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Friday, December 31, 2010

Random Thoughts: My 2011 New Year’s Resolutions

Well, it’s New Year’s Eve today so I thought I’d just recap what I have accomplished, in terms of my 2010 resolutions and put down my 2011 ones. Hopefully next year will be better. It is the Year of the Rabbit, for those of you who follow the Chinese Zodiac, which is my year! So fingers crossed!

First, I thought of going through my 2010 resolutions to see how they can be improved next year.

1) To be more loyal to my blog and post more frequently and regularly

I did do this, to an extent. I posted more this year compared to 2009 when I started the blog but am still unhappy with the mountain of reviews I have stored in my brain, waiting to come out and be posted. 2011 will definitely be bigger and better!

2) To meet and make many new blog buddies

Accomplished! All thanks to joining blog hops and my 2 big giveaways this year. I will try to do more for next year. And also to definitely make more and more buddies!

3) To take better care of myself physically and mentally

This one was a toughie. Physically, I think I got worse (see below resolution for more detail), mentally I definitely grew. Due to my unfinished college education, I’ve got 6 months more to go! And also I did get to read more books this year. Hope to increase that number for sure!

4) To lose 5kg

Ah, the darn weight loss issue. I think I successfully put on MORE weight when I was supposed to lose it. I so need to look for a good gym around here. One that doesn’t force you into submission and make me never want to step foot in that place ever again! Not that simple here in Malaysia I assure you.


5) To attend more events and workshops (hopefully)

Another one shot down, which is so sad as I love learning more from these events. 2010 has been a bullish year. Am going to carry this forward to 2011.


6) To do all the things I couldn't in 2009

Wondering why I listed this in the first place. It’s just so vague, isn’t it? Well I DID get better at typing, for that I am happy. Won’t be relisting this resolution for sure!


7) To take up photography seriously and be a more creative person

My photography skills have definitely improved since the beginning of 2010, when I got my first DSLR baby. I really should finish reading that manual though. Got to learn those basics!


8) To spend wisely (doesn't mean I will buy less...tee hee)

Ah, I think I did buy less this year. Except for those presents for others, I think I may have overdone it a little. Oh well, they can still be used for upcoming events so that isn’t so bad.


9) To travel and experience new things

This, I really didn’t get to do. To travel more I mean. I love traveling and hope to do more in 2010. I did try some new foods! And found one I really dislike!


10) To live life to the fullest

Again another vague one. I so did not accomplish this. Oh well, 2011 is a brand new year after all!


Now for my 2011 resolutions!! In completely random order

1) To AGAIN be more loyal to my blog and post more frequently and regularly, and to get it redesigned and nice and tidy (which I am currently in the midst of)

2) To finish up the rest of my college degree, to the best of my abilities

3) To lose 5kg


Brought this forward, even though I now have to lose more weight, but let’s start with a more achievable number.

4) To take up photography seriously

There’s just so much of it I want to explore, like Macro Photography! Now if only I could travel more.

5) To make new blog buddies

6) To save more money for my future travels and spending wisely on books!

I just love books! Already I have too many that have not been read. Must get on those!

7) To attend more events and workshops

8) To travel more and read more

9) To get a part-time job AND learn to drive!

10) To be a better person (calmer and more patient)

11) To clear the clutter that’s in my house

Random Thoughts: Email Subscription

Just letting everyone know that I have just updated the blog with Email Subscription, in case anyone wants to follow via email, I think it's easier to check out posts this way. Hope you'll become a subscriber!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Just A Tip: What To Do With Moisturizers You No Longer Want

I'm sure you've all been in that situation where we buy buy buy and store, hide, pack away. We're girls and who doesn't love shopping for that special item that may restore our youth? In the end we end up with numerous moisturizers, even more once we actually start digging deep into those drawers and closets.

So sometimes we fall out of love with the moisturizer after the whole long-lost find. Or maybe it's been sitting hidden so long you're afraid it may react badly on your facial skin. Perhaps you feel bad about the price you had to pay for it but now am not willing to give it away, yet don't want to use it on your face.

The simple solution: Use it on your neck, or even on your legs and feet! They definitely won't complain and the risks are lower that you'll break out.

Just a tip, so you don't throw out a fairly good product and waste it.

Till next time!


By Abby

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Giveaway Goodies: Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop WINNERS!

I had quite some fun with the Hop! It was my first so I wasn't expecting too much from it but I garnered 572 entries! Wow!! Thanks for all the support you guys!

I also loved entering the countless giveaways on other blogs as well as reading all your comments! I got a whole lot of new GFC and Twitter followers so that was cool, I tweet giveaways so you may want to stick around!

Just thought I'd list some of my fave comments, mostly about what you'd do with the Amazon GC if you won it. Among the memorable and cute ones were:
Stage performance items!! (how cool is that)

A new pet vacuum (this one REALLY caught my attention, how cute is that!)

A Leapster (?? is it a game?)


Ever wonderful books and movie DVDs (I saw mention of Smallville and cookbooks!)


Gifts for kids and officemates

I really wish I could give all of you a prize, but I can't, for now at least.

Okay, on to the WINNERS!

$25 Jasmere.com GC goes to post #452, Jessie!
$20 Amazon GC goes to
post #116, Jen M!
$10 Amazon GC goes to
post #289, spamgirl!

Congrats again ladies. All winners have been CONFIRMED.

Thank you all who participated. I'll be following you back soon! To those of you who have blogs/twitter that is.

Hope to see your comments on my other blog entries as well as future giveaways!


Until then,
By Abby

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Giveaway Goodies: Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop is Here!!


Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop


Told you there was going to be another giveaway didn’t I now? Was that soon enough? And this one is for gift cards! So you get to pick your own gift. I, along with, I don't even know how many (more and more are joining every minute!) other lovely bloggers am part of this year’s Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop! This is my first Hop so please be gentle with me starting small.


My prizes are:

Gift #1

$25 Jasmere.com Gift Certificate (donated by the great people at Jasmere, of course!) *US only*

Gift #2

$20 Amazon Gift Certificate *INT where it applies*

Gift #3

$10 Amazon Gift Certificate *INT where it applies*


To Enter this simple giveaway (mandatory):

Follow my blog on Google Friend Connect.

Post your username.

Pick your gift (for US, you can put Gift #1,2,3. for INT, please just put Gift #2&3)


Bonus Entries (1 entry each):

  1. Follow darkmotives on Twitter and post your Twitter name.
  2. Tweet this giveaway and post your tweet link. (1 a day)
You can use this one:

#Win GCs to Amazon and Jasmere Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop #Contest

@darkmotives http://tinyurl.com/22tqxpv

3. Where do you reside (I am just curious)
4. What would you get with the Amazon Gift Card (just for fun)

Open to US/INT


Giveaway starts December 1, 2010 at 12:01 am EST (Midnight) and ends December 5, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the lucky winners. Winners will be notified by email and have 48 hours to reply otherwise I will have to do a redraw.

All the best everyone! Don’t forget to check out the other amazing blogs below to up your winning chances. I know I will! Have fun and Happy Holidays!

Check out the other giveaways on the Holiday Gift Giveaway Hop