Blogtober #31

Blogtober #31: Halloween Costume

So a little late, but better than never.

This year I just got lazy, didn't want to deal with make up, didn't want to dress up in the typical slutty/scary maid or princess or the LIST GOES ON. 

So.. I opted for Ninja, although half way through the night I, 

1. Lost the mask

2. Broke my nun chucks

3. Threw away my "belt"

The big reveal wasn't so big after all.

And here I am already drawing a close to Blogtober. It was fun to be able to write a blogpost everyday, although sometimes I would leave it untouched for a few days at a time (bad me). But I completed it, I stuck with it. And it's time to say goodbye to October, full of ups and downs and generally just life moving along. 

And lets all welcome November, the festive period is drawing ever nigh!

Blogtober #30

Blogtober #30: Facts About You

So it was never specified how many facts you should give. So maybe I'll give 5.

1. I am an introvert as much as I am an extrovert. 

If I am in my room, I am displaying my introverted side, so please leave me in my peace. I just don't wish to speak at this moment. If I am not answering your messages, it is because I cannot be bothered to talk. I don't need to talk to you every minute, of every day, updating you on essentially nothing.

And yet I am an extrovert, I enjoy peoples company, I enjoy meeting up with my friends, making new friends, exploring new places, leaving the comfort of my home. Chatting shit, I can do that. 

2. I am an extremely happy person. It is quite difficult to get under my skin. 

I have been told this on many occasions. Unless you say something TERRIBLE about my family or friends I probably won't have any strong/ill feelings towards you. I don't hold grudges because I forgive quickly, and forget even quicker. 

3. I enjoy driving

I don't enjoy wasting my petrol, so if you want to go somewhere offer up those pennies. I enjoy driving but not being your chauffeur.

4. Sometimes I find myself feeling lonely

By lonely I mean I am missing out on one type of relationship. I have friends and my family, but not another half. So sad, but so true, but then I flick out of it when I remember why I am still single.

Because it is goddam FREEDOM. I go wherever I want when I want, talk to whomever, see whomever and not worry about anybody else, and being in full control of my feelings. 

5. I am very conservative

I may not dress like the most conservative (not that I dress slutty with my boobs out, butt out, thong showing, tightest clothes either) but my personality is very conservative. I find self respect a very important thing. Knowing what you want, from who is also very important. 

I choose, and sometimes I don't choose wisely but I weigh out the pros and cons and don't just think FUCK IT, it's only kissing or it's only sex. 

It means something to me at the end of the day, and I respect me enough to not just give myself away. I also respect the guy enough to show him my interest and disinterest in him. 

I just think this image is quite cool. I mean, it is something we think about when we meet a person, but never really think about. After learning facts about somebody you are also sure to judge them, asking questions in your head like "are you awesome?'. It is cute, funny and accurate all at the same time. 

Blogtober #29:

Blogtober #29: Most Embarrassing Moment

I have had a lot of these. I am just one of those people who always seem to find themselves in a socially awkward position.

For example, SLIPPING ON A KEBAB.

Who slips on a kebab? Me apparently, in front of around 10+ of my friends.

Possibly the most embarrassing was farting in the library.

This was around 5am, our library is 24 hours from Sunday - Friday. 

As a student you just find yourself waking up and walking around at ridiculous times in the morning. 

During exam period, the library can get pretty busy, and people do go there at 5am in the morning.

Well.... as me and my friend were just casually walking around, being idiots, we find ourself in the silent area between the book shelves.

And without any control, I let out a fart.

I know girls don't fart, maybe I'm not a girl.

But that is beside the point.

At 5am in the morning, in the silent area, when my friend is following behind me I LET OUT A FART. It doesn't get anymore embarrassing than that. Apart from the fact that my "friend" is somebody who I had been seeing for around 3 months, DUDE, I am just cursed by the awkward lord. 

Or maybe I am just the most awkward person, doing stupid things like this.

Pray for me. 

Blogtober #28

Blogtober #28: Things You're Superstitious About

I come from a very superstitious family, mainly because we are chinese and the chinese culture is very superstitious. It is totally fine by me because I have grown up this way. Here are the things that are constantly reiterated in my household.

1. No Kneeling

This is for praying and is seen as to be disrespectful when we do it out of context. Sit on your butt on squat instead. Asian squat. 

2. Don't open an umbrella inside the house

This has something to do with ghosts according to our old chinese school teacher. My Grandma has always told me this, but never quite got round to explaining why. I still follow this rule.

3. Whistling at night

Once again this calls for something, like many superstitions it has never quite been explained.

4. Don't brush somebody's foot, or hit them with the broom.

Not quite sure what this one does either, although it is seen as giving bad luck.

5. The number 8

In chinese the number 8 sounds like the word meaning to 'prosper', this is an extremely popular one. When you see a number plate with multiple 8's on it, it is probably a rich chinese person.

6. Bathing with leaves the day/evening before Chinese New Year, other CNY traditions such as not eating meat the day of CNY.

It is seen as good luck and I believe also good for your health.

7. Do not wash your hair or body on CNY.

This is essentially washing away all your good luck you that you are retrieving during CNY.

8. An unmarried couple staying in the same house (if girl) as their parents will bring bad luck to their parents or grandparents. 

Not so sure about this one either, and english culture seems to have changed this for many chinese families in England. But my mum and dad are still pretty superstitious when it comes down to this.

The chinese culture is full of little superstitions, these are very popular ones. Not everybody follows everything, some families follow some more than others, and being in England changes some family dynamics. However, these are the ones my family still seem to follow pretty rigourously.

Blogtober #27

Blogtober #27: A Letter to Your Younger Self

I will put this in lists just because I know how much you I reading lists and will continue to enjoy reading them as I grow up. Lets begin by the things I have learnt and will continue to learn.

1. Always treat your friends and your family right. 

Your sisters aren't there to be your slaves, go and get a bottle of water for yourself, or at least say please. Your friends aren't there for you to push away so you can validate your friendship. Love them because they love you. You'll grow out of this meanness, but was there ever a need to be mean in the first place?

2. It's difficult moving from primary school to secondary school isn't it.

The couple of weeks you spent by yourself, not making any friends, not even hanging around with people but sitting in the locker room eating by yourself. It was hard wasn't it? Don't be sad, because things work out. Also, don't be afraid to make those friends. Don't be afraid to speak to people. Because it eventually worked out right? You made those friends, those "mukateers", who some are still your friends.

3. Your cousins are your best friends, and it is super cool.

How cool is it that your best friends are your cousins? Some people don't understand this, but to you it is normal. Enjoy it, embrace it, you have experienced and will experience so much more with them. Cherish the time, because soon it seems that you are all consumed in your friends that you hardly see each other.

4. Why are you looking at pro-anorexia websites?

There is something sad about being 14 and looking at these websites, to this day I don't even know how you got the idea of these websites and why you were following them. Stop, because it is destructive, it takes a while for you to finally be comfortable with yourself, but just ride that wave out. You'll find you become much more comfortable with yourself.

5. Work hard please (maybe even harder than you already was)

Slacking a little with the science weren't you? You can't blame the teachers but the teachers can't blame you. You wasn't really learning anything because you didn't care to. Maybe care a little more? Just because you are good at one thing and enjoy it, doesn't mean you should ignore the things you aren't good at.

6. Find a hobby and make it count

Try many different things but stick to it. Ballet, what happened to that? Guitar what happened to that? Piano what happened to that? At least continue with something, find something you are passionate about. Because it will be worth it one day. But even if you don't find something enjoy and are passionate about, it's okay because you'll find it one day.

7. Those bad hair decisions.. clothes decisions, those trainers.

Wow, fashion isn't your strong attribute, but it's okay you'll grow into your own.

8. That dream guy won't ever be yours, it's okay because he never really existed, you two weren't meant to be.

Although there is somebody who comes along and REALLY likes you, maybe you should have made it work with him instead? Or maybe it was good that you didn't have to spend all your time and money travelling to meet somebody who wasn't going to be your forever.

9. Embrace the fact you have so much free time

Watching so much television probably isn't the best thing for you, but HEY HO, enjoy it because once you get older staying inside and watching television seems so.. taboo.

10. Make decisions wisely. Are you passionate about this subject or are you just good at it?

The choice of your degree will come and bite you in the butt one day. Choose wisely, if not it's okay because your degree isn't your be all and end all. 

11. Ride the wave

All the ups and downs with him have made you strong. Your naive and trustworthy nature will make you seem so fragile, you are. It's okay let him break you down and build you up. You'll find yourself stronger, maybe even more so than him.

12. Appreciate yourself

Just because he doesn't want you doesn't mean nobody else does. If he makes a mistake move on, don't let him make the decisions. Make decisions for you, not because you don't want to be lonely, but for your inner soul, your happiness, and for your friends, who you have minimal time left with.

13. Speak

You'll learn to do this eventually, but if only you knew you could speak to anybody at anytime. Just do it, it isn't embarrassing and if it is just.. leave, or just laugh it off. Speaking/language and talking is all about fun. Who cares if that person criticises you or judges you, 98% of the people aren't even judging you.

These are all the things I would tell my younger self. After my stint at University I can tell I have changed, A LOT. Before I was naive, nervous, shy, a high achiever, overly attached, slightly lost and lonely. Even though I am still these things beneath, you realise you can change, and to me it is for the better. Change is inevitable as you grow up, so don't accept somebody's reasoning of not talking to you because you "changed".  

Blogtober #26

Blogtober #26: Who Would Play You in A Movie

I find this to be such a strange thing to think about, because it is hardly ever going to happen. If it were though, I would like it to be somebody that I admire. 

The young girl in me is squealing for it to be somebody like Jennifer Lawrence, just because:

1. She is an incredible actress

2. She is incredibly beautiful, and is thin, despite not conforming to the actual "thin stereotypes"

3. She appears to be down to earth and is appreciative of everybody and everything achieved.

4. She seems to have a lot of respect, and I think for a person to play another real life person as a character, they need to respect that person and their achievements.

Who would you want to play you?

Blogtober #25

Blogtober #25: Favourite Book

I know it's so cliche and I sound like a 15 year old girl, however my favourite book is The Fault In My Stars. It is the only book I have ever sat down in one go read it all, it definitely sucks you in, in the best way possible. John Green knows exactly how to capture the hearts of his audience, the concept of the book just warms my heart. How something that could be seen as so negative can be turned into a positive, bringing two strong people together who are just enjoying what they have left.

If you haven't read this please do. Even if you've watched the film, it is definitely worth the read. It's an easy read to, easy on the mind and yet captures your mind and attention entirely. 

I am looking to find more books to read in general, and if its John Green I am going straight to that book. However at the moment it is a little hard to fit in reading for fun during my studies. 

Hopefully soon.

Blogtober #24

Blogtober #24: One Beauty Product You Cannot Live Without

One beauty product I use everyday is Bronzer, I can go light with the eyeshadow, eyeliner and NO LIPSTICK, gloss or lip conditioner, but bronzer is something that I cannot get enough of.

The one I am currently using is Mac Mineralize Skin Finish called "Give Me Sun" which is technically not used as bronzer, but because I am so yellow.. I guess.. it works.

Although I am constantly moving from bronzer to bronzer, the last few weeks I had been using Dior, which I like the consistency and lasts the whole day. However sometimes with my yellow skin town it can look slightly brash. 

My favourite all time will always be the Hoola Benefit Bronzer. Definitely worth a try.

 Mac Mineralize Skin Finish

 Using the Real Techniques Contouring Brush

 Dior

Blogtober #23

Blogtober #23: Favourite Instagram Editing Apps/Editing Tools for Blog

Currently I only really use one app for Instagram as I have no particular theme. 

I use whitagram to make a white border around my page and that is about all I use. 

To edit photos for my blog I use Adobe Photoshop, however with this also I don't use it very much.

Sorry about the boring post, I just do very little with editing. But as I get more time I am trying my hand at different things.

Name of my instagram: Christineho_

Here's an old photo from Lewes Fireworks and Bomb fire 2013 to demonstrate the only editing I do, haha.

Blogtober #22

Blogtober #22: Pet Peeves

People who don't pick up after themselves. This is just utterly annoying.

WHY OH WHY can you not pick up your dish and put it in the sink, and even at a push maybe wash it? That 1 minute really won't take up much of your day, I promise.

Borrowing stuff and not returning it, does that class as picking up after yourself?

Well, kind of. If you asked to borrow something, just do it out of courtesy or kindness of your heart just to put it back.

To outweigh the negativity of this post, lets leave it with a little something positive.

A positive reminder to embrace the world and give it all your kindness, compassion and grace, because it will all come back to you eventually.

Blogtober #21

Blogtober #21: Dream Vacation

Maldives!

Just look at those magical beaches, it looks secluded enough that you could have a peaceful time, and yet touristy enough that you would be welcomed politely. 

Seeing as it is apparently due to be a destination that is no more due to global warming, this would be a dream to go to and relax. 

Normally I am not really a sun, sea and sand person, but actually when a place is as beautiful as this, it doesn't matter what is there or who. 

Can we just take a moment to admire how beautiful this is?

I mean, who wouldn't want to go here?

To be right next to the sea whilst you are sleeping, listening to the sounds of the waves with the open sea breeze as you sleep.

Blogtober #19

Blogtober #19 What Makes You Happy

As corny as it sounds being with my family makes me happy. There just is never a dull moment with them, even if there is you can annoy them until they become annoyed enough that it is entertaining. Being entertained = happy me. 

In all seriousness though it is one of the many things that I find difficult hearing, when people aren't close to their family, don't have good relations or just don't have a big enough family to always have somebody to speak to. With my family it's a never ending conversation, over whatsapp, message, calls, just anything. A family consisting of 4 siblings, and around 50+ cousins, this family isn't small and I am constantly in touch with one of them. 

It makes me happy when I am in their company, because they know me, don't judge me and I know that they will always have my back. Even when we quarrel somehow it ends happy and always does. 

Blogtober #18

Blogtober #18 Share A Secret About You

Secrets, where to begin. I think I am a person full of secrets, not because I have a lot to hide, just that I am a person who finds it hard to open up and just tell people. Do people really care about what is happening on in my life? 

One secret I guess is that at this time in my life I am a little bit of a commitment phobe. Only at this particular time of my life. Just because I feel like I have very little time, and maybe standards for guys that are a little too high. I have just recently been told this. 

As a 20 year old soon to turn 21 it is hard to find somebody who is at a similar stage in life as you, and yet not be too young and immature. So me being a commitment phobe is just me kind of keeping my guard up. It is sometimes easy to get lost in the idea that it would be nice to have somebody, but then you remember that that person will come along. 

Blogtober #17

Blogtober #17: I'm an expert at...

Hiding my feelings. I find it very difficult to speak to people about my feelings, not because I am afraid but more because my problems are never big, we all suffer from sadness sometimes, and sometimes I just find it hard to comprehend that mine should be put before anybody elses. 

The other thing is, when I am around somebody I just feel instantly a little happier, no matter how bad my day has been, I can always forget about it for that instance I am with another person. 

My mind just gets taken off it, and I remember how lucky I am, to have these people and my life.

It is so simple.

But to be honest I am actually not an expert at anything.

Here's a little reminder for the middle of the month. Remember you are lucky. 

Blogtober #16

Blogtober #16: Fall Fashion

Currently my fall fashion pieces are very simple.

Beneath is a compilation of pieces that I wear constantly.

 I can't wait for it to get even colder so it is actually acceptable to wear this scarf everyday.

 I have 4 pairs of Leigh Jeans which I just wear over and over again. I can't get enough. So comfortable.

 Timberlands because the weather in Brighton has just been awful recently, and it makes me appear taller so bonus!

My coat for this autumn/winter season from Zara. So big, so warm, kind of drowns my 5'2 body but I love it nonetheless, for the past few years I have been trying to find a minimal coat that I love, and I think I found it this year!

Blogtober #15

Blogtober #15: Favourite Quote and Why

This is probably my favourite quote, because it is so relevant to all of us. What people think of you shouldn't matter, and those that actually matter probably don't think anything of that silly rap song you just made up in 2 seconds, or that dance that makes you look ridiculously silly. 

What makes it one of my favourites is that it is still so relevant, whenever I read it it is still a little reminder to myself that I shouldn't mind. 

I had so many more quotes that it was so difficult to pick one.

What is your favourite quote and why?

Blogtober #13

Blogtober #13: Favourite Fall Recipe

So I've never been much of a chef, nor will I expect I will ever be. However I did find a recipe that sounds like something that will appeal to me and my housemates. 

An Autumn Vegetable Soup - courtesy of BBC Good Food

If you would like to find the recipe follow the link below

Link: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/1032/autumn-vegetable-soup-with-cheesy-toasts

Sounds so hearty and yet healthy, and something that will make the autumn blues go away if only for the small amount of time whilst enjoying the soup. It is also such a simple recipe, 2 steps for the soup, and the toast if you want something a little fancy like theres just 5 steps.

For more, I would suggest looking on BBC Good Food website, it is incredible.

If you're a student, also considering buying The Ultimate Student Cookbook by Studentbeans. It has some seriously good recipes and so simple for students to follow.

Blogtober #12

Blogtober #12: Best Advice You've Been Given

I'm not one of those people that constantly get advice or have had much of from the past, because I was always the closed type of person, never asking for help, and never showing my emotions. 

The people who have given me the best guidance in my life though, are my parents. There is never a day that goes by that there isn't a little reminder of what they have told me in the past. I have been moulded by my parents and I am proud of that, they have made me into a person I am proud of.

That sounds big headed, but I don't mean I am the perfect human, but I am somebody who is a friend, I don't hold grudges because it only burns the person holding the grudge. That's what they told me.

I am a happy person, because they told me that being unhappy effects the people around you too, and you can change your emotion by changing your outlook on life.

I am a respectful person because they taught me to be, give respect to people and they will respect you back, even if they don't you aren't losing by respecting them, it is simply courtesy, most people appreciate it.

They taught me to respect myself, not everything has to be shared with everybody, especially not your body, the person who is respectful of you will respect you for respecting yourself.

So all in all, is there one piece of advice that is the best from my parents? To be honest no, because they all mean so much to me, and is runs as part of my everyday discourse, and I am so grateful for having such wonderful, inspiring and loving parents.

  

Blogtober #11

Blogtober #11: If I Were President

If I were president I wouldn't know where to begin. There is so much out there to do, and so many people to cater for, who are you to help first, who are you to help without causing harm to anybody else. Every little thing we do will have an effect on another person. 

Do you help the poor?

Do you help the suffering?

Do you help those in other countries worse off then your own?

Do you catch all the criminals first?

So what would you do if you were president?

(Nothing to do with being a president at all, but we all love a cuppa)

Blogtober #6

Blogtober #6 10 Things You'd Tell Yourself When You Started Blogging

1. Keep to it, do it everyday if you want.

2. It does not matter who is reading it, don't hide your feelings because certain people are reading it.

3. Don't worry if your friends think you're crazy, so be it, just because they cannot be bothered.

4. More pictures, you bought a camera for a reason, so use it!

5. Why don't you learn web design?

6. That background sure is ugly, it doesn't matter that he made it for you, you can change it if you want.

7. Don't always blog your unhappy feelings, you are happy most of the time.

8. It's also okay if you don't feel like blogging, don't force yourself to pump them out.

9. Comment and like others, you enjoy them so why don't you comment?

10. Take time to read over your mistakes.