CMK READS : THE LITTLE BOOK OF QUIET

Christmas can be a double edged sword, isn't it? It can drive you nervous and frenzied due to the many things you need to accomplish before 25th or it can be seen as a date for you and your loved ones rendesvous.

That's the beauty of a human life - we get to choose our battles. 
It would be nicer if we're aware of such a fact, 90% of the time.

I chanced upon this book at Watestones bookstore, months ago. Ironically, I picked this up when my mind was spinning with so many things. It's a tiny little book celebrating the beauty of solitude and being comfortable in one's self.

In relation to Christmas, here are some things I gleaned over from the book.

Listening is a sign of Love

Do you notice that if you're with someone who's important to you, it doesn't matter what he (or she) is talking about? You just want to immerse yourself to whatever interest him (or her). Why the sign of love? Because as an individual, it's innate for us to talk about ourselves. Our wants, views, take on things - but did it dawn on you that we have 2 ears and 1 lips? Hence, we should listen twice as much as we speak.

And when you love someone, you should listen. And do it genuinely.

Make it a Habit to Reflect

Most of us are not comfortable with ourselves. Case in point: When we're alone, we put on the telly, the radio or whatever to 'fill in the void'. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of life - we need to look back and assess what's to 'throw' and 'keep' in our life.

BEAUTY RAVES : SOMETHING FROM H&M BEAUTY (BLUSHES), NARS (BRONZER) AND L'OREAL (PRIMER)

There are three makeup items I'd been using non-stop these days. As much as I'd like to do a full-on review for each, I have to be honest - I don't have the jest to do it anymore. I can't take a picture, swatch, upload and do a blow by blow review. Not ideal, I know - but I'd rather be real. I think this blog is morphing into a share-life experience type of thing {which will include product recos, etc.} rather than a mainstream, advertisement driven platform. It's more authentic, this way.

H&M Cream Blushers

Recently, H&M relaunched their beauty avenue and I've been hearing lots of good reviews specially on their single eye shadows and blushes. I fancy cream blushes due to its staying power. I got mine in Peachy Pink and Cameo Brown, I think it's called. It's velvety and easy to apply. Price is just about right at £7.00 each.

NARS Laguna Bronzer

It's been a long time coming. Before, I can't get to spend £27.00 for a bronzer, but having tried this - I can now attest that it's worth it. Product is not too opaque so you have to swipe some more especially when you have an olive skin like me. However, you can't overdo this beauty. I don't know - it may have some form of a magic potion in there that makes your face look glowy after!

LONDON DIARY : IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS

This week has been action packed so far for yours truly. Monday, I got a back to back Pilates & Yoga session. Tuesday, I met some of my friends as one of them (Hello, B!) is bound to go back to Manila for good. Wednesday, I went to Central London to arrange some important stuff in the morning and come after-office, finally saw Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland! Today's Thursday and I'm about to go to a coffee shop to meet some friends and pick up my Daniel Wellington watch from UPS. Yes, Black Friday sale, people.

PS: That's not a true snow, btw. It doesn't snow as much in London these years, so I've heard. To me, this is good news because that allows people to still bask outside and make the most of day light.

Thought of sharing my OOTD. If you can sense a haphazard smile, no make-up look and bags all-over, that's because this is impromptu. Special thanks to Marc for snapping these albeit some weird looks from passers-by. Ahh, the lengths you'll go through being a blogger :D

Khaki Parka with Faux Fur Hood from New Look | Cowl Neck Top from Zara

Wool Grey Skrit from Zara | Cream Bag from Zara | Boots from Parfois

By the way, here's a sneak peek of what Hyde Park Winter Wonderland looks like...
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SCRIBBLED NOTES #38 : CHANGES

First day of December! CHRISTMAS! It's a norm in the UK to put up Christmas decors when the calendar hits December. Any date earlier than that is a bit too much {at least for them}. Anyways, I am thinking of publishing a series of post this month because a) I was MIA the past month quarter and b) It's fun to put in your escapades and feelings during the most wonderful time of the year, ain't it? But then again, I don't want to make promises I can't keep so let's just see how it goes.

What an oxymoron, that picture! This creepy shot was taken in a cemetery at Cotswold and needless to say it's more apt during November. Heheh. What's my learning experience recently?

PRIORITIES CHANGE

Quick story: I joined a blog writing contest and didn't make it to the finals. The old Kristine may have whined and be upset but I was deciphering my feelings about this... Turned out that really, I didn't feel any remorse etc. Maybe because these days, relationships and real-life experiences are more important to me rather than accolades. This is not to say craving for success is bad.

Point is: We will definitely come to a point in our life when we know for what (and for whom) we wake up for.

TIME IS A COMMODITY

It's slowly becoming a cliche due to its repetitiveness but think about it one more time {no pun intended}. Time is something that you can never get back. So we owe it to ourselves to make the most out of life. If someone will come up to you and ask: What do you really want? Do you have a ready answer for that? It need not be something as profound as world peace. It can be as simple as, I want my salted caramel coffee today, and make it extra hot.

Point is: You have to fight strive for happiness. And be with someone you love as frequent as possible.