This week is my 7th week of my fitness journey and based on the less than stellar 6th week that I had, I decided to amp up my work out routine. I have yet to try any workout that required over 500 reps. Even the Sexy Shape Shifter Workout that I did, was only about 320 reps. However since I practically shaved off 10 mins from my personal best time doing that routine, I decided that I was ready to try something more challenging.

And challenging it was! The routine consists of 11 exercises, each with 50 reps. Time yourself on your stopwatch to see your best time in completing this workout.

Backward Lunge Kick Up - 25 reps on each leg
Walk Over Push Ups (on knees) - 50 reps
Mountain Climbers - 50 reps
Sumo Squats Knee Up- 50 reps
One Leg Bridge Leg Lift - 25 reps on each leg
Side to Side Squat Leg Lift- 50 reps
One Arm Tricep Push Up - 25 reps on each arm
Star Crunch - 50 reps
Diagonal Touch Down - 25 reps on each side
Side Plank Lift - 25 reps on each side
One Leg Wall Sit - 25 reps on each leg

I had the most trouble with the "walk over push ups". I tried it with a straight leg walk over but after the 10th push up, I went back to doing a walk over push up on the knees instead. By the time I was done with it, I was already capped at 7+ minutes and my heart rate was soaring.

The rest of the exercises were easier to do, although it was definitely TIRING and by the time I did the One Arm Tricep Push Up, I just wanted to lie down and stay like that until tomorrow. Anyways, my best time for this workout is:

29th November 2010 - 37mins 48 secs
3rd December 2010 - 30 mins 42 secs

If only I didn't have a heavy lunch, I'm sure I would have fared much better. So for now, my eating really has to get under control. It's still a struggle for me considering my undying love for food. However, I'm trying. Even though I don't see much difference in my weight loss/fat loss, my sister begs to differ. So there is something I'm doing right! :)

For the workout tutorial check out Zuzana below:

Calling all fans of witchcraft and wizardry!!

For those of you who still want to "practice magic" at the comforts of your own home in the Muggle world where you won't get in trouble with the Ministry of Magic, here, I present to you, the Magic Wand Programmable TV remote! All you have to do is flick the wand from side to side to flip the channels and twist the wand to turn up the volume.

Check out more of the product specifications:

• Magic wand television remote for witches, wizards, and the occasional muggle
• 13 magical functions (the number one would expect in magic!)
• Learns from your existing remotes
• Flip the channel with a flick of your wand, twist your wand to turn up the volume
• Compatible with almost all makes of TV (don't have to run out and get tv insurance or warranty or anything), DVR, or really anything with a remote!

Buttons are sooooooooooooooo out, wands are in, according to the guys at ThinkGeek. The wand is selling for a hefty $89.99, though. Might want to raid your Gringgots vault for this wand!

Check out how it works in the video below:

I know of a lot of women who don't like to exercise. I know that some women think they'll do fine without exercise and can just rely on dieting. Well that's just fine and dandy but the thing you have to know is, dieting without exercise will cause you to have a yo-yo weight loss. You'll lose it fast and gain it all back quick.

If you're looking to shed those pounds permanently, you still have to try working out. Unless you want to diet permanently -- which is no fun at all.

How about those who supposedly stay skinny no matter what they eat? That's their metabolism talking! Lucky people! But if they think for a minute that exercising is something only fat people do, then they are deadly wrong. Please don't be that ignorant to think you'll have a healthy and fit body without exercising.

Have you ever heard of skinny people NOT getting diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels or cancer for that matter? You might not see it affect your weight, but whatever you put into your body might affect your health. So don't think you're safe yet. I see slim people who work out and ask why they work out? Simple. They want to stay healthy and fit. Even Gisele Bundchen finds the need to work out 5-6 days a week.

Also, dieting may only help you lose your weight, but if you want to reduce body fat, you might want to try a little cardio. Losing weight and reducing body fat are not one and the same. The thing about exercise is, you don't have to always associate it in terms of a full fledged work out with weights or gym equipment. Dancing, roller blading, skipping, playing a game of hoops, all those are forms of exercises too. As long as you have a good level of activity in your daily life, that's pretty awesome. Try not to be sedentary and take a while to get your ass off that chair instead of sitting down in front of your PC and take a couple of minutes break to break out some sweat.



BUT DON'T GET ME WRONG. Just because you're exercising 6 days a week, don't think you can also be eating like there's no tomorrow and slamming every food you see down your throat. Everything in moderation, people.

A friend of mine just asked me whether I get discouraged from working out if I don't see the results right away. It takes time. Yes, I won't lie. It DOES get frustrating, but you should look at it this way. It may not be "visible" just yet but it's there. You won't see a 3lb loss, but it's there. Perhaps you'll only really see a difference after only a 5kg weight loss, that's almost about 12lbs, right there. So don't tell me, you're going to give up because you can't "see" it yet.

Another thing about exercise, it's just like eating, in a way. You take that cookie or piece of cake thinking it won't do you harm. A bite turns out to a whole slice and you wake up still feeling good about yourself. You're thin, you see it in the mirror and the next night you think you can pull it off again and again.


By the next month, you suddenly wake up and try on your favorite skinny jeans and think, CRAP, where did THAT muffin top come from?? I swear it wasn't there yesterday!!!


So for those of you who are just beginning to work out, don't worry. Slow and steady does it. Before you know it, you'll be back in your skinny jeans and those people who have doubted you will be left choking on their words. For me personally, I might not look like I've lost much (in fact I weighed and found myself slightly heavier), BUT I am now able to fit in and zip up a dress that I bought in a smaller size (because I loved it so much) and that in itself is a huge improvement and achievement. I say throw that scale away and get a measuring tape instead.

After going through 6 weeks of working out regularly, I am becoming more and more hooked on it. Sometimes I get annoyed when my husband comes back from work extra early because that doesn't give me time to exercise. I don't like working out in front of him. I don't find it attractive at all. LOL!

Anyways, lately my husband has been asking me to slow down with my work out. I think he just doesn't want to get left behind. When we were both chubbier, it was fine. However now that I've been losing weight steadily (wishful thinking, haha!), he doesn't want to get left behind. He now wants to go jogging but we never can seem to find the right time what with his crazy work shifts.

He has been saying that his colleague's wife is selling one of the best diet pills for women and wonders if it would work on him (jokingly, of course). However, there's always a little truth to every just kidding and I know that he secretly wants to hop on the fitness bandwagon too. So here I am, extending my hand for him to jump on.


I think the track at Taman Tun park is one of the best and fun places to go for a jog. Hopefully we'll be able to go there soon!

Every Pandora jewellery item is a handmade Danish design in sterling silver and 14 karat gold. Pandora bracelets have a patented threading system that allows charms to be placed, added and rearranged. Pandora has created more than 800 handcrafted charms, available in sterling silver, 14k gold and murano glass, sometimes with semi-precious stones or precious gems.

These are a couple of examples of completed Pandora charm bracelets.

I love the thought of being able to buy a bracelet and collect charms later on to commemorate something in my life. Probably I'll buy a bracelet and three charms at once to represent my husband and two children. Then collect them through the years.


I was window shopping at Empire Shopping Gallery in Subang when I chanced upon the Pandora store and I instantly fell in love with the 14k gold bracelet. I mean I've known about Pandora for so long and always wanted one but seeing them on my hand was a totally different story! They have silver as well as leather braided, and waxed cotton string bracelets as well. The sales assistant in the Pandora store was oh-so-helpful and let me try on some of the completed bracelets. I'm usually not a fan of gold bracelets but the Pandora 14k gold charm bracelets were divine!


The rings and the compose earrings were equally gorgeous too!

However, my hopes were dashed when he informed me that just the bracelet alone costs approximately RM7000. But RM7k for an empty bracelet? Hundreds for a single charm? Definitely can't afford it right now.

On the other hand, I have read time and time again that right now is the perfect time to buy gold for investment purposes. There has been no time like the present to invest in gold what with it's steadily rising price on the market front. Also, it has been widely known that in times of crisis, particularly in times where there is great threat of war, the demand for gold rises even more. It is recognizable everywhere in times where banknotes and currency are unstable. Even some banks right now are offering loans for those who store their gold as some sort of collateral. Or so I heard.

Anyways, my point is, I want a Pandora gold charm bracelet, and I'm trying to justify spending on that amount of money as an investment for my future. Too bad I don't have that much to spare. Perhaps I can start on the silver bracelet instead. I forgot which one the sale assistant showed to me that cost only RM200+. He also gave me 3 different catalogues to drool pore over.. I can foresee sleepless nights coming up ahead. :(

Perhaps, it's not too late to write Santa a Christmas wishlist. :)

Note: I'm not sure whether there are any other Pandora stores in Malaysia, the only one I know of is the one at Empire Shopping Gallery. If you check out the official Pandora site, Malaysia isn't even listed since the store is still pretty new.

I honestly believe that when it comes to buying presents, women are the easiest people to buy for. There are just so many things out there that just can't go wrong. Perhaps the pressure is much higher when buying a birthday present and especially an anniversary gift, but when it comes to Christmas, you can hardly go wrong.

Gentlemen, if you're planning to be Santa for Christmas, might as well assign your lady love to be "Santa's Little Helper". At www.glamorose.com, there's an array of sexy outfits that both you and your lady will enjoy. Of course it may not be appropriate in front of guests and children, but who says that the party can't carry on until late night, if y'know what I mean.. LOL!

Here are some sexy Christmas costumes as well as Christmas-themed sexy lingerie for the viewing pleasure of all you ladies and gents out there.

They also have separate accessories like stocking, corsets and panties as well!



The prices range from $4.99 and above for accessories like thigh-high stockings and panties meanwhile the sexy costumes start from $13.95. The thigh-high stockings are actually pretty cute. Hehe! Oh and please, wearing risque outfits and lingerie for the pleasure of your beloved doesn't make you a bad person.. No one here is judging. At least I'm not! ;-)

My sister and I were talking late last night about party-planning. She normally plans and hosts a New Year's party but I'm not sure whether she will be making one for 2011. I'm sure she would love to do so, but with my sister, everything has to fit her "mood". Right now, I don't think she's feeling it just yet.

Anyways, if you're into party planning and need some ideas for your party, you can check out Hostess with the Mostest (HWTM). Not only do you get ideas, the site also tells you where to get the supplies and create them yourself! I can't get enough of this site!

If only I had a  karaoke machine boxed up somewhere, I'm definitely gonna start planning a Girl's Night party -- perhaps rent a service apartment for a night for me and my girls! Check out the one below for inspiration and ideas! It definitely beats just going out for karaoke with the girls.

Doesn't it make you wanna plan a party??

I question myself sometimes.. "why do I still watch Gossip Girl?". It's a tireless tirade of lust-love-revenge (in random order) that's just getting too old. I do, however, look forward to the fashion presented on every episode. I think Eric Daman (stylist for Gossip Girl) does a great job week in week out especially on Leighton Meester who plays Blair Waldorf.

Anyways, here are the gorgeous gowns that appeared in Season 4 thus far.. (currently up to Episode 9 as of date of posting).

Episode 2 (Double Identity) - Location: Blair Waldorf's date with Prince Louis of Monaco at Harry Winston store.

On Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester):
Dress: Oscar De La Renta Pre-Fall 2010
Clutch: Roger Vivier “Pouchette Drape Petit”
Shoes: Christian Louboutin “Ernesta Bow Sandals”

Episode 3 (The Undergraduates) - Location: Hamilton Club social event. 


On Serena Van Der Woodsen (Blake Lively):
Dress: Jenny Packham Fall 2010
Shoes: Raphael Young


On Eva (Clemence Poesy):
Dress: Carlos Miele Spring 2010

Episode 4 (A Touch of Eva) - Location: Chuck Bass charity event for Eva. 


On Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester)
Dress: Jenny Packham Cruise 2010
Earring: Swarovski


On Serena Van Der Woodsen (Blake Lively)
Dress: J. Mendel
Necklace: DanniJo
Clutch: Judith Leiber
Shoes: Brian Atwood


On Juliet Sharp (Katie Cassidy)
Dress: Bibhu Mahopatra Fall 2009
Clutch: Nancy Gonzalez crocodile cluth
Shoes: Brian Atwood 'Maniac' Pumps
Necklace: MCL by Matthew Campbell Laurenza

Episode 7 (War At The Roses) - Location: Blair Waldorf's 20th Birthday at Waldorf residence.


On Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester):
Dress: J. Mendel Fall 2010
Earrings: Rich Rocks


On Serena Van Der Woodsen (Blake Lively):
Dress: J. Mendel Citron Abstract Print on Georgette Wrap
Necklace: Susanna Galanis

Episode 8 (Juliet Doesn't Live Here Anymore) - Location: New York Ballet Benefit


On Vanessa Abrams (Jessica Szohr):
Dress: Christian Cota Spring 2010
Clutch: Lauren Merkin
Jewelery: Natalie Baroni (earrings), Alex Bittar (cuff)


On Juliet Sharp (Katie Cassidy):
Dress: J. Mendel Spring 2010
Clutch: Carlos Falchi
Jewelery: Ranjana Khan (necklace), Rich Rocks and Swarovski (rings)
Shoes: L.A.M.B


On Serena Van Der Woodsen (Blake Lively):
Dress: Zuhair Murad Fall 2010
Shoes: Leopoldo Giordano
Clutch: Halston Heritage


On Blair Waldorf (Leighton Meester):
Dress: Ralph Lauren Spring 2008
Clutch: Judith Leiber
Shoes: Christian Louboutin

Episode 9 (The Witches of Bushwick) - Location: Chuck Bass's "Saints and Sinners" Masquerade Party


On Serena Van Der Woodsen (Blake Lively):
Dress: Carolina Herrera Fall 2010
Clutch: Carlos Falchi

Amazing amazing gowns!! By the end of this post, I have my earlier question answered LOUD and CLEAR. I just love watching the amazing fashion. Even if they lack a great plot and storyline, the fashion is just divine! My favorites of all may have to be Blair Waldorf's Oscar De La Renta, the Ralph Lauren, and J. Mendel that she wore on her birthday. I love Serena in the Zuhair Murad and Juliet in the Bibhu Mohapatra!

You can also check out the Gossip Girl Fashion: Episode 1 - Belles Du Jour too. Next, I might do my favorite looks of Season 4. :-)

The Sexy Shape Shifter Workout is another workout routine by Zuzana from Bodyrock.tv that I have added to my workout regime. It's just a simple 4 step exercise that anyone can do from the comfort of their own home. Which is why I am such a fan of Zuzana's fitness website. She has a lot of home workout videos that you can follow, fitness tips, diet tips and much more. The best part is, it doesn't matter what size you are or how low/high your fitness level is, you'll be able to do it according to your level: Beginner, Intermediate or Expert.

So this 4 step workout consists of:

Squat Jump Up - 20 reps
Reptile - 20 reps
One-leg Squat Jump Up - 20 reps (each leg)
Side Plank Lift Cross Over - 15 reps (each leg)

And you're done!! Well, not quite! You have to do these 4 step workouts for 4 rounds -- then you time yourself. Beating your own personal time is always a great achievement! You'll feel amazing and you won't even give hoodia weight loss a second thought.

I've done it twice so far and my results:

11th November 2010: 36 mins 28 secs
17th November 2010: 30 mins 53 secs 
(UPDATED) 24th November 2010: 26 mins 12 secs

I managed to shave off almost 6 mins off my first workout time! Hopefully the next time I do this workout, I can manage to do it in less than 30 mins. Zuzana carries a sandbag when she does this routine, but I'm not ready for that yet. Also, for the one leg squat jump up and side plank lift cross over, I do it in beginner mode.

For those of who want to try this workout at home, you can check out this tutorial and off you go!!

Trust me, I have spent a lot of time looking for the perfect gift for all the special men in my life, my brothers, my my dad (may he rest in peace) and also for my loving husband, for every special occasion.

I have even compiled a couple of gift ideas: Gifts for Dad, Gift For Husband and 5 Gifts That Won't Go Wrong With Your Man This Christmas.

For my own man in my life, I know exactly what I need to give him. I've mentioned how much he loves cigars, so I think I'm set with my gift idea for this year.. and maybe I'll throw in some perdomo cigars, that is, if my budget allows me to! LOL!

Have fun gift hunting!

An old friend of mine just found me on Facebook and I was surprised to see him. Not only has his looks changed, he has actually turned his life around and made himself into a very successful man. Don't get me wrong, I'm not underestimating his capabilities.. but if you knew him back in high school, he was the one who just didn't bother with life.. skipping half of a school year, doing drugs etc...

So to see him like he is today, as a friend, I am really really proud of him. Next time I need car insurance quotes I know who to find! Have you ever met up with an old friend who managed to change his life around for the better?? Doesn't it make you feel proud for that person? :)

Eva Longoria changed her outfits as many as 13 times as she hosted the 2010 MTV Europe Music Awards. Here are some of the top looks she wore that night.

Eva Longoria arrived on the purple carpet in a modified black Georges Hobeika Spring 2010 Couture dress. And by modified, she lost the entire skirt (as seen on the runway) as well as the belt. I think losing the skirt is fine, but I think it looks much better with the belt. But that's just me.

She paired them with black Brian Atwood "Donna" patent pumps.. (while most women dream of collecting Christian Louboutins, I've always wanted me some Brian Atwoods!)

(Photo credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

Since bodysuits seemed to be the "trend" that night, Eva Longoria pulled not one, but two bodysuit looks which I thought were gorgeous. Honestly, I don't get why it's a "trend" but I do think she pulled these two off. The black embellished bodysuit was by Viktor & Rolf while the other ruffled bodysuit was from the Gianfranco Ferré Spring 2011 collection. I prefer the latter.. although with the sheer sleeves, it makes her skin tone look like she had a botched suntan.


I also love this black Marchesa Resort 2010 dress that had a beaded plunging neckline top and a feathery skirt. It looks sexy and feminine at the same time. It was modified to have a shorter hem to have an edgier look and besides, the original hem length would have been too long for Eva.

(Photo credit: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

This nude Camila and Marc dress was pretty and all but I guess it doesn't hold much of a surprise. It looks like something Eva has worn before on the red carpet.



That night, Eva Longoria decided to go for two Emilio Pucci dresses. One was a very sexy cut out brown mullet dress while the other dress was a patterned long dress with side cut outs -- the only long dress she wore that evening (not including the "ham" outfit. haha!). Both of these dresses were from the Emilio Pucci Spring 2011 RTW collection.

(Photo credits: Kevin Mazur/Wireimage)

Last but not least is one of my favorite looks that she sported that night. With her hair pulled back in a high ponytail, she looked simple yet stunning in a black and purple Georges Hobeika dress with defined shoulders and royal purple satin sash-like lapels and belt. This dress may have been custom made for her as I didn't see it in the Georges Hobeika Fall-Winter 2010/11 collection. Most probably adapted and modified from this version...


So which was your favorite Eva Longoria look for that night??

After going through the dreaded 3rd week and failed, I'm feeling more pumped now and I have a new cardio routine which I will alternate daily with one of Zuzana's workout, The Sexy Shape Shifter. (More on that later, I promise!)

I love my Zumba workouts and I have fun doing that compared to the taebo bootcamp to be honest.. but I know I have to change it up every week, so I won't feel bored and my body won't get used to the same workout. So, since last week I did my Tae Bo Bootcamp cardio workout, this week it's back to Zumba (30 mins) + Zuzana's Burpee Burnout Workout (which is why I call it the Double Z)

The Burpee Burnout Workout is only a 10 minute workout but not as easy as it looks. It's a great cardio routine and it gets me sweating a whole lot while working my core, my legs and my arms. I might need a Branson vacation package after the first 10 weeks are over and before I start another 10 weeks. LOL! :P

I started on Monday and I only managed to do 30 of them.. in 10 minutes. Really not what I expected. I thought I could do much more.. I'll be doing it again today and I hope I do much much better! :D

Check out the Burpee Burnout Workout below:

Week 3 has always been the hardest for me when it comes down to exercising. Maybe it's all in the mind but week 3 always has my motivation running out faster than Usain Bolt.. So, as ashamed as I am to admit this, this is the point of my "weekly reports" on my progress.

So week 3 was pretty much unproductive. I went through my carbs galore fest phase.. eating nasi lemak for breakfast, having pasta like 2 days in a row and attended a wedding and shamefully enjoyed the wedding feast. Shame on Shemah! :(

As for exercise, I only managed to exercise 3 days last week doing ONLY Billy Blanks' Tae Bo Bootcamp cardio workout. It was bad considering that I exercised 6 times a week doing both cardio and interval training during week 2.

Oh well, I'm just glad that's over and done with. Week 3 has always been my weakest week. So now, it's week 4 and I have a new cardio routine planned. So yay! No more lazy bumming! 

There are times when you think, "If I had the money I'd buy...." but then there are times when you do have the money and you think, "Should I even get this?? This is one month's worth of food right here.. I used to save up for months and now I'm spending it all on THIS?"

However, I do know some people who don't care at all on how much they spend as long as they can elevate their status and look the epitome of luxury in other people's eyes. Even if it means getting a 5th wheel insurance.


All they want is the finer things in life, they say. So here are some ridiculously expensive everyday stuff for all of you seeking the finer things in life.

Concrete Aalto Doorstop - $3500

Renovo Colored Toilet Paper - $20/pack of 3

Crystal Ergoripado Vaccum - $18993

Nesmuk Diamond Knife - $39600

Harrod's Instant Noodles - $43

Leather Gold and Silver cased Monopoly - $7570

Tiffany & Co. Tennis Ball Can - $1500

Leather Keyboard - $603

Crocodile Skin Umbrella - $50000

Even if I can afford this, I'll still pass. A vacuum is still a vacuum. Toilet paper is just toilet paper. And a can of tennis balls is just a can of tennis balls. No need for luxury here. But then again, for those of you who don't mind splurging.. by all means.. go nuts!! :)