For Pla

Hey there internet lurkers,

today's blog post is going to be a little different. Nothing about my latest buys or parties I've attended. It's about something more serious and something that actually means so much more than all the little things in our day to day life. 

A few minutes ago I stumbled across the following video and I felt so heartbroken by it that I felt like I needed to say something. 

It's a pretty good documentary by an indie Canadian film maker. I really really really encourage you guys to watch, but if you're pressed for time here is a synopsis by the film maker himself:

"Filmed in 2002 - Bangkok Girl provides a glimpse into Thailand's notorious and booming night scene through the experiences of a 19-year-old bar girl. Working in the bars from the age of thirteen, she has managed to avoid selling her body—a remarkable revelation given her surroundings — but her refusal to take part in this all-too-common profession for young Thai women cannot last. The marketing of the night scene geared to foreigners has forever changed the city, the economy, the Thai people's lives and desires. A daring and unabashed look at a popular Western predilection through the eyes of one girl."

Basically, the story is about this 19-year-old girl named, Pla. It's a insight to her life and how it is like for a young Thai girl living in Bangkok. Through the video, you are immediately drawn in by his charismatic personality, pleasant smile and her innocence. 

It occurred to me that we were the same age. Just because we were born in different environments, we live different lives. It really makes me wonder why life is so unfair. I know I shouldn't whine about this because I'm already so fortunate but I feel so guilty for being able to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. In the video, the narrator mentioned how it is difficult for a Thai girl not to be swayed into the night life industry as it pays 10 times more than any other job available.

Pla didn't admit to doing any of these acts till the very very end. She said that a "Falang" (their term for "foreigner"/"ang moh") had been chasing her at the bar for 7 months and her boss threatened to fire her if she didn't oblige. The last few minutes of the video really broke my heart. The obviously drunken British man was just grabbing a very reluctant Pla as she struggles to fake a smile.

Throughout the video, I was just thinking how this documentary would probably be really beneficial for Pla. She showcases her bright personality and eagerness to learn. I thought someone would poach her or just approach her to help.

How wrong I was.

As said in the video, Pla passed away 1 week after the video was shot because of "heart conditions". I was devastated. I felt so sorry for her. However, like my friend said, there are hundreds, no, thousands of others just like Pla. I felt like I needed to do something about it so I'm writing this blog post, hoping to enlighten at least a few of you of the plight of these Bangkok girls. I hope you have a new perspective on the night life in Thailand.

Let's all try to be more grateful :)

xoxo Miranda

"Eye" see you!

Hey there cuties! 

It's no doubt that eyes play a crucial role in our day to day lives. As we age, the most common problem one would face is presbyopia also known as "lao hua yan" (老花眼). 

According to CooperVision, presbyopia is an eye condition that affects everyone once you reach the age of 40-45. 

Here is a basic diagram to illustrate what goes on in a normal eye and a presbyopic eye:

And this is pretty much the life of someone with presbyopia: 

Personally, I do not have this problem just yet, but my mom does. And I'm sure you know at least 3 people with this issue! She tells me how it's a hassle really - having to dig for her reading glasses in her bag just to read a text and then having to remove it after so it doesn't interfere with her long-sightedness. 

So when I found out about CooperVision's Proclear 1-day Multifocal Contact Lenses, I immediately shared it with my mom. 

These multifocal lenses gives you the flexibility of seeing both near and far in absolute clarity. In addition, they're dailies - which means you dispose of them after each use. This is way more hygienic and less of a fuss than monthlies. 

If you've always been putting off contact lenses because of your dry eyes, don't fret. 

The Proclear 1-day Multifocal Contact Lenses stay 96% hydrated throughout the day, even after 12 hours of wear! CooperVision incorporates water molecules into their lenses, creating a natural resistance to dryness! In fact, Proclear contacts are the only contact lenses cleared by the U.S. FDA for providing improved comfort for contact lens wearers who experience dryness during lens wear!

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Don't they just sound too good to be true??? 

And you're in for a treat because CooperVision is feeling extra generous:

For a small price of only $15, you will get a FULL eye test by professionals and a 5-day trial of the Proclear 1-day Multifocal Contact Lenses.

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I emphasise how it was a FULL eye test because, well, it was!!!

So my mother excitedly signed up for a test the very next day and headed down to Optom.Sg at HillV2! She was greeted by the Mr Mikael Ng who is both the Optometrist and Manager of Optom.Sg. He was really friendly and patient with my mom. He explained how these full eye tests usually cost $68 but it has been reduced to $15 just for the CooperVision promotion!

It began with checking my mother's blood pressure. I know it's super random and weird but Mr Ng explained how this wasn't a normal eye test and how presbyopic individuals require different kinds of testing. 

Next, were the Eye Readings: (aka using the machines seen below)

Followed by, an Air Pressure test. 

My mom described this to me as "a machine shooting air into your eyeball". I was horrified but then she reassured me that it didn't hurt at all. In fact, it felt ticklish and it made her laugh. 

The eye test also involved the optometrist taking pictures of the front and back of your eye ball (we still have no idea how he did it, but it was sooo cool). Mr Ng very clearly explained the explanations for all the problems my mother was facing. He also went through what my mother can do to protect her eyes (i.e. wear sunglasses to protect from harmful UV rays when outdoors). The full eye test took about 20 to 30 minutes in total.

Overall, my mother was VERY pleased with the whole eye check up. She keeps insisting my sister, father and I go back and give it a go too. 

If you're interested in the FREE TRIAL LENSES, do head over to http://coopervision.com.sg/trial-lenses to sign up now!  

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Don't forget, we only have 1 pair of eyes!!! Take good care of them!

Music Mig-Up

Hey there pom-poms! 

So I just got back from a great event organised by migme. It was held at a recently opened bar - Striling Bar & Grill. It was a really nice and intimate setting for a meetup (or should I say migup ha ha ha).

Here's a group pic with the other bloggers! Along with the entertainers of the Indonesian Idol's Lucky and Michael.. oh yes, and also, our very own Steven Lim! Haha!!! 

I'll just leave you guys with some visuals of the event itself ;)

Rinni Wulandari who won Indonesian Idol Season 4 sang a song from her new album - Independence. I thought the song was crazy catchy. 

Steven Lim being Steven Lim haha! 

And of course, selfies with everyone:

Thank you so much to migme for the invitation! An extra thank you to Alvin (aka alvinology) who has been some kind of "blogging" mentor to me these past few years! Thank you for all the opportunities and I can't wait to see you at the next event!

Till next time,
xoxo Miranda

Trust Issues

Hello world

I realised how my blog is always quite cheery and  fun so I thought I write a post about something that I think about a lot. 

Trust. 

If you know me personally, you'd know that I'm not the kind to be surrounded by swarms of people and in massive cliques. In fact, I'm pretty much always alone in school. Some people view it as being a "loner" and a "loser" but I really don't mind it at all. I may even prefer it. You don't need to rely on anyone. You can just do your own things and go. Well, one downside is that there's no one to look after your stuff when you go to the washroom but THAT'S FINE. WE DON'T LIVE IN CHINA. PEOPLE ARE NICE... right? 

I digress.. distracted Miranda is always getting distracted. 

I know I look and seem like a girl who probably has (I quote) "tons of friends" but nah, and the reason being - I have quite severe trust issues. 

I have problems letting people in and I am always doubting everyone. I don't know who to consider friends and who are just acquaintances. Or just random people who don't really care about me and use me to pay for their lunches and buy them birthday presents. I feel like it is just human nature to want things in return for niceness (yes, it such a negative point of view but it's true). 

So I just thought I'd do a blog post that would hopefully benefit my younger readers out there and/or anyone facing a challenging friendship. I just want to let you know you aren't alone. I've been there and yes, it sucks. But we all have to be burned to learn. You're stronger than you think. 

Bottom line is: be wary. Not everyone out there wants to be your friend because they like your personality. They like other things too. Like your nice branded wallet. 

Hang in there guys. 

And if you ever need someone to talk to, feel free to e-mail me at mirandamikaela@hotmail.com. Or tweet/dm me @mirandamikaela. I'm happy to help. 

xoxo Miranda

Sushi date

Hey bubble buddies

I haven't touched my blog in a while and it's been advertorial after advertorial so I thought I do a post about my day. It's been ages since I've done one so forgive me if I am a bit rusty heh. 

As of 12pm today I have officially ended my second year of Mass Comm in Ngee Ann Poly! How was it? Well, I'll save my Mass Comm experience for another post. Today's going to be all about HAPPY THINGS! When the exam ended, I was so happy but I couldn't bring myself to discuss anything with anyone just yet because of my exploding bladder. I thought the paper was really good though. Aiming for a high B or even DARE I SAY an A???? 

I was starving and craving me some sushi so I met Tao at Orchard Central for some grub. He surprised me with my a box of my favourite Royce Nama chocs that I've been craving and a rose as an advanced Valentine's Day gift! WHY IS HE SO NICE!!! 

 Anyway, we headed upstairs to Genki sushi because a) it tastes freaking good omg the genki roll is amazing and b) YOUR FOOD COMES ON A FREAKING TRAIN!!!!

I didn't get a good picture because I was too kanchiong (hokkien for eager) to nom (miranda lingo for eat haha). If anyone of you haven't already been down to Genki, I definitely recommend it! Only downsides are that THEY STILL CHARGE SERVICE CHARGE even though the only service you get is at the cashier... and well, you're paying the train.. and also how, it is very very VERY easy to get carried away when ordering.. 

After lunch, we just walked around Orchard Road and our crazy antics began.

They had these adorable zodiac headpieces along the atrium of Somerset 313 and we couldn't have but snap some pictures! Apparently, they are having some Instagram contest as well with attractive shopping vouchers up for grabs!! 

Effective marketing???? Sounds pretty legit haha! 

(*slaps self* gurl you've spent too long studying your Advertising exam, Miranda*)

Overall, it was a really great day. Thanks to this weirdo right here. Still so thankful for every day that you're here ^_^ *hugs*

xoxo Miranda

Sogurt Xmas Bash & Zouk afterwards

Hey there pretty party people

So last Friday was the annual Sogurt End-of-Year Christmas Party! It was held at the National Museum's Food For Thought.

#Selfie before I head out

I arrived on time at 7pm and the room was pretty much empty. Everyone only came at about 8pm and the whole party officially began at about 8.30pm!

We played tons of games organised by the Captains! My table (Group 5 aka the Star Vista gals) only had 5 people as compared to the usual 10 and so.... we only had 5 brains and ended up losing... BIG TIME.

Nevertheless, I couldn't have chosen a better team. We are the "happy losers". Thank you Madalene, Shi Hui, Angeline and Shereen (plus our captain, Cass) for the awesome night ^_^

FOOD TIME, I WAS SOOOOO HUNGRY..

I never thought Food For Thought had great food. Everything was pretty mediocre I guess. The brownie was so dry *cries* It reminded me of the brownies I made in secondary school #ohnoyoudidn't

More visuals from the rest of the dinner:

With Beatrice! You guys may know her from http://bnhx.blogspot.sg/ or from her ig @bnhx. Well she's my secondary schoolmate and APPARENTLY, a Sogirl too! Haha!

And of course, a picture with our Soboss - Li Ping! She's sooooo pretty and carries herself so well. Pretty honoured to be working under such a cool boss! Thanks for hiring me, Lips! *awkward hug*

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After the dinner, Lips actually arranged for an after party at Zouk.

Confession: I have never been to a club... till now..... 
(which is super super weird because I host the TGIW Zouk show on Radio Heatwave aka the Ngee Ann Poly campus radio)

My fellow "losers" and I walked all the way to Plaza Singapura trying to flag a cab and headed over to Zouk. I wish I took more pictures... The outside was PACKED. Long queues and everything - because of the guest DJ Markus Schulz.

For those club newbies like myself, this is what this esteemed club looks like:

Yes, white shirts GLOW!!!!!!! IF I KNEW EARLIER, I would've worn white! 

Oh ps, do you like my brow bling? ;) You can get it done at any Benefit counters - I got SOOOOOO many compliments! It really makes you stand out and it's so sparkly! Plus, did I mention how it's all reusable? Which is good because it's Swarovski crystals. Don't worry about it dropping off, it's super sticky!

Let me end off this post with 2 quirky picture with my protector of the night, Tao.

Overall, what do I think of Zouk?

Well, I didn't stay very long. I had a 2am curfew so the whole experience was pretty rushed. I just wandered around exploring the whole club. I didn't even really ENTER the dance floor. I just stood by the side watching other people groove. I want to say that it isn't really my thing but something about it was really quite intriguing. You really just feel like you're in an entirely different world when you're in the club. 

How was your weekend?

xoxo

Miranda

Christmas Shopping with Lazada

Advertorial

Hey there!

❄ ☃ Tis' the season to be jolly! Ho ho ho! ☃ ❄

Yup,  Christmas is just around the corner and you know what that means....


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PRESENTS PRESENTS LOTS OF PRESENTS!!!!

But that also mean, we have to GIVE presents.. OK I don't have a problem with giving.

It's just that (being in poly) I have school every day and I have NO TIME to go all the way to Orchard to shop! In addition, buying tons of presents can be sooo painful for my poor ol' wallet.

But, don't fret - because I have the solution!! 

Presenting....

Lazada.sg

If you haven't already heard of this amazing site, it's a local online shopping mall. They have ALL kinds of stuff ranging from Consumer Electronics to even Health & Beauty.  It's a one-stop shop for all your online christmas shopping! 

Lazada promises an effortless shopping experience, coupled with FAST deliveries! Also, there's free shipping for purchases over $40!

Can't wait to start shopping?

Hold up, there's a cray cray amount of goodies on the site and let me help you narrow it down to my edition of 

TOP 10 BEST BUYS OFF LAZADA!

1. Smashbox Click, You're It Holiday Eye Palette

What could be better than a single eyeshadow... hmm well, A PALETTE WITH 20 COLOURS!!!! Smashbox features an amazing array of highly pigmented shadows in this Christmas palette. 

And here comes the shocker... 

Usual Price: $86.50

ONLY $26 NOW!

2. DKNY Be Delicious (Green Apple) EDP (50ml)

  

This one is a personal WANT. It's like a fresh happy scent! 

Everytime I walk into a Sephora, I spray this all over me and walk out (now you know....) Because honestly, I don't want to spend a whooping $100 on a perfume!!! 

However, thanks to Lazada's 58% discount I CAN FINALLY AFFORD IT! 

Usual Price: $93

ONLY $39 NOW!

3. Fujifilm Instax Mini 8

If you don't already have an Instax camera, it's definitely a worthy investment! Capturing moments and having an actual photograph to hold on to. Available in baby pink, yellow, white, baby blue and black.

Usual Price: $129

ONLY $79.80 NOW

4. Xiaomi Mi Power Bank 10400mAh Silver

We are now in the era of smartphones, which equate to the era of "dying batteries". Watching movies, download documents, taking photos.. yeah it KILLS your battery. If I don't leave the house with 100%, I'm doomed. A couple weeks back, my sister bought one of these bad boys and she says it can charge her phone full FOUR TIMES!!!!!!! That's craaaaaaaazy.. It's too bad though that she bought it at the full price of $39.90 for a retailer.. Because it's 39% off on Lazada!

Usual Price: $39.90

ONLY $24.50 NOW

5. Samsung NX Mini

20.5 MP Smart Wi-Fi & NFC Compact Interchangeable-Lens Camera in White

(click image for more info on the product)

If you've been looking for a perfect selfie camera on a low budget, I may have just answered your prayers... Having launched only a couple months ago, the Samsung NX Mini is a pretty new camera. If you've always wanted to be a blogger, I would definitely recommend it. Even popular local blogger, Naomi Neo, wrote about it (click here for the post)!

Plus, with Lazada, you save 30% more!

Usual Price: $538

ONLY $379 NOW

6. Mini Cartoon Cake Maker  (in Orange)

(click image for more info on the product)

Tada! I was soooo fascinated by this. Yes, I KNOW IT LOOK SOOOO KIDDY BECAUSE OF THAT CHINESE CARTOON GOAT. 

But check this out....

(click image for more info on the product)

IT MAKES SHAPED CAKES!!!!!!!!! Look at the DOG one!!!! All you have to do is pour in the cake batter and wait a few minutes for it to do its magic! It's also non-stick so it'll be easy to wipe off the remaining bits afterwards! Perfect for the upcoming Christmas/New Year parties! 

Usual Price: $49.90

ONLY $17.90 NOW

7. Yonanas Fruit Yogurt Dessert / Ice Cream Maker

(click image for more info on the product)

All hail the mighty Yonanas! If you haven't already seen demos of this cool machine in your local supermarkets or on TV, it's a Yoghurt/Ice cream maker! All you have to do is add fresh fruit and a splash of milk... AND VOILA! You have a healthy ice cold dessert! 

Rather than buying tons of cups of froyos which are like $6 a cup(???), it's such a worthy investment! 

Plus, Lazada has this crazy promotion now..... yeah.... GO buy this yoghurt ice cream maker!

Usual Price: $49.90

ONLY $17.90 NOW

7. Victoria's Secret Midnight Dare Fragrance Mist (250ml)

(click image for more info on the product)

I am a body mist kind of girl and this is one of my favourite body mists from Victoria Secret (VS). It's a mixture of yummy raspberries and sandalwood. VS' body mists all have nourishing aloe vera and chamomile that perks you up! 

I know VS can get pretty expensive, THAT'S WHY I'm only buying mine on Lazada from now.

Usual Price: $15.90

ONLY $14.90 NOW

8. Naturai Air Fryer NAF250i

(click image for more info on the product)

Here's a pretty random one. But I've always wanted one of these babies! I know that everyone is trying to be more healthy nowadays so I thought this would be perfect! It claims to have 80% less fat than regular frying and still taste AMAZING! It does still taste pretty good - I grabbed samples from the demo lady at Best Denki #glutton

 I'm not so sure of the science behind the airfryer so here's a diagram:

(click image for more info on the product)

It's a pretty rad gift even for your mom (who loves to cook)! With Lazada, you can get 48% off! Heh, you can use that 48% you saved to buy new clothes for the healthier and slimmer you ;)

Usual Price: $203

ONLY $106 NOW

9. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 2014 (4GB) in Black

(click image for more info on the product)

Another one for you tech geeks out there! 

Reading is getting more and more popular. With so many books out there, how can you possible store it all?! My book shelf is crazy packed!!! That's where the Kindle comes in. I'm sure almost everyone has heard of this hardy e-reader. This tiny thing packs a punch with 4GB of internal memory (which is equivalent to over 1,000 books!!!!!)

Usual Price: $299

ONLY $179 NOW

10. Bean Rester Cresent Moon (aka A BEAN BAG!!!!)

(click image for more info on the product)

I saved the best for last.. 

I know everyone secretly wants a bean bag. Almost everyone who comes over to my house screams, "OMG A BEAN BAG" before running and sinking into infinite comfort. 

I found this nifty one on Lazada. It's great because it's made of nylon which is perfect to stay cool in Singapore's hot climate. The outer cover is also washable so you can put it both outdoors or indoors!

And here's the best part.... IT'S 58% OFF!!!!

Usual Price: $165

ONLY $69 NOW

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Well, that's pretty much it! I hope you have a blast shopping on Lazada! Do leave me comments down below (or tweet me @mirandamikaela) if you find any other cools things to share! 

Till then, it's Miranda, signing off! 

Muah xoxo