, and doesn't have the usual OTT neon hue of newly dyed locks. Even better, it is soft, not brittle, there is something to be said for going ammonia-free.

I am really impressed with Rush and will be making Kensington my regular salon. It is great to have a colourist who takes the time to discuss all options before mixing up the formula. I am a fussy client and Victor showed me every single option before we finally settled on the IOMA. It's essential to feel confident when trying something new, as there is nothing worse that sitting waiting for colour to develop when you have doubts about the shade.

I've already sent my boss in his direction, and will be back in 6 weeks time.



AFTER

Check out your nearest Rush salon HERE

Love Quotes #3, Status, Wow, Likes?

If you ever fall in love with two people, pick the second because if you really in love with the first, you would't have fallen in love with someone else.
-Kitab Terfaktab

Dont rush into love because even in fairy tales, the happy ending takes place on the last page.
Sha: I dont mind waiting because I know it is worth it. 

When a person is really into you, that person will wait for you, no BUT's and WHY's and mostly without asking WHEN.

Best Relationship?
It's when you both know you're in love with eaach other you stay friends.
Sha: I wish we ARE in this relationship. But i know it's only in my dream. Yet, I am a dreamer.

4 December 2012
Kalau nak diikutkan.. Masa ni aku and family dah fly.. Tapi disebabkan cuti parents dibekukan kerana banjir dijangka akan berlaku, maka... Jelousnya orang lain pergi overseas masa ni!

7 December
Tengah lipat kain sambil online sambil buka pintu di ruang tamu seluas yang mungkin. Guna Nettbook. Adik online main game pakai laptop. See?? Ni lah namanya kakak mithali. Komputer rosak. Sungguh kacau. Dahla banyak "benda" aku dalam komputer tu. Pictures.. stories.. hearts.

Random search.. Jumpa.. Wow?

Page abang Sha hampir sama banyak "likes"  dengan number of page Hlovate? Pastu sha usha usha kat twitter. Followed by Aisyah Shakirah. Aihhh. Popular benar abang Sha sekarang. Adik dia je macam...zombieeee.......

 I miss the sunshine, but Alhamdulillah, Allah ful fill my wish by the presence of sun and wind.Achehhhh. Ayat cam buat observation science experiment je.
Tinggal 23 hari sahaja lagi cuti sekolah then, Im form 4. A huge four. SubhanaAllah.. Ya Allah Ya Rahman Ya Rahim..
 Naaa. Straight to the point. Sha, awat hang post entry fasal love ewww love ni?
Pasal sha dalam keciwwa. Adeh Shaaa. Dahlah pasang lagu cinta lagi. Hindustan pulak. Nak dekat seminggu dah hati ni berlari bawak diri. Bawak diri yang keciwa sungguh-sungguh. Mana taknya! Dua tahun dah..Ingat Allah, Sha...  Sabarlah hati..

Tadi tengok cerita Cintaku Bersemi Di Putih Abu Abu. Sungguh, aku tak faham kenapa dengan cerita Indonesia zaman sekarang. Haihh. dah lah meleret-leret(kebiasaannya) sampai entah berapa ratus episode pulak. Tak penat ke belakon? I wish im an actress.. Dan belakon bahawa Sha sedang bergembira.

IKIM.fm.

Sha rasa macam dah jadi tukang angkat call ayah je. Ayah tertinggal handphone. Dan dalam 10 minit, 3 call. Penat I bangun tauuu.

Remington Vintage Glamour Blogger Evening

Last week I went to Remington's Vintage Glamour Blogger Evening. It was held at Lucy in Disguise in Soho, the vintage venture started by Lily Allen and her sister Sarah. The shop has a full salon downstairs, so was the perfect venue to visit for some retro hairstyles.

Remington Session Stylist Chris Appleton was on hand for advice, but (and here lies the twist) we had to do our hair ourselves...There was a choice of several styles, and the stylists assisted but left the tools to the bloggers.

There were twenties finger curls, pin rolls and beehives on offer, but I opted for Lana style loose rolling waves named 'The Veronica' which can be created used hot tongs. I gingerly grasped the Remington Keratin Pro Curl and began wrapping my hair around the larger barrel. This proved difficult when looking at my reflection in the mirror (totally uncoordinated) but I soon got the hang of it. Once you've created a coil, the curl is pinned and left to cool before brushing out. So effective!

Confident with my new skills, I repeated the style last weekend for our house party and many asked how I managed to get the look. I will definitely do a step by step tutorial for this soon...

Ellie went for a beehive

With our new hairdos in place, there was nothing left to do but shop! We supped fizz and tried on some of the amazing vintage clothes in the shop. I was very sad to leave this dramatic opera coat behind.

Thanks to Remington for a great evening and even better hair advice!

Story Of Lin #6

Perlahan-lahan pintu kayu terkuak.. Aik? Motosikal je? Orangnya mana?

Gate perlahan-lahan dibuka dengan kunci yang dipegang tangan kiri. Meninjau kiri dan kanan. Dan… ha, tu dia.

“You buat apa sini?” Dia memandang sekilas. Mukanya berubah serta merta. Terkejut.
Eh? Awat muka dia gaya macam nampak hantu pocong je? Pantas mukanya berubah riak kepada setenang yang mampu.

“Assalamualaikum.”

Ek ena budak ni… Perli aku ke apa? Ada juga makan flying kick aku baru tau!

“Waalaikummussalam. You buat apa sini?” Soalannya diulang. Kalau nak diikutkan sejarah.. Aku dengan dia mana saling kenal. Yang aku tau dia stole my diary and kena libas dek aku masa dalam bas pakai buku log aku.. Lepas tu mana ada calling-calling whatsoever dan tiba- tiba tapi berita dah terjungil depan pintu rumah aku ni. Cari maut ke apa? Tapi kan Lin.. You cakap you tak kenal, so why do on earth la you boleh keluar rumah disebabkan dia? Entahlah.. Dia macam ada tarikan graviti? Yang membuatkan hati aku tergerak untuk keluar. Ke aku dah kena pukau? Hesh! Simpang malaikat 44!

“I.. nak pergi masjid. Lalu sini, so drop by.” Uhhh.. pergi masjid. Patutlah nampak songkok tadi kat dalam raga motosikal.

“Pergi masjid pun boleh nak drop by depan rumah orang? Nak jumpa anak dara orang pulak tu.” Jam tangan dipandang sekilas. Lahh.

“Lagipun lagi setengah jam kan nak masuk waktu asar. Jam rosak ke?”

Terdengar suara dia tergelak. Eh. Pak cik, I ada buat lawak ke?

“Lin, you ni kenapa? Memang suka buat lawak eh?” ujarnya dengan ketawa yang masih bersisa.

“Ek ena. You ingat I ni sarkas girl ke yang reti buaat lawak segala bagai tu? You tu buat lawak, kenal pun tak, tapi boleh pulak datang rumah I. And.. Mana you tau nama I?”

“And you pulak keluar?” Adeshh… Betullah ada yang nak makan flying kick.

“I nak cari twins you lah.” Si mamat komunis bangun ke motosikalnya. Songkok dicapai lalu disarungkan ke atas kepala. Cermin motosikal dipandang.

Dia pandang aku lagi. Keningnya diangkat kedua-dua belah. “I nak jumpa twins you.”

“Since when mak I lahirkan kembar?” Sarkastik. Dan tiba-tiba..

“Assalamualaikum mangkuk ayun!” Okey. Tak payah pusing belakang pun aku tau siapa empunya suara tu. Kau panggil aku ke?

“Waalaikummussalam eh periuk! Kau dari mana? Penat aku menunggu kau”

“Aku tunggu depan rumah aku lah. Yang kau menggatal dengan minah singa ni pehal?”

“I thought I’d slap your face with my turning kick. Do wish to have it again?” Mencerun mata Lin memandang mamat yang baru sahaja tutup gate rumahnya. Memanglah, boleh jugak aku usulkan pada mak ayah aku untuk pindah rumah. Buat sakit jantung je berjiran dengan mamat ni. Pantas kaki dihayunkan masuk ke dalam gate. Dan Pintu dihempas kuat. Aihhh

“Angin ke budak tu? Eh, korang bukan twins ke? Nape kau dari sana pulak? Bukan ni rumah kau ke?”

 “Weh Kushairi, kau baru hidup ke? Ni rumah siapa entah. Rumah aku sebelah sana.” Tangan Zailin di depangkan ke rumah sebelah.

Kushairi menepuk dahi. “Adeh.. Dahlah nama nak dekat sama.. Aku bagi salam cakap nak jumpa Lin dekat kakak tu. Lelaki pulak yang keluar. Dahlah muka kakak tu seiras dengan kau.”

“Dah dia tu kakak aku. Mana kau tau nama dia Lin?”

“Kakak kau? Lin tu ex-girlfriend aku.” Kening diangkat turun gaya pervert.

“Sungguh kau? Minah camtu kau buat awek” Lagi terangkat kening Zailin. “Perempuan dah pupus ke apa sampaikan minah camtu pun kau sambar? Dahlah angin sepanjang masa”

“Dah dah dah.. Nak azan dah ni, jom pergi masjid, tak sempat kau tasmi’ bacaan aku nanti.” Lalu enjin motosikal dihidupkan.

Ehemm #1

Dia tetiba hantar camni. Padahal tak kenal. Tapi tu kiranya beza dengan sha macam  langit dan bumi. Earm. Alim bin warak lah katakan. Ke nak ajak sha masuk team publisher dia? haha. ngehhh

Book Review: The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt

 

You should never judge a book by its cover but I did judge this. Cartoon skulls are only acceptable if McQueen, they have no place on the book shelf, and optical illusion graphics should be left in the 90s along with the 'magic eye'. But with an hour commute and no book in my bag, I reached for the only thing unread on my shelf,  The Sisters Brothers by Patrick DeWitt. On reading the blurb it confirmed my suspicions, a novel about two brothers working as assassins in the Wild West...not really my cup of tea.

Yet by the end of the first chapter I was hooked, not by the plot (a rancid spider poisoned toe is of little interest to me) but by the protagonist and the beautiful unique style. This first person account talks us through the observations and misguided feelings of Eli, the tubbier kinder of the two brothers, displaying DeWitt's talent for a less common type of poetry.

Eli explains the brothers' journey with an honest simplicity that really is a pleasure to read. Hilarious at times, I quite often found myself grinning like a goon at the pages before catching myself and returning to the sobriety of the Piccadilly Line.  It's humour lies in the unawareness of the jokes. What skill!

This is an excellent gift idea for a father or brother, I think one of my own will be receiving this in their stocking this year, and I look forward to the discussion following.

Story of Lin #5

 Matanya menala ke siling. Rasa lenguh lah pulak.. Mana taknya, hampir 3 jam dia terbaring di atas katil single tu. Tuala di tepi dicapai. Peluh dingin di dahi disapu. Basah kuyup tuala ni! Comforter ditarik paras dada. Badan dah berpeluh dari 3 jam yang lepas tapi..Ya Allah sejuknya...Padahal bukannya pasang air-cond.. Kipas lagilah tak. Namun sakit yang menyeksakan ini bertanggungjawab.

Ya Allah... Dan sakit itu datang kembali. Ya Allah, Ya Rahman Ya Rahim.. biarlah sakit ini menjadi penawar segala dosaku..
 Tangan kiri meraba tepi bantal. Yeah. Dapat. Lalu dilayangkan tangan bersama sehelai kertas ke hadapan muka manakala tangan kanan diletakkan di bawah abdomen. Bibir perlahan-lahar menuturkan..

Bismillahirahmanirrahim X3
A 'uzhu biizzatillah wakudratihi min syarrimaa ajidu wa uhaa zirr. x7
Aku berlindung kepada kebesaran Allah dan kekuasaannya, daripada kejahatan apa yang aku derita dan aku khuatirkan.

Tiba-tiba terasa sesuatu melalui tengkuk. Pantas tubuh di tegakkan dan besen yang berbau hanyir di bawah katil ditarik. Diluahkan segala yang ada dalam isi perut. Sabar lah Lin... Tiba-tiba pintu terkuak. Wajah ibu terjenggul. "Tak kurang lagi sakit?" kepala digeleng. Suara tak mampu keluar.

"Mak ada buat kari. Nak?"
"Takpalah mak.. tak selera lagi."
"Takpalah, makan jelah ya? kasi panas sikit badan tu. Dah lah asyik muntah je dari balik tadi."
Kepala hanya dianggukkan.
Terus badan dihumban ke atas katil.
Tiba tiba status seorang penulis buku menyapa ingatan.

Kenapa Aku Anuti Islam?
Kenapa?
Cari jawapannya dan guna logik akal mentafsir.

 Kenapa ya?
Sebab Islam itu sejahtera.. Islam itu benar. Islam itu adil.. Islam itu tidak mempunyai taraf. Islam itu menyeru ke arah kebaikan. Dan Islam itu Indah.
Macam tu ke jawapannya? Rasanya perlu didefinekan lagi satu persatu.

Dan ceramah agama channel 114 astro Al-Hijrah semalam menyentuh benak otaknya. Dr Zakir Naik. Siapa tak kenal? Mampu menghafal Holy Quran dan Bible macam hafal sifir 3 je. Dan hujahnya.. Langsung tanpa menunggu sesaat lidahnya menuturkan surah keberapa, ayat keberapa dari Quran ataupun Chapter apa dalam Gospel Of Matthew. Namun itu bukan persoalannya.
Ayatnya semalam yang membuatkan dia berfikir.

"Saya sebagai seorang Muslim wajib berdakwah kepada yang bukan Islam"
"Saya sebagai seorang Muslim wajib berdakwah kepada yang bukan Islam"
Selama ni berapa orang dah telah menerima dakwah daripada kau? eam. Secara face to face.. 3 orang.. 15 tahun. 3 orang.  SubhanaAllah.. kecilnya jumlah itu..

Random #9 : Membebel. Lagi.

Assalamualaikum.

when a women says " what ? " , it's not because she didn't hear you . she's giving you a chance to change what you said .

 9: 28 p.m.

Baru lepas makan. Tadi solat Maghrib jemaah di surau.. Baca Yassin dan sokat Isya' terus.. Then minum air bandung walaupun semua jemaah duk makan nasi lemak yang disediakan. Sha buat-buat diet konon. KONON. Ramai betul orang datang surau hari Khamis. Jakunnya aku.

Result PMR akan diumumkan lebih kurang sebulan lagi. Berdebar sangat. Walaupun lagi sebulan, tiap hari akan ada ketika sha rasa sesak nafas bila pikiaq fasal PMR ni. Semalam ayah cakap.. fasal something yang....

 Keputusan. Next year sha decide nak makan pil perancang. What's that? Pil perancang itu merupakan pil untuk mencegah daripada kehadiran haid setiap bulan yang menyusahkan. Haha. Sha ingat nak usulkan perkara ni kat mak fasal kawan sha ada dua tiga orang yang makan pil perancang ni untuk cegah haid. Lagipun semua orang tau (chewwah) yang sha ni kalau period, senggugut tu, rasa macam ada lori yang tayar dia ada jarum hempap atas pinggang Sha. Sakit tau. Lagipun, tahun depan kan form four. Kot-kot bertembung dengan masa peperiksaan kan, kan nanya je. Tapi ada diorang cakap, pil perancang ni tak berapa elok fasal darah kotor tak boleh keluar. And berbahaya.Tapi ni darurat... Dan lagi satu sha runsing, kot2 hari Ujian Kecenderungan nanti Sha period macam mana? Adehhh.

Teringat masa tu sekali.

"Cho nak yang mana?" Soal ayah. Cho, nama manja yang lekat dari zaman hingusan  hingga umur dia kini kian 22 tahun.

"Eam, ikut ayah lah"

"Lah,ni kan kereta cho nanti."

"Takpelah, ikut ayah jelah."

Penat aku tengok dua beranak ni.

"Meh Lin pilih!"

"Ha, Lin pilihlah" Khairul Amilin. a.k.a. cho balas.

"Nak colour purple! Tak banyak kereta MyVi colour purple."

"Haha. Ayah suruh pilih 1.3 atau 1.5... bukan colour.."

Buat malu je. Dahlah depan salesman.

So.. That's all for today. Love you

Apabila Kian dibedil

Hentikanlah peperangan...
Sehingga aku tunaikan nazar ku!
Aku ingin mati syahid bersamamu!

Competition! Win Toni&Guy Infusion Straighteners

I'm teaming up with Toni&Guy for a very exciting giveaway...

The prize is a Toni&Guy Infusion Straightener (RRP £80) an innovative new hair tool that protects when it styles. No more frazzled, dry crispy locks, the Infusion Straightener has a unique conditioning reservoir, which is designed to be filled up with TONI&GUY Heat Protection Mist; as you style your hair, the mist will infuse, protecting your hair and ensuring it is always shiny and healthy. 

To enter, simply follow this blog and leave a comment with your blog/email address so I can contact the winner....The competition will end next Sunday 25th November. Good luck!

This competition is now closed! I used a random number generator to choose the winner and I'm pleased to announce the winner is Sandra well done! Check your inbox xx

Random #8

Baik aku menulis kat blog or buat cerpen daripada merapu dekat Facebook.. Haishhh.
Aku dengar adik Sha cakap kat mak.. and rasa nak baling dengan selipar kat muka dia.. "Mak, Shah cakap, kalau ayah tak jadi pergi China taun depan, shah nak buat keluar duit dalam bank, curi passport pastu lari dari rumah pergi ke hangzhou sorang-sorang." Dahlah abis serius muka adik sha tu.. tak reti bez antara gurau dengan real ke? Haihhhhh. Masakan pula bapaku memungkiri janji beliau terhadap anak-anaknya bukan? Haihh.

Winter Skincare: Murad Hydro-Dynamic and Liz Earle Polish and Cleanse reviews

Never mind calendars or barometers, I can predict the winter season's arrival by the condition of my skin! Almost as soon as the first leaves fall from the trees, my eyelids become dry, and the crisp flaking spreads to the rest of my complexion within days. Usually by this point in the year I'd be frantically raiding Boots for eczema friendly moisturisers and nourishing creamy cleansing lotions, but 2012 has been a little different thanks to Dr. Murad... 

A little while back I attended a Murad skincare event, and came away with Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture for Eyes and Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture cream. I began applying with caution, as rich creams can often be foe and irritate my sensitive skin, but hallelujah, these have not caused any pore clogging breakouts and do not sting on application (a terrible side effect I usually get with chapped dry areas). My skin has been successful saved from its usual winter fate; a miracle no less!

I've teamed these dreamy products with old favourite, Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish. Though skincare is very subject to skin types, I would recommend this to anyone with confidence! It is gentle yet deep cleansing, and manages to maintain the skin's hydration levels without leaving it feeling greasy or coated. Wonderful stuff, and it smells amazing too. Simply massage in to dry skin, and then polish off with a hot damp muslin cloth (there are 2 included). It's not very often that I admire my reflection, but I can't help but notice the radiance after this.



Check out Dr. Murad here and Liz Earle here...

Anyone got any other seasonal skincare saviors to recommend?

Wish List: Tom Ford Lip and Cheek Stain

In work I see reams of beauty launches, so I thought I would start posting about amazing products to look out for.

Part of the brand's AW12 collection, this lip stain is no longer brand spanking new, but it is firmly placed on my product wish list. Tom Ford lipsticks have long earned their beauty credentials and are considered the best on the luxury block, making this Lip and Cheek Stain a very exciting addition to the range.

I love it. I love the luxe glossy packaging, I love the dark balmy bullet. I love the fact it is formulated with acai oil and cherry extract to condition lips and last but not least, I love that it's a handbag friendly multi-tasker.

I don't love the fact it is £36. I have been thinking about it for several months, so may take the plunge one frivolous day...when I do you will be the first to know!

Story Of Lin #5

"Yoo, what's up? Any newbie?"
"Dont thing so. Why? Desperate nak cari clan baru, ke?" Soalnya. Sarkastik.
Dingin.
"Please, dont have to be so emotional, you know."
"You know that i'm, kinda frustated."

"Lin, Lin!!!"
Tersedar. What was that?
Kak Lin..
Kak Lin tengah buka langsir pintu bilik dah kepalanya menjengul keluar.
Keningnya terangkat sebelah.
"Min, ada orang datang." keningnya terangkat sebelah. Haihh.. awat gaya akak macam tanya aku pula? ingat aku ada kuasa magic-sihir-pembaca masa depan ke boleh tahu siapa yang datang.
"Ha?"
"Lelaki,"Ujar Kak Lin sepatah.
"Is that a name of one of my girl friends?"
Kak Lin menjulingkan matanya.
"Lelaki. Guy. Boy. Nan. Who's that? i thought you are in convent."
"I AM the one who should ask THAT." Pantas Min bangun menuju ke tingkap. Langsir tingkap diselak. Yeah.. Lelaki. Seorang. Motosikal. Rambut landak. Muka.. "Mamat komunis!"
"Wwh--att?"
"hmm.. Min tak kenal sangat. Tapi dia satu bas dengan Min." ujar Min sambil mencapai tudung Syria. Lalu disarung melepasi kepalanya. Heh. Rajin pulak aku pakai tudung hari ni.

Bila nak sambungnya, Sha?

Assalamualaikum.
Okay... Pernah tak baca entry Sha yang bertajuk Smokair? Kalau belum, sila klik ini http://hikayaterror.blogspot.com/2012/07/smokair.html
Actually, ramai juga kengkawan yang cakap entry ni boleh tahan (hahaha!perasan minah ni!) dan kalau perasan lah, kat bawah tu Sha tulis bersambung. Dan sha dalam dilemma nak sambungkan dengan apa. Memang peristiwa dah sha rancang baik-baik ada dalam otak, tapi kalau nak menterjemahkan tu, sebenarnya satu hal juga tau.. Nak kasi letak ayat power dan sebagainya.
Okay, as you all know.. Hari ni merupakan first day cuti sekolah akhir tahun yang hampir sebulan.

Cuti sekolah kali ni sha tak rancang apaper pun. cuma nak duduk rumah tok. Nak teman tok pergi kedai. Nak tngok tok siang ayam (kalau orang bandar sah tatau. Siang ni sejenis cara untuk memisahkan ayam dengan bulu-bulunya. Eh? Apaper jelah) Nak jalan-jalan pi pantai, tengok tok jahit baju tok, tengok katalog tok. Petik mempelam tok yang awesome! Dan sebagainya, Heh. Tok sha ni klasik sikit, tapi coolio gila! Yeah

Dan, mengupdate blog merupakan salah satu kerja Sha sebab Sha kan suka menulis, cerpen, diary dan segala bagainya.

Harinii.. Sat gi nak pi walimatulurus Alyssa which is cousin Sha yang lost 17 tahun lepas.*macam drama pulak tapi nilah kenyataan hidup. kan kan*(cakap sorang la kau, Sha) Actually, yang ni lah, mak cakap suruh Sha and Ela jadi pengiring pengantin. Tapi.. Pad


Sambungan~
10.55 a.m. Ahad
Sekarang ni tengah lepak lepak. Yati tengah tengok Condor Hero, Ayah tidur kat sofa, abang and mak teman tok pi kedai dan abang sorang lagi tidur. Ela pergi kelas mengaji. Yah (Aqilah) baru balik SMA Al-maarif pagi tadi. Ada kelas katanya. SPM lohhhh. berasap lagi kepala dia. Umm, pagi esok abang balik BMI. Hujung minggu nanti Yati balik UPM. dan abang Sha sorang lagi tu macam nak pi interviu je gaya.

How's yesterday?

Yeah.. Me, tok and Ela, Mum pi IM 15/39 kenduri my cousin. Selepas hampir sejam sesat di tengah-tengah Bandar IM Baru, barulah sampai.. Si Abah Lysa which is adik mak dah balik dah katanya. Masa sampai tu, susana dah lengang. Cuma sanak saudara duk posing dengan pengantin. Dan adalah dua tiga empat kerat kawan-kawan kak Lysa. Seriously, i've no idea how does Kak Lysa makes friends.. Hampir semuar rambut kawan-kawan dia yang blond. Yang lelaki tak kurangnya. Rambut macam minah saleh blondnya, nak jadi mak salleh eh? Tapi kulit you tu gelap sangat. fail tau dak? secebis takda rupa. Eleh sha, kau apa kurang nya gelap? Eh Sha gelap? mana ada... kulit sha ni sunburn lah.. tengoklah buka sekolah nanti, (selepas terperap dalam rumah hampir dua bulan) mesti bercahaya balik.. Chewwah.. bercahaya, Sha? you ingat you ni Nabi Mmuhammad SAW ke nak bercahaya segala bagai?

Tengah makan tu, Firdaus duduk sebelah Sha, borak-borak dengan kitorang.. tanya tu ni.. Pastu dia tanya Sha.. "Encik Mahadi mana?" Eh, ingat pulak bos awak? "Ayah saya balik kampung.. anak saudara dia kahwin." dua pupu sha lah tu.. yang anak Mek Lah.. kahwin dengan Dayang budak Sarawak.. Adik Kak Nor kawan sepejabat mak.. merangkap adik Zunaidi, ex cikgu Yati. Borak, Lysa pun datang.. cantik bangat baju dia.. nak pakai rasa. Tapi sekali dia pusing belakang, hamboih, spagetti strap nampak tuh! Takpalh, insyaAllah akan sha solat hajat banyak-banyak.. mohon diberikan sinar dan hidayah Islam dalam diri dia.. Takpun suruh ayah nasihat Firdaus tu.. Ayah kan bos firdaus, berani ke Fir nak bantah? Chewwah. Tu lelaki dia, sha, Isteri tanggungan dia. Abang suruh sha cekau mana-mana buku kat cupboard ayah (yang ada unsur Islamiah) balut, bagi dia satgi.. Ah, yeah, satgi kitorang nak pi kenduri kahwin belah keluarga Firdaus pulak.. Mesti ramai budak pejabat ayah datang. Semalam tok bagi hadiah cawan.. Bapaklah besar and berat Sha nak angkat. Pastu tok cakap, lain kali kalau dia datang rumah, tok nak bagi 1 set pingan mangkuk tok.. Sha pun belek sikit.. adalah lah kot dekat RM300.. Tok, kalau Sha kahwin, tok bagi almari pinggan mangkuk sekali dengan 'benda-benda' dalamnya boleh? Haha.

Adik~

Rabu lepas, surat penempatan ke sekolah menengah Ela dah dapat. Guess what?! Dia dapat SMK Beserah. Maunya tak terkejut Sha. And, bukan Sha sorang je yan terkejut tau. Yati, Yah, Abang and mak pun terkejut. (Yati and abang baru tau semalam masa ambil diorang). Mana tak terkejutnya.. Sejak zaman bila pulak budak-budak Kong Min yang melayu, perempuan dapat sekolah penempatan ke SMK Beserah. Sebelum ni sha and yati dapat sekolah SMK TG Afzan jeh. Tappi mengada nak tukar SMKB. Nak jadi anak buah zunaidi. kononya.. konon. Dan Yah siap-siap keluarkan usul nak minta SMA AL Maarif untuk Ela.. Lipat maut adik sha pandang. Tapi yelah, adik nk ambil Bahasa Arab.. boleh lah dia kecek 4 bahasa.. SMKTA pun ada tapi kan.. SMA Al Maarif sounds good.. Tapi boleh tahan ke adik Sha tu? haihhh.. Apaper jelah.

Satgi whole family pi Panching but I'll go Galing Kem for kenduri Kahwin Kak Syiqin!

p/s: Doakan result PMR Sha cemerlang dengan straight A's. Ameen. Dengan izin Allah.
Dan, kalau Sha ada buat salah apaper, hantar chat kat FB. Sha akan call you and minta maaf. Sha risau susah kat padang Mahsyar kelak sebab buat salah kat orang. Arigato kozaimas! olalala
Kawan-kawan sha suruh masukkan gambar dalam blog sha. SO GET FEADY FOR TRANSFORMERS!

Review- Violent Eyes Temporary Eye Appliques (stick-on eyeliner!)

You may remember some time back I tried out Violent Lips transfers which were good fun indeed. Now the brand has launched something that may be even more exiting- Violent Eyes. These glittery temporary transfers allow you to create the ever-popular winged liner eyes without messing around without liquid eyeliners or pencils.

Cat Eye style make-up was everywhere for AW12, from feline flicks at Lanvin to graphic precise designs at Mary Katrantzou so there is no better time to try out the look. Dior launched something similar awhile back, but at £25 a pop it was a little too pricey for experimentation. Violent Eyes come in at £6 for 8 which is far more realistic for normal folk. I tried them out the other evening, here's how I got on:

Every pack contains 8 pairs of varying thickness, from subtle neat flicks to statement Amy Winehouse style designs. You begin by popping out your chosen pair...

Ah here you see I had experienced a few errors, it was only as I attempted applying for the 3rd time (yikes) that I realised there are 8 pairs! Hence, you pop out one eyeliner, and it unfolds to reveal one for each eye. This is not too clear in the instructions so be aware!

Once I finally understood what was going on, I continued by measuring the transfer against my eye and trimming off the excess for a perfect fit.

You then peel off the film and press against the eye. Holding it in position you need to wet the back until the paper peels off to reveal the transfer. This bit was easier than I expected, and the results are great!

Apologies for the bad lighting, taking blog photos in winter is quite the challenge, but hopefully the results are visible. They look really good! They lasted the evening and peeled off obediently at the end of the night with no hassle at all.

Violent Eyes are available in many glittery shades purple, blue, gold, even rainbow which gives plenty of choice. I would love it if they did plain true black, but I suppose they are designed for partywear more than the every day.  I will definitely be using up my set, 8 wears for £6 is very reasonable indeed! They are a little fiddly, but anyone could apply them with patience. I've complied some top tips:

1. Give yourself plenty of time. Trying to rush to leave the house will almost guarantee something going wrong.

2. There are 2 pairs back to back in every liner you press from the sheet!!!!!

3. Take care trimming to the correct size, or they won't sit well

4. Also be careful when positioning the transfer on the eye to get a symmetrical and even look

Available at Harvey Nichols

Aie's Story

Matanya tekun menghadap skrin Pavilion g4. Earpiece sedang menjerit Teman Penganti -Black & Malique. Ehhh... Tak boleh lah aku dengar lagu cam ni.. menyesakkan otak fikiran aku aje. Laju jarinya menekan punat to the next song.

"Knok knok"
"Ye, nape?" Tanpa memandang ke arah pintu Aie menjawab.
Kak Aieeeee..." Aduh suara adikku yang manja ni merengek dua tiga empat harakat ni mesti nak suruh orang buat benda untuk dia.
"Nak apa, budak?"
"Kek batik hujung minggu ni okay?"
Tersentap.Tanpa sedar, jarinya menekan pelipis. Lala dah bentangkan surat khabar di depan mata. Resipi membuat Kek Batik. Nape tersentap, Aie? Tak reti buat ke? Maunya tak reti.. selama ni dah berapa puluh kali buat kek batik. Dan budak ni tunjuk resipi gaya macam aku tak reti je. Tapi... nape kau terdiam, Aie?
"Balance coklat masakan yang buat biskut minggu lepas ada lagi, kan? Cukup dah kut.. Milo nanti Lala suruh ma top up lagi. Alang-alang buat kek batik, kita buat dadih jagung nak? Powder dia ada dekat separuh lagi kan? Mengidam tahap petala kelapan dah Lala tau," bebel si Lala. Tapi Aie still diam.

Apekehal kakak aku ni dia macam kena sampuk je ni? Eeee takut aku. "Aie!"

Tersentak.

"Akak ada hal hujung minggu ni."
"Hal? Akak keluar ke?" sebelah kening Lala naik seinci.
"Dak.. Nanti tolong akak, tau. Akak nak pindah,"
"Ha?! Pindah rumah?" dua-dua keningnya terangkat.
"Ish budak ni..." kepala adiknya diluku perlahan, "akak nak pindah bilik lah, budak." toya habis selamba dia menuturkan. Ada ke patut pindah rumah? I'm fifteen I don't think any of my age's girls have their own house. Kut ya pun, takkan lah aku nak pergi pindah ke rumah ayah kat IM tu kut. Logik lah sikit. Heh.

"Cheh. Buat suspen macam apa je..Alaa akak boleh lah.. Lala tolong nanti. Janji!" tangannya diletakkan di tepi kepala gaya macam angkat sumpah. Tak pun gaya bagi tabik time kawad depan Sarjan. Luar alam betul budak ni. Tapi Aie.... Nape, Aie? Bukan kau suka ke buat kek batik dulu? Suka sangat... Tapi kalau buat kek batik tu, mesti teringat kat.. OKAY. Otak bagi warning siap colour merah lagi. Aku taknak ingat. "Akak tolong buat dadih je. Bila-bila Yah balik nanti suruh lah dia buat. Dia kan terror bab-bab buat benda macam ni." Noktah.

Planner 2011 dibuka. Penuh dengan contengan marker-karyon-pensel-hinglighter-pen-watercolour. Memanglah. Tahun yang paling warna -warni sepanjang aku hidup 16 tahun. Dan, dalam warna-warni tu, terselit juga kisah gelap. Silam. Yang menyakitkan. Betullah kata orang..

The walls we build around us to keep sadness out also keeps out us from joy.

Heh. Betullah. Nak elakkan diri daripada terluka, memang patut pun kena cegah awal-awal. Tapi cegah awal-awal.. alamatnya, takda jugalah kegembiraan. Lipatan sila di atas kerusi dikemaskan. Tanpa sedar Aie mengusap kedua belah tapak tangan ke pipi. Lalu menghembuskan nafas ke telapak tangan. Cheh! macam duduk kat oversea musim winter jeh gayanya. Tapi sungguh.. Sejuk! Ditambah pula otak berselirat fikir masalah negara yang memenatkan saraf-saraf otak untuk berfikir... Aku nilah.. bab-bab bercinta ni memang fail.. Dan tak pandai nak layan perkara-perkara bercinta semua ni. Dan apabila ada orang yang begitu semangat luahkan kata cinta.. Maaflah, simpan jelah ayat jiwang, romeo anda itu.. Aie si anak Mahadi takkan cair dengan kata-kata pitis anda tu.. Pasai Aie ni dah jatuh hati! Siapa gerangannya? Siapa, Aie? Heam, mimpi siang lah Aie. Doa banyak-banyak jelah. Doa dia hantar rombongan merisik jelah. Pasai dia kenal Aie pun tak!

Jangan Paksa Orang Solat?

Assalamualaikum to Muslim and Salam Sejahtera to those who are not.

First I would to wish you all Happy Aidil Adh =D

Okay, now straight to topic. Kadang kita selalu dengar, buat ibadah jangan dipaksa, jangan disuruh, nanti hati jadi dak ikhlas.. Karang dak ikhlas sampaikan Allah SWT tak terima ibadatnya.
I dont know why but...seriously...siapa yang berfikiran macam ni memang agak... berfikiran cetek dan bodoh.

An example, masa saya kecil kecil dulu, saya ni malas solat. Malas sangat. And, saya rasa... bukan saya sorang je yang pemalas bab-bab solat ni. Tapi you all too. Right?
So, kalau semua orang masa kecik-kecik dulu zaman hingusan tak solat, how come zaman sekarang ada berjuta-juta umat  Islam yang serata dunia(InsyaAllah, Amiiinnn) yang solat 5 waktu cukup dengan sunat-sunat sekalinya?
Think.

Of course diorang used to dipaksa, right? Sebenarnya, bagi saya, memanglah solat or what-ever- ibadat lain tak patut dipaksa, BUT... kalau tak paksa macam mana nak gerakkan hati agar cintai solat? Saya always dipaksa sebelum ni sebab tu sekarang kalau bab solat saya tak tinggal dah. Lah... can you just imagine when i was 12, saya malas solat, dan kakak-kakak saya dua orang tu pakai ayat yang... perghhh...
"Malaikat maut entah-entah on the way tuh"
"Kesian lah dekat mak ayah kita"
"Nanti akak taknak lah tanggung dosa adik sendiri tak solat"
"Neraka tu pedih tau tak?"
"Solat tu lagi besar dosanya kalau nak dibandingkan dengan berzina, tau dak?"

So, boleh bayangkan kalau anda dipaksa sebegitu. Mula-mula memang pedih... Like hell, serious. But then, it slowly became apart of my life and i feel like.. Tak complete hidup saya bila tinggalkan solat even sekali. Kadang, kalau saya turn back and fikirkan balik rasa macam nak tergelak. Yelah kan, time kecik-kecik dulu time solat tu ada je excuse. Buat-buat tidur. Dah lah masa sekolah Kong Min, Solat tu macam takda kepentingan. Yelah kan... Tempat solat pun dekat bilik agama which is kena seberang dewan, sebuah bangunan and turun tangga 3 tingkat. Lagilah malas. Ditambah pula waktu solat pihak sekolah tak sediakan, and takda pulak budak batch saya yang solat. Tapi bila cuti sekolah and sering di PAKSA, memang berkesan. Seriously.

TAPI...
It kinda mengarut kalau memaksa seseorang tu dengan cara yang tersangat over... For example pukul... something like that. Tapi kalau umur 22 cukup umur untuk mengundi orang untuk jadi mak bapak orang, memang patut dipukullah. Heh. Babies need roll model and someone who are taat to their own religion. ~Something like that~

Konklusinya, orang yang cakap solat tu or others ibadat tak patut dipaksa sebenarnya patut fikir berkali-kali. Dan pemikiran mereka sebenarnya...  A big, huge mistake. And, sesiapa yang merupakan abang, kakak, mak ayah yang baca entry, why dont you starts to force you little brother, sisters or child to solat? It worth it, you know? Pahala tu datang bergolek-golek!
Selamat Beribadat!

p/s: doakan result PMR saya cemerlang dengan straight A's. Amiin.

Piece of XXXX

Datsun 120Y lama depan ni nak kena dah, terhinggut-hinggut macam kura-kura. Ada ke duduk atas double line. Dia ingat, dia sorang ke yang bayar roadtax tahun ni. Kalau tokwan dia dulu pernah kerja dengan J.W.W. Birch pun, dia lupa ke... Residen British tu dah kena bunuh berzaman dah. Hati orang sudah terbakar,dahla orang tengah sedih ni. Dia duduk cucuh hati jaja pula. Tengok tu, spoiler kereta dia, dah boleh jadi tempat gantung baju kedai bundle dah!

-A piece of Jaja&Din 153

AW12 Trend Pointed Nails

I've always been a square and short girl...nails that is. For years I've practiced the same neat nail design, preferring right angled corners with minimal length, but I've been turned by the recent pointed nails trend.

Though it seems passe after a flurry of SS13 excitement, it is not too late to look to AW12 where some lovely pointed talons scratched their way on the the runways. Nails have very much become an accessory, and the time and attention spent on them last season is proof of this.

So spurred on by Thierry Mugler and my new love hate relationship with Lana Del Rey (fake through and through but sounds and looks so lovely) I decided to head to the nail salon for a change. I returned to my old favourite 'gel extensions', and was presented with a shape chart where the options were square, oval, gherkin or pointed. I went for the delicious gherkin shape and am enjoying the glamorous outcome. I would have pipped for the pointed had I not an office job that involves 8hrs of typing, but I think the effect is similar. Nude polish stops the look being too scary for the time being, though I am very tempted to paint them gloss red and be a vamp for a bit.

Could you be tempted to try the look?

Breaking out the Brights

I'm not particularly experimental with clothes as I have an hourglass that doesn't allow modern cuts to rest easy. Luckily make-up has fewer bounds! A few weeks ago I trundled down to LFW for work wearing one of my usual old fashion get-ups that included a frilly victoriana blouse. How I longed to wear a berry lip! How dark romance, how gothically glamorously on-trend, yet the typical Piccadilly line weekend punter is not trend led, and the introvert in me decided against it. Instead I went bright.

Red lips can be classic, but choosing a slightly more modern orange shade updates the look in an instant, without being too outlandish. Nails are the perfect vessel to carry colour in an otherwise monotone outfit, and nothing is too loud.

Lips: MAC Neon Orange
Nails: Illamasqua Matte (think the shade was limited edition)

Review: Toni and Guy Deep Barrel Waver

You might remember that I went to a Toni&Guy event not so long ago, where I was treated to a head full of cascading waves. I still haven't lost the lust for that elusive Gucci finger curl (see AW12 ad campaign above) so I was eager to try out the magical tool used at Hair Meets Wardrobe.

Introducing the Deep Barrel Waver, a hot tong with a difference. Designed more like a massive rounded crimper, it weaves the hair over a larger barrel and clamps to set the curl. Now at the event Cos Sakkas made the style look easy...how did I fare when let loose at home with the curler?

It has about 20 heat settings, so I rolled it up to the sizzling highest and pinned back my hair to start on the under sections.  I decided to pin back one side and aim for the cascading asymmetrical look, with tumbling tresses spilling over one shoulder.

This is not a quick job. Once sectioned, you must slowly work down the hair length, clamping each wave in for about 10 seconds before moving the curler back and overlapping the last. As you jump from section to section you have to watch that you're leaving a symmetrical line of waves across the head- in short, there is a lot to go wrong!

I learned that it is best to brush the sections through with a fine bristle brush and mist with hairspray before attacking with the tong. Also, I think I should have worked with larger sections, as the barrel has the capacity to wave a large chunk of hair each time.

I'm pleased with the results but I know next time I will do better. I love this waver, though time consuming, the look would usually have to be set in with hot rollers which is far more of a faff and commitment. And the volume it produces is quite outstanding, my lanky barnet was positively bursting from my head by the time I finished (a good thing).

Toni and Guy Deep Barrel waver costs £34.99 and is available HERE. Will you be investing?

PS. Sorry for the prolonged absence. I've just moved house and am still without internet!

How to Create Cheek Bones

'I wish I had cheekbones' wistfully sighed a weary colleague, inspecting her face with disappointment in the Ladies

' I can create cheekbones with only 3 products' I replied back like a flash. My matter of fact boastful claim had us both chuckling away but the truth is I can! I later brought my said three products in to work and demonstrated to the girls. I'm no make-up artist and this is such an easy trick, but it can make all the difference when sporting a up-do. Even better, you probably already have the products at home, all you need is:

1. Blush

Try seek out your most natural shade, pinks, peaches and light beige are all perfect. I used this Laura Mercier powder (a sample from somewhere). You simply need to sweep from the outer eye area, down towards the apple of the cheek with a large domed brush. Stop when you've achieved a warm flush.

2. Bronzer

Use your summer bronzer for this step. I swirl together all four colours in my Givenchy palette to create a matte tan shade. Apply under the cheekbone, making a line of colour beneath your first step blush with a soft flat or fanned brush. Be sure not to overload the bristles, and build up colour gradually, buffering as you go until the two shade merge and ombre.

3. Highlighter

Benefit High Beam is an excellent option for the final stage (I'm sure we all have one kicking around somewhere) but you could equally use any finely ground iridescent powder, just make sure it's shimmer not glitter finish. I apply 5 drops of High Beam leaving a trail from the temples, across under the eye socket. Blend to complete the look.


A marvelous trick for chubby cheeks!