Body Skincare Journey

As a skincare enthusiast I'm a sucker for anything that helps keep skin looking healthy. It was only time that I reached a stage in my skincare journey to start thinking about body skincare. I had a growing interest in that area for sometime now.

I started out with purchasing body soap that contains special ingredients to care for skin such as moisture, suppleness, wrinkles etc. Specifically, the olay body line that I can't think of the name at this moment was what I started out with. In between, I used Palmer's cocoa butter. I liked it but I didn't love it, I just didn't feel satisfied. One thing I can say is that, I didn't want to smell like that. It has a nice smell that's not what I'm saying, it's just I would rather smell prettier if that makes sense lol.

Later, I moved on to using coconut oil. I loved reading all the wonders that coconut oil can do. I was super excited to try it out for my thirsty skin! Sadly because I really really really dislike oil, it just didn't quite work out. Numero uno, it breaks me out. Numero dos, the natural fragrance was too strong for me. I'm not sure if all coconut oils smell like that, but I just found it unpleasant to continue using it. I'm definitely not striking this out, I'm going to try different brands. Besides, I love coconut everything. Natural coconut, coconut water, coconut ice cream, and coconut desserts to name a few!

On May of this year, I finally bought one of the things that was on my skincare wish list for awhile. And that is.... Nature Republic's Aloe Vera Jelly! I wish I bought this sooner. It truly tops everything I've ever used. My skin is weird. Too much  moisture and my skin gets irritated, and well if it's not moisturized I just look and feel dry, ashy ew. That's a no no!

Not only am I in love with this product, I got my sisters loving it too! I'm actually currently out of the product because I didn't think I'd be loving it and using it religiously. It seriously is

Are there any body care skincare items that you're obsessed about? I want to not only know about it, I want to try it too!

source:
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https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/aplus/detail-page/B002Z7EOOE_olay_201305304_4627.jpg
https://shopgirlsdiary.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/aloe2.jpg?w=620

Spring in Fort Lauderdale

Here's a simple get-up for on the go! I was in Fort Lauderdale for a week and a half after my trip bk from Malaysia and literally had no other clothes besides what I packed for my trip. So I basically used my simple top with my lace pale blue shorts to come up with a fresh look for this change of season. My dear friend Anj, (styledwithpoise.com) took these shots of me :) hope u can find some inspiration! Oh and if I forget... Have a Happy Easter!!! 💐🌸🌷

Top: Padini Concept Store
Bottom: Forever 21
Shoes: Aldo

MALAYSIA Part I

It's been a week and 2 days since I got back from Malaysia and I'm already missing Nasi Lemak! I had so many firsts in this trip. It was my first trip out of the country, my first time at a hawker stall, my first time eating (yucky) durian!

There's so much to talk about and so many things that I want to share. I'll try not to blabber too much but here are my thoughts and opinions!

My trip started in Alor Setar. I was there for a couple days to spend Chinese New Year with my bf's family. There, I got to experience the brutal humidity of Malaysia. It was scorching hot! Instead of shivers running up your spine, you feel a waterfall running down your spine! It was necessary to shower 3 times a day. I'm use to the sun since I live in Florida, but Malaysia was on a different level!

Aside from the weather, the second thing I noticed were the "onion" top buildings, also known as mosques. hehe. If you didn't know, the major religion in Malaysia is Islam. Malaysia is a multicultural country that is home to Malay, Chinese, and Indians.

Third, billboards, advertisements, and signs were everywhere! I guess you could compare it to New York. Ads followed and screamed at me everywhere I went!

Fourth, Malaysians love coffee! You can get a cuppa anywhere! From cute ones to a local popular named, 'Old Town Coffee'. I didn't get a chance to sit in a cute cafe cuz well... there was so much on the schedule for the day.

Fifth, everything was so cheap! Compared to US Dollars of course. Not average food, but outta-this-world-awesome-bomb food can be found for $.30!!! Also, asian cosmetics was sooo much cheaper compared to the US.

Notice how I relate everything to cosmetics and food. That seemed to be my focus on my trip lol Instead of reveling in Malaysia's famous towers and historical buildings, I kept thinking whether I had enough money and luggage space for beauty buys. Yikes!

After Alor Setar, we took a road trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital. That's when I felt America was so behind on creativity, design, and architecture. The malls were incredibly huge! The project planner had much thought in how he wanted it to look. Each mall was unique and I could really tell that they cared a lot about presentation.

I was most thrilled to see asian cosmetics. Access to asian skincare and cosmetics is slim-to-none here so to see them in their own stand-alone store made me giddy! I saw Innisfree, Face Shop, Etude House, Shu Uemura, and SASA! It was close to heaven for me. :)

Oh and I can't sign off without talking about fashion! People dressed casually and fitting to the weather. I didn't see much personal style around me. Maybe because I was on the LRT when ppl were making their way to work etc. Clearly, I explored the city in odd times. I'm sure there's a fashion popping place in KL somewhere, unfortunately I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

So I was hoping to buy clothes locally but in all of the boutiques I walked in, most products were from Taiwan and China. Out of all the stores I dropped in, I liked Charles & Keith (Singapore brand) the most. I wanted to buy a bag soooo terribly bad, but I had so much to carry that the thought of lugging another bag around would make me faint! Especially my dslr... it was annoyingly heavy. However, while I'm typing this and thinking about the store... I REGRET not buying a bag. boohoohoohoo. (I only ended up buying shoes from Singapore, because the flats I had on gave me blisters!)

AH- Anyway, I purchased two shirts from Padini Concept Store for $10 and bought shoes from Vincci. And of course, I had to stop by Zara. Ahhh how I wish we had no sales tax! Although rumor has it, that sales tax will be implemented possibly in April. Eeeek >.<

I went to Johor Bahru for two days. From there, I took a bus to Singapore! I spent two fantastic days there. I'll write a separate post about that excursion later!

Enough of the blabbing, here are some pictures of my travel. Enjoy!

What I wore:
Dress: H&M
HandBag: Tumi travel bag
Shoes: New Balance
Sunglasses: ASOS

' w a n d e r i n g '

This past Sunday I had the honor of working with such an awesome photographer. You wouldn't know that he's only been doing it for only a year and half.

Internet is good for several reasons and one of them is being able to connect people together. Not sure if he found me through mutual friends, but we basically met through Instagram!

So we met up at the Cummer Museum and Gardens. Funny thing is, I've never been there. I've lived in Jax almost my whole life but never really thought about visiting.

Maybe because art is sort of nonexistent in the city. Unlike south Fl, when I lived there for 2 years, all I wanted to do was go to the art district. I explored many art exhibitions around the cities.

Ok back to the shoot. I invited my sister to join me. We agreed that she would be my assistant for the day. (Cuz I wanted to feel like a real model, haha) She did a lot of BTS pics and videos on her snapchat. It's always fun to see it from that perspective.

So Marc (photographer), was incredibly gentlemen-like and attentive. He made us feel very comfortable. I wore 6-inch heels and every time we approached the steps he would politely tell me to 'watch your step'. He even encouraged me to voice my creativity and allowed me to make my own decisions. Thanks Marc for being so kind to us!

Oh and he even paid for our tickets to the museum! I had my student i.d and debit card out ready to pay, but Marc beat us to it. So I told him that I'll treat him to yummy food one day.

The pictures turned out beautiful. I do regret wearing neon. I wished I wore white instead, overall I am pretty satisfied with how it turned out. Hope you like it too!

Top: Thrifted
Dress: Zara

Marc's links:
instagram
twitter
vimeo
tumblr

thesandraquo: The Any Occasion Look

Mad about Designer Bags

Why do I always go for the brand I can't afford! Ugh those retail gods love teasing shopaholics like myself. If I had the money, these would be the designer bags I would go for. I tend to gravitate towards the classic, timeless pieces. I like the refined and edgy look. 

CELINE - Mini Luggage Handbag

Every girl dies to have this beautiful Micro Luggage leather Celine bag! I want it in black!

SAINT LAURENT - Classic satchel

YSL, I just love you. Can you follow me home?

SAINT LAURENT - Classic Baby Sac De Jour

This Saint Laurent muted color bag drives me to happiness land and back. I dig dark tint colors. 

This is so chic and so appropriate for young professionals!

CHANEL - Small Classic flap bag

Ahh and the Queen of all handbags.... CHANEL! Every girl dreams of one. It's true. 

I'll own you someday. 

I never really cared for designer bags because I get the value of money and my bank account lol But these designer bags would be the ones I would buy in a heartbeat once I cash out my million. Haha I came a long way from quantity to quality. Now I get why people pay a little more for the quality in things. I currently still cannot justify buying a $200 bag, let alone a Chanel bag in the1k plus range. It certainly would be very irresponsible, personally for me to go out and splurge on a brand when I clearly cannot afford it. I like the idea of saving up for it. It keeps you motivated to keep working too haha. A girl can dream and have goals! 

xx sandra 

What I've been up to

So I've been looking for New balance sneakers for my trip to Malaysia in February. This was the perfect color and style. But of course, there was none left in my size. So, I'm still on the hunt. Oh and I refuse to pay for more than $60. These were only $45!!! I have about a month to my search, I should find it in time, right? >.<

I'm finally back from my vacation in Fort Lauderdale and the one person I miss the most is my nephew, Kason. I've said it before but he's truly my instant happiness. I could have the worst day ever and as soon as I see him, all is forgotten. I turn into a silly fool and become all cheery again. He's turning 4 soon. His love for me still stays the same. 

Gahhhh... Isn't she gorgeous in this beautiful gown? I'm trying to find a dress in this style for a wedding.  I want a long dress. Something chiffon but with pristine quality, it needs to be lightweight enough for me to cool down in a hot and humid country. 

This is another style that I love! I found this dress but it's sold through a wholesaler in China. Which is a NO NO. The product never comes exactly the way you see it in pictures. If any of you know of any websites or stores I can go to to find something similar, please lmk! I have my best friends and sisters on the lookout for me too. :)

I almost purchased this beautiful bag from Michael Kors for Christmas.  I just love this color! 

I believe it's called the mini Miranda. I couldn't justify the price though. Even though, I would be getting a 50% discount. Maybe when I get a promotion. lol