SHE BANGS, SHE BANGS!

There was a time when I was so active blogging that I created a separate blog, Extra Room for Happiness, for a meme called Happiness Is. I received an email from apparently an interested buyer of that blog, although I doubt the authenticity of it. Anyway, that sort of triggered me to revive the "happiness theme" in my regular blogging. I initially thought of posting this entry on that other blog but since I currently don't have the luxury of time to manage a blog, let alone two blogs, I thought I'd keep posting everything here for now. After all, More Than Sexy is my original blog, and it has kind of grown into me already, and if I were to keep just one blog, no question it would be this.

So, going back to Happiness Is, here's my happy moment for today:

"When was the last time you did something for the first time?"

Happiness is... getting a haircut!

Yes, I'm that shallow. LOL. Well, it has been a while since I had a decent haircut. Back in Toronto, there's this Korean salon I went to regularly for hair treatment and haircuts at least once a year. Ever since I moved here in the US, I haven't really found a salon that I was willing to entrust my long locks with until today!



Living in the countryside, it's not like I have a lot of salon choices either. I always had to go to the nearby city to get my hair done, and my previous experiences were mediocre. I searched online for other salons and found one that had very good reviews, so I thought I'd give it a try.

The verdict?

I'm happy to say that I was very much pleased of their service. The stylist who did my hair was so friendly and interactive. I loved that she engaged me as to how she was going to style and cut my hair. She seemed very knowledgeable of her craft. Honestly, a lot of times I could be clueless and I won't even know what I really want, like for example, BANGS or NO BANGS. It had been ages for all I know since I wore bangs, so I really wasn't sure if it was something I'd like to do again. My stylist helped me sort of arrive to my decision, and when she thought that I was having hesitations, she went easy with her shears cropping those bangs.

Yeah, I'm digging my bangs, and I'll own it. LOL. I was really happy with my haircut, so was my stylist. She also thought that the bangs suit me, and she even egged me on going shorter maybe next time once I get the hang of wearing it, something I definitely would consider in the future ;)

So how much did I have to shed for this girly girl happiness?

$30. Shampoo, haircut, and style (straight or curl) included. It was $30 well spent, and for the service I received, I thought I would have to pay more. Customer satisfaction? Priceless!

Funny though that the first thing my stylist said when she sat me on the chair was, "You have a big hair!" Yes, Ma'am, I do. Haha! She couldn't get over the fact how long my hair was, how she had to kneel on the floor to trim the edges, and how even after she chopped a chunk off that I still have a lot of hair left. Another thing she couldn't get over with was how young I look for my age. I told her she wasn't the first one to say that, and that it's because I have discovered the fountain of youth. LOL!

Okay, that's about it. I should give my bangs some rest now, literally and figuratively. Ciao!

PREGGO IN A PONCHO

At 26 weeks' pregnant, my belly would no longer fit into my old winter jackets and coats.  I tried each one of them on but was unsuccessful in buttoning or zipping them all the way down - only the top button would close. It's not cheap to buy winter apparels especially a warm and fashionable jacket or coat, not to mention that I have more than enough of them, so it wasn't really my plan at all to buy one anytime soon - pregnant or not.  When I told Vince about it, he said we can just buy a new jacket for me, but the idea of spending money on a winter jacket that will fit me through pregnancy didn't sound too appealing to me, because I was thinking that I'm not going to be able to use it anymore post pregnancy.  Thanks however to my friend, Tin, who brilliantly suggested that I buy a poncho instead of a jacket, that way I can still wear it even after I give birth.  Since we're now living down South where winter is not as bad as when we were up North, a poncho is sufficient to keep me and my belly warm!  So, when we went Black Friday shopping last week, I didn't hesitate on buying the first poncho I laid my eyes upon.

Gray cotton/polyester/acrylic knitted poncho by Calvin Klein

It was a good thing that Calvin Klein had pretty sweet deals last Black Friday.  This poncho was originally priced at about $100 at the outlet store, but I got it at a discounted price of about $40.  I also bought a wool coat which was originally tagged at $260 but when the cashier rang it, it came down to only about $118.  I'm really happy with my Calvin Klein Black Friday purchases... if only every day could be a Black Friday.  Hehe!

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For a sneak peek of what's inside my closet, please visit:

WEDNESDAY APPAREL

And nope, they're not for sale ☺

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DISCOUNT CLOTHING ONLINE AT 599 FASHION

A penny saved is a penny earned so they say.  For us who cannot resist shopping but are frugal or at least trying to be one, lucky us, 599 Fashion online store offers a variety of discount clothing and other items including jewelry, shoes, beauty products, and bags -- everything for $5.99 or less!

Yes, you read that right, $5.99 or less.  Fashion 599 sells cheap clothing that are fashionable, attractive, boutique-style, and of good quality.  They even carry plus sizes, men's clothes, and kids and junior apparels -- again for only $5.99 or less.  Wouldn't you be glad to be able to afford great looking clothes at such affordable price?  Considering that everything is $5.99 or less at Fashion 599, you could just imagine how easy it would be to fill your wardrobe with lovely tops, pretty dresses, trendy skirts, and other apparels.  Now, that's what I call shopping galore!

Visit Fashion 599's website and subscribe by email to receive coupons and discounts on top of their very cheap $5.99 or less prices.  Like them on Facebook to get updates whenever new items are added.  Merchandise is limited and sells out fast, so hurry, check out Fashion 599 now, and if you find something you fancy, wait no more, grab 'em before someone else does ;)

Round neck open shoulder striped top - $5.99

Strapless short striped dress with decorative lace front tie - $5.99

Strapless flower patch decorative short layered dress - $5.99

Thanks Fashion 599 for the opportunity to review your merchandise!   I love all the items I bought and received from your store, and I can't wait to wear them all!  You can definitely add me to your regular customers from now on ☻

PS:  By the way, I'm 23 weeks' pregnant when photos above were taken ;)

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For a sneak peek of what's inside my closet, please visit:

WEDNESDAY APPAREL

And nope, they're not for sale ☺

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TUBE TOP

Tube top from Costa Blanca
Jeans from American Eagle

A tube top is a piece of clothing that is shoulderless and sleeveless and wraps around the upper body/torso.  Generally, tube tops are very tight over the chest/breast area, so as to prevent and avoid these garments from falling down.  This is usually achieved by using elastic material for the whole garment, or by simply putting a garter on top and/or bottom, and/or around the chest/breast area of the garment.  I read from Wikipedia that the first tube top was actually a "mistake," however, samples of the product were being distributed already.  Surprisingly, the tube top received positive reactions from the market, which placed them on shelves worldwide within a month or two.  It reached its peak in popularity in late '70s, and disappeared from the fashion scene in early to mid '90s.  It regained the limelight in 2000's, and with various versions of the style coming out, it has been "in" since then.

My only tip for ladies out there who are fond of wearing tube tops is that to make sure that you wear a nice undergarment with it.  Wardrobe malfunctions often happen, and you don't want to be caught wearing granny undies.  LOL.  Seriously, you don't want to flaunt unsightly things, so equip yourself with a good-looking and supportive undergarment, in case an "accident" happens (as they say).  Hehe!  In my case, I usually wear a bandeau over a strapless brassiere under a tube top.  I just can't afford a Janet Jackson nip slip moment! ☻

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WEDNESDAY APPAREL

And nope, they're not for sale ☻

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366 BLOG PHOTO CHALLENGE |

WATERPROOFED!

White hooded vest - Aeropostale
Thermal undershirt - Kohl's
Snow pants, jacket and gloves - thrift buy from
Wal-Mart

Recently, Vince and I went on a ski trip.  That was the first time we've gone to such, so we needed to buy the essentials including waterproof pants and jacket and thermal layers.  We did look up in the Internet what materials are appropriate for such winter activity, and we found out that cottons are definitely a no-no, for the main reason that cottons sup up water.  Wool, fleece and polyester are recommended.  You just never know how much rolling in the snow you'd end up doing, so the idea is to outfit yourself with something that does not absorb or trap water to keep yourself warm and dry ☻

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For a sneak peek of what's inside my closet, please visit:

WEDNESDAY APPAREL

And nope, they're not for sale ☻

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366 BLOG PHOTO CHALLENGE |

SILK PONYTAIL SCARVES

I guess I've pretty much established my love for purses and bags in my Coach-aholic post.  So today, I'm sharing what other anek-anek (stuff) I buy from Coach aside from purse.

Metallic leather purse and silk ponytail scarf from Coach

2011 Christmas present from Vince ♥

I read from the Internet that it was Babe Paley, an American socialite and style icon, who first tied a silk scarf into her purse handle in 1950s, and within a matter of weeks, women all over New York were emulating the style.  Well, well, well, six decades forward, and what do you know, her fashion statement remains a statement!

I have two silk ponytail scarves so far.  One is brown and gold with the signature "C" logo (which I pair with my white/brown and brown Coach bags) and the second is as seen in picture above (which I pair with my plain black and metallic Coach bags).  I find that leather, as opposed to other materials, are easier to upkeep and has the elegant look, so most of my recent bag purchases were leather.  Plus, I've already gotten over the signature "C" logo phase, so I now prefer getting the "plain" style and just accessorize it with a scarf.  Ain't that so babe? ☻

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For a sneak peek of what's inside my closet, please visit:

WEDNESDAY APPAREL

And nope, they're not for sale ☻

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COLOR CONNECTION | 366 BLOG PHOTO CHALLENGE

BUTTON-UP SHIRTS

One time (not too long after I got married) while shopping, I asked Vince to choose clothes for me.  He delightfully obliged and grabbed a button-up shirt from the rack.  He apparently had noticed that I need more of those shirts in my wardrobe, and suggested that I add them in my style.  If you want to see the shirt that Vince picked for me, you can read HERE, but since then, whenever we go shopping I always keep an eye out for button-up shirts ;)

My checkered pink, gray and white roll-up sleeves button-up shirt by H&M
Vince's white short sleeves button-up shirt by Guess

*Photo taken in Penn Wells Lodge, October 2011*

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For a sneak peek of what's inside my closet, please visit:

WEDNESDAY APPAREL

And nope they're not for sale ☻

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PINK FRIDAYS | PINK SATURDAYS

COACH-AHOLIC

Who loves bags and purses? Raise your hand!

Who wouldn't fall in love with this pretty little thing?

I do, and we have to admit, that most girls do, too.  It doesn't matter how many purse and bag of different colors and all sorts a girl has, but it always seems like she ain't got enough, right?  As to why? Beats me!

So yeah, guilty as charged, I'm indeed one of those ladies who has a tendency to hoard bags.  I've handed-me-down a lot already, only to give room for recent and future purchases.

Lately, I've made a resolution to keep myself from accumulating so much purses and handbags, and that is to stick on buying only from Coach.  Why Coach?  Because if I buy from an outlet store, I can get up to 80% off the regular price, and did I mention that there are two outlet stores nearby where I live? *grins*

Wait... does that sound like a resolution to you or rather a juxtaposition?  Think about it.  Hehe!

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WEDNESDAY APPAREL

And nope, they're not for sale ☻

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WEDNESDAY WHITES | THURSDAY BROWNIES | COLOR CONNECTION

BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE!

♪♫ I've got to go home - Oh baby, you'll freeze out there

Say, lend me your coat - It's up to your knees out there...

I really can't stay - Get over that hold out

Ahhh, but it's cold outside! ♪♫

Black and white wool coat from White House Black Market
Black leather gloves from Danier
Christmas decor courtesy of my neighbor ☺

I pray that this Christmas, may everyone find food on the table, shelter over our heads, clothes to keep us warm, and Christ in our hearts.  A blessed holiday season to everyone! 

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For a sneak peek of what's inside my wardrobe, please visit:

WEDNESDAY APPAREL

And nope, they're not for sale :D

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FLOWER POWER

After last week's two-piece episode, I decided that, for all mankind's best interest, I should clothe myself for this week's Wednesday Apparel.  Plus, I'm afraid I might catch some kind of virtual colds, pneumonia or any other yet unnamed virus brought on by exposing too much skin in the blogosphere, so you can all sit back, relax, and be assured that I'm putting on some clothes today.  Aren't we all relieved to hear that? ☺

☼ Floral dress

☼ Red and white striped bandeau from Aeropostale

☼ Silver charm bracelet by Swatch Bijoux

☼ Pink and silver flower wristwatch by Swatch

☼ Purse by Coach

☼ Silver necklace and earrings

☼ Sunglasses "borrowed" (and never returned) from the closet of my BFF! ♪♫ That's what friends are for ♪♫ *wink*

This photo was taken at the famous Floral Clock in Niagara Parks, Ontario in May 2010.   Coincidentally, I was wearing a floral dress and a somewhat floral wristwatch too.  The brown signature purse is my very first from Coach, and there is a funny, memorable story behind its purchase, which I hope to share on a separate post.  The sunglasses?  Ahhhhhmmmm, I think I already made it pretty clear above as to their whatabouts.  Hehe!  However, as to their whereabouts, ahhhhhmmmm, they fell in the river while I was whitewater rafting last year *Toinks*  If I haven't lost them, I am sure I would have returned them back to the rightful owner by now ☺ The charm bracelet and the wristwatch are from Vince given to me on separate occasions  ♥  And although not seen in the picture, anyone in the right mind would of course assume that I wasn't barefooted there, so I thought I'd mention that I was wearing a pair of Havaianas, which is again a gift from Vince ♥

Okay, beautiful amigas, that's enough vanity from me today :)  Ciao!

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For a sneak peek of what's inside my wardrobe, please visit:

WEDNESDAY APPAREL

And nope, they're not for sale :D

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ABC WEDNESDAY

THREE HUNKS AND A BEKI

What's inside my closet?  Swimsuits.  Yes.  I own a bunch of them.  So today's featured piece of clothing for Wednesday Apparel is no other than my:

Click on the picture to enlarge at your own risk :D

*Pink and white striped two-piece swimwear from Aerie.


Oh my gosh, I fervently hope that my blog doesn't crash or get corrupted or something because of this bikini-clad photo of me :D

'Nuff said :D  That's it for now!

...and yeah, I also have an itsy, bitsy, teenie weenie, yellow bikini... but I won't post it here, not until I have bought enough courage :D

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For a sneak peek of what's inside my wardrobe, please visit:

WEDNESDAY APPAREL

And nope, they're not for sale :D

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FALL APPAREL

Helloooo!!!  I'm back to once again contaminate the world a little more with my weekly dose of vanity :D

As you know, I have been on vacation mode since the first week of November, and hence, I missed on posting two Wednesday Apparel entries.  I would like to again thank my awesome blog network for the warm reception of this newly opened theme in my blog.  As I promised Rovie, being the early bird, first commenter in my launching post, I'm linking her up here today :)

For all who read my first Wednesday Apparel post, you already know the drill, but for the sake of those who haven't, it's my pleasure to reiterate that:

"Before you call the fashion police and have me arrested, please keep in mind that:

1.  Katie Holmes has had her fashion faux pas moments.
2.  HRH Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, so as her sister, Pippa Middleton, has recycled wardrobes.

So, if they can, why can't I??? :D"

Today's outfit is just another ordinary fall get-up.  I thought it's weird how the words "fall" and "get-up" came one after the other, and made perfect sense in this context.  Hehe!

Blue top from H&M.

Denim mini-skirt from Kohl's.

Brown belt from Kohl's.

Brown suede boots from Payless Shoe Source.

Blue wristwatch from Swatch.

I wore this outfit one fine fall day, when Vince and I went shopping at the King of Prussia Mall, the largest shopping mall on the East Coast of the United States.  When we got to one of the high-end stores there, a georgeous blonde sales associate was sporting a similar get-up.  She approached me and complimented, guess what, not my outfit but my hair.  LOL.  Oh well!

Okay, I don't want to poison anybody with too much of me, so I'm cutting this short now.  As always, comments, suggestions, reactions and constructive criticisms are very much welcome :)  Anything negative to say?  Bring them on!  I get to moderate them first anyway :p  Ciao!

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For a sneak peek of what's inside my wardrobe, please visit:

WEDNESDAY APPAREL

And nope, they're not for sale :D

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My share for:

WHAT I WORE WEDNESDAY |

WEDNESDAY APPAREL

My Norma Jean Polka Dotted Dress would like to say thank you to my blog pals who left her some compliments ;)  In that regard, and as inspired by Lainybellez, The Certified Fashionable Chic, I'm opening a new theme in my blog called, Wednesday Apparel.  Yes, as if the world doesn't have enough vain people, once a week I get to contaminate it more by spreading my share of vanity in the blogosphere :D  I just have to ask a little favor though.  Before you call the fashion police and have me arrested, please keep in mind that:

1.  Katie Holmes has had her fashion faux pas moments.
2.  HRH Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, so as her sister, Pippa Middleton, has recycled wardrobes.

So, if they can, why can't I??? :D

Moving on, here's my first entry for Wednesday Apparel:

Dress from H&M.
Sandals from Aldo.

What I love about the dress is its frilly style that brings out the girly girl in me :)  The color complements well my "morena" complexion.  The fabric is appropriate for warm summer weather.  To match the dress, I chose to wear a pair of olive green espadrille ankle-strap wedge sandals, which  I think not only added a touch of hue as well as summery effect to the ensemble.

Okay, that's enough for my weekly dose of vanity.  Comments, suggestions, reactions and constructive criticisms are very much welcome :)  Anything negative to say?  Bring them on!  I get to moderate them first anyway :p  Ciao!

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For a sneak peek of what's inside my wardrobe, please visit:

WEDNESDAY APPAREL

And nope, they're not for sale :D

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My share for:

WHAT I WORE WEDNESDAY | 366 BLOG PHOTO CHALLENGE |

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE HOUSE OF FASHIONS !!!

In line with the DREAM WEDDING GOWN CONTEST launched by the House of Fashions, Ms. Brenda Cruz recently made a big announcement regarding additional contest prizes.  Instead of one winner, the contest now extends its prizes, for a total of three winners!

Here is the breakdown of the prizes (*conditions apply):

1st PRIZE:

Dream wedding gown for the bride

Groom's wear

Maid of honor's dress

Best man's wear

Pre-nuptial photo shoot with Elgene Bautista Photography

Limousine service on the wedding day

Wedding cake

2nd PRIZE:

Dream wedding gown for the bride

Groom's wear

Maid of honor's dress

Best man's wear

Pre-nuptial photo shoot with Elgene Bautista Photography

3rd PRIZE:

Dream wedding gown for the bride

Groom's wear

Pre-nuptial photo shoot with Elgene Bautista Photography

*Please note that the above prizes are restricted only for participants whose wedding location is in the Philippines.  For outside Philippines, the winner's prize is limited to the bride's dream wedding gown.  Votes should reach 1k plus for winners to get above prizes.*

For more contest details, please click the links below:

DREAM WEDDING GOWN CONTEST

Update:  DREAM WEDDING GOWN CONTEST

HOUSE OF FASHIONS IN FACEBOOK

Update: DREAM WEDDING GOWN CONTEST

If you haven't checked out the DREAM WEDDING GOWN CONTEST post here yet, please do now.  I will be announcing updates here in my blog every now and then regarding the contest until it ends in December 2011, just so to keep readers posted especially those who are following this in particular.

So, here's what's going on:  Twelve couples have now joined the contest - meaning 12 brides-to-be are vying to win her dream wedding gown.  Whoever gets the most number of Facebook likes wins the contest.  Lest we forget, likers should like the House of Fashions page first before they like any contestant photo, or else the like is invalid ;)  Even if you are not interested in joining the contest, please be a doll and visit the House of Fashions page, and vote by liking a contestant(s).  I'm sure the eventual winner will appreciate those efforts you made to click and click, and consider that as a memorable wedding gift to that lucky winning couple ;)

Further contest details will be announced as well as tutorials regarding instructions/videos on how to obtain body measurements, etc., so please stay tuned!

By the way, for those who are wondering what's in store for me in this thing...  Ms. Brenda Cruz, the couturier/owner of House of Fashions, is a good friend of mine, and I wanted to help her with the promotions.  Blogging is free anyway, so might as well, right?  What are friends for? *wink*

DREAM WEDDING GOWN CONTEST

THE BRIDE

 by: Yours Truly

Her scent fills the cathedral air,
Her trailing dress sweeps the aisle,
Her lovely face beneath the veil,
Her groom awaits with a proud smile.

Are you planning to get married within the next year or two?  Do you picture yourself walking down the aisle on your wedding day wearing a lovely dress that you saw over the Internet or in a bridal magazine somewhere?  Can you almost hear the "oohs" and "aahs" of admiration from your guests?  Are you wishing upon a star that somehow Cinderella's fairy godmother would pop herself in front of you and just magically weave you're dream wedding gown with the twirl of her magic wand?  Then, wish no more because here's your chance to get that dream gown of yours for FREE !  Yap, you heard me right.  Ms. Brenda Cruz (couturier) has a contest up for any 2012/2013 bride-to-be for a chance to win a wedding gown of the bride's choice/style.

Here's the drill:

1.  Log in to Facebook and like this page:  House of Fashions

2.  Send/post a picture of the bride, and the couple's picture.

3.  **Whoever gets the most number of "likes" wins.

** "Likers" should "like" the House of Fashions page first before they "like" a picture.  Otherwise, the vote is invalid and will be deducted from the total "likes." (Wow, I've never used so many "like" in a sentence before.  Like, honestly, I swear.  I kinda like told myself, this is like, the first time.  Like, really! ^_^)

Sounds pretty easy, eh?  That's correct!  Once you've done the first two steps above, you just have to get as much people and friends to like the House of Fashions page, and then like your photo of course. 

As it stands now, there are five wishful brides vying for their dream wedding gown.  Hurry now and wait no more, and pass the word around!  If you know someone who's getting married in 2012/2013, tell them about this contest before it ends in December 2011.  For more details, please contact Ms. Brenda Cruz through House of Fashions.  Further instructions will be announced, so stay tuned.

For curious cats, below is a little teaser of Ms. Brenda Cruz's couture collection.  If you like to see more of her creation, please visit her page.

Rumour has it, the bride looked very seductive when she wore this gown that the groom couldn't take his eyes off her throughout the ceremony.  The who?  Haha!

You need more than Victoria's Secret helping bra to pull off a neckline as plunging as this (ahihihi!)

Wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses by Ms. Brenda Cruz

Isn't she lovely?

For more details, please contact this awesome talented lady, Ms. Brenda Cruz.

iCURLY

It seems like you can learn almost anything through the Internet nowadays - thanks to Google, Wiki, YouTube and all the other how-to and what-is-not blog/vlog sites out there in the cyberwold.

But guess what I stumbled upon today while doing my routine surfing?  Paper bag curls tutorial !

Since I am home alone and bored (housework pretty much done yesterday - I just need to bake coconut macaroons later for a lunch event tomorrow), I thought of giving my hair a little twist *wink wink*

To begin with, I have no idea how to use a curling iron nor do I own one. Yes, that's how primitive I am.

Below are evidence of my epic attempt to curl my hair using paper sans the heat. Apologies for the quality of the pics as these are merely iPhone shots and lighting did not cooperate. Ready? ;)

I don't know yet if this epic attempt will actually turn out to be an epic fail, as I am still playing the waiting game. I decided to leave them on for a few more hours in hopes of voluminous curl results, however, on second thought, I honestly think that the paper curls are cute, so I probably will just leave them on FOREVER :D

Kidding aside, I will definitely post after-photos regardless of the result. For the time being, let me get to my baking. After all, if this turns out to be an epic success, I deserve a treat ;)

See ya in a bit !

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