This year’s anniversary was somewhat different from the previous years. Like what JW said, we exchanged our most expensive presents in 8 years — our individual monetary contributions to our new home. Haha. I guess it also marked a new phase in our journey together.

Unlike my parents, I don’t believe that men should pay for everything, such as the purchase of the apartment, renovations, wedding preparations etc. Since I am going to have a share of the house, it’s only right that I pay for a portion of it.

I typically prefer to pay for my own shopping as well ,so I eagerly await the day when I can buy a Chanel 2.55 bag and Cartier watch every other month with my own paycheck, without feeling the slightest pinch. It’s the sense of satisfaction that drives me, more so than the material goods.

Now, now, don’t ask me how’s that gonna work out because I haven’t given much thought to it. 😛

For now, I’m just looking forward to moving into our new home and spending the rest of our lives together. *wink*

Its only saving grace is its camera, which I personally think captures better images than my Panasonic Lumix camera.

Going to bed now. After a day of furniture hunting on Saturday, we ended up buying just 1 Simmons mattress. That, coupled with fatigue, has led to the return of the fever bug.

One more week to China… I need ample rest!!!

2) Learning the waltz with JW and getting confused because surprisingly, there’s so much theory involved. It also doesn’t help that I have never excelled in geometry.

3) Worrying about JW’s airborne exercise. He has 3 jumps in all, 2 on Thursday and 1 on Friday. So dangerous!!!

4) Thinking about how my new house would turn out. We have engaged an interior designer and bought our lights as well as toilet accessories. I love all the lights, especially the chandelier in my master bedroom and this rectangular hanging light encrusted with crystals in the dining room. The colour scheme includes shades of black, grey, white, dark brown and red. Most importantly, we’ll be having some wallpaper accents (I like! Heard maintenance is a pain though) and two walk-in wardrobes!!

5) Pondering about how insane we are. Haha.

I use this oil-based make-up remover to remove my make-up or sunblock. Its main ingredients include kukui and olive oils as well as vitamin E. This is very gentle, but it thoroughly removes debris and excess sebum from your skin. I can literally feel the gunk being rubbed off. No artificial fragrance or colour.

Step 2: Derma-Rx Foaming Cleanser

I double cleanse with Derma-Rx foaming cleanser, which contains marine and algae extracts for gentle exfoliation. This is one of the best cleansers that I have used thus far, as it cleanses thoroughly without drying up the skin.

Step 3: Derma-Rx Toner

This toner is alcohol-free and contains skin-calming ingredients such as chamomile and cucumber extract. It also contains glycolic acid and salicylic acid, which are supposed to enhance the cleansing process.

Although I have never been a fan of toners, I’m using this only because my derm told me to.

Step 4: Derma-Rx Comedone Formula (CF)

Step 5: Derma-Rx Lightener

This product promotes an even skin tone and helps to lighten existing scars as well as pigmentation. It is very effective in speeding up the scar lightening process, mainly because the active ingredient is 4% Hydroquinone, but you have to use this religiously to see results. As with all products, don’t expect to see miracles overnight. 🙂

Step 6: Derma-Rx Vit-A-Gel

This contains a blend of Alpha Lipoic Acid, Retinol and Salicylic Acid (BHA) in optimum concentration to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. My derm says it helps to prevent pimples in the long term too. The downside is, some may experience peeling in the first few weeks or months, but I didn’t really experience any discomfort or peeling.

Step 7: Derma-Rx Tinted Sunscreen
I love this sunscreen as it is fragrance-free and provides complete protection against UV-A and UV-B sun rays. It does leave white cast on your face, but it’s very close to my skin colour so it gives me very natural, light coverage. Sometimes, I’ll dust a layer of Chanel loose powder over it as it can make your face look quite shiny.

So there, these are the products that I’ve been using. I can’t say that my skin is perfect now as I still have some scars, but it’s definitely getting better. 🙂

I wasn’t feeling too well yesterday. Must be the effect of spending consecutive late nights in the office for the past 1 week. It also doesn’t help that the weather recently has been rather freaky. I was blowing my nose the entire day yesterday, and I felt slightly feverish towards the evening. Despite feeling unwell, Jw & I still went ahead to attend yet another JC class gathering at Shunjuu, where we had countless plates of yakitori.

Too tired to continue typing, so I’ll just let the pictures do the talking. Thanks WQ, for being the official photographer of the night. I’m so tempted to buy a Canon Powershot now. I used to own one when I was in uni, but I ditched it for Panasonic Lumix. Wrong move. I’m now convinced that the best camera brand is no other than Canon.

I still remember that you threw in extra falsies for me to try out when I purchased ardell falsies from you. You were such a kind soul.

I still remember how we complained incessantly about our bad complexion even though you had such dewy and glowing skin. I still think you had great skin.

I still remember how much fun we had discussing about natural skincare, and all the tips that you gave me. You were always there to lend a helping hand.

I still remember that fateful day when I received the sms about you being in critical condition. You were in my prayers for the next few days, until things took a turn for the worst.

I still remember seeing a post that said “Hazel has left us”. I can’t believe that I’ll never see your posts nor private messages again.

I will always remember your bubbly and cheerful disposition.

I will always remember your display of kindness and generosity.

I will always remember your eagerness to help anyone who needed an opinion.

Most of all, I will always remember you for being you.