Hello, everyone!

I'm just quickly posting a little update, since I'm a little excited, about me cutting my hair! It's been a few years since I had a hair cut, but I am now determined to grow and take care of my hair! 

My hair is naturally thin and curly, so it was a bit of hassle to manage. I felt like it had gotten unhealthy and I couldn't stand looking at it, haha. So, after some time I decided to get it cut to my shoulders. While searching online, there was a lot about how shorter hair suits my hair type more, since the hair above my shoulders is much thicker,

I wanted to try Sulli's hairstyle from 2013, 'Rum Pum Pum Pum' era. It's so cute, and I think it's somethhing realistic I can achieve.

Of course, knowing my hair, it would still need a lot of taming! Challenge accepted, though! I want to learn more about taking care of/styling hair and finding how to manage it better. Now that I have less hair, I should make some progress, right?

I'm super excited!

Please excuse my no make up face and unstyled hair, it just would be pointless to make this post without an after photo.

Anyone have any tips for taming frizzy hair or how to style it? If you do, let me know!

Enjoy life!

Nina

Yello~

I really can't believe it, but very soon, I will be attending university. For so long I was so lost that I thought I would need to defer for a year and find my place. But, I am very glad that I didn't since I am bored being at home already, another year would drive me crazy.

Whenever teachers would go around the class, asking each student what they wanted to do after school, everyone would know what they wanted to do, but I didn't. This stressed me out beyond anything.

I wasn't particularly good at anything, I was creative and had a keen interest in languages, but how on earth would this turn into a career? Nevertheless, I was determined to pursue something that relates to my interests. After all...

Long story short, I am now going to be studying Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Japanese/International Relations. Boom.

But, enrolling and preparing my life as a university of student has probably been one of the most confusing experiences of my life. All of a sudden, I'm alone in front of this computer screen, enrolling and trying to understand all these new terms.

 Especially since my course is made up of many little courses that you put together. It was so confusing, and this is coming from someone who did high school maths
(ノಠ益ಠ)ノ彡┻━┻

Remember, you are not as as alone as you might think. I need to realize that sometimes, haha. There are plenty of resources and support out there, don't be afraid to use it!

After all, we are now living in the age where internet provides almost everything and sometimes, things are detailed step by step of what you need to do. Go to the website of your university, or more specifically, the faculty you will be studying, and there should be contact details that you can use if you need help. I emailed and submitted questions when I needed help, and they got back to me very quickly with great help, and if I still needed help, they offered to talk me through it over the phone. I even got a call randomly before any of this from a lady at the Student Support who checked whether I was managing okay, which I wasn't, so she was basically an angel who descended through a phone call to me.

Don't be scared to contact them when you are confused, since different courses and managing your timetable can be quite confusing! Use whatever you need to get you where you need to be. There are apps to help you remember your timetable, and everything!

My dad also suggested to me to practice travelling to university, I have to take the bus for two hours for example, so that you know how to get there properly and on time! I had an orientation week which was a perfect opportunity for me to get to know the route I need to take to university and become confident in taking it.

University or college is another stage in our life, a new one that will allow us to find our place in the world. Everything is not set in stone, you can change what you study if you wish to take on another path in life. So, don't worry! There is always hope and new opportunities will always come along.

Enjoy life!

Nina

Hello, everyone! ♥

A few days ago, I finally watched one of Hayao Miyazaki's most recent films, The Wind Rises! It was nothing like what I expected!

"Inspiration is what unlocks the future... Technology eventually catches up." - Giovanni Caprno, The Wind Rises

"In "The Wind Rises," Jiro dreams of flying and designing beautiful airplanes, inspired by the famous Italian aeronautical designer Caproni. Nearsighted from a young age and unable to be a pilot, Jiro joins a major Japanese engineering company in 1927 and becomes one of the world's most innovative and accomplished airplane designers." -- (C) Studio Ghibli

The movie started off a little slow and I was like, wow this movie goes for over two hours? I got a bit confused between a few of the characters since the main guy, Jiro, seemed to not age at all but the little girl he meets completely changed, haha! I feel a little silly that I didn't realize who was who now that I look at them again.

But I got into it so quickly, and it wasn't long before I realized that this has got to be one of Miyazaki's most realistic films, since it was based on historical themes, and it hardly contained any of his usual fantasy elements. 

Here I was thinking I was going to get a cute love story and the characters will successfully chase their dreams with ease, from what I saw in pictures on the internet, but I was a little wrong. 

"Le vent se lève! ... Il faut tenter de vivre!" ("The wind is rising! . . . We must try to live!") - Paul Valéry, Le Cimetière marin

This movie was harshly realistic, really sticking to the previous quote, as the characters pressed on despite difficult times. The message of this movie is "Sometimes the outcome to your dream is not always what you expect.". This movie really showed that sometimes it takes a lot of time and sacrifices have to be made to reach your dreams, and when you, make the most of what time you have.

It's because of this I give it a five out of five! I wish I watched this sooner, and I'd recommend it to anyone who has an interest in animated films! The plot deepens, the characters are realistic and the themes probably caused a bit of controversy. It's because Miyazaki isn't afraid to touch on several social, political and environmental issues in his films that make me love them so much!

I would have liked it to be a bit more thorough as I wasn't aware that some things happened towards the end, a few things were a bit unclear.

What do you think of Studio Ghibli films? What's your favourite? I have yet to see Porco Rosso, I'll have to watch that next!

Enjoy life!

Nina

Hiya, humans~ 

Today, I want to make a quick post about another bag I recently bought from MissBaci's Second hand shop on Storenvy!

The bag was so cute and and reasonably priced, of course I had to get it! I'm really glad I did, I've been taking this bag with me everywhere.

The quality is amazing, and it came exactly like how it was described. Any faults were outlined straight away (which was just one black dot, no big deal). It came with even longer straps that you can attach, which has made life easier for me! The material is strong and the design of the bag makes it easy to use as well since it has a few side pockets on the inside.

Storenvy is a great site to find new or second-hand items at a lesser price, bags like this would be quite expensive but I didn't pay as much. The tag on the inside of the bag was still there as well, so it was pretty much new. I'm always happy with the purchases I made from this site, although, they have changed the way to pay, so I am not sure how I'll use this site in the future.

Thank you for visiting!

Enjoy life!

Nina

Hello friends!

So I'm finally posting my Spreepicky review! FINALLY, after a like a year of receiving the items. This is my first review so sorry if the photos are not of amazing quality haha!

I ordered two items on the 12th of June, 2014:

J-Fashion Straps Fake 2 Pcs Chiffon Princess Dress SP130229 $56.99 (in a Size L)

J-fashion Velveteen Sweater - Cute Animals SP130110 $45.99

I don't think these items are available anymore, sorry! But I there are still many items similar to these in the store :)

Now firstly can I saw how ridiculously fast shipping this store has, usually when I would order things online it would take 20-30 days, but these items arrived within a week, on roughly the 19th of June, 2014.

It was all packaged nicely and came with a lovely handwritten note and a free necklace:

Sorry the lighting is a bit strange.

I finally own a dress (or any clothing) that is hime-gyaru style! I'm so happy! And this was just like a bonbon21 dress as well.

The quality is really good. But, I've put it on a few times and the buttons look as though they're going to break off, but the dress came with extra buttons just in case. It might just be because I was trying to find the easiest way to put it on, so it might be my fault.

As for the size, I did choose the largest size, thank god I did because it's still a bit short on me, in the photographs I am wearing a white skirt underneath which matches perfectly, so that's my suggestion for anyone who is 170cm or taller like I am. It's still wearable.

Overall: I am quite happy with this! The detailing and style of the dress matched the picture and the quality is super great! I will always have sizing issues in the future when I order these kind of things, so I wasn't too disappointed with it being a little short on me, I expected it in a way. But it fits perfect everywhere else!

I give it a rating of 4/5 due to the size and how easily the button was coming off, but this is due to my own measurements and it can't be helped.

(Sorry for the watermark on the gif, haha~)

I was so excited to get this sweater because the pattern on it was quite unique and very Harajuku! When it arrived, I noticed it was quite warm and the material was soft and smooth.

As soon as I touched this jumper, I fell in love with the feel of the material: it was soft, not itchy in any way and so comfy. The colour and design is so nice too, I have yet to see whether it fades through washes, but I'm confident it will.

Since it doesn't open or zip up, it might feel a little tight (as it's a free size), but on the flip side, it's very warm and it's a great length for taller girls.

Overall: I am very happy with this! It's a very unique jumper to wear out and since I get cold easily, this is great to quickly put on and go out and still stand out. I have been lacking hoodies and I'm happy to add this to my growing collection.

I give this a 5/5! Amazing item!

My experience with Spreepicky is a great one! I would very much like to add more from their wonderful selection of clothing to my wardrobe in the future (not sure how though since they changed the payment method recently). There is a great selection of clothing and the staff are lovely from what I see on all the social media as they're trying to cater to many different tastes. The shipping is no joke as well, very quick!

Enjoy life!

Nina

Hello, lovelies!

Today, I want to share a small review of an Apricot Rose Print Flare Skirt that I ordered from Sheinside:

Apricot Rose Print Flare Skirt:

Size I Ordered: Medium

Measurements: Length (45 cm) Waist (70cm)

I'm 170cm tall and usually I have trouble with the length of skirts but this was a good length, so if anyone is around my height are thinking of getting a skirt like this, hopefully this cna be a reference for you since I rarely see height/measurements in reviews.

Quality: The postman kind of stuffed my package into the mailbox since I wasn't home to grab it off him so the package was a bit squashed. Nothing a bit of ironing can't fix~
The button was a bit hard to push through the slot so it's a little frayed now as I got it through.

The design and material are perfect though, it's got the kind of volume and flare I was looking in for a skirt. The band sits perfect only my waist, not too tight or loose. The material of the skirt is smooth and shiny, and I found it washes easily without losing that shine.

I would give this skirt a 5/5!

Enjoy life!

Nina

Hello, lovelies! ❤ 

Now, am I the only one who looks back on how ridiculously fast technology has developed over a decade? I remember flip phones being the thing to have. But, with all this rise in technology, the media's influence has grown much larger. With this in mind, we see so many different people grace magazine covers of TV screens who have a huge influence in people's live, positively or negatively.

For so long, I looked up and tried to be someone I am not because I would follow what I saw projected by the media. I have gone through so many phases and hobbies that who I looked up to would change over time. Now, I realize I need to look at things differently~ 

In my opinion, I think we need to find the people who are closest to ourselves so that we don't set expectations for ourselves that are unrealistic, or, whose personal qualities are something to admire. Then, it'll be more encouraging to be a better person, right?

My parents will always be my biggest role models. But, in terms of celebrities, for example, I would consider Girls' Generation's Tiffany or Seohyun people I would look up to. Tiffany has a bright, outgoing personality, a bit like me, and she is also really hardworking and positive, which is something I admire. Seohyun is the youngest in the group but probably one of the most mature, she is always trying to learn and improve herself, which I hope to do too! (sorry I always mention them~). They, and a lot of other people, helped me embrace my body type as well and to take care of it. 

I am no expert, of course, and I don't want to tell anyone who they should look up to. It just hurts to see so many people looking at someone else and feeling down because they want that person has, or wants to look like them. Embrace your body, your face, your personality and find the positives in it! We are all unique and different, and that's the best kind of beauty. But, sometimes, we need a little help from others in finding confidence! I hope that one day, I can become a good of a person that I am worthy of people looking up to me.

So, who do you look up to? And why? :)

Enjoy life!

Nina