"The gratification comes in the doing, not in the results."
-James Dean


It's midnight and I'm here doing my readings for school... I just realized how happy I am studying Art. I recently decided to make a program transfer from Management to Art History and Communication Studies (big change, I know!). Although nothing is official yet, I am very happy to be taking Arts classes this semester and am sure I won't regret my decision.

Anyways, I've learned to live by this quote during my first semester at University. I found out mid-semester that Management was not the way to go for me. I lost motivation and felt like dropping out several times, but I kept on going to class... I understood that it didn't matter whether I got good grades or not... I'm proud of myself for having toughed it out and am happy that I've found a program that excites and motivates me everyday.

Look at me - I gotta case of body language

No, no, those are not lyrics from a Heidi Montag's song, but rather, from one of the greatest band EVER, Queen!!

Queen's Body Language was the song that I had stuck in my head when I swatched this color--Essie Body Language.
I would describe this shade as a pinkish, greyish neutral shade. It's a very very light beige colour, I'd say. (3 coats)

I think I've got the 'cantstopshopping' bug... School being right downtown and in the middle of shops is NOT helping me...I'm constantly thinking about my next purchase, whether it's nail polish, CDs or clothes; and what stores I want to go to.
What's happening?! I was so good last semester!! Must.resist.Concentrate.on.school.

Essie Swept Off My Feet

Swept Off My Feet - cute muted pink creme. It feels strange to type this, but I really like this color on me! Application was ok-the formula is a bit thin and runny so I had to do 3 coats.

China Glaze Agent Lavender

from the Operation Colour collection
Agent Lavender is a beautiful light lavender creme... putting this on made me wonder why I waited so long to try it... I love this shade! This was 2 coats.

Wednesday nights are going to be looooonnnngg..
Glee! Come back, already! I need you!!!

Last week's manis...

Hi all! I'm sorry for the lack of updates!
Last week was my first week of school so I've been busy waiting for a spot to open up for me in the classes I wanted to take. Plus, I needed additional information about my program transfer so I met with several academic advisors!

This past week, I had ManGlaze The Death Tar, Zoya Alix and OPI Catherine the Grape on my nails. Not together, of course, I did manage to change mani during the week.

The Death Tar I have is the "original" version, which is less black and less matte than the new, vegan version, called Matte is Murder. Please excuse the dry hands here.. I had just gotten back from school when I took the photograph.

Next is Zoya Alix, a gorgeous dark red creme. I have to say that this is probably my favorite red polish from my collection. The photograph doesn't do it justice though, for some reason, I had a hard time capturing its true color...... So I'll leave you with 2 Alix pictures!

Finally, we have OPI Catherine the Grape, a purple shimmer. I'm a sucker for anything purple, so I love it!

So that's all! I promise I'll update more regularly now, since I have 2 days off during the week :)

Anything new with you guys?! Any nail polish hauls?!

-X

2010

Hi!

How has 2010 been treating you?! School has started yesterday and I have to say that I'm pretty excited about this next semester! I am taking Art History classes now, and I'm looking forward to an official transfer from management in Spring. I've always been into all kinds of art so I know I'll have so much fun!

Anyways, I have swatched anything for a while, as my break was mostly full of family reunions. Needless to say, we ate most of the time... However, I managed to capture a few of my NOTD.

The first is China Glaze Cords-nice metallic taupe. It's beautiful and application was easy and smooth.


Next is Sephora by OPI Ocean Love Potion-creme turquoise. It is very similar to Misa Dirty Sexy Money, only OLP is darker. Unfortunalety, I do not have a comparison shot.


After baking my first batch of cookies, my cousin asked me to bake more (80 cookies!!) for a potluck party she was going to attend. I asked my sister to assist me and we decided to name our bakery Tinix and Arnton's bakery, influenced by Felix and Norton, of course (our family calls us Tina and Annie).

Our second attempt was soooo much better! There looked good and tasted excellent! I followed to recipe and used baking soda and all purpose flour, unlike last time. We're looking to start our cookie business soon ;)

Finally, I got the best gift ever from my cousin!!! A SNUGGIE! It's really the best thing ever! It keeps me warn and is super soft! Plus, a bonus reading light doesn't hurt! I used my Snuggie all the time now! My cousin told me she had wanted to get me the pink or zebra ones, but guess what?! It was SOLD OUT! How crazy is that?! I didn't think people actually liked this... but I'm now a Snuggie convert!
I hope you guys all had a blast celebrating the New Year!
Any New Year's resolution?

Until next time,
Xuan-An

Hello, 2010!!!!!

Happy New Year!

Happiness, health and good wishes to all!!