DIY Needle Felting

From our last visit to Circle Craft Christmas Market (click here to be redirected for the posting on Circle Craft Christmas market 2014) - we had purchased 2 diy needle felting kits to try. We wanted to ensure this be a doable project, and Shima from Him Creations reassured us that even 7 year olds can complete this without any problem. 

Without further adieu, meet our outcomes! :-) 

Please read more for a review of our past 2 hours!

Favorite Starbucks Holiday Drink

I don't drink coffee. I am more of a tea-holic. As much as I enjoy various high quality loose leaf teas, Starbucks Chai Tea latte is something I cannot resist and also a treat helping to get through the day. We all know about the marketing and the tactics but the unique wholesome culture Starbucks stores provide for the customers is unbelievable every time.

If you are feeling festive and do enjoy their holiday red paper cups - try Chai Eggnog Latte today! (Oh, and you also have to be a sweet tooth!)

Eggnog is the traditional holiday drink in North America (although it really originated from England,) you will find the slightly thick (but not like milkshake) sweet vanilla milk taste. Turkey is always good too but given how easy it is to make a warm eggnog latte or even rum/brandy mix - although it's obviously a different story if you are making homemade eggnog... - cup of eggnog latte on my table represents holiday season. 

Guide to Perfect (Pan-Fried) Steak

I love steak. I have tried to become a vegetarian as an attempt to become a true animal lover - however, it was too hard for me to cut off meat completely from my diet.  Feeling guilty and all, instead I try to limit the number of meat in my family's weekly meal plan and also try my best to consume natural and humanely raised meat.  In addition to that, I also cook my steaks with perfection to satisfy the craving! Like Joey says from Friends, if you're going to do something bad, you've got to do it right.

Joey: Pheobe, what-what are you doing?
Phoebe: I can't help it. I need the meat. The baby needs the meat.
Joey: All right - look, you know how when you're dating someone and you don't want to cheat on them, unless it's with someone really hot?
Phoebe: Yeah, totally!
Joey: All right. Okay. Well this is the same kind of deal. If you're going to do something wrong, (he grabs two steaks from the freezer), do it right!

Anyways, so here is how I cook my steak.

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine 12 Coral Incandescent

Despite the colourful tights that fills up my bottom drawer, black is my favorite color. All black fashion is what I enjoy - although may not be as frequent - especially in winter. Specifically: black bodycon, black stockings, my favorite black purse, & black high heels.  The only color I insist on me is on my lips - and maybe the statement necklace. 

Yves Saint Laurent's Rouge Volupte Shine has such pretty case that itself is a fashion item. This #12 coral incandescent is my recent purchase and this will be my color for this coming winter. This almost looks tad bit fluorescent and brightens up this weather. 

Etsy Holiday Pop-up Shop

Vancouver is full of good surprises during Christmas season - especially for a person who loves cute, romantic things to celebrate the holiday!

My good friend who is well aware of my craze for cute things told me about Etsy Holiday Pop-up Store at 434 Columbia Street in Vancouver. A pop-up shop is a store that opens for a short term providing exclusive products to the customers to introduce the brand. Etsy being an online shop, and hence I don't get to see the actual products before I make a purchase, I thought this would be a great opportunity to see the products and local Etsy shop owners.

Cinque Terre - Riomaggiore

Italia is the one country that I have a special bond with in my heart. It was my first backpacked European country and I also studied at University of Siena as an exchange student. The following summer after graduation, I took my parents back to Italy as their 25th wedding anniversary celebration. And now, my husband and I went back as our honeymoon. Staying in Tuscany, we decided to take a spontaneous day trip to Cinque Terre.

These lovely towns along the coastline is uniquely colourful and breathtakingly beautiful. As one rides the trains in transiting between the 5 villages, the scene of sparkly water with sunlight reflecting is something you can never forget. My husband literally dropped his jaw at this majestic scenery.

Burger Heaven In New Westminster

Hillary Duff from Cinderella Story asks Chad Michael if he likes a rice cake or a Big Mac. Chad Michael should chooseme since I also am a girl who likes a hearty burger. Burger Heaven, located 5 minutes away from New Westminster Skytrain station, is THE best gourmet burger restaurant....obviously in New Westminster. 

I was feeling rebellious (or being a noob, really) that day had ordered a quesadilla at a handmade burger joint. My husban was smart enough to order the proper bacon cheeseburger - which I demanded few bites of. My dad also ordered a club sandwich which turned out to be quite good too.

An Evening with Joan Baez

Joan Baez

Born in 1941, Joan Baez is an activist, folksinger, songwriter, and an iconic figure of the anti-war and civil rights movements. There are so many names to call Joan Baez.

acerecords.co.uk

My parents used to play old pop songs at our home and in the car during road trips. We'd sing along together to the beautiful lyrics and it made our moments much more special.

Elton John, The Beatles, The Carpenters, Susan Jacks, John Denver, Nana Mouskouri, and Joan Baez..Since I was too young to understand what the lyrics meant, and my dad would tell me the precious stories behind their music. For those reasons, I love oldies over so-called Hot pop songs that are on the radio 24/7. The sound of the acoustic guitar, the voice of the singer which hasn't been filtered through mechanical instruments, and the poem/storybook-like lyrics feel like they unravel in my head taking me to the place & very moment when the songs' been written.

Joan Baez is one of those musician that warms up my heart - especially her strong and clear voice is something that I can never forget.

Watershed Naturals: Lavender Avocado Shea Butter

I take my skin care routine very VERY seriously since I am in my late twenties. My skin cells generate 80% less collagen than in my early twenties. And hence, more and more wrinkles and sun damages become visible. *Sigh...* Moreover, and especially in winter, my skin gets so thirsty! It dries up so fast even after treating it with moisturizing mask! I have the desire for the perfect silky smooth, however I still have my dignity to undergo any plastic surgeries or laser treatments. My only rock is to spend spend a lot of time & effort with my skin care routine. I will explain in more detail on another post very soon. Instead for today, I would like to share a product that I have been quite satisfied with for overnight protection from dehydration.

Natalie has already introduced you all with "Watershed Naturals" in her precious post about their bath salt (fyi: http://natalieskirakira.blogspot.ca/2014/11/potion-9-bath-salt.html.) At the Circle Craft Christmas Market, I picked up this little jar hoping it to saving me from dry morning skin.  It was only $18 and considering other brand name products at Sephora I cry for help with, I think it is a pretty good deal. It's been less than a week and yes I have already used it a lot cuz I love it so much! I should have taken a picture before using it if I knew I would be posting about it.  Please read more after the jump!

Homemade Lemon Tea (Nat's Attempt)

I thoroughly enjoyed Viv's homemade lemon tea and decided to try it myself. After all, we all need that squeeze of vitamin C! My first batch was of 3* 500ml containers. Realizing this is actually fun and the feeling of accomplishment this brought me, I decided to turn my evening into lemon tea factory to gift my colleagues and other important people in my life.
For Vivian's original post on how to make homemade lemon tea, please follow the link: http://natalieskirakira.blogspot.ca/2014/11/easy-recipe-diy-lemon-tea.html :-) !!

Read more after the jump!