It's Great To Be A Woman

My wardrobe is so massive, I scare myself sometimes... but one thing's for sure, be it from my sponsor or blogshops, or stuff I buy on my own.... my clothes are never expensive.

I don't like expensive clothes, I think it's a rip off.

I'm not envious of my peers who wear expensive dresses, or have luxury hand bags.

I think i would get awfully sick of an expensive handbag! Everytime I see them... it's the same 3000 dollar bag they're lugging about, no matter what colour outfit they're wearing! So poor-thing. I would much rather have a $30 bag, with a cute print, and 20 other cheap bags all in different designs to suit different looks. Just because it's not designer, doesn't mean it has to look bad or cheap.
I was at Far East Plaza yesterday and I bought 3 new outfits for this week. I spent only $80 total for all 3 outfits :) The floral skirt and white tank will be worn on Tuesday night to the movie screening of Duplicity (stay tuned for pics and my review). The casual comfy set - long white tank with pink shorts is for the shoot on Wednesday morning. And the zip-front dress will be worn on Thursday to my meetings with Watsons and Myfatpocket (And I'll be trying out Kushinbo Japanese buffet at Suntec since I'll be in the city hall area for meetings). Yum!

I actually have a load of stuff from my sponsors Annyee.com on the way. But that will take a few more days. (And another great blogshop... will link and show you stuff when I receive them).

What about you? Are you brand conscious? Or trend conscious? Or like me, are you the kind who has a wardrobe FULL of clothes, and yet you find yourself saying OMG I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!

Get Your Glow

The latest issue of GLOW has arrived!In this issue look out for the chance to win the cover model's makeup collection. So you can recreate that natural Glow Look for yourself. And there are also fabulous GLOW discounts and deals on page 82.

The Drab to Fab Hair section will show you tips and diy solutions to help correct problems such as hair loss. Plus a Health Report which gives you an insight on the appropriate health checks you should do for your age group.

Want to look good & feel great?
Check out the Glow Workshop on page 80.
It's on 15 August 2009 at Hotel Intercontinental

(Registration fee: $25 - inclusive of goodie bag and light refreshments!)

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And this issue also comes with a pretty freebie pouch!

Here are the 3 different designs:

My favourite is the one with cute birdies.It's multi-purpose... can hold anything and everything....Cosmetics... tampons... money... I'm going to use my pouch to hold tiny undies so they don't get lost in my luggage when travelling.

Go get yours....

Out in all Watsons Stores Now!
Price: Still the same S$2 but packed with more information and your freebie!

Join GLOW Facebook Page to get more updates! : Click Here

Thanks For Your Support

Hello...
First I'd like to say a big Thank You to all of you who have been voting for me everyday in the Singapore Blog Awards so far. Your support has been keeping me within the top 3 in the Best Lifestyle blog category.

And thank you for leaving supportive comments on the voting page... though I don't understand some.. like "Holly Jean You Rock My Gonads!" (????) haha.. But it made me smile all the same.

70% is based on a panel of judges. But your votes account for 30% of the final results. Which is a lot, so every vote counts. (voting ends 31st July)

This is my first time in the blog awards... I'm excited... but also aware that I'm up against bloggers who are already quite established. I'm going to do my best, keep on doing what I love and hope I'll get your continued support.
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Today... I went down to the ettusais office. I went for a light natural look...
(click the links if you want to see the actual product) I just used my daytime defence powder, dark brown eyeliner, dark brown brow pencil to shade in natural looking, not overly dramatic eyebrows, no eyeshadow but I used a highlight just below my eyebrows (on the brow bone area), lightly dabbed on Cheek colour (RD1), and finished off with Sweet Marble lip gloss (pink). It's an easy 5 minute face! The colours are so light, natural and easy to apply that you just can't go wrong.
This is me rushing home to drop off my bag of ettusais goodies.... Is there anything in there for you?? Stay tuned to find out ... :)

Then Mark and I went for dinner with some friends. I ate like 3 tonnes of Sashimi from the buffet (shameless, I know... but I can't help it... I love it)... and you know what? I still could have sashimi for lunch tomorrow!

So we're back home now... and I've just gotten an invite to watch a preview of the movie Duplicity this coming Tuesday night with Mark (courtesy of omy.sg). Will be a hectic week next week.... because I also have a couple of meetings to attend midweek, and my friend F's wedding on the weekend. And on Wednesday, Mark is acting in one of my brother's short films... so I'm going down to the studio with him (I wouldn't miss it for the world!), and I do think Mark is such a darling for agreeing to help out.
We didn't take the camera to dinner. So I realised I didn't take any pics of my dress today (sponsored by annyee.com). So here it is... excuse my tired looking face... it's been a long evening.

Am off to bed. Good night.

My Computer Hates Me

:( My comp crashed...



And the hard disk is spoilt... which means all those pics over the last 4 years or so which I have't saved online... ARE GONE! Apart from my Spain, England and Phuket folders (because Mark has them on his comp), photos of all my past shoots, Birthdays, ex-BFs (won't miss those), friends.... all gone.

There are many people I feel like pointing fingers at but I really only have myself to blame.


Data retrieval is bloody expensive (any idea how much???) so not sure if I'll get it done.. or just forget about it.



Hopefully, I'll win this Pink baby from Toshiba at the end of the year. (An ettusais brand ambassador will get it). Look at it! So pretty, pink and light weight.

*fingers crossed*

I'll be going down to the ettusais office tomorrow evening to check out their new products (yes.. more new pretty stuff to share with you).

But right now, I'm going for my regular brazilian wax. Have you had yours? Click here :)
Then I'm teaching for a few hours.... and tonight... I'm buying Sashimi and other stuff from the supermarket and doing a quick but yummy Japanese dinner for Mark & I. Show you pics after!

Should I Tell Him I Have A Scar?

Dear Holly Jean,

I have a scar on my thigh. It’s about 4 inches across my right thigh, and it’s ugly like a worm-like welt.

When is it a good time to tell someone I am dating about it?

I've been seeing this guy for the past 3 weeks and I'm so nervous. I am afraid he won’t want to see me once he finds out.

But I don't know how to tell him about it.

Luv,
Mel.
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Dear Mel…

You know… everyone has something that they’re not too comfortable about telling a new partner.

For some it may be a previous marriage, breast implants, an illness or money problems?? They’re all information that you want your partner to be aware of… but not the kind of information you’d spew out on the first date with someone.

I honestly think this scar of yours is not going to be a problem, unless you’re dating a childish 12 year old or something.

But the right time would be now, before you get intimate with him. The worst time for him to find out is when you’re actually in bed with him! And you don’t want to come to a point where you have to wiggle your way out of dates that involve the beach or swimming.

The longer you wait… the harder it will be to break the news.

Over dinner, or coffee or whatever, try to bring it up in conversation. I am not sure how you got the scar, was it in an accident? Maybe you could ask him if he had any life and death experiences. And then share yours, and tell him that all you have left now of the experience is a scar on your leg that will remind you of how precious life is. You know that kind of thing. Rather than just blurt out – Such nice weather today. Oh by the way, I have a scar on my leg!

If he has a problem with you having a small scar... then you’re better off finding that out early and stop wasting your time on him. Whatever the outcome, you cannot keep it a secret forever, so get it off your chest.

Forever,
Holly Jean

What do you readers think? Just tell him? Have you been in a similar position? Give Mel your support :)

Broken Blusher & Messy Desks

Today I dropped my blusher :( And it broke. I'm addicted to this blusher - won't use anything else! Oh well... great reason to pop down to the ettusais counter!

I love looking at ettusais counters...like a little girl in a pink candy store. There's so much to try out.

I'm not wearing heels yet I look like a bloody giant around these girls! (Was it the camera angle or what?!) These ettusais girls (counter staff) are really helpful... I went to the one in Isetan, Shaw Centre. (Convenient as I planned to try out Sun & Moon for lunch!)
Big Whopping thanks to blog reader Dinark for recommending this place. (Will check out the other places readers have recommended soon.) [PS- The tunic/dress is from annyee.com ]Price wise... it's only slightly more expensive than Yotei at Forum (Where I had dinner yesterday)... and much much cheaper than Kuriya at Shaw centre (where i had lunch yesterday!). Tasted GRRRREAT! Plus I had yummy pan seared foie gras (bottom right side of pic)... deelish!

I'm such a disgusting pig... Nothing left.... all gone.

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Have you got a messy desk? Submit a pic of your workstation and you could win a Logitech Workstation Makeover!

You know... it's actually been 1 year now that I resigned from teaching in a secondary school! But I do remember having an absolutely messy workstation.... I just tried to dig up a pic of my ex-workstation to show you all... haha... but this was all I could come up with. So if I were still working there and had this workstation... I think it'd be very deserving of a makeover! What about you? If you think your workstation could do with a free make over, why not try your luck?! www.logitechmakeover.com

Wayang Times Interview

Good morning...

Did an interview with Wayang Times a few days ago. Click here to see it.

Yes, I am Obsessive. And Your Point Is?

You know how I said I suddenly discovered I loved Japanese food since that buffet 4 days ago. Well... I've had Japanese for lunch on Friday and Saturday. And today, Mark and I ate at 2 of the many places recommended by you guys.

Lunch was at Kuriya and Shaw Centre.

I had sashimi and the sushi with the roe (Toboki or something that sounds like that... haha), and Mackerel.

Sashimi was delish.... $20 for 5 tiny pieces... and sushi was great. Only didn't like the mackerel... bit dry.

And then for dinner, we ate at Yotei, at Forum Mall.

Food was great here too! Even the mackerel was nice and moist (like it should be!). But this place was soooo much cheaper! We paid $6 for the same 5 pieces of salmon sashimi... (only the presentation was not as elaborate as Kuriya.

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Since it's so nearby... I think we'll dine here more often. But there's still plenty of great Jap restaurants to check out!

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Popped by Sun & Moon at wheelock after lunch today... just to look at the menu.. and I think I'll love that place. Great ambiance... nice lighting, spacious.... best of all.. I even saw foie gras on the menu. A place with Jap food (at good prices too) AND foie gras on the menu... Heaven.

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P/S- I've noticed the salmon I've been having over the last few days have varied colours.. some more pale, others more orangy pinky. Any idea why? Like is it just different parts of the fish? Or is it an indication of quality? I'm going to start making Japanese meals at home soon... so it'd be good to know what I should look out for.
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Quick Update:

Here's blogreader Cindy- Winner of my first contest. Happy with her cute pink dress (so pretty!) courtesy of my darling sponsors annyee.com.

Never Say I LOVE YOU First.

When it comes to relationships, I think I'm pretty bold and am willing to take risks. I think it's perfectly okay to ask a guy out, to make the first move, to initiate sex, but when it comes to the "L" word, my knees buckle.
I'm not someone who plays relationship games. And I've often fought little battles in my head- with one part of me saying- if you truly love someone, tell them.

Yet a stronger part of me says- Let the man say it first.

I think it's naïve for a woman to utter say it before a man does.

"I love you." Isn't just words, it's all emotion.

In that moment, he either loves you back or he doesn't.

You see, the raw truth is, it often takes men longer to get there than it does for women. Men aren't as emotion driven as women, and men are usually more cautious about taking their feelings to the next level.

I remember years ago... a couple of weeks into an intense relationship... I was young and naive... and popped the words I Love You to my then boyfriend. And to my utter disappointment... he looked at me and said,"Thank You."

THANK YOU?!!??

If a woman asks a man out and he rejects her, at least she doesn't waste any time pining over someone who isn't interested.

But an I love you uttered too soon, before the man has reached that same level of adoration ...could end a relationship. That's why women the world over label loads of men commitment phobes, or emotionally challenged. But really... all that might have been needed was just a little more time for them to arrive at that point themselves. Instead... we eagerly spout the I love you words way too soon, and make them feel cornered.

Saying I Love you changes the dynamics of a relationship. If a man doesn't feel as deeply for her yet, he may feel the pressure to manifest that emotion (or worse still, pretend to). And if the woman doesn't get the response she expected, it could damage her confidence.

I remember the first time Mark said I Love You to me. We had been dating for 2 and a half months. I think I started to really feel for him and I started loving him about a month into the relationship. One day I even blurted it out while we were chilling by the pool. He was making me laugh and I was very happy... and in a freakish uncontrolled moment, I let out - "Oh I love you". Then I took it back and said I meant to say I loved being around him. Haha.
But it all worked out well... because, just after midnight, on new year's day this year. He held my hand, looked into my eyes and said I Love You Holly jean. :) And it meant the world to me because I knew it wasn't said in response to me saying it first, or any sort of pressure. It was said because at that point, he realised that he did love me...

So that is why my advice to girls is - let the man take the lead on this one. Don't say I love You first.

(I'm sure many might disagree... but I'm open to hearing your opinions)

Japanese? Yes Please!

Swimming has been going well for me!

I'm now doing 10 laps. Which is a far cry better than when I first started learning! I have a perpetual tan now though... and keep getting shades darker as weeks go by. My hair is at its all-time driest. But they are all minor disadvantages as this is the best body toning I've had in a looooong while. I feel it especially around the trunk of my body (am focused on the crawl/freestyle now).

Yesterday (Thursday), I started my morning with my swim. (Yes, I know my bikini is mismatched. I just have a drawer full of tops and a drawer full of bottoms, and sleepily pick a random top and bottom out).F came over at 10 plus am, to spend the day with Mark and I. This is the first time she's meeting my BF. Then, we all went to the gym together. Initially, F and I had planned to cook lunch together. She even brought her cook book :)

But when Mark suggested we eat out instead (after gym... on the way home)... she jumped and said YES. (Hmmm... does my best friend not have confidence in my kitchen competence????)And then (!!!)... the two of them fancied having a buffet lunch! Eeeks! I just spent my morning swimming... and the gym. But it was difficult to talk THREE people out of a scrumptious meal. [Yes.. three people... because deep inside... I really wanted to pig out too.] So I decided... to take sashimi, couple of sushi, prawns, and oysters. Mark has aways said that Japanese food is healthy and pretty much calorie free. But I've always resisted... always said that I hate raw food and Japanese food. And insisted that people only pretended to love Japanese food because they were being pomp and pretending to be cultured.

Now.. I have to eat my words. Quite happily too. I loooove Japanese food! can't believe it took all these years for stubborn me to come round to it.

So... definitely will be checking out Jap restaurants and updating you. Any recommendations??

Oh... by the way... I'm being a bit deceptive here... what is not pictured - is a plateful of roast beef, pate, asparagus, roast chicken skin (yes.. I only ate the skin!!!)... one small pannacotta, a couple of cream puffs and 2 creme brulees... all of which I ate with unadulterated glee. So now you know why I didn't want to go for a buffet lunch?!

Sex On The First Date

Ok.. here's my response to the question I posed - Sex. How Soon Is Too Soon? Or Too Late.

We need to consider the average male psyche.

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I believe most men are hardwired for the thrill of the chase. And it's human nature to place a higher value on things which are rare or difficult to obtain. Including Women.

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If the same LV bag is sold cheaply .. not many people would be interested in it (I mean... god.. have you seen their awful designs?).... but because they make you queue outside the shop just to have a look at it, charge thousands for it and put you on a waiting list... suddenly it's so desirable.

Desire, Lust... sexual attraction is often fueled by frustration... and erotic tension. And when he has to work for it... and employ all his skills at acquiring it... it will feel like a big achievment when he finally beds you.

But as many readers have already pointed out... there is no right time frame... it's all highly subjective. I guess the key here... is to keep your head on... but not be so methodical and over analyse things that the relationship loses it's spontaniety.

If you feel like going for it... then go for it. I've known people who have had sex on the first date and are still happily together until today.

But if you've always been having that approach and yet you keep finding yourself wondering the next day why they've lost interest in you... then it might be a good idea to just ease up a bit and put a hold on sex on the first few dates (it wouldn't hurt to try!) ... especially if you really like him.

Oh... a word of caution... if you do end up in throes of passion on the first date, do not.. I repeat, DO NOT say to him- Oh, just so you know... I don't usually do this kind of thing on the first date.

According to my guy friends... they've heard it all before. And they'll think- yeah right.

If you feel like holding out a bit longer... then hold out. Any man who dumps you because you won't have sex on the first few dates probably has zero interest in who you are. So you're better off without him.

Sleeping Girl Gets Her Face Tattooed!

Just saw this on the news:


Yeah right... there's no way you could fall asleep while getting a tattoo (on your face!). Plus if she only wanted 3 stars... it would barely take 5 mins to do.

Now she wants to sue the tattoo artist?!

Me thinks she's just trying to avoid getting in trouble with Daddy.... The lying cow.

What do you think?

Quick Update of Wedding Shoes and Holes

This is my best friend, F. Think I've mentioned before that she works in Indonesia and has been doing so for the last 3 years.

We went to pick out her wedding shoes. Though there wasn't much PICKING going on... this was the first pair of shoes she tried on and she wanted them. They're elegant and pretty :) I'm going to wear a long dress to her wedding next month... so I thought I better dig out the only 2 long dresses I have in my wardrobe... to try on. And guess what?

Bailey bit holes in BOTH dresses!!! One of his favourite spots to play around is at the back of my clothes rails.... particularly behind my long dresses. I always thought it was because it was comfy there. I myself loved to dive in and out of clothes racks when I went shopping with my mom (when I was a child).

So my options now are- Get a new Dress? Cut these dresses shorter and hem them up? or Stitch the holes up? I think I'll stitch them up... because the holes are very low, around the ankle/lower calf area... and I don't think anyone will notice them. :( We'll see.

This is the culprit who had a chewing good time at my expense. Maybe Bailey's just trying to get back at me for putting bows in his hair and making him a girl rabbit. :)

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I've been giving this- Sex. How Soon Is Too Soon? Or Too Late - thing some thought and I'll give my view on it later tonight. By the way... I'm cooking fish for dinner tonight! I haven't tried fish in a long while because the last couple of times I tried cooking fish, it smelled, looked and tasted horrible (any tips?)

Update you later.

Oh.. and a big thank you to those who have been voting for me daily and even left positive comments about my blog on the voting site. :) I apreciate it very much. Don't froget to vote today as well!

Singapore Blog Awards! Vote For ME!

(Update: The Links work now)

To many... this may be no big deal... but to me, it is a milestone in my blogging life.

I'm a finalist in the Singapore Blog Awards this year! In the Best Lifestyle Blog category.

It's the very first time I'm in the running for such an award...

I'm so pleased because I remember that when I started blogging a couple of years ago.. I was practically just blogging to myself. I'm so proud that I didn't give up and my readership has grown.

But of course, I would never have made it this far if not for you.. Thank you so much :)
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The winner of the award will be determined by a panel of judges as well as Votes.

I definitely need your help. You can go to http://sgblogawards.omy.sg and register (just basic details needed like name and email etc)... then click on "View and vote for finalists!". Click Best lifestyle Blog category and vote for me by clicking on the word "VOTE" in my thumbnail. You can only vote once per day... I appreciate every bit of support you can give me :)

Voters stand a chance to win prizes too.

Thank you all so much :D

I'll keep you updated.

Sex. How Soon Is Too Soon? Or Too Late!

I feel that when it comes to sex... Men have a Double Standard.

There's like a stricter moral(sexual) standard that applies to women.. but not men.

If a man has sex with many women... he's seen amongst peers as quite the stud and is envied by other men. But if a woman has many sexual partners, suddenly she's a whore.. promiscuous... so so cheap.

Are all men slightly schizo?? For instance... when on a first date with a woman, the man is (most probably) already thinking about having sex with her. Everything he does... from paying for dinner, to flattering her, to being a charmer... is aimed at getting her into bed (I think).

But if she goes to bed with him (after all his effort in getting her there)... he's going to think she's a slut for doing so!

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So is the key then... just not giving in, resisting and playing hard to get?

I don't think so.

Let me tell you an experience of mine- about 7 years ago... I was dating a guy... let's call him JOCKEY. Had a great first date... followed by maybe 4 more dates over the next couple of weeks. And he gave me a key to his apartment. His place was in the West, close to my university (while I lived all the way east.. in pasir ris). So he graciously offered the use of his place for rest anytime day or night. Nice right?

Then about a week later, we were out for dinner, he suddenly said - "Holly, I don't think this relationship is working out. Can I have my key back?" I was taken by surprised. I asked why... and he said something like... sex is important to him so he can't be with me.... blah blah..

Worst thing was- he had said all that BEFORE the food was served. So I took the key from my bag... placed it on the table, and slid it to him... I was feeling miserable, and embarrrassed (I don't know why.. but I was)... and still sat through a whole dinner! I should have just walked off.. but I was young.. and stupid. haha.

I didn't understand it then.. and still don't understand it now. If I slept with him early in the relationship.. he would have probably thought I was easy, and not treat me with respect. Yet when I didn't sleep with him... I still got the boot!

And it's not like I was frigid... in fact... had the relationship developed further.. intimacy would definitely be part of the picture. But it's like there's some sort of time frame... a window. If you jump in (to bed) too early, they don't respect you. They start thinking that you're an easy lay, and that you sleep with everyone. They're going to ask themselves - God! How many guys were here before me?! or ... How many cocks has SHE sucked?

Yet... ( in my experience)... if you miss that window... they lose interest in you.

[P/S- I'm happy I didn't sleep with JOCKEY anyway... what a jerk.]

I'm attached now.. so it doesn't matter to me as much. But I've always wondered what the rules to this game are. Men out there (even women) enlighten me if you can. :)

When is it appropriate to get intimate? (3 dates? 10 dates? 1 year??!)

If a woman has sex/BJ on the first date, what do you think of her?

If a woman doesn't have sex with you, how long can she sustain your interest before you lose interest?

Does any of this change as you get older?

Would be interesting to find out what you think :)

Results

The girl with the most votes : Cindy



(Congratulations Cindy .Do email me your mailing address, asap. Your free annyee dress will be sent out this week!) :)

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Thanks everyone for your response and participation in this contest. It's only the first one, and I learnt a lot from it.

I'll try to make the next one more interesting, and if it's poll based, I will have to rig it to ensure no multiple voting from the same IP.

Do offer suggestions in the comments section about the kind of contests you want, or the kind of prizes (make up? accessories? more clothes? Dream date??... but of course, be realistic.. I can't like get anyone to sponsor a CAR or anything like that!).

A Quick Laugh

Here's just a light and random post of a couple of funny pics I've picked out for you...

Hope you enjoy your weekend! :) I'll update you on what's going on soon...

Who Has The Worst Fashion Mistake???

Thank you to everyone who sent in an entry, if you didn't make the top 10 this round... no worries, there'll be other contests (with Pretty prizes!) soon. I'm working on it!

From now until 14th June, you get to vote which reader's fashion mistake confession deserves to win this Dress from AnnYee.com

These are the Top 10 finalists (in random order) for the Fashion Mistakes Contest. Contest Details Here

1. Naffy
Confession: I was from work and did not have time to changed so I substitute my works pants with my favourite lime green skinnies. I thought I looked great.Besides, skinny jeans were the "in" thing.Apparently, I do not look so great. My boyfriend laughed and insisted on buying me a new pair of jeans while we were out ^^.
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2. VIOLET
Confession: I always envy those with flawless complexion and double eyelid so I layered make-up after make-up only to look older (much older) and magnify my smaller eyes to even smaller. OMG my teeth look so yellowish with the red lipstick!
I realized that the more you try to conceal your flaws the more noticeable it will be.
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3. SOCKY
Cofession: I always had to wear clothes that my mum bought for me. She has a bad choice of clothes and i was force to wear them or she will get angry. =(

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4. BLANKA

Confession: I always used to pull my g-string very high because I thought it was sexy. Until one day this good-looking guy came up to me and said excuse me, your panty can see. :(

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5. CINDY
Confession: it was my JC prom, 2 years ago. see what i was wearing! it was just some normal black dress while others dolled themselves glamaliciously(ok not a word but ya!) it was quite embarassing(REALLY)! and i realised i used the super thick foundation(those ppl use on stage) instead of the normal one, that was why my face was uber white! being underdressed was BAD, having a goth-like make up was worst! and i was forced to take a photo with my eyecandy. -_-ll but it was real funny thinking back.

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6. LEXI
Confession: Attempts to fast-forward time and act older than one's actual age is possibly the biggest fashion disaster ever. In the name of fun, my friend and I tried to dress in clothes that would reflect our age and housewife status10 years from now. Instead of looking better, we look horrendous.

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7. FYL
Confession: Oh my god, this photo show my worst fashion sense ever. Pic was taken in year 2003 when I was 16, I was commented by friends as "Golden-hair lion" (popular "Lion King" movie was airing that time)because of my hair. I swear I wore this outfit almost every time I went out with friends as I thought they were "hip". With that pair of super-duper ugly pant + that pair of classic Converse slipper, I simply look so hideous and "ah-lian".

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8. NADDY
Confession: I used to think that wearing sports bra with everything is cool, especially when it peeks out at the collar. (Like the picture!) It was also trendy in secondary school when everyone wears a bright colour bra as it could be seen through our blouse! --------------

9. WEI LING
Confession: When I was 14/15 years old, I used to wear that baggy 3/4 pants. And of course, it was my favourite bottom and like to match it with any tees. My collar tee seems small and tight. This made my body looked short and bottom looked heavy.I did not know i look like an auntie till i saw this photo.

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10. BIANCA
Confession: When I was in poly, I was so engrossed in smoky eyes, and attempted to achieve it. It backfired, and I looked like a panda instead.

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Now, the reason for this post is not to mock people! But I think it's good to look back and have a little laugh at perhaps the stupid things we did, or things that seemed a great idea at the time.. but in retrospect, was a mistake! We've all done that!

A BIG thank you to those girls who were sporting enough to share their fashion mistakes. A big round of applause to you all... it takes a lot of courage to do that. (I should know... I do it all the time! lol). Rest assured, aside from these few mistakes, you're all beautiful inside and out. :)

Now let's Vote your favourite girl!!!!!!!

Do I Want To Freaking Get Married Or Not?

A couple of months ago, one of my close girlfriends got engaged. And last week, my best friend informed me that she's getting married on the 4th of July... THIS YEAR.

I may have a lot of acquaintances, but good friends? I don't even need one hand to count them on. So having 2 of them settle down, should be somewhat alarming (especially when BOTH are 1 year younger than me).

But for once, I don't feel that sense of impending doom... I don't have that voice in my head which screams "Oh My God! Holly! Everyone is moving forward and you're NOT!" [Kinda like those dreams I used to get as a kid where I'm in public and suddenly I realise I'm naked]

When I was a teenager, I thought for sure I'd be married at like 23 or even earlier. But then university happened... and it was a phase of endless possibilities, frivolous dating and definitely being too juvenile to settle down. Then when I got to 23 and graduated... I pushed the bar up to 26 (to give myself time to get a career going)... and then subsequently I pushed it up to 28.

And guess what??? I'm already 28. Spent the previous 4 years building a career... and then hated it and resigned! AND I'm still single! (How's that for Square One?!)

So I'm actually quite surprised that right now, I'm not at all sad (for myself) or envious of my best friend getting married.

Why was I not like that before? Before, I used to secretly hate it when a friend's relationship was progressing too well... especially since I could never make any of mine last... and they were 90% of the time turbulent and like a bloody battle field of wills and one-ups.

(What I mean by one-ups... is my need to always have the better hand. Like if he went drinking with the boys, I'd go out looking for a more wild time than him... just so I could have one-up).

I know.. I'm not proud of myself.. but that was how I was, that made sense to me (back then). I admit, if I had married any of my previous Boyfriends... it would have beennothing but a miserable failure. Though it would have probably given me more juicy things to blog about ...haha)

I've been giving it some thought and I think I am no longer threatened by other people's success and I don't feel a sense of urgency when my friends are finally settling down.. because I am happy.

I'm in a good place right now. Been with Mark 8 months now (so fast!), and we're progressing well. It's been such a good relationship for me... that I know that even if it doesn't work out... I'll actually come away from it a much better person than when I started the relationship.

In these 8 months, I've learned so many things about myself - my weaknesses, strengths and motivations... I've come to see what a positive relationship feels like and be grateful for the comfort and security of having someone I can depend on.

Maybe I've found the ONE and thus no longer feel the need to rush things and get married (and hence not feel envious of other women getting married). Maybe I've become so confident that this relationship will move on to the next stage at the right time that I don't feel the need to play mind games and manipulate a proposal out of my boyfriend. I am madly attracted to him, I love him, trust him and think he would make a wonderful husband.

Or maybe I'm just chicken shit and have duped myself into believing I'm perfectly happy where I am right now and I shouldn't spur any more progress... because I'm in reality, afraid of moving to the next stage.

I mean... I used to be the girl who drew (ugly) wedding pictures and family homes in art class..... I used to be the teenager who planned to be married by 23..... I used to be the scary woman who mentioned the desire for marriage within the first date (sadly, I'm telling the truth) ...... and up to about a month ago... I used to be the girlfriend who constantly looked at babies and talked about what our kids might look like.

What happened to Holly Jean? The Holly Jean who already had her wedding planned out sans any inkling of a proposal.

I find it all very ... strange. It's like I suddenly don't know myself.

A Thing (or Two) About Holly Jean is undergoing some layout changes from 9pm to Midnight SG time today.

So don't be alarmed if the site looks a bit wonky during this time. Do pop back after midnight to see the new layout !

:)

HJ

Holly Jean's Short Cut Paella Recipe

Ever since Spain last month... I've been loving and craving Spanish food.It's a BIG change for me, considering that I hardly had any Spanish food before last month.

Last wednesday, Mark and I went to Bodega Y Tapas (it's in Orchard, just off Orange Grove Road). I still have my tan from the holiday, and I've been swimming every other day now. Body is getting fitter.. BUT my hair is getting drier! Am thinking of getting a swimming cap now... but am afraid of looking like an idiot (especially when I can't really swim THAT well). [Help!]

Like my new outfit? It's a Leopard print skirt with black tank... kindly sponsored by blogshop MarchAvenue. They have new items in stock, and in limited quantities.. so do check it out. :)

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Welcome to my kitchen! I've created a short cut Paella recipe! Woots! Main thing is... it's pretty EASY yet tastes great.


Try it out and do let me know how it goes! :)

P/S- I've received many entries with pics of Fashion mistakes (thank you girls!) ... 2 more days before closing date. (those who sent in without blacking out their faces, do let me know if it's not ok to show your face, otherwise I'll post with the face shown). Everyone else- Do keep them coming!!

Is it better to be looked over than overlooked?

Today's post is inspired by legendary actress Mae West... (she died the year I was born) I'm not a fan of any of her movies (boring), but she was known for her clever quips... and I read one a long time ago.. and it stuck with me.

" I believe it is better to be looked over than overlooked."

Women.

SEX APPEAL.

It's important.

Before you slam me, hear me out...

Growing up... I used to think nothing of any attention men paid me. Then one day... I went clubbing in a pair of jeans, sneakers and a very plain tank top. I think it might have been at Gotham Penthouse. And first shitty thing was- the door people took one look at my grubby sneakers and made face. And later, at the bar (which was crowded), I was trying to get a drink but the bar tender's eyes went straight past me and he zeroed in on two (only semi-pretty) but very sluttish-ly dressed girls. They got their drinks way before me even though I was there first.

I was appalled. And even though it seemed (to my friends) that I laughed and brushed it off... I actually remember it until today.

Now... almost 7 years since that awful ego bashing experience... I've come to see that selling your sexuality or flaunting your assets isn't such a bad (read- disgraceful) thing.

I applaud women who have used their sexuality to get them places and open doors. If you can use it... why the hell not.

What about if you actually have a brain then?

Can that get you further? Is this world fair?

Yes you may have a brain that could rival Einstein... but when it comes to getting attention straight off the bat, a mega brain is just not going to cut it. In fact, it can actually work to your disadvantage. Men don't make passes at female smart asses.

Brains are an asset... if you hide them. Don't be too much of a smart ass, a miss-know-it-all, or worse still The-one-who-always-has-to-get-the-last-word in an argument (That's Me!).

In life, I've found that it's easy to just let the man teach you a thing or two.... and just cruise your way through life looking pretty.

What do you think? Is it better to be looked over than overlooked??? Don't crucify me here... just something I've been thinking about. It's open for discussion. You tell me.

Want a Free Dress?

As promised, I've arranged with my clothes sponsors Annyee.com to dress one of my readers for free!

This is the dress I've picked out for you. In PINK! As the majority of my female readers are also pink lovers like me!

So let's get started.

What do you have to do?

Simply email me (hollyjean69@hotmail.com) with:

1. Your Name (or nickname)

2. Confession: Your worst fashion mistake (in less than 50 words please). Can be bad choice of clothes... or hair style... etc

3. Optional: If you have a picture of your fashion mistake, do share it! (I can black out your face if you want). If you don't have pics, it's ok... just keep those entries coming!

4. Your dress size (UK6, UK8, UK10 or UK12 only). [Dress size is not going to be published, I'll need it when arranging for the dress to be delivered to the winner].

Only one entry per person. Closing date is midnight (Singapore time) on June 10th.

On June 11th, I will pick the Top 5 (or maybe 10) entries and put them all in a blog post.

It will look something like this: (Don't laugh ah)

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1) Holly Jean.

When I was a scrawny teenager, I thought it was cool to wear ultra crop tops. Wore them shopping, clubbing... everything! (Pic was taken around 1997, hence the disgustingly high waistline too!)

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Bet you laughed at me. I think it's good to look back and laugh at our mistakes.

Anyway..... From June 11th to June 14th(Midnight), readers will get to vote who has the "best" fashion mistake. Winner will be officially announced on June 15th and will receive the dress (via local post only) within 1 week of the end of voting.

Boys are welcome to participate, maybe give the dress to your GF :)

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If this works out well... and is good fun, I'm hoping to organise more give-aways and contests soon! :)

Pop Eyeshadow Colours!

Colours evolve each and every season. And a myriad of stronger and brighter colours will be seen in Summer trends this year. So, where can you use this summer's trendy colors on your face without looking like a fright???

The EYES, of course.

Bright colours are attention grabbers and a great way to add fun to any boring make up routine.

How to use bright eyeshadow?

Depending on your outfit and how daring you are with your makeup, pop eyeshadow colours can be subtle or bold.

TIP: If you’re wearing bright colors on your eyes, keep the rest of your makeup neutral. When using pop colours, I like to use just one colour but applied in gradation instead of using 2 or more different colours on the eyelids.

Step 1: Apply colour over lid.

There are 27 shades of ettusais colours to choose from! Click here to view all colours.
Sweep on colour starting from your lash line and blending upwards to create a gradation.

Step 2: Line eyes with a black eyeliner... or I like to use ettusais' pencil eye glitter ($23) for nights out. It gives that extra sparkle. Click here for more info on that.Optional Step 3: Using a damp liner brush (any flat brush), dip into yeyshadow, place close to lower lash line and blend.

Optional step 4: Illuminate just under the eyebrow area with this highlighter.

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I've just experimented with 2 different summer pop eyeshadow colours... but not sure which looks better on me. The Green or Orange?

Green: I used GR2 for the eyelid. Then I lined the bottom lash line black eye pencil.

Orange : I used OR1 for the eyelid. And gold pencil eye glitter to line both top and bottom lash lines.
Thanks in advance and.... Enjoy a colourful Summer!

Quick Updates

Girls, you can check out ettusais nail art recipes (easy nail art instructions).

Have you submitted your Watson's You Award entry online? 7 days left!

My latest columns on myfatpocket.com - What hairstyle suits a round face? and How To Break Up With Someone (with minimal pain).

And stay tuned... giving away free annyee.com dresses in an online contest real soon!