Thursday, February 28, 2013

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.

Monday, February 25, 2013

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

Thursday, February 21, 2013

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?

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

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?

Monday, February 4, 2013

REVIEW - NEW Simple Eye Makeup Remover Pads


Simple has come up with a new makeup remover pad just for the eyes!
Now, these aren't like the usual ones that sting your eyes,
NOR are they the ones that are oily.
They are just right...like the porridge in Little Red Ridinghood!

PROS:
great for sensitive eyes
no sting after usage
travel-size
removes waterproof mascara
fragrance free

CONS:
can be a little rough (I'd prefer using the regular makeup wipes)

That's my take on them. Have you tried them yet?
Comment below and tell me your thoughts on these!

Saturday, February 2, 2013

My Love Culture Picks

These are all the clothes items on Love Culture that I've been very fond of.
I love them...but they are a little pricey. These are more like my wishlist items :)  I thought you guys would like to see them though in case you need a little inspiration! Hope you enjoy my Love Culture picks!
BTW, all images were from the Love Culture website.
SPIKY SLATS DENIM SHIRT- $39.90
Gotta love the spikes and the cutouts! This is definitely the most unique piece I've seen! LOVE IT!
STARS! Everyone is a star! Although this sweater is a little kiddish for me...I'd still wear it :)
LEATHERETTE CHIFFON TOP- $29.90
I'm a huge mint green fan now! I just couldn't pass up putting something mint green on here!
Love the crosses on the elbows! So chic!
Again with the crosses, they just look so AWESOME!