July Love Culture Picks

I have a serious shopping problem! It's all because of cute clothes like the ones on Love Culture!!!! Although, I will say, I haven't bought any clothes in awhile now...not even the ones I'm posting up right now--but I really wanna get them!

This is my first pick: the Mauve Victorian Blouse

Anything with a Victorian crochet design just screams ME! I love it; it's nice and dressy! I'd wear this with a simple black blazer so that the design sticks out.

These are the rest of my picks. Of course, here I go again with something Victorian: the Metallic Victorian Lace Hi Lo Dress. It's just...amazing! I really wish I had money to purchase it right now! Next is the Tribal Bloom Body Con Dress. I don't have the body figure for it, but it would motivate me to work out and slim down if I had this dress. And, I just love the tribal design on the dress; it's different. Last, but not least, the Hourglass Bodycon Dress is one of the popular ones! Too bad it'll probably be out of stock by the time I get paid :( Bummer! I think there are only two left! Yikes! I love the hourglass dresses because they really make you appear to have curves. (I was this close to buying it)!

Look for less: Brandy Melville Sadie Moon Tank

Say HELLO to Brandy Melville's famous Sadie Moon Tank! You can purchase this tank on the Brandy Melville website for $20. But, if you're a little tight on money, then I've found the perfect tank for you that's quite similar to this tank.

Below is the Moonshine Muscle Tee from Love Culture for under $14. It has cutouts on the back that make it even better than the Sadie Moon Tank! Hope this helped you <3

Look for less: J. Crew Pixie Pants

The picture says it all! J. Crew Pixie Pants are $81 and here you can get a similar pair for under $10! The close-up picture on the bottom left corner is with flash so that you can see the texture of the pants, so the pants are really black--not gray. And, no I didn't buy a pair, because I'm not a petite extra small so I couldn't grab a pair :( Perhaps online there's still some left! Hurry before they're all gone!!!!

Samsung Galaxy S4 Portable Phone Charger Review

If you're like me, then you probably use your phone a lot, battery-wise, on things like games, social networking, and web surfing. By doing all these, it drains your battery life very easily, especially if you don't close out unused apps. Now, even by closing out apps, your battery life probably doesn't last you a whole entire day. That's why I suggest buying backup batteries or portable battery chargers. With Androids' history of low battery life, you have to be prepared for the worst, so buy a portable battery charger like me--but be smart about it! Do your research, look up reviews, etc. The portable battery charger I bought was from eBay and it was very inexpensive. I think it was less than $10. The one I bought was very travel friendly and that's the main reason I bought it because I'm not keen on buying battery chargers that are made to be a phone case. I have to keep taking my phone cases on and off again then! Anyway, my whole point of this post is to warn you about the specific portable battery charger I bought because IT SUCKS! It takes forever to charge itself and on top of that it takes forever to charge my phone. It took two hours to charge my phone 20%. It's only helpful and worth the money IF you really need battery life and you have no outlet or no regular charger. Otherwise, I recommend staying away from this charger and buying the "phone case one" instead. Also, it's made of really cheap ass material! Hope this review helped!

Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes Review

Thanks to Inflluenster for providing me the chance to try out this delicious snack in the Influenster Spring Fever VoxBox. If you're wondering what Inflluenster is, click here: http://cpickl3.blogspot.com/2012/10/have-you-ever-heard-of-influenster.html

I just want to point out that I am not reviewing this product, on good terms, because it was sent to me. I wasn't required to do so; everything is my own, honest opinion.

As you can see from the pictures above, this snack is DELICIOUS! It's so good...even better than Twinkies. It's the s'mores without the mess! This would taste even better if it were warmed up a bit. That would be like the actual s'mores. It's made with Hershey's chocolate for the outer layer, vanilla cake, and then the inner layer is vanilla cream (I believe). This just melts into your mouth. When I first took a bite out of this...I was in heaven. I had to even fight to get a bite out of it! My nieces and nephews each wanted a piece of it. I have 4 of them and...yeah...this isn't enough for us all!

Here are the nutrition facts

It's not very healthy, but what cake snack is? Rarely any! We have to indulge once in awhile, y'know!

Now, if you're interested in purchasing this, or other flavors/products, you can visit the Tastykake website. The online shop is currently down, but if you live in the East Coast or Southeast, then...LUCKY YOU! You can find all the locations on the website. Try one out and let me know what you thought! <3

Broadway Nails imPress Press-On Manicure Review

Thanks to Inflluenster for allowing me to be able to try a different set of the Broadway Nails imPress Press-On Manicure. This was in the Influenster Spring Fever VoxBox. If you're wondering what Influenster is you can read all about it here: http://cpickl3.blogspot.com/2012/10/have-you-ever-heard-of-influenster.html

I just want to point out that I am not reviewing this product, on good terms, because it was sent to me. I wasn't required to do so; everything is my own, honest opinion.

These nails aren't like the usual, fake nails that involve glue and a BIG mess. They're fairly easy to apply and take off--unlike when you professionally get your nails done. There's a tape on each nail and you just peel the tape off, stick and hold the fake nail onto your desired fingernail. They come in all sorts of colors, patterns and sizes. You can get the popular french tip set for both your fingers and your TOES! You can also get them cut short or long, which I think is awesome! I love having the choice to pick between short or long :)

Now, the real question: is this worth the money ($5.99-$7.99)?

I say yes and no.

Reasons I say YES:

1) fast to apply

2) variety of colors/patterns

3) not messy

4) great for emergency situations like a photoshoot, wedding, party, etc.

Reasons I say NO:

1) noticeable that they're fake nails

2) if you're regularly washing your hands, or something, then they come off easily

3) depending on your amount of activity these may/may not last a week

Hope you liked my review. It's brief and easy to read!

A Fun Way to Get Your Workout In

I know working out can be difficult for some especially because it can be pretty boring! I definitely dislike working out. I'm like most people: I make excuses to not work out. My mom received a treadmill as a birthday gift last year and it's sitting in my bedroom just waiting for me to run on it! Well, I haven't, or I seldom do. I probably ran on that thing for about 5-10 times out of a year. That's horrible! I don't like running on it because it's boring, even if I'm watching TV or listening to music. I'm easily distracted and, most of the time, I'm focusing on running and coming up with reasons why I'm running and not playing Candy Crush. Although, I know for a fact that if I sign up for a gym membership, and I have friend working out with me, then I will workout! But, I don't want to pay for a gym membership. I don't have the money for that! Well, what I'm about to recommend is also expensive, but it's SO worth the investment!

 

1. You'll need an XBOX Kinect, PS3 Move, or Wii.

One or the other. I'm using the XBOX Kinect. Now, this is a little different than the regular XBOX because it moves along with your body. Whatever you do, the game will do, depending on which game you're playing.

 

2. an XBOX Kinect (engaging/active) game like Just Dance 4

I love playing this game! This is the main reason for my post. It's so much fun even by yourself and it's even more fun with family and friends, such as at social gatherings or parties. This is such a workout! I sweat like a pig even after one song, especially Nicki Minaj's song "Super Bass" and even Ricki Martin's "La Vie de Loca." You're constantly moving around and dancing. You can even learn dance moves from this game! How awesome is that?! Play this for 5 minutes and you're good, but I'd recommend playing it a little longer. It doesn't hurt and it's extremely addicting and fun!

 

Some other songs included:

Justin Bieber "Beauty and a Beat"

Selena Gomez "Love You Like a Love Song"

Rihanna "Disturbia" & "Umbrella"

Maroon 5 "Moves Like Jagger"

 

and much more!

 

3. Fruit Ninja (Arcade Kinect) - optional

This game is also very addicting. After playing this one time my arms were sore for 2-3 days! If you enjoy playing this game on your smartphone, you'll LOVE, LOVE, LOVE playing this on the XBOX Kinect. Top this with Just Dance 4 and you'll be complete! It's my new workout routine! You can get your arms in shape--sort of. At least you're moving around!

 

4. Raving Rabbids Alive & Kicking

This game is great for both adults and kids. My favorite game in here is called "Hide & Seek," I think, and the other one is where you make the different shapes in a bath tub. "Hide & Seek" is like "Green Light, Red Light." You jump around or do some kind of movement and earn points and when the light is turning yellow to red, you hide so that the rabbids don't see you. If they do, then you lose some of the points that you earned. The other game is where you try to make a certain shape to get points and scare off the rabbids from finding you in the bath tub. It sounds easy, but people rarely ever get the complete shape. There's another one, I'll call it "Racing." This one requires two people to play and you simply race each other by jogging in place as fast as you can. This is a great cardio workout. You burn more calories jogging in place than you do running on a treadmill.

 

I understand that the above items can get pricey. I feel that they're definitely worth the investment. I'd rather pay for them and be able to workout and play at home than to be out in public. Also, if you can't afford these items, then borrow a friends or just buy one of the games and play at someone else's house. That's what I'm doing! Luckily, my sister has all the games. She's the reason why I'm playing all these games and working out again! (Thanks, sis)!



What did you think of my fun workout? Any other ideas? Let me know in the comments!



Battle of the Smartphones: iPhone 5 VS. Samsung GS4 VS. HTC One

Now we've all had this problem with finding the best smartphone out there! I certainly have! I'm still having a hard time finding the one. But, I've narrowed it down to these three bad boys! See any similarities in their physical features (hint, the size and shape)? Read on and see what I think about them.

The iPhone 5

It's an upgrade from the iPhone 4S: faster, longer, another row of apps, and in general, it's just better. BUT, I don't really see any thing that's completely different from the older versions of the iPhone. Siri is a plus, but she doesn't answer all your questions. She can be a little difficult. Playing games on the other hand, seems to be better than other smartphones, on the iPhone 5. Some games include Tap Tap, Bejeweled Blitz, and Candy Crush. The camera is fairly nice depending on the amount of light available. It is absolutely horrible in dark places or at night such as in night clubs or bars. I love the panorama feature in the camera options though. That's awesome, but I don't think I'd ever use it. It's great for Instagram and other social media sites.  It's easy to use since practically everyone has had an iPhone, of some sort, or else an iPod Touch. And, the battery life is fairly good. It's not like, say the HTC Evo, whose battery depletes easily. I also love how it's easier to find different mediums to charge the iPhone too (any model), such as with the iDock, the alarm/music player system, etc. One main flaw I see in the iPhone, in general, is the lack of a GPS app that's automatically included (and Google Maps navigation doesn't count--even with Siri). Again with the HTC Evo, navigation is already installed onto the phone. In addition, I hate how the iPhone doesn't have T9 or the option to have the words pop up so you can pick which is the right word. For example, if I want to text "do" it will pop up "do," "so," etc. so I can pick which word I actually want, instead of autocorrecting me. Overall, the iPhone 5 is great if you're mainly using it for games, social media and (kind of) for the camera.

The Samsung Galaxy SIV

I've never been very fond of Samsung phones--since I've been an iPhone user my whole life, but this one totally changed my mind! I love the new air gesture feature where you can just hover your hand above the phone to answer a call, instead of swiping it. This is extremely helpful since my hands are always dirty from doing something! Less germs, yay! You can take pictures from the front and back and edit them right away. You can have a back-up battery and there's also an SD card slot. This is a total advantage here since the iPhone 5 doesn't have any of the two I mentioned. Neither does the HTC One. I believe it still has navigation included already and the option to click your phone to another and see what's on another person's phone. Don't quote me on that though! A downside to this phone is that it's a little hard to get used to and learn how to use the new features. It might take a little time. But, hey, those who are patient reap in the rewards!

The HTC One

One thing I want to point out is the awesome sound system! Boom, boom, boom! I love how the speakers are actually on the front of the phone. This is great for listening to music in your room or playing music for other people--especially if you're like me and you had to play a song from your phone to a whole warehouse of people. This phone is made of aluminum, so it might seem a little too cheap feeling, but I think it's okay. It comes with the Facebook home feature, if you're into that, and BlinkFeed, which you can't turn off. There's an internal GPS system, which is always convenient, compared to the iPhone's Google Maps navigation. The camera is fairly decent. I'm picky about the cameras, so I wont' say anymore. That's for you to decide. Again, don't quote me on this, but in the past from using HTC phones there was the T9 option and the "choose the word" option, which I absolutely love, so I'm sure it's also included in this phone.

And the winner goes to...

The Samsung GS4!!!! I chose this one because it performs the same tasks and has similar features as the iPhone 5 and it has internal navigation and the "no touch" option. My second choice would be the iPhone 5 though, and then the HTC One. I hope you all found this post to be helpful!

April/May Love Culture Picks

There are so many cute things on Love Culture that I might even buy the whole entire website! In the past, I've never ever wanted to buy some many things on Love Culture, or any other store.This is the FIRST time! It might be a little heavy on my credit card though!!!!

Below are all the things that I'm loving, going to buy, or have bought.

I'll start out with tops: 

I've been reallly into anything crochet, lace, or tank top-y like this 

Ultimately cute, dressy and sophisticated! I want all the colors!!!!

Love the lace, but I'm not too fond of the back. It's cute, but I can't "work it."

Not exactly my style, but I'm digging it!

I love anything with skulls <3

Again, not exactly my style, but I could definitely see myself wearing this to work

I'm iffy on this one. The chain web is very unique though.

BOTTOMS UP:

NOTE: If you love Romwe's galaxy leggings or their leggings in general, you'll love the ones on Love Culture--and they're cheaper!

The galaxy leggings aren't my style, but I just wanted to show, all of you, how they look like.

And...there's tons more that I want to blog about, but it would take up so much space! Go onto Love Culture and check it out yourself! On a side note, I'm not getting paid to talk about this site. Honestly, I just love the clothing selection and the cheap price. It's like Forever21, but SO MUCH BETTER! Yeap, so let me know what you thought about my monthly pics and what you liked from the site!

Why I Love/Hate My Hmong Heritage

The Hmong culture dates back to the time when the Hmong lived in China. We were forced to move from China up into the mountains and then we migrated to Laos. We went through a lot of hardship to get to where we are now, which is living in America. I love living in America and I love the American culture and traditions! I admit, I've become Americanized! This is something that Hmong parents and clan members just don’t seem to understand. I realize that the younger Hmong generation, such as I, must retain the Hmong heritage, but…we are living in America. The elders feel that women are still inferior to men and must become housewives or perfect daughter-in-laws and bear children—lots of them! The girls have forced marriages for ridiculous reasons and are practically seen as bags of money. Daughters cannot go out with friends nor have sleepovers. It’s for this reason that most of the Hmong girls rebel because there isn't any freedom, the type of freedom that they see from other girls who are allowed to do such activities. The main aspect that the elders stress is hard work. They say that we worked too hard in Laos, like when we traveled miles and miles to arrive at our gardens, to provide for ourselves, thus we must also do the same here in America. The younger Hmong-Americans have grown lazy! We no longer feel the need to struggle so much to provide for ourselves, although it does help us grow as better people and in the workforce. I hate the fact that there are so many expectations from parents that I hate my culture. But, I love my culture at the same time because it’s different, interesting, and I love the food! I think when I have kids— maybe one—I will give them more freedom and also help them preserve the Hmong culture.

Vampire Diaries: Stefan VS Damon

Who would you choose if you were Elena: Stefan or Damon?

If you asked me back then when Vampire Diaries first came out,
I'd say Stefan--no matter what!

Today, I still say Stefan!

I think that Elena will always love Stefan and will eventually go back to him whether she is sired to Damon or not. I don't know for sure; it's just a thought.

Some factors that contribute to Elena's changed feelings are:

1) separation from Stefan around season 2 when he left Elena
(Damon was around a lot)

2) Damon's features such as looking like a badass with his leather jacket,
piercing blue eyes, and tough attitude

3) Elena is sired to Damon

4) perhaps Nina & Ian dating in real life is a cause

and the list could go on and on!

All I'm saying is that I will forever be a Stelena / Stefan & Elena fan! I think Damon definitely has the looks and personality, but...Stefan has always been in my heart. Maybe, it's because Stefan kind of reminds me of Edward and his character...from the book--not the movie! It's like this, Stefan is Edward and Jacob is Damon...but not really. I would choose Edward over Jacob anyday even with the movies being out and Jacob's nice body!

I love both of the characters though. It's a tough decision!

College Life: Economics

Who else struggles with economics classes? I'm taking my second course of economics and I'm just not seeing any progress in my grades. I'm not failing, however my grades aren't at the point where I want them to be. When I read the material I understand it, but when I'm in class and the professor is rattling on about it I don't have a clue what he's saying. Of course, somethings are self-explanatory, but I don't get what he's talking about! It could be his way of teaching; I'm not used to lecture based classes where it's all about the professor lecturing and barely any discussion. Seldom does my class ever discuss nor do we have homework. Our only homework is reading the chapters. Perhaps economics isn't my thing! I love accounting and all the other classes associated with business, but economics is a nightmare! *SIGH* I hope I can bring up my grade for economics...or else I'm going to take the class online...or maybe just at a different college. #FML

Lulus.com picks - My first order

Today was my first time ordering from Lulus.com and I have to say I'm very impressed with the selection on this site. There are so many things I want on there, but unfortunately I just don't have the money! :( I have to admit, some things are expensive...but they look great and unique!

The picture above are three things that I have on my wish list. I didn't buy them either because they're sold out or they're out of my budget. The first is a pair of nude pumps with a gold heel. These look amazing and I want them so bad, but it was sold out in my size! As for the other two pieces, they were $41ish and I just didn't want to pay that much for a sweater or a minty-green dress that I could probably get for cheaper somewhere else.

The purse above is $39 and the bracelet is $12. These are two pieces that I ended up purchasing. I wish the purse was black, but mint green will do. I love that it's a crossbody bag because crossbody bags are less of a strain on the arms and I know I'll never forget my purse because it'll always be hanging on me. The bracelet was just too cute to pass up and I've been really into anything with bows lately.

The only thing I purchased in this picture was the ring, which I thought was so cool and unique and I couldn't pass it up especially since it was only $8 on sale. The sandals are very cute and I love the mint green color, but they were sold out in my size...once again! As for the black dress...it's the same as the minty-green one in the pictures above, so that means it's also $41. I don't want to pay that much for a dress I can find cheaper somewhere else.

Have you shopped at Lulus lately? What did you think about this post?

Horrible Experience at Sephora :(

Have you ever bought one of the Sephora Favorites Fragrance Samplers For Her? Or, have you received it as a gift? It is a typical gift to receive especially during Christmas. That's when they're most popular! If you don't know what this is, it comes in a box with 12 samples of Sephora's most popular women's scents along with a certificate that you can redeem at any US Store for a free, full-sized fragrance from the 12 in this set.

I received one during Christmas  of course, and I loved it! I got to test out each scent thoroughly to decide on which one to get. I decided to get Betsey Johnson  Too Too Pretty--the one below.

It's so cute and it smells feminine and the packaging is adorable and more eye-catching than the others.

So, I went to Sephora to claim this amazing fragrance. My boyfriend and I go to the Sephora that's 45 minutes away since it's the closest and since I don't have a Sephora where I live. I arrive at Sephora and an associate tells me she just sold the last one there a few minutes before I arrived. I say, ok, I'll come back next time. She tells me that the next truck/shipment will arrive the following Tuesday. I shrug it off knowing in my mind I won't be back by then because I'm not going to waste time and gas money to simply claim a fragrance.

About two weeks later, on my weekend off of work, I drive back to the same Sephora. An associate tells me that there are none of the Betsey Johnson Too Too Pretty in stock at the store. I just say to myself, "Maybe they're just so popular that they're all sold out!" Once again, I shrug it off and continue to shop around in the mall where Sephora is located.

The next day, I drive to another Sephora that's an hour and a half away from me. I was visiting family and decided to stop by Sephora. Can you guess what the associate says? The same thing! "The truck will be here on Tuesday." It was Sunday that day and I wasn't coming back on Tuesday! I shrug it off for a third time. "Maybe they're just so popular that they're all sold out!"

A few weeks later, while I'm up in the city that's located 45 minutes away, I decide to call Sephora ahead of time instead of going directly there. An associate tells me the same thing! A week later, I get the same answer as well! 

Alright, there's definitely something that's messed up here, right?!

Finally, after a month and a half, I go to the Sephora store and ask once again, for the millionth time if the Betsey Johnson Too Too Pretty is there. I get a different answer! (Yay...not)! A new associate tells me that the fragrances were rearranged. She doesn't find the full-sized fragrance, but instead a smaller-sized one that's included in a set. I tell her I just want the fragrance. Let's call this associate Amy, since I don't remember her name. Amy then goes to speak with another associate, whom I will call Jenny. I'm just making up names here! Jenny informs Amy that Sephora no longer sells this particular fragrance in store anymore. The only one they sell is the black one not the pink one featured in the picture above.

I feel like a knife just stabbed me, literally! I've been driving back and forth from town to town and making phone calls about this fragrance and now I'm informed of this! Honestly, receiving the free fragrance was just a bunch of shit right now! I was so pissed off!

Back to the story, Jenny came up to me and explained the matter and told me I could get the black one instead or that she'll honor the black gift set instead. I told her I didn't want the black one because I didn't like the scent nor was it in the fragrance sampler set I received for Christmas. It wasn't included on the gift certificate. And, my sister had the same exact fragrance sampler and she was able to get the Betsey Johnson Too Too Pretty fragrance! Jenny then points out to me that the pink one that's there is only the tester. Amy interrupts and clearly states that there are other Betsey Johnson Too Too Pretty gift sets or totes. Jenny realizes her mistake and tells me she will honor the tote/gift set for me for free with no extra charge. The set was $62.50ish. I agreed, relieved that I could get a hold of the fragrance...finally, even if it wasn't the full-sized one at least I got a tote bag with it and a roller ball.

This is what's included in the set: a tote bag, roller ball, and the fragrance 

That's my horrible experience at Sephora! I didn't understand why I wasn't informed that they didn't sell the Betsey Johnson Too Too Pretty in stores anymore and for what reason. Why would they even include it in the fragrance sampler then...especially since the certificate lasts a year? It's sold online but I can't claim the fragrance online since I can only claim it in stores. What am I supposed to do then? Pick another fragrance? The other ones smelled terrible! Not my taste!

Have you ever had a horrible experience at Sephora or any other store?

Late Post: What I Got for Valentine's Day

To start off, I'm not bragging about my gifts at all. I know some of you enjoy these posts so this is why I'm doing it! :)

My boyfriend of three years was totally spoiling me this Valentine's Day. He surprised me with a gift for three days leading up until Valentine's Day.

The first day I received two spa packages...one for me and another for a special someone. This spa package was the "Pamper Me Package," which included an hour  massage, a spa manicure and a spa pedicure. This was an amazing gift since I really needed to fix my gel nails and I could really use a pedicure. As for the massage...I think I'll enjoy it. ^__^ I've decided to take my mom since she's been having some back aches and could really use a massage. She'll be so happy!

The next day I received something I've been obsessed about for months! I got J. Crew Pixie Pants--not one but TWO! I got one in navy blue and another in gray. I remember my boyfriend mentioning earlier on in January that he was going to order these for me since he didn't give me a birthday present. I thought he was just joking! I mean, they're so expensive and not worth it! Regardless, I'm happy that he knows me well enough to get me gifts that I'll love and cherish!

***

Lastly, on Valentine's Day, at approximately 7:30 AM, I got a phone call from my boyfriend. I was still sleeping, but I was glad he called because I had to wake up for class. He told me to come outside. At this point I was thinking, "He totally has something up his sleeve!" Of course, I woke up and went outside...and what do you know? Standing next to his car, my boyfriend held a vase of red roses with a heart-shaped box of Russel Stover chocolates. I wasn't expecting this at all and I wasn't tired anymore!

That day, on Valentine's Day, we didn't go out to eat, except we stayed in on that chilly night. He made spring rolls and I made chocolate covered strawberries, my first successful time making them!

You  might be wondering what I gave him...and honestly I didn't give him anything! I didn't know what to give him! I mean, what do guys like to receive on Valentine's Day? So, since I didn't give him a gift I told my boyfriend that I'll give him a gift on White Day, March 14th. (White Day is a Japanese holiday when the men give back gifts to the women who gave them gifts on Valentine's Day). I'm celebrating White Day completely opposite, but I don't care! I'm weird! Plus, it's also my boyfriend's birthday in March so he'll be getting double presents!

How was your Valentine's Day? Or, should I say Single Awareness Day? What would you give to a guy on Valentine's Day?