POLYVORE INSPIRATION | No Min Woo

No Min Woo by hellounicorn featuring clear jewelry

Indulge me #2

Sincerity and compromises.

Today is one of those days where I again think way too much about people and life in general. Rain has always this unbelievable power on me to doubt everything I'm doing and living for.
First of all I wonder whether I really take myself seriously. I always thought I do, however today I realise if I do, why do I spend so much time watching TV, dreaming and counting the time to see someone special when I should better put my life together.
Don't misunderstand me, it's not that out of control, but there are still some pieces which fly around. Making myself happy is something I learnt some months ago, yet right now I catch myself how I base my whole happiness and life on someone. You should never do that, once this special person acts different or, even worse, walks out of your life, you're screwed. Like really screwed. Fucked up. Seriously.
Life is passing me by and once again I realise I am not enjoying it the way I should.

 (Source: tumblr)

This has to end now, because I can't control how everything will turn out. Here I mean my relationship and the future it may contain. Is it weird that I think about the next three, five and ten years? Is it wrong? Should I better live my life to the fullest now instead of imagine how it may turn out?

Being in a relationship isn't a one way thing, rather it has to be done with a mutual understanding. Am I too negative to keep in mind everything will run smoothly and that I will always be happy? Both of us are different, we think different, live different. My ideals may not be his ideals. I am aware that not everything will go my way and I have to accept it. Making compromises is something I still have to learn, but at the same time I have to find out what I expect from him, from me and from my life.


Instead of stuff myself with chocolate or other sweet stuff I decided to buy me some berries. 

I love shakes especially with berries, they always cheer me up plus they are healthy. If I could afford it I would eat them the whole day.

I'm going to end this post with two of my current favourite songs, both from the "The Greatest Love" OST.





This drama as well as the OST is amazing, I really enjoy watching it. It is worth every single minute. When you're interested in korean dramas and have some free time on your hands right now, go and watch it! You won't regret it. (◕‿◕✿)

♥

Review: Nivea Straight & Easy Straightener Balm

What Nivea claims: 

Straight & Easy Straightening Balm guarantees straight, shiny hair immediately and long-lastingly. It guarantees easier and faster straightening with a hairdryer, without the need of a brush. Straight & Easy Balm protects your hair effectively from humidity and thus makes the straight effect last longer. 


My thoughts: I hate this product. I bought it because my hair isn't naturally straight yet not curly, just wavy here and there. However I don't like to use too much heat on my hair so I thought this balm might be the perfect alternative. I applied it as I should, after washing my hair I wrapped it up in a towel until it was damp, then I applied the product while combing with a wide toothed comb to distribute it evenly. Last but not least I blow dried it using a big round brush. The result was disappointing not only because my hair wasn't straight but also because it was sticky and you could feel the product in it. I only used this balm onced, I guess it will meet my dustbin soon.

♥

Glossybox April 2012

Just a few pictures from the recent Glossybox (German version). I actually love the idea of getting a package every month with some nice products to try out. But I am so disappointed with the box lately and this one was the worst box you can imagine.
As you may see, I got an Illamasqua lipgloss. To be honest I wanted to try this brand out for some time now, so I was really anxious when I read it will be featured in the April Box. However, thanks to my bad luck I got it in the colour Repulse- a pure black. First I thought it won't be as black as it is in the tube once you apply it but naahhh, unfortunately it doesn't fades.
Next was a blusher by BM Beauty. I never heard of it and the box is pretty little, so I don't know yet how I should apply it. It is a mineral blush in the colour Peachy Glow. Furthermore I received a lippie by Sans Soucis in Pink, a shampoo by Guhl for long hair, a probe of Thomas Sabo's parfum Charm Kiss and an eyeliner by Cosline in the colour aubergine.

Over all, not breathtaking or interesting (for my taste). I recalled it immediately, after nearly one year with more or less useless products I don't want to waste my money for it anymore.

Are you subscribed to Glossybox? Do you like it?

♥

Polka Dot Nails

The days become longer, sunnier and brighter, so I wanted my nails to go along with the greath weather we have lately. 

Polishes I used: 

elf Nail Polish in Clear

Manhattan MNY white in 11A

Manhattan MNY coral in 34K

What you need:

nail polish you like

top coat

dotting tool

This is pretty basic, first you apply a clear nail polish to prevent any yellowness on your nails, then you apply your choice of colour. In my case it was this bright coral colour by MNY. 

Using a dotting tool is the easiest and fastest way to create those little dots, instead you can use bobby pins or something similiar. Last but not least seal everything with a top coat. 

Easy and fast yet really cute and perfect for spring / summer. Happy polishing! 

♥

Drama of the week - Lie to me

"Lie to me" a korean drama starring my all time favourite actor Gang Ji Hwan as the male actor. Who wonders I had to watch it?

 (Source: mydramalist) 

내게 거짓말을 해봐 - Try lying to me aka Lie to me

Gong A Jeong is quickly nearing her 30s and instead of being happy married she works as a hapless but dedicated civil servant. Some day she meets an old school rival who pokes fun at her because A Jeong is still without a man. Instead of ignoring her she fakes a phone call from her 'husband'. Little did she know that this little rumour turns into a big lie, A Jeong caught in the middle. After her rival's friends spotted her several times around the well known hotel director Hyeon Gi Jun they assume him being the mistery husband.

Gang Ji Hwan (강지환,35), one of the best-known korean actors due to his acting in "Coffee House", "A Movie is a Movie" and "Love is blind", plays the cocky chabeol and hotel director Hyeon Gi Jun. He was the best cast for this role, his acting skills are one of the best and Ji Hwan can pull off arrogant characters like nobody else. Yes, I am biased but when you watch a movie or a drama with him in the leading role you will know why I admire this guy. Every drama/movie starring Gang Ji Hwan is superb, thrilling yet funny. Moving on to the female main role Gong A Jeong played by Yun Eun Hye (윤은혜,27), another famous korean actress known for her roles in "My black minidress" and "The 1st shop of Coffee Prince". Again, a famous and amazing actress with awesome acting skills and enough experience to rock the role perfectly. There is nothing else to say, both Ji Hwan and Eun Hye are awesome actors, they know what they're doing. Seong Jun (성준,21) plays Gi Jun's little creative brother Hyeong Sang Hui. He starred in the drama "Shut up" as well, I haven't watched it yet but his skills in this drama are quite good. Next to Ji Hwan he is still an amateur but I liked to watch scenes with him. Another important character is Gi Jun's exgirlfriend O Yun Ju played by Jo Yun Hui (조윤희,29). They broke up because of Sang Hui who fell in love with her but then left Korea after he found out Gi Jun and Yun Ju planned to get married. She then left for France to study and live there. A Jeong's so called friend Yu So Ran is played by Hong Su Hyeon (홍수현,31). She stole A Jeong's first love and married him a few years later. I love this woman, I really do. She is beautiful, her acting skills are really good and I symphatises a lot with her. Let's talk about the villain Sim Ae Gyeong, Gi Jun's and Sang Hui's aunt, played by Lee Gyeong Jin (이경진,55). In contrast to other dramas her screen time is pretty little which causes the whole drama to be less childish and more grown-up, Gi Jun stands up for his actions and doesn't whine around. The other supporting roles aren't important, most of the history is produces between the main roles plus Sang Hui and Yun Ju.

ATTENTION SPOILER!!--> So what might happen after A Jeong so called friends found out her 'husband' is nobody else than the rich and handsome hotel director Hyeon Gi Jun? Right, they're jealous and curious. Don't ask me why Gi Jun plays along with A Jeong but he invites her "friends" to his home where he and A Jeong pretend to be a happy married couple. Her friends can't believe their eyes and when Gi Jun's aunt Ae Gyeong comes over for a surprise visit you will cry from laughter. Everything gets out of control when his ex-fiancée Yun Ju comes back and with her his old feelings. Even though he broke up with her they meet again and have a late night date. Of course they get spotted by So Ran who immediately accuses him to cheat on A Jeong. She is satisfied to see A Jeong a bit heartbroken, because the young woman starts to have serious feelings for the hotel director yet she knows she probably isn't able to hold a candle to Yun Ju. All the while her new friend Sang Hui stands by her side without her knowing he is Gi Jun's little brother and without him knowing she "dates" his older brother.
The drama starts all over again when Sang Hui falls in love with Gi Jun's woman again, but this time it's not Yun Ju but A Jeong. But instead of running away again and causing his brother a lot of stress he keeps his feelings a secret. Yun Ju tries everything to get Gi Jun back, the character gets really annoying. While So Ra was a jealous rival in the beginning she and A Jeong become friends again. A Jeong finds out that So Ra hasn't the perfect life she is pretending to have and finds out her husband (and A Jeong's former Sunbae and college love) cheats on her.
In the end A Jeong and Gi Jun find to each other without breaking too many hearts and So Ra starts over again with her husband.
The red line is always visible, the ending predictable yet the drama never loses it's suspense. Do I recommend this drama? Yes I definitely do! It combines awesome actors, amazing acting skills and a basic but enthralling and really funny storyline.

Final result: ★★★★★

♥

Indulge me #1

When I started this blog I planned to leave it simply based on fashion and make-up, but instead of writing review about skin care or the latest favourite lippy I enjoyed myself talking about several things as korean dramas or even blogging tips. Since these topics aren't random enough, at least for my taste, I decided to combine everything that's prey on my mind under the title "Indulge me". Pretty suitable, isn't it?

Yet I don't know how often I will update this section, I guess at most once a week. Oh and if you wonder what I will write about, I don't know it myself... everything that got my attention during the week or so, well, we will see sooner or later.

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE & WORKING OUT 

I don't only write about it because it involves me but it got on my nerves since ever. On this planet live two types of people: 

1. the first group consists of different personalities, but they are all connected with their healthy lifestyle and view on the world. some of them have a hard weightloss journey behind them, others went from "normal" to athletic. they do look after their body because they realised it is healthier - in the long run.
2. and then there is the second group. my mam actually belongs to it as well. it remains to be seen whether people in this group have weight problems, and accordingly health problems, or not, but they act up as if they know everything. 

So what do I want to talk about exactly?  
About the quirky view on healthy lifestyle and workout. 

Today I experienced it once again. My mam read one of her magazines until suddenly when she bursted out laughing, telling me I have to read this article she found in there. What is what about? Diet of course. In the main role a more or less famous german actress who refused to go on a diet while being on vacation.
So my mam wasn't stopable and read the article out loud, with a slight hint of satisfaction.
Actually this actress just said she doesn't want to be on a diet while not staying infront of the camera, instead she would rather enjoy her free time and relax while meeting friends. That means instead of drinking water all day long she would change it to soda etc.etc. She doesn't care if she weighs some more pounds afterwards.

I guess my lack of interested wasn't satisfying, but I couldn't care less. In place of arguing with my mam about the article which would have lead to my lifestyle change I decided to think about our society.

Why do people think being healthy means to turn everything down? This does only include people from thes second categorisation of course, everyone who sees him-/ herself in the first one does know what I refer to.

Detractors. They butt in every conversation about sport and healthy eating while adding their two cents. For them losing weight doesn't mean second chance, living healthies, enjoying life. No, they only see the struggle. I will keep my breath, this picture illustrate it the best.

(Source: tumblr)

The problem in our society is not having enough time combined with impatience, which leads to another problem: a fast working diet that doesn't involve too much effort and time. 

People think with the right diet they are able to lose excess fat fast and for good.  Just let me give you a few examples:

• Nut and Muesli Diet
  How much weight can I lose?
  7lbs in 7 days
  What do I have to do?
  Slimmers normally avoid nuts like the plague as they're so high in calories. But, eaten in the right way, they could be your best friend when it comes to battling the bulge, according to natural health expert Michael van Straten. He has devised this week-long diet which uses nuts and muesli to help you lose up to half a stone while still providing your body with everything it needs. 
• Cabbage Soup Diet
  How much weight can I lose?
  10lbs in 7 days
  What do I have to do?
  The Cabbage Soup Diet is an extremely low-fat, high fibre diet that lasts seven days. By the end of the week, fans of the diet claim you'll have lost up to 10lbs. It's only designed as a kick-start to help you lose weight quickly and is not supposed to be a long-term healthy eating plan.
• Drop a Dress Size in Five Days
  How much weight can I lose?
  A dress size in five days!
  What do I have to do?
  This is a low-fat, low-calorie, nutritionally-balanced five-day eating plan that will leave you feeling full while giving you everything you need to stay healthy. 

Whenever I read about these diets I wonder whether people really do believe in them. I guess so, otherwise they probably wouldn't try them out. There are countless diet plans like the ones above, appealing for people who want to lose fat fast without too much effort.

But why don't they work as promised? Because they are either crash diets, low-fat or even non-fat diets.

Why low-fat or non-fat diets don't work:

While thinking they have to decrease their fat income people forget they still have to get a third of their calories coming from fat. Our bodies need fat for energy, tissue repair and also to transport vitamins.
Instead of cutting down your overall fat income you should cut down saturated fats and replace them with unsaturated fats like olive oil and avocados.

Why crash diets don't work:

True, when you eat Cabbage Soup for a week or more you will lose weight. But only in the short term, on the long run a crash diet can hinder your weight loss.
Losing weight on the long run means losing excess fat by healthy eating and working out. Crash dieting or fasting removes fat too, but at the same time you will lose muscles and tissue as well. Losing muscles means losing the ability to become toned.
Furthermore losing lean muscles causes great damage in your basal metabolic rate, the amount of calories your body definitely needs on a daily basis. Due to the loss it breaks down.
As a result your body will need less calories than before, that leads to weight gain once you stop this diet. Perhaps you know now why exercising is important while losing weight: to build up muscles so you can maintain your metabolic rate.

Why low fat food doesn't help losing weight:

People assume that low-fat or fat-free mean low calorie or well, calorie-free. That's not always true. Seriously guys, do you really think fat-free potato crisps have no calories? C'mon, who do you try to fool here?
Before thinking you can eat as much as you want because it is fat-free, you should check the calorie content of food, especially cakes, crisps, sweeties in general, everything that contains a lot of sugar and well, fat.
Most of the time low-fat products are thickened with extra sugars so the calorie content isn't much different from normal food. Some sweeties may be low in fat but are high in sugar instead and sugar turns, as you may already know, to fat. Those food have no benefits at all.
Furthermore keep an eye on your quantity. Only because something is low-fat (with half of the calories) doesn't mean you can use twice as much.


So now all that have been said, let's have a look on how to live healthy and losing weight.

(Source: tumblr)

This is the whole big secret how to lose weight effectively without gaining everything back after you're done. 

Grocery list for healthy eating and why you should buy them:

• Cayenne Pepper: loaded with antioxidants, protects the heart and arteries
• Spinach: delicious, nutritious fighting machine in terms of heart health. Includes: potassium, folate, calcium, betaine, antioxidant carotenoid lutein and nitrate
• Blueberries: powerful disease-fighting food, contains antioxidants anthocyanin, packed with fiber and vitamin C
• Salmon/pollock/tuna/herring/swordfish: contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids and a lot of protein
• Legumes: full of protein, virtually fat-free, contains a lot of fiber, iron, calcium and potassium
• Nuts: loaded with healthy proteins, vitamins, minerals and monounsaturated fats (raise good cholesterol level while escorting bad cholesterol to the liver)
• Broccoli: contains vitamins C and E, calcium, folate, fiber and beta-carotene
• Sweet potatoes: amazing source of beta-carotene, fiber and vitamins A,C and E
• Garlic: helps to maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels and prevents artherosclerosis
• Papaya and Pineapple: rich in digestive enzymes
• Eggs: build muscles, burn fat
• Peanut butter: boosts testosterone, builds muscles, burns fat
• Green Tea: fires up to burn fat

(Source: tumblr)

I do here a lot of people moan at this point. Why? Because for them healthy living means turn fun and happiness down and live after your strict diet with recipes you hate. 

Yes, losing weight the healthy way is not easy but effective and for good. You won't binge as much as you do during a crash diet, you won't gain all the weight back. Once you decide to live healthy you decide to change your whole life, not for a few weeks, forever.

Critics say, healthy living includes starving. Really?

(Source: tumblr)

A quick look and you will see how much more you can eat when you chose your food correctly.

Okay, let's be honest here. Even when you decide to live a healthy life from now on you won't see results tomorrow. Eating healthy for a day or two and then stop it won't bring you anywhere. You have to push yourself through this and change for good, like I wrote several times before. Why do you want to lose weight? Because of your boyfriend? Because of society? Those are wrong motivations. You have to want it yourself. Because you want to change, because you want to feel comfortable in your own skin. Because you want to be healthy and feel healthy.
You have to push yourself like your life depends on it. Give everything, keep going, keep moving, even when you think you're gonna die. Keep doing this, not for a week, or a month, do it for the rest of your life. When you shake your head right now, when you aren't willing to do it, then don't expect results.

Another thing I quickly want to talk about: Being skinny and being healthy isn't the same thing.
Only because someone is skinny doesn't mean he/she is healthier than the person standing next to her. Have a look at the Victoria Secret models and their workout regime, I bet no skinny but unathletic girl will be able to go through it.

If you want to lose weight but don't want to join the gym either because you don't have enough time to sweat your ass off a few hours per week or just because you feel uncomfortable, look for something else. There are endless videos on youtube, why don't you get up and do a workout video for 20 minutes a day instead of watching another music video? You don't have to work out endless hours, but you have to move.

And last but not least: living and eating healthy doesn't mean we don't eat sweeties, ice cream or crisps. We do, but not everything at the same time, and only in moderation. In a healthy lifestyle there is nothing off-limit, but moderate-limit. Keep that in mind.

Thank you for reading and leave a comment if you want to.