It'd be funny. . .if it weren't so true

I'm taking a tiny break from posting on skincare, makeup, whatever. I don't want this blog to be totally structured around beauty; there are plenty of blogs out there like that already. Plus, if I don't think in a linear pattern, why should I write that way?

Anyone who knows me knows that I live for bitter, subtle, dry sarcasm like the below. I'm a huge fan of http://www.despair.com/.

Disturbing . . .

I haven't posted the last couple of days, I know. It's been crazy here at work and frankly. . . I'm just too lazy and tired. But here's my PSA for the day:

Remember: Always use sunscreen! You DON'T want to end up like this guy!



Mad props to http://www.i-am-bored.com/ for this picture!

I don't want to be here today!

Yup, yet another Saturday here at work, trying desperately to catch up. Eh, at least I still have a job, right? Anyway, on to something short!

Being fair skinned, I am obsessed with skin protection. The last time I had a sunburn I was 13. My sister and I were building an Olympic sized swimming pool for bugs (complete with seashell bleachers) one summer in Galveston, TX. Hey, anyone can build a castle, but it takes talent to figure out where the water table is so that the pool fills it self after a certain depth! I did have sunscreen on, but I moved very little for almost 2 hours while working on the pool. The burn was so bad that when I went back to school, I had to stand at the back of the class because I couldn't sit down. I couldn't participate in gym either because I couldn't change clothes without help and a lot of pain; that I didn't mind so much :). I haven't worn shorts since I was 14, nor sleeveless tops since 15. This includes the 4 years of marching I did in High School; I wore long pants and long sleeved shirts during practice. Because I was in the guard, we had leather gloves that allowed us a better grip. Yeah, I wore leather gloves in the Texas summer heat. I think I was the only one without a farmer's tan by the end of the season.

Ok, that was longer than I anticipated. I didn't remember to take a picture of the body sun screen I used, so I hope I'm forgiven! Below is what I use for my face on a daily basis:

I don't trust the SPF in powder makeup; it's just too easy to miss spaces. I want something dedicated to skin protection. If you've read previous posts, I have oily, sensitive, acne prone, pale skin. It's taken me a long time to find facial sunscreen that works for me. About half an hour before I leave work, I'll go splash my face with water and dab it to remove some of the oil to allow for absorption. Then, back at my desk, I'll use the Acnes SPF 19 PA++ all over my face; don't forget to use a dabbing motion, not a swipe. The KOSE Cosmeport CoenRich Q10 White SPF 50 PA++ is used for the areas on my face that get the most sun. Before I elaborate, I have some trivia!

No one I know has ever answered this correctly: What two places on your body are most likely to develop skin cancer?

Answer: the Nose (duh) and the ears.

No one ever thinks of their ears! However if you wear a cap, your face will be shaded, but what won't? My mum's best friend (who's an RN) told me that. I make sure to apply the Q10 to my nose, cheeks, and ears. Another thing I do to help my skin is I carry an umbrella wherever I go. I call it my portable shade machine. This is the umbrella I use (forgot to take a pic, again!)

It's called the Black Dahlia; not only is it great for rain, but it's also coated with a UV protector (50+) so it's not just blocking the direct sun, but the UV rays as well. When it's 105 Fahrenheit outside, this baby is AWESOME! It'll help prevent sunspots as well; remember that birth control is one of many medicines that make one prone to sun spots.

Mihoko haul!

More toys! Yay! http://mihokofamily.com/

The white packet with the face on the front is a collection of oil control sheets. I won't go into that because what more can be said? Truthfully, I don't have much use for these, my face is just too oily! I do keep them handy anyway; they are great for sopping up my most oily areas (nose, forehead, etc).

The pink packets are Angel Cotton Purified Water Pads. These are nice for that second half of the day when everything feels heavy on your face. After blotting, sit there with the pads on your face for a few minutes. They are great for hydrating. I can't tell how they affect make up because truthfully, except for my eyes and lip balm, I don't really wear makeup. The weather has been 100+ degrees every day (over 37 degrees C) and humid as all get out. Why bother when I'm going to sweat it all off in about 15 minutes (in the morning; immediately in the afternoon). I like the ACPWPads, I feel refreshed after using them and they are good for prepping my skin in the afternoon for afternoon sunscreen application.

The last pack is a great find (Japan Lucky Hair Bang Shaper)! I do have bangs but have always had difficulty in styling them in the right angle. Another problem is that because I have oily skin, it's taken me a while to figure that I have to use hairspray to keep my bangs from getting oily from touching my forehead . This little tool is great; you clip it on your bangs and slowly drag it down to the end. I figured out that it works better if you go straight down. Then all I have to do is take a finger and sweep it to the side; my bangs are perfect! I've not had a bad bang day since! Since I shower at night, I sleep with my bangs clipped back. In the morning, I just spritz my bangs lightly with water and then do a quick sweep with the bang clip. It's made hairstyling so simple for me! Strangely, it was my favorite buy.

Not much to say today. . .it's too hot. . . .

I'M GOING TO SEE HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF BLOOD PRINCE ON IMAX ON SATURDAY! Can you tell I'm totally stoked?

If only. . .

This site is awesome in a way that true nurds (like myself) truly appreciate. I feel like buying some more magnets. . . .they make sweet chip clips.

http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/catchaise

If I had a cat, I'd totally make this. Of course, I'd also have to cover the cardboard in spare cloth and I'm sure the cat would request a pad. Just because it's homemade doesn't mean it has to be aesthetically offensive!

Remember the cardinal rule of pets: Dogs have owners, cats have staff.

Yet another haul!

I was sooooo excited to see the following in my mailbox yesterday:

Lot's of pics with today's posts, so I'll try to smoosh them down.

My package was from the most adorable shop in Singapore, 'The Little Happyshop'. Anything with that title is bound to be super cute.

Something that will keep me going back to a shop is something like the above. Someone took the time to jot me down a little thank you note. It makes one feel all farm and wuzzy, right? Anyway, onto the loot.
Their stock is entirely handpicked and adorable in a not so sugar shocked way. I'm definitely going back to get the below.

http://www.thelittlehappyshop.com/item.php?item_id=475

They can get a bit expensive, but it's very high quality and they do have a sale area. In fact, everything I purchased is from their sale area.

Rainy Day stationary

This comes with two types of stationary, envelopes, and stickers. Very awesome!




This is a 2009 schedule book; there's still enough time in the year to make it worth the price (on sale for $3.50). I loved the little doodles inside as well as the free note book in the back. The words next to the child is 'The Little Girl Is Me'

Lastly, my favorite buy. Have any of you gone to see the Pixar film 'Up'? If you haven't, you should. It's one of the sweetest movies I've ever seen (I cried during most of the marriage montage). This reminded me so much of that movie:



The front of the pad says: I would like to travel somewhere unknown...until it gets dark

I really hope some of you can make it over there. Check out the hand made bags; I'm completely in love with the Green Sling. Hopefully it'll go on sale soon because I can't justify the cost!

Not a bad article

I've seen a lot of dieting going around my favorite blogs. I thought I'd add my two cents and I have about $100 more to say, but I won't; not now anyway. I receive daily e-mails from Real Age.com and Health.com; I recommend signing up for them. They aren't always awesome, but it reminds me of some things I should be doing :)

http://www.realage.com/ct/shape-up-slim-down/workouts/tip/9033