So so excited to write about this!! I went for my first beginners pole dancing class at Pole Dance Academy (Bondi Junction) this afternoon!

The instructor got straight into the warm up when the hour started. The stretches were already so tiring, and that was when I started to feel really unfit and inflexible! It got so tiring that I couldn’t even do some of the warm up exercises… Even worse, everyone continued doing the warm up without giving up while I was idle, watching the instructor. So unfit!

Anyway, she told us to grab a pole and started showing us some moves, asking us whether we remembered it from last class. That confused me, as this was meant to be my absolute first class… I wondered whether I got into the wrong class (elementary and beginners was on simultaneously).

After not being able to do one of the moves at all (spinning on the pole and sliding down… I just kept spinning and got stuck up there while everyone was on the floor), I made a remark to hopefully clarify whether or not I was in the wrong class; “I feel I don’t belong in this class”. The instructor assured me that it’s okay if I couldn’t do some moves, and that I’m definitely in the right class for the sympathy points. Ok, it does sound like I was in the right place, though I was still wary.

She left briefly, and I quickly had a chat to the other girls; apparently, this was in fact only the second class, so they’re only one class ahead. When the instructor came back, we started on our routine… the class only got tougher from here on. We kept practicing our routine up to what we’ve learnt, and then had a cool down session (which was, in fact, more like a warm up for me! Another girl and I exchanged looks of pain… So I know I’m not the only one!).

But yeah, pole dancing was so tiring and hard, but it was sooo fun! I loved it so much I signed up for the beginners class (8 weeks). Can’t wait to learn more!

Mr AG felt like having yum cha, even though it was 2:30, and the yum cha finishes at 3… so yum cha it was.

Tropical fruit mocktail

Tropical and fruity, it’s nice in small doses

Pork dumplings (siu mai)

Average tasting

Prawn dim sim (har gow)

Too prawny, a little unfresh

Calamari

Too salty. We didn’t end up touching this too much

Har cheung fun

Just not very great

Peiking duck

A few things about this one.

Firstly, the pancake is a bit stiff… In all fairness, it could be that they’ve been sitting there since morning, or it could just be made that way. Either way, not soft and doughy at all… and I did not enjoy this.

Secondly, the cucumber. I know cucumbers are very expensive at the moment (currently not in season), so that’s probably why they were a bit stingy on the cucumber… but I paid $13.80 for this, so I did expect a little more in return.

Thirdly, there was’t much sauce. However, it was so bland I gave it up to Mr AG after a few bites, so I probably didn’t get far down enough.

Soft shell mud crab

This tasted alright, but a bit greasy.

Mango pancakes

Mr AG had them both. It’s just pancake filled with cream (with a bit of mango pieces here and there)… and apparently was quite enjoyable.

Food was very average actually, and very overpriced! Mr AG and I ordered the above and a fanta, coming to a little over $83, whereas when I eat at Hurstville (much fresher and tastier) with my family doesn’t even amount to this price (and my family is notorious for eating a lot!) . But Mr AG wanted it, and we’ve tried it now, and now we know not to eat here… so I’m just counting this as an experience.

Kam Fook
500 Oxford Street
Bondi Junction NSW 2022
Phone: (02) 9386 9889

Map:

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So afterwards, we went shopping for a bit. First stop was Chanel; I went to the sunnies area and spotted my beloved 5171′s. Gorgeous!

I tried it on and really liked it, and wanted to try on the 5170′s for comparison before I make a decision. I went to ask the saleslady whether she had “the bow pair, 5170″, and she took a pair out of the draws that looked exactly like the 5171′s. So I told her, “but they look like 5171, not 5170″ to which she stated as a matter of factly, “I don’t remember all the numbers of everything.”

Okay, that’s fair enough. BUT, the number was right on the box she just took out, clearly stating it was “5171″… was that so hard?

Anyway, I began to explain to her the difference since it seems she wasn’t aware, and she just stood there and said, “that’s all we have here.”

Then some exchanges happened and I walked out empty-handed…

Next stop was David Jones, and I spotted them both! Score! I asked a nearby lady whether I can try it, and she informed that she wasn’t in charge of that department and that I had to ask somebody else… so I was going to, but that somebody else was serving another customer, for a tad longer than I wanted so we just left.

So, no luck continued when I walked into Myer either; they didn’t even stock Chanel sunnies… And I thought, I give up for now…

And then I wandered mindlessly. Nothing, nothing, nothing.

Until Lovisa. There were so many cute pieces there! *_* And ended up getting a few prettiful things!

Very cute bag, I thought. I also got a jewelry cleaning polish cloth…

Eiffel tower earrings

Ok, I don’t have ear holes, but I had to get these! I don’t know, maybe one day, I’ll get them ear holes! But for now, I’m just gonna look at them haha

Owl necklace

Ahhh, there were so many adorable owl items there!!! I really wanted them all! Thing is, a lot of them came in the gold colour, not many in silver… I just don’t suit gold, so I ended up choosing this one!

Owl ring

So hard to find rings that fit, and thanks to the stretchy band on this one, it fits quite nicely! Yay!!

Went to Dotti and resisted so many things there, for example, there was a very lovely looking skirt in the camel colour… just thought that maybe I’ll hold out for it. I did randomly pick up a simple waist belt… I think it’s because it was red.

Red waist belt

Anyway, did not buy much else… or anything else actually. Quite disappointed with this shopping trip to be honest!

Since Borders was having a closing down sale, and it was the last shop to be closed (it was about 6:30 by this stage), we decided to browse… Indeed, a big cut (60-70% off sale)…

Yes, everything was on sale (with small exceptions)

Even the fixtures

The Signs (there were also labels, price tags, eftpos rolls for sale)…

…and even pre-loved stationery!

This made me a little sad… and made me appreciate how much is invested into each and every thing in a store… Since even second hand fixtures cost that much, how much did a brand new one cost?

Anyway. My day didn’t go according to my grand plans (To Bondi Junction to shop, then pole dancing, shop a bit more, then go to the City to visit Zara and the other shops, and then go for a haircut and then Din Tai Fung)… and now that I reflect on it, it seems like a rather hectic plan! Oh well, there’s always next time!

My trip to the salon for some threading was long overdue, so I popped in, and got a little something else done for the first time: eyebrow tinting.

She did one brow, and showed me the difference, and I was bought! So bought, I decided (impromptu) to have my eyelashes tinted as well!

Tinting of the eyebrows was quite easy and pain-free; the tint was brushed on and left for a couple of minutes, and she wiped it away… simple as that!

The eyelashes were a little… I don’t know. Wet pads were laid below my bottom lashes, my eyes were to be closed at all times as she brushed on the tint. I was to have it on for 10 minutes, not moving my eyes while it was closed for fear it might seep into the eye and cause irritation. But apparently, apart from irritation, it wasn’t harmful or anything, so that was good.

I was doing quite well actually. At the end of the ten minutes, she came to wipe off the tint, and that was when I started to feel like a burning sensation in my eye. And because I moved the eye in response, my other eye started to hurt as well. She was really good, told me to face one side, and dripped water from one side of the eye to the other, rinsing the tint. Shortly after, I felt no more irritation.

I must say, however, unlike the brows, I didn’t find much of a difference to my lashes. I mean, I didn’t have the opportunity to compare the tinted and untinted, but from memory, it looks similar. I think I won’t be getting my lashes tinted for that, and also for the potential pain.

Next stop was shopping; again long overdue (online shopping doesn’t count here =P).

I got myself a few random things:

Eiffel tower keyring with a black bow and love heart. How cute is it?! <3

Pens from Typo

2 bow headbands (CAN’T. RESIST. BOWS!)

A pair of earring for FR

Cute tights from Dotti

Denim from Dotti

Also came very close to buying a beret, a hat, merino wool long sleeve shirts, and a belt.

Then popped into Jay Jays, not really expecting to find a NIRVANA smiley tee! But I did, and I got curious. I went to ask the guy whether it was licensed, and he said it was! So I tried on a XXXS (they only came in men’s sizes), and it looked fine! SOLD!

Nirvana Smiley Tee

Yay, I FINALLY have a Nirvana smiley tee! =] Next up, Nirvana hoodie!

Then AG and I sat and ate chips, and went “grocery shopping” (AKA, food shopping for me). A little random, but my, they all look relatively healthy:

Random “groceries”

Our first time attempting the Cancer Council’s 7 Bridges Walk.

We started out nice and enthused, pumped up for the walk… Laughing, chatting and power walking…

And slowly became more tired and hungry… And rather than chatting and laughing, we were complaining about our hunger, the heat, the sun, our legs, and whatever else we came up with.

Here’s a few happy snaps from the walk.

Just to show I was there

But… alas, we have completed the walk!!! With difficulties. But it was a great experience (Mr AG argues not!)!

At the end, we rewarded ourselves with a massive meal that we devoured before I could take pics.

And went home puffed out, and really sore legs!

Still good… I think?

I met up with the uni gang last night at a Korean BBQ place to have catch up dinner as we haven’t had a proper one all summer!

I wore my new flats and brought a change of sandals, but when I got off the train, the shoes were cutting me so deeply I had to change almost straight away. Walking was fine after that, was I ended up being the first one to get there (most of us knew where it was). So I took a table for 8, and the waiter showed me to the outside area (some of us liked that, while others hated it).

Whilst on my iphone and ipod, feeling a little bored, DZ and KW turned up. Then it was GT. Another while, AG called to ask where it was (371 and 371 on the opposite sides were quite far away from one another, and that confused both AG and AT, the latter whom I went to collect after many phone calls!). KW went to get AT, GT went to get money and offered to look for AT, and after not returning, I went to look for AT and saw HL and LC were outside looking for AT. Needless to say, all was confusing until we all got to the table.

Next confusing thing was the ordering. W e had 8 people, 2 BBQ cookers, so we splitted into 2 groups of 4′s. We settled on ordering double of each dish, but I wanted to try more stuff (without the repeat cos I figured we could’ve shared), and it was all too confusing until we agreed on ordering for ourselves separately. I don’t know how, but we ended up with mostly the same dishes anyway *sweatdrops* I didn’t get to take individual photos cos the guys wanted badly to dig in! haha typical!

Madang, Pitt street, City

Marinated chicken, Beef ribs, Dumplings

Ox tongue, Pork brisket, Korean “gyoza”?

A repeat! Haha

Side dishes, Soft shell crab

Cooking (I didn’t do it haha), conversing and eating was a joy! Many high times (how I missed them!), many current affairs, many memories brought back while eating a whole week’s serve of meat! And how we finished it, I do not know. But we did without any to spare! It was satisfying =]

Walking out wih a full stomach, we walked to Darling Harbour where we were to play bowling. Couple of people didn’t want to, and since there was laser tag there, we decided to play that instead. So, I was in sandals and a dress, the other girls were in uncomfy shoes… but what the heck! We all did. 3 games worth! Since it was my first time, I was naturally unequipped, and lost miserably. I improved the next two rounds; in fact, we girls team (with Mr AG) won the 2nd round and took victory photos (and defeat photos of the boys) as proof! Ah that was fun!

After that, we parted ways. It’s been fun, and hopefully have a repeat of the amount of fun some time soon!

Woo! Spent the day shopping (fun fun) with lots of walking and trying and buying (yay for shoes, shu uemura eyelash curler and little things!) and then having a nice meal at a new place called Mizuya (George St, Town Hall).

As the name suggests, it’s a Japanese restaurant, and they also have a karaoke bar (whose pricings confuse me). It’s quite a lovely place; from receiving the many exuberant “Irashaimase”s with every step we took as we walked inside, the ambience and the lighting on the display sakura tree, to their service – everything was pleasant.

After being introduced to the touch-screen ordering menu (only a select set of menus for lunchtime), we chose our food (“Ooh, I want this” *touch, confirm), and the status of each item were constantly being updated (Next to the edamame was a “cooking” icon whilst our beverage was “being served”). Throughout the course, we can check what we have ordered and the amount it comes to, so there are no mistakes there. We took our time, displaying the food and taking photos (…) and eating, without being gawked at (sometimes, we feel the need to hurry when they look over, even if it’s just a “do you want anything” look)… When we were done, we proceeded to touch the checkout button, and the waitress brought our bill.

My drink: Capricornus because I’m a Capricorn and because it sounded appealing. It was really good actually. But only when cold; I remember the texture of the kiwi and kiwi seeds when it wasn’t as chilled and it was…

Aries: for no other reason than it having passionfruit in it!

Edamame

Beef sukiyaki

Teppan salmon

Mizuya Japanese Restaurant and Karaoke
614 George Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: (02) 9266 0866

Map:

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That was a first time at Mizuya, but I also have another two “first time”s in one – I decided to wax my eyebrows (1. shaping my eyebrows; 2. waxing… that’s right, it was my first time waxing! I had laser hair removal done before I waxed!). I’ve always wanted to have my eyebrows shaped, preferably by tweezing… Whilst shopping at Myer, AG told me he saw a parlour for shaping eyebrows, waxing lips etc… A lady came and speak to me and asked if I needed help… Now it whilst people to this and more every day, I felt a little anxious… But I thought, oh well, let’s go for it. They told me waxing was the best way for first time (she told me one girl asked for it to be plucked, and ended up in tears because it was just that bad), quick and easy. It didn’t feel too bad… until the lower brow. Ouch! >< It was over soon enough, and she concealed any redness for me, which was good. She told me to look after them every month. Woo! I felt good – because I must say, I loved my new brows!

I haven’t written here in so so long! I almost forgot I had a blog! What a fail!

I’ve been really into shopping lately (uh oh!)… and since I am “resting” (read: bludging) these holidays before I start uni again, I’m constantly on clothing/accessories websites (=poor uni student!)… *sigh* I’m hoping that this habit will go away when uni starts… it’d be a miracle though!

That said, I recently made my first order on the Forever 21 website, and received my order in the post this morning. I am very hesitant when it comes to ordering clothes online (as one would)! I mean, the store had awesome pieces; the clothes/accessories looked really good, and all was at a reasonable price.

For the lucky ducks in the US, that is!

One word: shipping!

For them, it’s $USD5.95 to $USD15.95 for standard shipping, which is nowhere near as much as us internationals: $USD34.95 to $USD44.95 depending on the amount you order. Plus there’s a $1000 or 20 item limit (some custom thing), but I’m hoping I’m not THAT much of a shopaholic yet!

So anyway. I found someone in Melbourne (C) who wanted to order, and she recruited another to order so we could do a group order to save on shipping costs. So each of us would order 6 or 7 items, and pay $USD11.67 each. Not too bad… But I live in Sydney and needed C to ship it from Melbourne to Sydney… which is like $AUD11.30 for a 3 kg satchel by express post. So although it was in a group, it was still quite some bit! But decided to go ahead with it anyway, as I found more than 10 things I wanted and even had to cut down!

Next problem with online shopping: sizing!

There’s nothing more disappointing than being excited for a totally awesome dress, anticipating its arrival to find that it didn’t fit… at all (sometimes). So I started reading up on forums and websites to determine what size I would need to get. I did measure myself and tried to compare, but it’s ever so confusing! Reading up reassured myself a little. A lot of the time though, I’d get confused, and give up altogether… And then start back at square one… How I wish for standardised sizing!!

So my conclusion from the websites was that an AU Size 10 (I’m a size 8-10 but leaning more on size 10) would get a medium, depending on what was ordered… I chose my items and generally ordered in medium, and then took the plunge; I sent C my items of interest while she made the purchase.

About a week after that, the items came (today). It was very exciting.

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Firstly, I got Water Painted Eiffel Tower Tee in a Small.

From the site:

A soft v-neck tee featuring a water-painted Eiffel Tower with metallic glitter accents. Solid colored back. Finished hem and sleeves.

• 27″ approx length from high point shoulder to hem, 14″ shoulder width, 34″ chest, 5.5″ sleeve length from shoulder ridge
• Measured from Small
• 100% cotton; Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry

Measurements from the chart (small):

• 3/4 – 5/6
• Bust: 33-34″

My thoughts:

The chart only showed the measurements for the bust, and my measurement is slightly bigger… so that didn’t help much. The description helped a little more, and it sounded close to my measurements so I got it in a small. It fitted really well actually, I was really pleased with the fitting! The material is soft and supple; feels great! =]

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Next was the Dressy Tux Blazer in a Medium.

From site:

Sateen style blazer with a smooth, slightly glossy finish. Features decorative self-covered buttons at the front and cuffs and waist welt pockets. This item has no lining.

• 20.5″ approx length from high shoulder to hem point (front), 18″ approx length from shoulder to hem (back), 35″ chest, 31.5″ waist, 23.5″ sleeve
• Measured from Small
• 97% cotton/ 3% spandex; Dry clean only

Measurement from the chart (medium):

• 7/8 – 9/10
• Bust: 35-36″

My thoughts:

Since I saw that people who were size 10 ordered in medium, I too ordered it. Bust size is correct for me, so I went for it. It turned out to be a little tight actually, but still good – as in, I can do the buttons and it looks as it should, but I can’t wear too much under. Overall, I like the feel and look. =]

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Then it was the Strapless Double Knit Dress in Medium.

From the site:

Strapless knit dress made of thick, double-knit jersey with a smooth, soft, dry surface. Features pleats at the waist and pockets, and elastic at the upper back.

• 25″ approx length from high bust to hem, 26.5″ chest, 25.5″ waist
• Measured from Small
• 76% polyester/ 22% rayon/ 2% spandex; Hand wash cold

Measurements from the chart (medium):

• 7/8 – 9/10
• Bust: 35-36″

My thoughts:

Actually, this was sort of confusing. From the small measurements, bust was 26.5″ (and then the measurement chart said 36″?) and the waist was 25.5″…?! Hoping it was a typo, I ignored the bust measurement. Since I was a bit bigger on the waist to the small, I got a medium. Turned out to be almost perfect! The bust was a bit big, which is a concern since it’s a strapless, but overall I am happy with the size. The fabric wasn’t as I expected. I must confess, however, that prior to ordering, I was too concerned about the sizing to notice the material. Overall, I’m happy with it. =]

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I couldn’t resist the super cute I Only Date Nerds Tee (got in a Medium).

From the site:

An adorable cartoon-like tee featuring a couple and an “I Only Date Nerds” phrase at the bottom. Solid-colored back. Finished hem and sleeves.

• 26″ approx length from high point shoulder to hem, 13.5″ shoulder width, 34″ chest, 6.0″ sleeve length from shoulder ridge
• Measured from Small
• 50% cotton, 50% polyester; Machine wash cold, tumble dry low

Measurements (medium):

• 7/8 – 9/10
• Bust: 35-36″

My thoughts:

Couldn’t really tell from the bust measurement only, but decided to get it since the measurement was right, and the small seemed a bit small for me. However, when I tried it on, it was a bit too big. But not to worry, it’s still a cute top and I can wear tight jeans under! =]

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Following was the Accordion Pleat Skirt in a Small.

From the site:

Love 21 - A short woven skirt featuring playful accordion pleats layered over chiffon ruffle tiers. Other features include an invisible side zipper, fully lined and accent shimmer dust.

• 29″ waist, 14.5″ length
• Measured from Small
• Shell/ contrast: 100% polyester; Hand wash cold, tumble dry

Measurements from the Love21 chart (small):

• Bust: 36″
• Waist: 28″
• Hip: 39″

My thoughts:

They had a different measurement chart for Love 21. This chart offered a more measurements, so that was good. Looking at the description, the waist was a little bigger, but the chart said 28″… that sounded like me. However, the hips measurement was a bit big… so again, I wasn’t sure whether to get XS or S. I went with S though… and when I tried it on, it was quite alright! It sat between my waist and hip, near the belly button, which gave it a good length. The material was unexpected again… but that I didn’t check out. I like the way it looks on. =]

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Last clothing item but not least was Fab Braid Strap Knit Dress in Medium.

From the site:

Pair your favorite flip flops or sandals with our fabulous knit dress for a casual chic look. The braided shoulder straps line the v-neckline while the elastic waist trim hugs your curves. Other features include subtle ruching below the bust, a ruffle trimmed bottom, and a cut-off hem.

• 32” approx length from shoulder to hem (Small)
• 100% rayon; Dry clean only

Measurements from chart (medium):

• 7/8 – 9/10
• Bust: 35-36″

My thoughts:

The description and measurements wasn’t all too informative, I must say. I didn’t have much to go off but I read somewhere size 10 should be a medium in dresses, so I got a medium. When it came, it looked like my size. Wearing it, the V neck was a little deep, and the straps were a bit loose. I don’t know why, but all the sun dresses I own I have strap problems with. Is it just me? Do I not comply with standard upper body length? Not sure, but apart from that, the dress fitted nicely… Though there’s a few things I wonder: What can I do to reduce the straps a little? And whether I could’ve gone into a size Small instead… The dress is cute, and overall sort of happy with this one. =)

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Also got an Eiffel tower necklace, which looks better online than real life. But I love necklaces! They’re bound to fit!

So there’s my first online purchase for Forever 21! Overall, it was good – I must say I’m sort of hooked! Haha Especially love the Twist range – ah so cute!! But still, every time I see a dress I want, I’d think and think and think over and over about the sizing and all… *sigh* But at least now I have more of an idea than before I do know one thing though – I don’t think I will ever be game enough to buy jeans online (and I think I need some soon!)…

Anyway, off to shop some more!
Bye!

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Images courtesy of forever21.com

My first Opeth experience!

Legendary!!!

Gotta love Mike!

Awesome night!

My half-arsed picture of the day that turned red.