anjywanjy - Tumblr blog

[anjywanjy]

Sunday Currently

Wow, last week was stressful, weird, and then became some kind of wonderful. A few tears were probably shed throughout the week, which was unexpected. It's been a while since I cried, but it's good sometimes to feel that way. It's cathartic. 

I don't often cry. When I'm stressed, I often resort to sleeping. But last week was mentally and physically draining for me. I just had to let the tears roll. 

On the bright side, lots of fun things happened this week, too — interviews for a school project, a birthday celebration, izakaya dinner, and dim sum breakfast. I am thankful for the people around me. This world may be cruel more than half of the time, but it's the company that you keep that makes everything bearable. 

Anyway, it's a new week, and we live in the present. I will stop stressing about something for so long, lest I will get confined to thinking about things I can no longer and won't be able to control. 

via Blogger https://ift.tt/qMPeTGYHb

[anjywanjy]

Highlights of my first week at the @harbour.space BKK campus! 🙌🏼 It’s the first time in a long time that I am taking public transport early in the morning to go somewhere. To give you a context, I take BTS, switch to MRT, then take a motorbike every day this week. Going home, I was lucky Belle (twice!) and Jump (once!) dropped me off at the BTS station, so I didn’t have to switch. But man, I need to adjust to commuting life again. 🚊 Anyhooo, it good thing my class is nothing but awesome! And the food around the campus is cheap and delish 😋 all in all, 10/10, will do again. Have a nice weekend! #backtoschool (at มหาวิทยาลัยหอการค้าไทย UTCC) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZA9CXPPQEy/?utm_medium=tumblr

[anjywanjy]

This is me refusing to work on school stuff by posting photos of my trip to #Ayutthaya. I've always wanted to go to this place because it's such a quick trip outside #Bangkok. I never had a chance until last weekend with my friends from school. I enjoyed walking around because the weather was good! Also, @kris.wannakring gave us a history 101. I truly loved it. An excellent way to start the new year 🥳 To more cheap but memorable trips in 2022. But of course, with all the COVID surge happening again, let's always stay safe. (at Ayutthaya, Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYUApSnvm5r/?utm_medium=tumblr

[anjywanjy]

This year, I challenged myself to read more books and set it initially to 10. No pressure! But as of today, I managed to finish 18! Three physical books, 13 ebooks (er, one of which I wrote for a previous job 😅), and two audiobooks. I am so happy I am slowly getting back to reading more. Most of the time, I read for school this year. But proud to be able to squeeze in some non-grad school required reading 😂 Thanks to my professors, IG books accounts, and @nytbooks for their book recos! I already have my #2022bookchallenge sorted for me! 📚 (at Bangkok, Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CYG0-dxPKNx/?utm_medium=tumblr

[anjywanjy]

Midweek walk by the beach surprised to meet this playful dog. #Sunset is beautiful here — photos don’t do justice. So mesmerising that sometimes I forget I have to do school stuff. I try not to get distracted, but it’s good to look away from my laptop once in a while. ⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #adayinthailand #amazingthailand #phuketthailand #beachlife #discoverthailand #naturelovers #southeastasia #thailand #thailand_allshots #thailand_ig #thailande #thailandia #thailandinstagram #thailandonly #thailandtravel #thailandtrip #thailand🇹🇭 #thaitraveling #travelblog #travelthailand #traveltheworld #ช #🇹🇭 (at Phuket, Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CV0XUmAvLmE/?utm_medium=tumblr

[anjywanjy]

The First of August

Ahh, to stay in bed all day 😴 Happy August 😊 (cue Taylor Swift, “Salt air…”) Welcome to a New Month! I recently had the tarot cards read, and one of the results is that I need to rest! As I said last time, so much has been going on lately that I honestly do not think I have ever really rested. Too many things to do, too many things to learn, too many things... what excuse? I also recently got a vaccination. And because of the side effects, I had to force myself to rest. The horrible physical pain, headache and slight fever lasted for a day and a half. Today, I am fully recovered and feel 100% better. What should I do today? Hmmm, I think I should rest. How will you spend the rest of the weekend? via Blogger https://ift.tt/3C1uWqK

[anjywanjy]

Good morning! Are you #teamtea 🍵 or #teamcoffee ☕️?

I like my black tea with soy milk in the morning, and throughout the day, I drink peppermint or green tea when I need to stay up or avoid snacking 😅 It works!

While I consider myself a #morningperson, I am very slow at the beginning of the day. So I take this time to write in my journal, enjoy my tea, and read a chapter from the book I am currently reading. Somehow, mornings before work is the only time I can control, so I enjoy the slowness as much as I can.

Lately, my days have been crazy and I’m truly grateful for my slow mornings.

I hope you're doing well and staying safe! (at Bangkok Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRnIYtprmJu/?utm_medium=tumblr

[anjywanjy]

Some Expat Life Updates

Good morning to my fave seatmates getting their daily vitamin D.

Our office told us that we might be able to go back to the office soon after getting vaccinated. Vaccination for ex-pats in Thailand rolled out last month, but due to some technical issues, the government postponed the registration indefinitely. Honestly, everything still feels kind of uncertain. I thought 2021 would be different, but that was more of wishful thinking, really. Oh well, I hope everyone is doing well and staying safe. We've made it to July – halfway there!  via Blogger https://ift.tt/3ycw9sE

[anjywanjy]

My 2021 #bookchallenge (so far)

I started this year with a goal to read more.

I started with low effort with a target of five books, then when I knew I could do more, I kept adjusting my goal. 

I’ve read 11 e-books, two physical books, listened to one audiobook this year. I’m in the middle of my 12th this month!

Because I move a lot, I realised moving with lots of physical books is so difficult. So I invested more in e-books instead. I only managed to buy these three physical #books this year. But who knows? 

Apps I use:

Apple Books for e-books: syncs between my devices. I’m also trying to see if I can start moving my audiobooks there.

Audible: worth the investment if you’re into #audiobooks. I get the premium plus, which gives me one book credit a month! Nice way to discover new reads.

via Blogger https://ift.tt/363KFXQ

[anjywanjy]

The End

Another week ends.

Ending, such an inevitable part of our life. Last week, I learned about two influential people whose lives ended unexpectedly. Millions more die every day without the spectacle. Death is such an equalizer; I tell people often. Death is always a difficult topic to talk about. The overwhelming pain of grief and fear that we leave our loved ones and overthinking about who will care for them when we're gone. Even though we all must face death in our lives, it is perhaps the only (if not one of!) experience that leaves us so uncertain and fearful. The fear of dying can keep us from enjoying our time when we still have it. #Stoic Epictetus said, “I cannot escape death, but at least I can escape the fear of it.” Accepting that is a natural part of our life makes us value the relationships we make more. It makes us cherish the present and do things to live a worthwhile life. The more you don't worry about it, the more you'll make the most out of what you have. Ah, I don't want to start your weekend on such a sad note! Just a reflection of the week that went by. via Blogger https://ift.tt/3qrzYru

[anjywanjy]

I don't know how I feel about a Thursday holiday. It's like a good work break in the middle of the week, but also, ugh, still have to work on Friday? 😅 Anyway, it's the weekend soon! No plans, just a new book to read 😊 #tgif #bangkokworklife #wfhlife (at Bangkok, Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CPrkqckriSU/?utm_medium=tumblr

[anjywanjy]

It's been two years since I went back home. I don't think it's also going to be possible this year. So I will admire you again from a distance, till it's possible to see and hold (touch, taste, smell!) you. Happy independence day, Philippines. It's hard to love you sometimes, but I will continue to do so. See you soon ❤️🇵🇭 #independencedayph #indepndenceday2021 #philippines #manila #escolta #bolinao #boracay #ustmanila #thomasian #atinangpinas (at Philippines) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQASiYMLf2C/?utm_medium=tumblr

[anjywanjy]

My entry for today's #nationalselfieday! 📸 Nothing much to share, but just a reminder that every one filters what they want to show online. We live in a curated life and our digital persona is based on how we want others to see us. ✌🏻 Every day is different and won't always be rainbows and butterflies. A smiling #selfie doesn't mean someone is at their 100%. So always be kind. 🙏🏻 (at Bangkok, Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CQaXUgxrx4g/?utm_medium=tumblr

[anjywanjy]

A long weekend leftover: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One habit I have when reading books is that I read one fiction and one nonfiction at the same time. I find that doing so somehow cleanses the palate when I read, switching from one to another. Currently revisiting Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (for fiction) while I also read a digital copy of Sense of Style by Steven Pinker (for nonfiction). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Another thing I do is highlight passages in the book. I also tend to write notes but found that it's difficult to re-sell them when they're not in pristine condition. Personally, I like seeing books with annotations from previous owners because it gives me a sense of how the reader interacted with the material. For now, I use this notebook to write my thoughts. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Do you also have some reading habits? 📚 (at Bangkok, Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CGzeCgUH7as/?igshid=xx93ngczne1f

[anjywanjy]

An Hour in BACC: Photo Diary

New month, new me! 

How long has it been since COVID-19 started ruining our lives? Luckily, Thailand seemed like it managed the pandemic cases well, given that we can already go around, no more curfew or lockdown since May. Although there are still some restrictions, we are now able to move around, sort of freely, as long as we have our masks on. 

When they announced that non-essential establishments are back in business, the first thing I did was book a salon appointment (I would not, for the life of me, cut my hair on my own. I've done that in HS, never again!). I also made a trip to some of the nearby places I can check out in the city, just to get out of my home. 

One day, my condominium management announced that there would be some 7-hour blackout for some maintenance, so I was forced to kinda go out. Thought it would be an excellent opportunity to explore Bangkok. However, given the excruciating heat, I ended up going to one of my favourite places here, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre. 

Near Siam Paragon/Discovery and MBK, the art centre is easily accessible by BTS Sukhumvit Line and is just within the city. So off I went. Here are some pics! 

Ok, that's it!

via Blogger https://ift.tt/3n6Gu4L

[anjywanjy]

Beauty Currently: WFH Edition

I like talking about beauty and beauty products, and this post is going to be long. Just heads up!

I don't know about you, but when my company asked us to start working from home, I got excited about the idea. We normally have a twice-a-month work from home schedule, which I always look forward to, but not expecting it to be months indefinitely. No more waking up extra time to prepare (I'm very slow in the morning) and no need to wear make-up. Woohoo!

However, as months passed by, I started looking at my unused make-up products. I began missing getting ready in the morning that I can't believe that what was once my most tedious routine became one of the things I look forward to now. Also, just the thought of not finishing my beauty products made me feel like I am wasting them. 

So one day, I picked them up again — started with my lip tint, then moved to blush. Now, on some days, I'd use lipstick. And I can't believe how happy it made me. Got excited to choose and wear a different colour, even though I'm just at home. And boy, putting some colour on my face made a huge difference in the way I look in video calls, haha! 

As things start to go back to normal here in Bangkok, we are now required to go back to the office twice a week now. And I can say make-up routine has renewed my energy to go back to the office. It is now actually one of the things I look forward to when I prepare in the morning. Meanwhile on days I stay and work at home, I still put some effort to put on light make-up: blush and lip tint are my go-to's (together with SPF!).

The next part is going to be lengthy, but you've made it here, so let's talk about the specifics.

In case you're interested, here are the products I have been using lately: 

I start off with my tried and tested primer, Benefit Porefessional. I've tried lots of priming products before, but I keep coming back to this one — fills in pores and makes my skin look smoother instantly. 

For my base, I still go for light coverage with sun protection. I discovered Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser in 2N1 Nude before the pandemic, and it instantly became my favourite because even if it's lightweight, it still gives enough coverage to even out skin tone. Plus, who doesn't want the extra (don't forget to put your sunscreen before this!) SPF 30?

After using a drugstore brand for quite a while, I realised that I'd still go back to my favourite concealer, despite the price. The one I used before often left my face looking cakey at the end of the day and clings to my dry patches (shout out to my fellow combination skin!). Howver, Nars Soft Matte Concealer (I use the shade Ginger) stays put and doesn't emphasise my them. Don't be fooled by its packaging though. I can use one tub for months even if I use it every day, making it a worth it buy. Ah, it's a miracle in a little pot. 

I have also been using multi-use products in cremes because I think that's how you get your money's worth? I use the BLK Multitasking Colour Stick in Cocoa for my contour, but you can also use it for eyes and lips! It's creamy, but you can blend it easily with your fingers, brush (I prefer to use an angled brush) or sponge so don't worry about looking muddy or dirty. 

Meanwhile, in the same hardworking philosophy, my Mac Glow Play in So Rosy Does It is my favourite shade for my cheeks! You can quickly diffuse the colour if you want it to look natural or pack on the product to make it pop. Also like the previous products mentioned, you can use it in several ways: as your eye shadow, blush, and lip stain. I sometimes use this product alone when I need a quick pick me up or don't want to put much effort, but still want to look put together for my video calls, haha. 

I have a ridiculously hyper-sensitive skin around my eye area, and when I use a product that doesn't sit well with it, all hell breaks loose. I am glad I found these products that are easy to use and has not aggravated my skin yet — cross fingers! 

Another BLK product (seriously guys, check this Filipino brand out, so good!), my Universal Brow Stick in Natural Brown is by far, the best eyebrow product I've used. It's a two-in-one product: one end has the eyebrow pencil and eyebrow mascara on the other. The pencil is simple to use and easily retractable if you need more. With light-handed application, you can fill in your brows without looking heavily drawn (my fear!). Meanwhile, the mascara helps you achieve that brush-up brow effect while keeping them in place all day. It doesn't clump your brows as well, so you have natural-looking eyebrows. You can use both or one of them to achieve the effect you want. Usually, I use the mascara first, then fill in with the pencil. You can just imagine how this product has helped me make my brows look neat even though I haven't had them groomed for a long time because of the stay-at-home restrictions! 

Both my mascara and eyeliners were recent purchases, and they're from Uzu by Flowfushi (formerly Mote). I'm not a fan of thick lashes, but I like them long — and this Micro mascara gives me that. As someone with sensitive skin, it doesn't take me much to remove this product, all I need is warm water to wash it off. I also like the sleek packaging because I'm a sucker for aesthetic, lol. 

Meanwhile, the Uzu Flowushi's Eye Opening Liner is so, so good for someone who hasn't done eyeliner before. I'm so bad at putting eyeliner, but this one, because of the soft, calligraphy-like brush, glides so smoothly, making drawing effortless. Like the mascara, it comes off with warm water, too and doesn't require much rubbing. One thing though, it's not long-lasting, but that's OK for me. 

And finally, we have reached my favourite part: Lipsticks! 

My favourite hobby during quarantine was to swatch my lipsticks. I even send photos to my best friend KZ, and she would tell me that all my lipsticks are in the same shade — that is true. 

I currently have more than 10 in my collection, but these four are in my constant rotation. 

Mac Powder Kiss Liquid Lip Colour in Got a Call Back: I think this is my favourite matte lipstick, ever. Glides smoothly, and is not drying even if with the formulation. It's also multi-use, so even with the price, I think it's still worth it. 

Bobbi Brown Colour Crush lipstick in Daring Dalalid: I came across this product after looking for a Glossier Gen G Jam replacement. I think this product is better! Despite being creme/satin texture (It's one of the two I own because I usually go for a matte finish), I still like it's a lipstick, but feels like a lip balm. It leaves my often dry lips so happy! Too bad, this colour is not sold everywhere, so I'm not sure what I'm going to do when I finish this bullet. 

Penshoppe LiteMatte in Next Move: Not a lot of people are a fan of this product, but I somehow like it so much. I have been looking for a similar shade, but can't seem to find, so trying to hold on to this matte lippies for as long as I can. 

Clarins Water Lip Stain in Violet Water: Don't you hate it when lip stains leave your pucker dry? I've used so many of these products (I love it because lip stains don't feel like anything!) but is often disappointed. So far, this product living up to my expectations. I use it almost every day — on its own or layered with other lipstick. Plus, it lasts longer than any stains I've used, so it's so worth it. 

No solo pic, but I finish off everything with my trusty setting spray, the Urban Decay All-Nighter. Another one I've been using for a long time and I can assure you, this cult product does what it says. I've gone to lots of parties, have walked around under excruciating heat, and have worn mask almost whole day outside, and my make up stays in place. Amazing! 

I've said so much in this blog when I just wanted to introduce my current fave beauty products. Haha, please share yours with me, too! I'd like to know what you're using :)

via Blogger https://ift.tt/3ceETot

[anjywanjy]

If you didn't know yet, I live alone in #Bangkok — the first time in my life: no roomies to share expenses and food with. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There are incredible reasons why living on your own rocks, but each pro comes with their own con. Despite that, the experience taught me tons of valuable learnings, such as: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 1. Budgeting money is crucial - having your place to yourself comes with lots of financial responsibilities, and without people to half the expenses with, budgeting can be challenging, but you have to do it! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 2. Meal prepping helps a lot - I am a believer in meal prepping because it helps me save money. Plus, it gets me so excited. Been following my fave meal preppers @fresh.erica and @budgetbytes for inspo! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 3. Cleaning comes without thinking - Ah, am I the only one who constantly cleans my house and follows a weekly cleaning schedule? Also, my unit has to have a specific scent, and for months now, it's Green from @muji_thailand. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 4. Learn to build furniture on your own - Going to @ikeathailand is so therapeutic for me, even if I don't buy anything. But on times I purchased and have to assemble them, I've learned to make use of walls or chairs for support because there are no extra hands around! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 5. Living alone lets you explore new things - With more time alone, I have ventured in lots of other things: improved my cooking, started baking, took more photos, practised drawing, and writing longer IG post like this! 😜 • • • • • #pocketofmyhome #studioapartment #decordetail #peepmypad #interiors #howyouhome #myhappyplace #makingmyhaven #lovetheroom #cozycollectives #mydomaine #meandmyabode #vscocam #vsco (at Bangkok, Thailand) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDnSpo4HZbB/?igshid=clsocxougnj1