My 8th One Little Word...

2010 was a year of "Coming Home"… Coming Home to God. Coming Home to the ones who love me. Coming Home to where I belong. Coming Home to my own.

2011 was a year of “Preparation”... a year of building foundations. A year of preparing to grow up, preparing to fly, preparing to take big steps, preparing for big changes, preparing to be a wife, preparing to speak out, preparing to capture my dreams with two hands. 

2012 was a grand year of “Exploring” new places, a new relationship as a married person, exploring feelings, exploring ideas and so much more.

2013 was a year to “Create”. Creating memories, creating a business, creating a home, creating an improved DW, creating handmade, creating ways to help others who are less fortunate, creating new and lasting friendships and creating new adventures.

2014 was all about challenging myself to have a life filled with “Joy” and we had the best gift of our very own Sophia Joy.

2015 was a year to “Grow” all areas of my life, growing relationships with God, my husband, my family and friends , growing Hearts & Crafts, watching SJ grow, and growing my collection of happy moments.

2016 was when I needed to “Balance” – an even distribution of weight enabling someone to remain upright and steady. Balance all aspects of my life, relationships with God, family, husband, daughter, pet, friends, colleagues and community, my passions and myself.

For my 8^th year, 2017, participating in Ali Edwards #OLW movement [don't quite know how to catagorise this}, the word came so easily and naturally to me. In fact, when I was in Melbourne, Australia walking and browsing alone, I wondered to what word I would choose for the coming year. And I thought about what I wanted from the coming year, I wondered what it had in store for me and then the word came to me “Thrive”. I saw it a few more times in books, on cards, on posters…

To “Thrive” is to bloom, abound, flourish, develop, shine, grow, radiate, arrive, succeed, prosper, increase, bear fruit, get ahead, blossom, boom, progress… Such a rich word with so much meaning and depth.

So 2017 will be this, a year to “Thrive”. #OLW2017

I am already looking forward to it!

*smile smile*  *grin grin* 

Image from Live.Thrive.Love

Let's Create!

Yes I know this post has been a long time coming... So finally, after thinking about a few words for my One Little Word {OLW} for 2013 and my 31st year {with "live" being a close contender}, I have selected the word... *drumroll*... "Create". 

Create is quite a common word and I know that many people have used it in previous years but to me it is not a deterrent  Besides, OLW is not a contest to pick the most unique word and we don't really have to compare your OLW with others because the selection of that OLW is so special to each and every person. All of us have different experiences and are in different stages of life with varying wants, viewpoints and goals. So what made me decide on the word Create?

For one, I realised that I needed to concentrate more on a number of things and in some ways, they involved  the word create. Here are some examples of how I shall see my OLW coming into play this year.

Creating Memories ~ How can the word create not feature prominently when memories are concerned? I plan to create more good memories, not only ones that I store in my mind but also memories that can be taken out on days when it is needed - think photographs, mini albums, scrapbooking and etc. 

Creating a Business ~ I have already started Hearts & Crafts for about 10 months and it has been developing steadily but not has fast as I would like it to. I am setting myself some business goals for the year in the hopes that this keeps me disciplined to manage my business {however little it is} in a more organised manner.

Creating a Home ~ I would love to create a nicer more comfortable home for myself and B. I want to really work on Project Love Nest and organised, colour coordinate and pretty up my home. There are so many interior design ideas {just look at my previous posts and pinterest boards} whirling around in my mind and I can't wait to try some of them. And since we are maybe getting a new home, I can't wait to decorate it and possibly have a nook for my craft stuff *smiles smiles*

Creating a Improved DW ~ I love myself. Every part of myself for that matter but I have noticed bits that need some work. Be it physically, mentally or emotionally, I am going to improve. One of my main goals would be to be much better manager and to really try and do the best I can at work.

Creating Handmade ~ I have started making things again. Slowly but surely {me and my baby steps}. I have some projects up my sleeve and quite a number of ideas are already taking shape so its more of a 'lets get the party started' kind of thing and off we go creating! This year, I will create more handmade things. Things that I can proudly say I made *smiles* I have also started to join some card swaps which will be fun to do and I am always participating in Post Crossing 

And of course I am sure there will be more opportunities or things that I can tag the word 'create' to such as creating a family {God willing when we are ready}, create ways to help others who are less fortunate, creating new and lasting friendships and creating new adventures of the awesome variety. I hope you enjoyed reading about my OLW for 2012 and my 30th year 'explore' and my new OLW 'create'. Here's to creating a wonderful and memorable 2013 and 31st year!!! *smiles smiles grin grin* 

Seen here

The List ~ Update 2

On 16 January I started with "The List" a compilation of 52 things for me to do in 2012. It is a really long list and to be honest I stopped referring to it because the list was super long and instead just lived each day as it happened ~ I think my list this year will be shorter so its easier to manage I reckon....Anyways, I did however, take stock of where I was on "The List" and wrote a post about it titled "The List - Update 1" on 5 May.

Since today is the 31 December, I thought it apt to provide a final update before 2013 happens! So, here goes folks... {OK.. I technically updated this on the 31 December but only managed to put in the pictures and etc. today ~ tsk tsk tsk! But better late then never. Enjoy!}Presenting "The List ~ Update 2".

1. Make time to be with God. To pray. To listen to His promptings and to just be with Him.

Update: To be perfectly honest, this year is the first time in all my 30 years to have missed mass so many times. It is indeed appalling. I will not try to make excuses for my actions but rather I think the lack of attendance boils down to not putting God first {shame on you DW!} and for not staying with my family. Since moving to my Love Nest, I dread to ask B to bring me to church since the weekend is sometimes the only time he gets to himself, yet he has almost always brought me to church and has on occasion reminded me to go as well. In terms of praying regularly, I find myself talking more to God but have been slack in reading the Bible daily. It is such a challenge to sit down quietly when my mind is buzzing with things to do or things that has happened. So this is definitely something that will be on my list in 2013 and hopefully I will be more diligent in setting aside time to be in God's presence, to pray and to read the Bible more. I think I should also plan my weekends a little better so that I fit in time to go to church.

2. To live in the moment.

Update: Ahhhh… I think I became better at this ‘living in the moment’ thingy half way through the year and even more so after the honeymoon. I don’t quite know what the trigger was but suddenly I began to do things that I would not normally do, I stopped taking everything too seriously, I Laughed loudly and more heartily, I listened and immersed myself in music, I cried till my soul ached, I put my passion into the things I enjoyed and loved like “Hearts & Crafts” for example. I still have a long long list of ‘things to do’ in my mind but I have decided to let some things go. This will also be on my list in 2013 because I want to live in the moment for all things because it has made my life so much richer.

3. Enjoy and savour my Wedding even if there are so many things that are not in our control.

Update: I still have not done and epic post for the wedding. I really should. Perhaps for my first year anniversary. But yes, the wedding was epic. Definitely a highlight of 2012. Will check this off my list for sure.

4. Learn how to sew something {ornaments, pouches, pillow cases… whatever. Just sew!}

Update: The cross stitching has been abandoned because of “Hearts & Crafts” and the several other projects I am dabbling in. However, I have made cloth pinwheels which does involve some minimal sewing of buttons… LOL! I wanted to also join a class to sew a tote bag and am hoping that I can fit that in before my 31st birthday. Let’s see how it goes. But, will definitely want to continue learning how to sew or use sewing in my projects to come *smiles*

5. Launch “The Knick Knack Box” proper

6. Plan, prepare and photograph items for “The Knick Knack Box”

One of the most awesomest news of 2012 for me would be not the launch of “The Knick Knack Box” but instead, the launch of “Hearts & Crafts”. The name “Hearts & Crafts” seemed to suit me so much better and I loved it when Joy recommended it to me. The design of the logo and the concept for “Hearts & Crafts” was developed in mid May and “Hearts & Crafts” officially started on 24 June, a day of new beginnings. I have so many awesome ideas for “Hearts & Crafts” in 2013 and can’t wait to start on them *woot woot*

7.   Start working on my play lists for Lexy {Lexy is my new Samsung Galaxy II phone}

Update: Ok. I hate reading manuals. So no, I have not started any play lists. I have however expanded my musical interests to include rave music, super emo music and whatever interesting things I find on youtube. I might not want to make play lists for Lexy anymore, but play lists for perhaps cooking, relaxing, sleeping, dancing and etc. A definite thing to do in the New Year.

8.   Think about different kinds of posts for My Little Piece of Heaven

Update: I really did think about different kinds of posts for this little blog of mine but I don’t seem to have the time to really blog this year to be honest. It’s a pity to be honest. Anyways, on a side note, I hope to revamp the site for “Hearts & Crafts” in 2013. I want to give it more life and a more “me” feel *snickers*

9.   Pack, pack and pack to move into the Love Nest

Update: I have moved quite a number of things over but realised that with the Love Nest being the size that it is {compact}, there is just no space for B’s and my things. Every nook and cranny of the Love Nest has stuff *egad* am trying hard to clear the space but its super tough when the things aren’t mine. In 2013, I hope to decorate and store things in more efficient and appealing way… and who knows, we might even get a new awesome landed property to call home *keeps hoping*

10. Get down to a 'friendlier' weight

Update: There was one time that I was doing well and going down but its taken a turn for the worse. I actually mentioned it to the doctor when I went to get some meds and he said the easy weight gain could be due to stress and hormones! *egad* Anyways, needless to say, I will need to continue this and I am going to really try making it down to a ‘friendlier’ weight. It’s tough when your husband tells you to exercise and that you look fat. Obviously the whole ‘round is a shape’ or ‘there is more for you to love’ will not work here *super fails* *sigh*

11. Get highlights

Update: Done! I looked awesome *huhuhuhu* Problem is I gotta do it again cos the colours are uneven now. Perhaps before my 31st birthday and CNY… hmmm… what colour should I get?

12. Perm my hair

Update: So the perm thing obviously didn’t work. After getting short-ish hair, I went crazy and cut it even shorter, around my ears or so. I liked the lightness of my head, the easy maintenance and the whole different look I had … but then I got kind of sick of looking like a chubby boy and decided to grow out my hair again. I really want a good perm next year, so this is super going to be

on my list in 2013.

13. Remember to be more grateful for the things in my life – try writing one grateful thing a day

Update: Did not manage to write down my daily grateful thing but like I have mentioned, have been more thankful and observant of God’s blessings. Will continue to be grateful daily {and hopefully will be able to write the one grateful thing a day}.

14. Go to Europe and ROCK it {slight snag encountered but am positive it will be okay}.

Update: What can I say, Europe was EPIC!!! It wasn’t all that I had hoped it would be to be honest but it was just awesome to be at all these different places, smelling the different smells, looking at things that once belonged on postcards or documentaries and meeting new people and trying new food and drinks. This exploring and adventuring is addictive. I believe this wanderlust in me will never go away. Am daydreaming about my next trip to Europe already!

15. Remember to document the Europe trip well

Update: I tried my best to document the trip. I took about 4,000 photos {which I have yet to editor sort} and hope that it is good enough for the both of us to piece together the things we did and the places we visited. Did manage to keep some bits and bobs which will come in handy when I decide and finally do a mini album of our trip *smiles*

16. Go for at least two local holidays {Cameron Highlands? Langkawi? Malacca? Thistle PD?}

Update: Awesome possum! I managed to go to Thistle PD, Awanmulan in Jelebu, Seremban {I just got back from there a few hours ago} and Malacca {stopped by for a makan session before going back to KL}. B and I have decided to do a couple of these short holidays at least twice a year next year too! *woot woot*

17. Brush up on my photography skills 

Update: I don’t think I managed to write a post about this gorgeous new toy of mine which is a shame. Another shame would be how I did not use the new toy often. 2013 will see that change fur sure!

18. Try my best to get rid of the procrastination problem

Update: I am still trying!!! *snickers* but procrastination is a serious habit to break. Some days are of course better than others. Will remain on my list till I see some improvements in my time management.

19. Get into the habit of handwriting letters / post cards to friends overseas

Update: YAY!!! Not only did I handwrite the letters, I also started doodling again. In part through

the encouragement of GW, a new colleague of mine. But yar, more handwritten and personalised letters to be part of 2013. There is just such awesomeness in handwritten/drawn/doddled letters or pictures, don’t you think?

20. Organise my photos {soft & hard copies}

Update: The photos has exploded ~ both hard copies and soft. The good news, I have a new hard disk which means more space to save my stuff and I also developed some hard copies of my wedding photos and have sent them out to Philip and the Eatons. A few more packs of photos to send in 2013 ~ yay!

21. Arrange my new reading/craft room

Update: The room is in a mess due to the numerous things that both B and I own. Have been arranging my arts and crafts supplies but I really really need new space or better storage space! Here’s to having a cleaner, bigger {hopefully} and more organised reading/craft room.

22. Endeavour to cook at least once a month

Update: I don’t think I managed to cook at least once a month, but I can safely say that I did cook more this year than in my entire life. I have almost perfected my stew and Bolognese sauce. I definitely want to try new recipes in 2013. Let’s hope it tastes good. *woot woot*

23. Try making 12 cakes / cookies this year

Update: Ok. This one is an epic FAILS! With so many things going on, baking was something that I really could not take on. Perhaps next year though this is quite tough to gauge since I don’t have the right baking tools and would need to go to my mum’s place to borrow her stuff…. Let’s see how it goes. I might however reduce the amount to 6 instead *huhuhu*

24. Start creating art {mini albums included ~ hehehe} 

Update: Have managed to create art thanks to “Hearts & Crafts”. More inspiration to come in 2013 ~ confirmed!

25. Start creating mini albums for: the Trip to Philippines and Vietnam, Project Love Nest, Project Happily Ever After

Update: LOL! Another utter scuff moment. No mini albums yet, but I managed to sort out things into bags so that it will be easier to get the memorabilia when I want to do the mini albums.

26. Look for more fulfilling careers

Update: Life has always given me many twists and turns but none like PC, a public relations consultancy that I am now working in. I have been working with them for close to 6 months already and at times my stint at the hovel hardly seems real. Anyways, I wanted to leave PC about 3-4 months into my time there but then I realised that maybe it wasn't the place that was the problem, it could in fact be me. I lie, there are some things in the company that are just like ‘wth’ but I reckoned that running away from things that I am not happy about would only make me a quitter and a quitter I am not. So I changed my mindset, decided to fully focus on my clients and to just try my best. I think this was one of the best things I have done for myself this year. To take a risk and join PC and to have the courage to look inward, change and to ultimately decide to stay instead of taking the easy way out and leave the company. Here’s to a good 2013 at PC with less cray cray demanding clients.

27. Backup all my files on the external hard drive

Update: The backing up of files is a never ending process. I have a new hard disk coming and I think I need to re-file everything in a more organised manner soon…ish! LOL!!!

28. Try a 30/31 day photo challenge {see here, here, here, here, here, here, and here}

29. Try snapping a photo a day {this is one awesome project}

Update: Managed to do a couple of these photo challenges. Not easy and I failed for some months but to do one. Will definitely try again this coming year *happy snapping!*

30. Sell all the things I don't quite need

Update: Have been pretty good at this. I have sold more books this year and have sold some stationery and etc. via “Hearts & Crafts”.  There are still so many things to sell or give away.

31. Organise my craft items

Update: Have sorta organised my craft items but it was done hurriedly so it may not be like super awesome. Will hopefully have more space for my craft stuff soon.

32. Delete toxic people from my life

Update: Either I have become more tolerant or toxic people have just become a dying breed. Either ways, I might go through FB and delete some toxic or unpleasant people on my FB.

33. Bring Belle the beagle out for more walks

Update: Ma has been awesome bringing Belle for walks but have instead tried to teach her new tricks. There is this whole conundrum now as my dad wants to give Belle away. Belle to be honest has become to spoilt that she doesn’t listen to them and barks heaps and tries to eat everything that she can get a hold off. Anyways, I don’t know what the future will hold for Belle and us but I know one thing for sure is that I love her and want her to be happy above all else.

34. Learn more about marketing online, social media and branding

Update: Learning never stops. Have to read up on my tech stuff now too!!!

35. Stop comparing myself to others

Update: There are moments when I love my life and am super confident and then there are days when I compare myself with others for the most ridiculous of things and get upset for nothing. Nevertheless, I feel a mass improvement now so the comparing is less *yipeee*

36. Read at least 20 books this year

Update: I honestly don’t know if I managed to read 20 books but I think I hit about 15 or so. I gotta sit down and do a real count. Still a good effort I think. Here’s to 20 books in 2013 *woot woot*

37. Catalogue all my books

Update: GULP! Zilch. Nada. Let’s move along. I don’t quite think this is necessary {not in the near future anyways} .

38. Stop buying new books {unless I really really need it!} *snickers*

Update: How can I resist books? It’s not right. But yar… I did buy quite a number of books but mostly all cheaper or on sale. Books and I will always have this thing together ~ LOL!

39. Try my hardest to fit some form of exercising into my week {walking in shopping centres count}

Update: I need to walk more or to do some exercising that involves me actually physically exerting myself for a couple of minutes. A good thing though, B and I participated in the Terry Fox Run 2012 along with quite a number of the consultancy I work for.

40. Put at least 15% of my salary into the FD account

Update: LOL! I obviously wasn’t thinking right when I wrote this. I have not been able to do this but I think it something I need to inculcate in myself in 2013 if I intend to go on nice holidays or to furnish my home.

41. Start creating my photobooks

Update: Photobooks!!! *gulp* I have a few more to use thanks to my itchy hopeful fingers who bought several Groupon vouchers. Here’s to making more photosbooks for the New Year.

42. Try to do a facial monthly

43. Buff my nails at least once in three weeks

Update: I can’t remember the last time I went for a facial though I did buff my nails last month I really need to work on this beautifying thing. I need to maintain my youthfulness *snickers*

44. Limit my ice blended coffees

Update: BLEH! For the whole year, I did limit my ice blended coffees but come Christmas time, well it is the time when I drink the most Starbucks beverages. The Christmas drinks are just yums. 

45. Drink more water and tea

Update: Have started drinking milk and oats in the mornings for breakfast. I kinda like milk *smiles* but may need more tea. Drinking more water never hurt anyone as well *snickers*

46. Eat more fish, fruit and vegetables

Update: I am not very good with this. Had several new fruit this year though. Perhaps I will need to relook my diet for next year if I truly do intend to go down to a ‘friendlier’ weight.

47. Downsize my wardrobe

48. Go through my shoe collection and discard old shoes

Update: This is an on-going process as I unearth more old things. Definitely an on-going project in 2013.

49. Catalogue my Eeyore collection

Update: huhuhuhu… a pet project that never took of. Perhaps in 2013?

50. Do at least two MAD (Making A Difference) projects {visiting an orphanage, volunteering at a soup kitchen and etc.}

Update: I have not done any projects but have been donating money to random people whom I think need it. Will try my best to do two MAD projects next year.

51. Search and try new restaurants and cafes.

Update: Have been trying new places every now and then but its not quite cheap to eat out in PJ/KL. So instead, I have been trying new dishes in old places *snickers* Will love to continue exploring for new places to eat in 2013.

52. Just be me!

Update: I have definitely smiled more, laughed more, sung out loud more, told more stories and jokes and just enjoyed being clumsy, slightly geeky me. I have become more snug in my own skin and have come to accept myself as I am. I also see myself learning new things and evolving to be a better version of myself *hoorah*

Note: All photos from DW's pinterest collection

~* Hello 2013 *~

Hello 2013 and goodbye 2012!

*happy happy joy joy*

"Despite the disappointments, the heartaches 

and the lost of loved ones... 

2012 was filled with adventure, exploring galore, 

happiness, many blessings and 

lots of wonderfully epically awesome moments. 

Thank you God for everything."

My Facebook status update above pretty much sums 

up what I want to say and how I feel about the close of 2012.

I love the 1st of January every year. Everything feels new and fresh.

Like life has given you one more chance to mend your ways.

You get to turn over a new leaf. 

The old year with its unpleasantness is gone...

but yet, although I enjoy opening up a new diary, penning things

down on a new calendar and buying new stationery, 

I realise that every day, every hour, minute and second is new.

So really, we don't quite need a new year to start afresh. 

We can begin anytime we want... all you need is a willing heart.

Having said that however, I will still be churning out a new

'list' of things I hope to do in 2013 along with my selected 

'One Little Word' for 2013. There are also several posts

that I will be developing which just recaps 2012.

Till then though, I wish all of you a very 

Blessed and Happy New Year. 

I hope and pray that God will grant us

a wonderfully, epically awesome 2013!

I love new beginnings.
It's awesome to be able to start all over again. 
The past erased and put away... 
the future out there, waiting to be explored.
It fills me with such hope, excitement and joy.
I ljust love new beginnings.

letters from the dead

It's been a long day of cleaning the house in preparation for Christmas and the New Year. Besides that, I have been sorting old boxes {especially my old boxes from my previous job @ the bank} and feeling pangs of nostalgia. Sifting through things tends to bring up old memories long forgotten but they are good stuff nonetheless. I also had some time to doodle, read, have a drink and spend time with my mum and Belle my beagle... so all in all it was a long day but a good one *smiles*

I finally found a birthday card/letter that Adam gave me for my 24th birthday and it was so good to read something from. Letters from the dead... sounds morbid but in fact it comforted me {am thinking about writing a short story, a script, a poem or just a piece on this... "letters from the dead"}. I wish I could have told him that I did value his friendship and it would have been so good if we could have spent more time being friends. 

Anyways, its late and I am rambling on. This time last week, I was so pumped up with dancing at the rave and Daves and I were probably stuffing our face with chocolate chip cookies and sleeping in the back seat while G drove us to the Big Bad Wolf Sale. Note to self,  never shop for books after a rave or party or a drinking session. 

15 more days till the new year. Am not quite ready to say goodbye to 2012, there are heaps more things to do and 15 more days is not enough for everything ~ egad! We will see how it goes. Still thinking of that 'One Little Word'. Explore is such a tough word to outdo!! *grin grin* but it sure was an excellent word for 2012.

The List ~ Update 1

      Dear Blog Readers,

On 16 January, I wrote a post titled "The List" which comprised of 52 things to do and since time has passed us by so very quickly and we are more than a quarter way through 2012, thought I would just take stock of where I currently am and update the rest of your readers out there of what has been going on in my life.

So enjoy this rather long list and feel free to drop me any questions about "The List".

1.   Make time to be with God. To pray. To listen to His promptings and to just be with Him.

Update: I have tried my best to pray more regularly. It’s not to be honest such a dramatic change to my prayer life, but I find myself speaking more to God and am disciplining myself to read the Bible more. A pastor told us during a Christian Fellowship gathering at work that we do not have to say prayers that are long and lengthy but short, sweet, simple and frequent prayers from the heart is what is needed and I think that he is right. Hence I am giving that a try… short, sincere and frequent prayers.

2.   To live in the moment.

Update: I have been trying to soak up new experiences. To enjoy the atmosphere, the smells, the sounds, the tastes, the feelings … and it works. I find that I enjoy things more now. I need to just learn to relax and not over think things but to just stay in the moment and live it instead of thinking about the ever growing “to-do” list in my head. 

3.   Enjoy and savour my Wedding even if there are so many things that are not in our control.

Update: The wedding was epic!!! It deserves a post of its own and I will be developing one. {I know I promised a post ages ago but things have been picking up on my end, so please bear with me with me.}

4.   Learn how to sew something {ornaments, pouches, pillow cases… whatever. Just sew!} 

Update: Dear readers, you will be glad to know that I have tried my hand at sewing. I started with a heart shaped ornament and I would love to take photos of it but it looks so out of shape that I shudder to photograph it. I obviously have to work on the sewing but I shall not give up. I have also re-opened my cross-stitch box and picked up an old pattern that I started several years ago. It’s getting there and will definitely post up photos of it once I am done. I forgot how therapeutic cross stitching can be.

5.   Launch "The Knick Knack Box" proper

6.   Plan, prepare and photograph items for The Knick Knack Box

Update: I have sadly not taken the time to photograph nor meddle around with The Knick Knack Box. I plan to start working on it on the first week of May.

7.   Start working on my play lists for Lexy {Lexy is my new Samsung Galaxy II phone}

Update: Ok. I have not done this either. I have also not read the manual for the phone and thus have not maximised its usage just yet. Btw, it sucks to surf the interweb on my phone as my service provided Digi, sucks big time! I can’t cancel the subscription as I am with a two year contract with them *grumbles mumbles*

8.   Think about different kinds of posts for My Little Piece of Heaven

Update: I have already thought about the different kinds of posts for this little blog of mine and am fine tuning it. Will definitely post about the new changes when they take place.

9.   Pack, pack and pack to move into the Love Nest

Update: I have packed several boxes to the Love Nest however a huge amount of stuff is still at my parents place reason being is that my husband has yet to clean up the closet and make room for me. I plan to do quite a bit of shifting in May.

10. Get down to a 'friendlier' weight

Update: Am eating lesser rice and lesser snacks. The next step is to cut down on desserts, sugary drinks and soda. Of course there are plans to also exercise as often as possible {wish me luck… I am quite sloth-ish}.

11. Get highlights

Update: Need to save for highlights so this will be something that is for later on in the year.

12. Perm my hair

Update: The freaking perm failed and spoiled my hair at the same time. The miserable curls lasted for a day and then prompty lost itself in the days after that leaving my hair in a dry mess. So instead of perming my hair again at a more expensive hairdresser {I bought a Groupon from my perm and the hairdresser was kind of sucky}, I decided to go to my old hair dresser and chop it all off. So, goodbye long long long hair which I have kept for my wedding. Hello short-ish hair ~ slightly above the shoulder.

13. Remember to be more grateful for the things in my life – try writing one grateful thing a day

Update: I have not been able to remember to write one grateful thing a day however, I am more aware of the many blessings I have and am continued to be reminded about it. Thank you God for everything.

14. Go to Europe and ROCK it {slight snag encountered but am positive it will be okay}.

Update: The snag that we hit was that the airlines that we had originally bought tickets from {Air-freaking-Asia} cancelled their route to Paris and London. We were given several options {read here for the full story} and we decided at the end of the day to just purchase new tickets. It was sad that we had to pay quite a bit more for new tickets with another airline but this is a once in a lifetime trip for both B and I and we both decided that the price was okay. So as of today, the flights to Paris and the internal flights around Europe have been booked. More on this on another post ~ it is definitely going to be an interesting post for us *smiles smiles grins grins*

15. Remember to document the Europe trip well

Update: Note to self to remember!

16. Go for at least two local holidays {Cameron Highlands? Langkawi? Malacca? Thistle PD?}

Update: Can you believe it? I have already gone on two local holidays *Yay! Yay!* I went to Cameron Highlands a week before my wedding and stayed at a lovely bungalow and had such a quiet relaxing time with B and my close friends. And the second trip was in Malacca with my host family and B after my wedding. Both B and I played tour guide to my host family the Eaton’s as they came down from Australia to celebrate with our families and B and I at our wedding. This warrants at least two posts and I have heaps of photos from both trips mostly unedited yet.

17. Brush up on my photography skills (see here, here, and here}

Update: I have not brushed up on photography skills as of yet but I did however get an awesome new camera. Yet another post to come about this gorgeous new toy of mine! *woot woot*

18. Try my best to get rid of the procrastination problem

Update: Rome wasn’t built in a day and I am still struggling with this. Some days are good and some days I slide back to where I first started which is procrastination central! *huhuhu*

19. Get into the habit of handwriting letters / post cards to friends overseas

Update: Have yet to start doing this however, the materials are all ready!

20. Organise my photos {soft & hard copies}

Update: Organised my photos on my hard disk. So now, I would need to tackle the hard copies instead ~ the more difficult task to be honest! *gulp*

21. Arrange my new reading/ craft room

Update: Am in the midst of doing this. Got two new book shelves into the room {thanks to my handy man husband!} and am bringing in more of my things in May.

22. Endeavour to cook at least once a month 

Update: I made pasta in January and subsequently did not make anything in February, March and April. I did however make awesome instant curry noodles and meatballs and sausages. Am thinking that May may be the month to cook more dishes.

23. Try making 12 cakes / cookies this year

Update: I went for a macaron baking class last month with a good friend of mine Yin Yin. This class warrants a post on its own so I will share this some other time but as for making any other baked goodies, nothing yet. Perhaps in May… *snickers*

24. Start creating art {mini albums included ~ hehehe} Inspiration: here, here, and here.

Update: Nothing yet for this as well though I have jotted down quite a few ideas. Small steps! Small steps!

25. Start creating mini albums for: the Trip to Philippines and Vietnam, Project Love Nest, Project Happily Ever After

Update: Nothing yet as well.

26. Look for more fulfilling careers

Update: Have update my resume and have been applying for various jobs the past month. Nothing awesome has turned up yet, but I am ever hopeful that something great is going to come my way. If you know of any good jobs in corporate communications or public relations, drop me an email, k?

27. Backup all my files on the external hard drive

Update: I did the best that I could however my hard drive is full. Will be buying a new 2 terrabyte hard drive soon.

28. Try a 30/31 day photo challenge {see here, here, here, here, here, here, and here}

29. Try snapping a photo a day {this is one awesome project}

Update: Nope. Have not done both of this yet!

30. Sell all the things I don't quite need

Update: Am still in the midst of going through my old things. Who knew I had so much stuff… okay I suspected it but to actually go through all the stuff takes time. Lots and lots of time.

31. Organise my craft items

Update: Can’t wait to do this as half of my supplies are at the Love Nest and the other half is at my parent home.

32. Delete toxic people from my life

Update: Am still quite a softie {more like an idiot at times} so have not really gotten rid of them toxic people in my life.

33. Bring Belle the beagle out for more walks

Update: Have managed to bring Belle the beagle out for more walks and luckily my mum has been so kind as to bring her for works almost daily since I don’t live at home anymore. Thanks ma!

34. Learn more about marketing online, social media and branding

Update: I am learning new things each day through the interweb and through talking to friends from other departments. There are always new things to learn however and sometimes I get overwhelmed. One step at a time I tell myself ~ it works most of the time!

35. Stop comparing myself to others

Update: Easier said than done but am trying to be grateful for everything that I have been blessed with.

36. Read at least 20 books this year

Update: Managed to read a few books already. More on this soon. Am in the midst of reading “Clash of Kings” from George R.R. Martin of Game of Thrones fame and Cecelia Ahern’s book “The Book of Tomorrow”. So far am on track and will begin 'The Hunger Games Trilogy" soonest *woot woot* 

37. Catalogue all my books

Update: Not started on this at all though it would be quite a project indeed!

38. Stop buying new books {unless I really really need it!} *snickers*

Update: I really needed wanted those new books… I about maybe 7 new books?? Some of them include “The Hunger Games” trilogy, George R.R. Martin’s new book

39. Try my hardest to fit some form of exercising into my week {walking in shopping centres count}

Update: I have been walking more than usual… does that count? I think it does *hehehe* Will definitely need to do a little bit more each day so that I can loose some extra unneeded weight.

40. Put at least 15% of my salary into the FD account

Update: Hmmm… I wonder what possessed me to write this down. Am trying my best to start saving but its really not easy at all. Baby steps really do apply here.

41. Start creating my photobooks

Update: Have done three photobooks already. One for my Bali trip which turned out really really nicely {photos up soon}, one that I gifted to Brian for our one month anniversary {one page was torn and another two pages were crinkly} and one more for Belle the beagle {yet to deliver the mini album}. Will be buying a few more photobooks for our wedding photos.

42. Try to do a facial monthly

43. Buff my nails at least once in three weeks

Update: Both these things have NOT happened. I plan to go in May and start buffing soonest!

44. Limit my ice blended coffees

Update: Have successfully managed to cut down my ice blended or iced coffees *yay yay* I just need to keep it up.

45. Drink more water and tea

Update: Am trying my best to do this. Have also added milk to the list.

46. Eat more fish, fruit and vegetables

Update: Definitely have eaten more fish however fruit and vegetable intake remain low at the moment. Maybe I should try more juices.

47. Downsize my wardrobe

48. Go through my shoe collection and discard old shoes

Update: Will be doing this when I move the things over from my new house to the old house.

49. Catalogue my Eeyore collection

Update: Not the most important thing to do at the moment but would love to do the catalogue this year! *smiles*

50. Do at least two MAD (Making A Difference) projects {visiting an orphanage, volunteering at a soup kitchen and etc.}

Update: Have not done anything yet either *tsk tsk tsk*.

51. Search and try new restaurants and cafes.

Update: Have tried a few new places. Nothing stands out though. Am making a list with B on places to try. Shall write about that I when I have a good nice list.

52. Just be me!

Update: *smiles* I think I have done this quite well. I have smiled more, laughed more, sung out loud more, told more stories and jokes and just enjoyed being clumsy, slightly geeky me.

All photos from DW's pinterest collection