Not giving thanks?

This is a short insert from the very slow thanksgiving blog entries.  I think the reason I'm having a lot of difficulties writing about what I'm thankful for is because I've just been really bitter lately.  It's either the stress from long work hours or lack of sleep or something but I'm so sensitive to any and every negative comment and I have lost all patience with people.  Say something slightly offensive to me and I'd want to backhand smack you.  On top of all that, my bitterness is causing me more stress because I know I shouldn't be like this, but the stress doesn't help me figure it out faster and it's making me more bitter.  Endless cycle!!!  Why have I become like this?  I pray the Lord pull me from this pit soon.  Anyone else who read this blog, I would appreciate if you prayed for me as well.  Thanks in advance.

40 Day Gratitude Challenge - Day 6

Today I'm thankful for:

1.  Getting most of my marks done for term 1 cut-off.  Tiring work =_=
2. Jason coming to visit me as a sit in a dark corner inputting my marks.
3. Having dinner ready as I got home.  Having a home-cooked meal after starving for a couple of hours tastes extra good =)
4. My Catering Club - JOLLY CORNER CAFE - is under way!  Anyone want some delicious treats come by my school on Dec 14 at 3:30pm and hang out at our cafe.  Who needs bubble tea anyways?
5. Korean dramas - they're so much more interesting than I thought they'd be.  Brilliant Legacy gave me hours of good entertainment, much sleep deprived because it's so addictive.
6. Christmas!  Regardless, it's still one of my favourite times of the year because it brings back so many happy memories.  Still waiting for that carriage ride through Central Park and seeing the big Christmas tree in New York to complete my fantasy.
7. My car being fixed for a decent price.  Really didn't expect to have such a gaping hole in my wallet but praise the Lord for giving me a car and providing me with a job to pay for the many unfortunate incidences.  To be honest, it could have been a lot worse.  Who knows what accident I might have gotten into if I'd made it to the big streets?
8. My dad for going around and finding an inexpensive autobody shop for me and negotiating prices for me and checking up on my car while it's being fixed (it's near his work place).  Makes me feel less like I'm going to be gypped because I'm a girl who knows not much about cars.
9. Korres eyeliner deal at Lynnwood!  Originally went down because Jason wanted to pick up a board game but I ended up getting the deal.  One of my fave black pencil eyeliner is by Korres which I picked up at Sephora for $21.  Found a limited time package deal of 10 eyeliners for only $32.50 (USD plus tax).  WOW!
10. Warm baths - somehow particular enticing this time of year.  So comfy... *gurgle drown* j/k!

40 Day Gratitude Challenge - Day 5

Haha I'm SO slow with this challenge but it's moving along:

Today I'm thankful for:

1. Snow!  I think you either love it or hate it.  For me, snow has it's inconveniences but it always bring back happy childhood feelings.  I remember living in my first house, looking up at the snow falling until it feels like I'm flying up towards the sky.  I guess this is why they say early childhood experiences are important in shaping your life?
   
2. Warm home - when it's cold outside, I feel blessed to be inside my warm house admiring the beauty.
   
3. Youtube - endless videos that show super talented people showcasing their skills.  It really opens up my eyes to what kind of gifts are out there.  Then again, I need to stay away from beauty reviews because it always makes me want to shop =S
   
4. The big kitchen warehouse sale.  I originally thought I couldn't go because it was by invitation only, but my colleague sent me her invitation so I could go.  Bought lots of kitchenware goodies.  I'm quite as addicted to kitchenware as I am to make-up.  Bought pie/cake pans, egg poacher, pancake stencils, mini sifter, a mini mandoline, an apple peeler/corer/cutter, and a bunch of random stuff I probably won't need but nice to have if I ever need it. :)
   
5. Vegas trip - we are going!  I was looking forward to traveling this winter holiday.  It's motivating me to get through the year one break at a time.  After this it's planning something for spring break =)  Let me know if you guys have ideas!  So far it's my sisters and Jason.  Gonna be a fun time!
   
6. Columbia jacket - bought it last time when Jason, his parents and I went to the states.  Jason is a Columbia fan because he loves all his jackets he gets from there so he convinced me that it's better than investing in another North Face jacket.  It was a great deal and is a double so I can wear both layers or just the thinner one underneath.  I think it'll really come in happy now that it's going to be a cold winter.
   
7. My car - yes it's been busted since the first month I got it due more to the crazy snowfall in 2008 more than my driving skills.  But despite it's ugly battle scars that make a 2 year old car look so beaten down, it's been reliably taking me to travel different destinations and giving me the freedom to go where I want.  I even made it down to Oregon and back!
   
8. Nails - this one is random but I've been into nail art since Paula did my nails and I'm happy to have relatively nicely shaped nails to work with.
   
9. Friends - don't see them a lot these days but it's nice they still remember me enough to send invites for gatherings.  Always nice to know that there are people out there who like me (well...most of the time anyways :D)
   
10. My bed - warm and snuggly and have been there for me for over 10 years.  Gonna jump in and bundle up now.  Good night!!!

40 Day Gratitude Challenge - Day 4

I know I'm way behind on this challenge but still moving along.

Today I'm thankful for:

1. A relatively short staff meeting, and I was not nodding off!
2. Being able to finish making my Preservation Arts test for the grade 11/12s.
3. Double of my spare blocks due to the Remembrance Day assembly next week!  I get a break between 9:25am-12:35pm!  Now to think of something totally unproductive to do during that time...
4. The newly put together Christian Club - first meeting I went to today, we played Biblical Charades.  Was lots of fun and nice to see familiar faces of students I didn't know were Christians.
5. Ursula who seeked to resolve our tiff by buying me a larger container of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
6. The man who was very rude, came up to me and Jason and told us off for the driving mistake his son made, and then proceeded to walk away and not listen to our explanation.  We were on our way to church (and so was he).  Jason and I were very angry and felt disrespected.  But through the sermon, we found peace.  Jason was also reminded and shared with me that God often feels how we feel.  Because often when we pray, we rarely listen, but just us spewing out our needs to God.  If we felt angry and unjustified, I can't imagine how God feels.  A good reminder and food for thought.
7. Finding the cheaper version of a higher recommended lip liner.
8. The mini-Halloween chocolate bars.  I feel less guilty eating small ones (now it's just a matter of keeping the numbers to a minimum).
9. The ability to drive to work in the pouring rain and dark mornings.
10. The pouring rain and dark mornings - sounds strange but the change it weather makes me think of Christmas.  Plus waking up and going to work in the dark somehow makes me feel like I woke up earlier than usual and therefore more productive.

Goodnite!

40 Day Gratitude Challenge - Day 3

Today, I'm thankful for...

1. Jason's dad driving us all down to the states for a bit of shopping.
2. Having some leftover US dollars to use so no need to convert more out of my account.
3. Finding a very warm Columbia winter jacket (thanks to Jason's suggestion since he's a fan) to replace my 5 year old pink puffy North Face jacket.  It was on sale from $210 down to $150 and then an additional 25% off.  And it's actually 2 in 1 so I can unzip the top layer and just wear the bottom layer (which alone costs $70).  Great deal for a quality jacket. 
4. Being able to go find the handbag my sister wanted to buy for my mom at the Coach outlet store, get to the cashier and pay before a huge line-ups formed in- and outside of the store.
5. Being able to sleep during the long car ride.
6. Finding the Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss colours that are not yet (or maybe they won't be available at all) in Vancouver stores!  Been searching in every London Drugs, Shoppers Drug Mart, Superstore, and Walmart around here and no luck until today at Target.  And better  yet, the prices is half of what they sell it here.
7. Finding mini Haagen Dazs and Ben & Jerry ice cream for $1 each (don't get to indulge that like everyday!)
8. Eating some delicious steak once again at Outback Steakhouse.
9. Getting through the borders without waiting too long and with no hassle.
10. Getting home safely from the mini road-trip.

40 Day Gratitude Challenge - Day 2

Today, I'm thankful for...

1. Having a toilet available when I was suddenly attacked with a major stomachache after what I suspect as eating some old ham.
2. The cool sensation of tiger balm rubbed on my belly.  It reminds me of childhood.
3. Getting paid and being able to pay off my hefty visa bill.
4. Having some Christian students (none of the ones I'm teaching this year) drop by after school and had a short but rather nice chit-chat on science and Christianity.
5. The sunny weather which brightens up my mood, but chilly enough to keep groceries in the car rather than stuffing my refrigerator =)
6. My sweet student who wrote Happy Birthday on a piece of wrapped gum when she found out it was Jason's birthday.
7. My new computer - it's so much faster and the screen is so much brighter!
8. Praise 106.5 - my radio station for the past three years where God uses music and sermons that speak to me.
9. My bed - it's so comfortable *snuggle*
10. The ability to snooze, hopefully dreamlessly, tonight.

40 Day Gratitude Challenge - Day 1

I've accepted Tessa's (http://amileinherheels.blogspot.com/) challenge:
*Tessa Tham Hey BHLC Bloggers!! Let's do this challenge as suggested by CP. Blog about 10 things you're thankful for, daily for the next 40 days :) We should give thanks everyday. Not only on Thanksgiving! Danielle Mah Shauna Lim Paul Chong Aaron S.H. Lo Kevin K Chong Elena Tsang*

Hopefully there never comes in time in my life when I'm no longer thankful.  Praise the Lord for this challenge.

1. Mom: 
   Cooking dinner for us every night despite the long, tough work hours.  Preparing my lunch for me so I can just grab it out of the fridge (good job, food teachers), and doing household chores on her day off.  My schedule would be way more packed without her, and I know I don't deserve it.
2. Dad:
   Working from 5am-8pm everyday to be our provider of many of the luxuries in life while he skimps on himself.  Please Lord, don't let me forget to pray that he will eventually open his heart up to You.
3. Theo:
   Kindhearted and inspires me to be a person I used to be.  He's still often more patient than most of us in the family and reminds me of my popo.  His negative traits are a reminder of what we've taught him.  How shameful I am to not have been a better example. 
4. Ursula:
   For sharing her love of fashion and her life issues with me, despite the constant backlash she gets from a tough-love type of sister (yes, both for shopping and for other life problems).
5. Brenda:
   For continuing to keep in touch with the family even after having married and moved out.  For her understanding in many situations and rarely ever making me feel guilty.
6. Jason:
   For dropping by after school to surprise me with a screamer and helping me supervise my kids while I make my grocery runs, for being patient even when I'm not reasonable, and for showing me how to have healthy relationships.
7. Catering Club
   During my practicum, I wished for students who were like my sponsors'.  They hung out in the classroom, shared their life with them, and jumped to help out whenever possible.  During that time, I was inspired seeing that they have such a connection and I wondered if I would ever have that.  For the past 3 years of teaching, I have almost immediately gained my own lovely group of kids, known as the Catering Club who are willing to do just that.  They make my job worthwhile.
8. My teaching job
   After receiving the lay-off notice at the end of the last school year, I'm thankful to once again be teaching full-time without financial worry.
9. My make-up job
   The consistent flow of clients, even when unexpected.  Thank you friends for your referrals, for believing in my work, and for allowing me to do what I enjoy.
10. God
    For without Him, none of the above would be possible.  Just as I was listening to a sermon on Praise 106.5 last night, often we take too much credit for what He has blessed us with.  He's reminded me to be humble and loving, a challenge I constantly need to battle with.

I tried to be specific because if I'm any more general, I'm sure I'll be repeating myself day in and day out.  I guess last thing I'm going to say is that I'm thankful I'm at home typing this today rather than still being at work =)

A pair of shoes I'm currently craving but know that it'll be a bad idea to buy them because they're too high and I'll be limping within 5 minutes of wearing them on concrete.  Why do my feet not have any cushion?!

EDIT

I changed my mind after going in and trying it.  It doesn't look as good on the feet as it does by itself, though it is quite a work of art.  I ended up trying on and loving these peach shoes that reminds me of my mom's back when we were kids.  Very retro but I love it!

Just passing by

We are a moment, You are forever
Lord of the Ages, God before time
We are a vapor, You are eternal
Love everlasting, reigning on high

Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name, be unto Your name

We are the broken, You are the healer
Jesus, Redeemer, mighty to save
You are the love song we'll sing forever
Bowing before You, blessing Your name

I hear music from afar!

Do you wonder why you have to feel the things that hurt you?  

If there's a God who loves you, where is He now?

Or maybe there are things you can't see.

And all those things are happening to bring a better ending.

Someday, somehow you'll see, you'll see.

Would you dare, would you dare to believe
that you still have a reason to sing?

'Cause the pain that you've been feeling,
it can't compare to the joy that's coming.

So hold on, you gotta wait for the light. 
Press on and just fight the good fight.

'Cause the pain that you've been feeling,
it's just the dark before the morning.

My friend, you know how it all ends and you know where you're going.

You just don't know how you'll get there, so say a prayer!

And hold on, 'cause there's a God who loves you. 
But life is not a snapshot.
It might take a little time, but you'll see the bigger picture.

Once you feel the weight of glory, all your pain will fade to memory.

Come on, you gotta wait for the light. 
Press on and just fight the good fight.
'Cause the joy that you've been feeling,
it's just the hurt before the healing.
Oh the pain that you've feel feeling,
it's just the dark before the morning.

-Josh Wilson-

I adore this song.  I don't think I've changed my radio from Praise 106.5 for the last two years, because the songs are so uplifting and constantly surrounds me with God's love.  Josh Wilson's song "Before the Morning" really helps remind me that the pain we experience is always there for a reason, and it paves a path for a better ending.  Just have faith in God with whatever happens in life.  Without suffering, we will not understand compassion.  Without the poor, we will not appreciate our riches.  When we focus on the negative, things only seem to get worse and often times we make crazy decisions during our depressed times which just leads to more pain.  But it's undeniable that worst of times brings out the best in some people and God's grace is manifested.  That Light is what makes life worth living.

P.S.  Happy 17th Birthday bro!

Life

It's been awhile since the last update.  A lot has happened since then with the building up of Envy Me being the biggest one.  I've decided to leave my beauty blogging on my new website (elenatsang.wordpress.com) which is also the website you can refer friends to if they want to see my make-up work =)

This blog is now dedicated to my encounters, musings, and walk with God - the basis of my life.  This Easter, I've felt less emotional than other years.  But in quiet realization, I've decided to revive my bible study life.  My faith is always and has always been there, and it does not sway (at least not dramatically).  However, I've always neglected picking up the bible and really getting to know God's word.  After watching the Discovery Channel show "Who Framed Jesus?"  I felt like there is a need to know the Scriptures well to be able to not be swayed by documentaries who use Scriptures to deduce their conclusions my faith.

God has really blessed me over the past year.  I have no complaints, other than my own behaviour being less than pleasing to God (forgive me please!).  Everything has been smooth sailing.  With the cutting back of teachers, I've yet to feel the sting of the axe (though I can't say for sure since 100 teachers are supposedly going to be laid off this year in Richmond).  Envy Me has been provided with multiple blessings in its growth - God sending the right people to help develop us and give us a brighter future. My career, despite the hard work I need to put into it, feels like it's riding on the will of God.  Even if this all changes tomorrow, I'm not worried because who's to say that God doesn't have a bigger and better plan for me?  Life is good.

Tessa's Contest

Above you see the "Thomas Paul Cotton Gauze Scarf in Swoop Aqua!  This scarf is 100% cotton, and has been beautifully hand-screened by the fabulous designer Thomas Paul."

How would I wear this scarf?  Since the scarf is light coloured and very intricate in design, I wouldn't want my outfit to take away from it at all.  And to be true to my own style, denim is a must.  So my outfit would compose of:

• A simple, black, v-neck cotton shirt or sweater
• A pair of plain gray or dark blue straight-leg jeans
• Black (or aqua since I love colourful shoes and it matches with the scarf!) pumps
• And perhaps a set of small silver dangly earrings

 This contest is open to Canada/U.S.  To visit Tessa's blog, click on this post title :)

A marvelous shopping trip!

For women, at least for me, finding a great bargain makes a shopping trip just so worth it!  Don't need to buy a lot.  Just a few lovely items will make my day.

Saturday, Jay and I drove down to the states just to chill, and since people were coming up for the Olympics rather than going down, there were no line-ups at the border (yay!) .  After watching the vlog of MissChievous (youtube her! She's fab!)  I went to the Cosmetic Company Store in Seattle Premium Outlets and picked up these:

The Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Platinum Pink.  This is great to giving you that healthy glow, especially nice on people with fair skin.  Normally $40, I picked it up for $25.  I wanted the Shimmer Brick in Copper Diamond as well but it was $3 more so I cheaped out.  The colours are beautiful and can be worn over your favourite blush because it's so sheer.

 

 MAC pigments.  I was jumping-out-of-my-jacket excited when I saw this at the store!  I really wanted to get this set during the holidays (it's one of three of the holiday gift collections of 2009) but it was around $38, which was a bit pricey for me.  I wanted it so badly, particularly because of the glitter that I placed right in front.  It's so amazingly shimmery, it looks like the night sky.  My friend bought it at The Bay MAC counters because they were sold out in the MAC stores.  Unfortunately, make-up artist discounts don't work at The Bay locations, so I couldn't make myself pull out the bills.  I am on a budget after all.  I had to step back and have a wee bit of will power.  Well, that sure paid off!  I found this gem for $22.75!  It was such a great deal, I purchased the pink/purple set as well for Paula's birthday since they're her favourite colours.  So excited I practically skipped out of the store back to my car.

The Forever21 store in Metro is great but they should have a For Love 21 here as well.  It's a great accessory store, branched from Forever 21.  It's way cheaper and the stuff is much nicer than Claire's/Icing/Ardene.  I bought these lace stockings for $5.80 each.  Love them!  I actually love stockings or leggings in general because I don't like showing bare legs unless I'm dying of heat, and they really dress up a mundane outfit.  I already have multi-coloured ones and polka-dots!

On top of these, I purchased a couple of shirts, but not really worth showing.

Dinner was at Outback Steakhouse.  I gotta say this is my favourite place for steak - EVER!  I'm definitely a steak person.  The sheer pleasure of eating a perfectly cooked filet tenderloin is indescribable.  It's probably the second time in my life that I've ever had steak that melts in your mouth (first time was in Las Vegas - Paris Hotel - Le Cafe).  It's so delicious!  And they sure know how to cook their steaks.  Usually when I order medium-rare, it comes out as medium.  Never as juicy as I'd like it to be.  We ordered a 20 oz Porterhouse steak with two sides (garlic mashed potatoes and sweet potato), which was plenty for the both of us to share.  Here's the kicker - $26.95!  You can probably get a 6oz steak at Milestones for that price.  We ordered the same steak at Shore Club for $50 and I think this one tastes even better.  Not to mention the service is great, and I don't have to dress up and yet still feel inferior while I make a mess cutting and eating my free loaf of bread =D  Ah, my tongue is still dancing.

All in all, a marvelous trip!

A dream is a wish your heart makes...

With the Olympics going on, you see all these athletes who have trained so hard to get to where they are.  Part intense training, part natural talent, and part being able to be in the right place at the right time and meeting the right people.  Certainly blessed.

A major hindrance in attaining such dreams in Canada?  The typical Asian life:  you work hard in school to get good grades so you can get into a good university where you can either study to be a lawyer, doctor, accountant, or a teacher.  I know I fall under that category.  And even now, I see parents pushing their kids to take physics and biology and chemistry and anything that doesn't fall under those academic courses are considered useless for their future.  Well, nothing could be farther from the truth.  Oftentimes, Asian parents pigeon-hole their kids into very specific careers that are limited to only a small population. The moment they don't do well in these subjects, tutors are hired, pressuring these kids to cram into their minds what is naturally difficult for them, while the skills they may have remain hidden and unseen.  Kids start to think "I'm stupid."  Well, do these kids have any dreams of their own?  Do they know what their passion is?  When they're in class, are they motivated to learn or just motivated by marks?  Are their careers and futures their own decisions or their parents?  Would they ever learn to make their own life decisions?  Hmmm...that's a thinker.

On a different note,  I was also thinking, wouldn't it be great if we can take a baby and through analysis of their brains and body, we can determine what their are naturally built for?  Such as a body that is ideal to learn dance, or a mind that is ideal to learn math.  Wouldn't it be great if everyone was able to start from what their good at rather than so much trial and error?  Some people may never realize their skills because they've just never been given the opportunity to use them and hone them.  Isn't it a waste?  Jay brought up a good point - it wouldn't be much fun if everyone was good at everything.  There would be to proteges because everyone would be one.  I do agree with that on many levels.  I suppose that just came from my own regrets on not being able to follow my own dreams.

I wanted to learn wushu, my parents put me in piano because it was more feminine.  When given the opportunity to learn wushu in a secondary school extracurricular club, I took it.  But eventually the class size dropped and I was the few people left, then class disappeared all together.  Oh well, kicking-butt-super-woman dream was gone.

I wanted to be a fashion designer, my parents wanted me to go into university because fashion design was not 'practical' and there would be 'no jobs' for me.  So, I go through my relatively mundane university life while watching others around me living the dreams that I originally wanted.  I remembered ever since I was in elementary school, I created my own fashion booklets and designed dresses.  I adored beautiful clothing and I would copy what I saw.  Come to think of it, how many kids already knew what they wanted to be at that age?  Even with my small amount of training, I was told by my textiles sponsor teacher that I had the best skills of any other student teacher she's had, and that I would go far if my skills were more developed.  This coming from an extremely skilled lady with extremely high expectations, who have seen and brought up many talented designers.  Receiving a compliment from someone I admired so much, I was happy at that moment but my heart also dropped.  I had that passion and the skill and I let it slip away because of my pigeon-holed lifestyle.  Unfortunately, I would not be able to drop all my responsibilities right now to pursue that dream. 

Am I totally hating my life right now?  No.  Am I blessed?  Yes.  Would I be who I am right now without having lived through my 'mundane' life?  Nope.  Do I dislike my parents for not supporting my dreams?  Definitely not.  I understand that they come from a much more underprivileged background and came here so that I could live a better life.  And in their eyes, it means getting a university education and a safe, steady job.

In general, each person has a path and I don't know how things would have turned out if I had followed my dreams, but that's not important anymore.  I am happy with the many blessings that I have been given.  The take-home message that I learned from these experiences is what I can do with it.   To all the students I'm teaching and eventually when I have a children,  I want to be a person who is supportive of their dreams.  I want to be able to pick up on what they love and point that out to them.  I want to be the one to open their eyes to the hundreds of careers out there that would utilize what they CAN do and not force them to fit a mold of what others feel is acceptable.  Parents should hire tutors to help kids get further ahead on what they love, rather than hiring a tutor to push them into studying more of what they hate.  God has given each person talents/gifts, so use them for His glory!  The kids will be happier and the world would benefit from their skills.

Food for thought.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Today, I finally learned the origin of Valentine's Day.  Apparently, there was a priest named Valentine who was martyred for his beliefs.  However, he was filled with so much love that he continued to love those who persecuted and eventually killed him.

Most people relate this holiday to chocolates and roses and romantic feelings between couples.  Who really knew that the origin was rooted in something not so romantic, but courageous and admirable?  So...shall we say 'happy holidays' to be politically correct? ;)

Here are some photos of delicious Valentine's Day treats I taught my classes.  You can make them, too!

Quick Chocolate Cake that I made with the Grade 9/10s.  Not the best quality as I stole it from my student who took a picture of my demo cake with his camera phone.

Valentine Napoleons that I made with the Grade 11/12s.  The puff pastries were a pain to work with but the product is beautiful.

So to all people who love someone, anyone, or everyone - Happy Valentine's Day!

Wishing upon a star...for these hot items!

Christmas has come and gone and whenever people ask me what I want for Christmas or on my birthdays, I really don't have anything particular in mind.  I just say....'uh...a gift card from good ol' RW&Co' or 'wait until I find something I want, then I will tell you' or 'I don't know, just get me anything'.  But throughout my day to day browsing and just seeing what's out there, there are tons of things that I really want to get my hands on!

Item #1 - Ben Nye Grand Lumiere Palette

Many people have seen this palette used by you tube makeup gurus like Michelle Phan.  I actually heard of Ben Nye products when I was at Blanche.  They are super pigmented and can be used for clown makeup.  The downside is that for someone on a budget, they are a bit pricey as one purchase.  Not that they're not a good deal.  For the size of the pigment and the number of colours, it's actually a great price!  Most places sell them for $65-75.  Bubba's Clown Supplies sell it online for $54 but with shipping, it adds up to $63 which is around the same.


Item #2 - Victorian Style Necklace

Etsy is a great site to find unique items.  Anyone who knows my taste in jewelry knows that I have a thing for antique styles.  This is a really pretty one.  It's $33 USD, not including shipping.  Will probably add up to $40 CAD. (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40319440).  But it's so pretty and it's handmade!

Item #3 - Hakuhodo Brushes

Hakuhodo is a company that produces handmade brushes made in Japan.  They can be quite expensive, but the quality is incredible.  The brush above is one from their S100 Series, which is a more of a luxury line in the company. It's the one I really want - Pointed Blush Brush made from goat hair ($76 USD not including shipping).  The handle is made of wood and colored in beautiful vermilion, a traditional Japanese color. It broadens slightly toward the tip and is designed to fit perfectly in the hand.The ferrules are made of brass-rolled 24-karat gold with clear coating.  For a makeup artist, the tools are as important as the products.  I'm SOOO disappointed that they're not listed to be at IMATS in Vancouver, but they are going to be at the one in Los Angeles and Sydney *cries*.

*Side note*  I was using a powder brush, that came as part of a set, on my model for Monday's photoshoot.  As I was applying the Mac Blot Powder, the handle came right off the ferrule.  It was ridiculous.

Item #4 - Nicole Miller: Truly, Madly, Deeply Gown

Is this gown not absolutely gorgeous?  It comes in white as well!  I wouldn't mind wearing it as a wedding dress.  This gown reminds me of a mixture between East Indian saris and beach wear.  It's so soft and pretty with intricate prints.  The only thing that would hurt me is the price - $510 USD.

Item #5 -  DSLR Cameras and Photography for Dummies

I love working with photographers and such but sometimes finding a model and photographer and coming up with a date, time, and concept that we all agree on is difficult.  And oftentimes, I have a vision of exactly what image I want in my portfolio.  Sure, I can go out and buy a DSLR like everyone is doing nowadays, and just take pictures on Auto.  But I want to learn how to do it the real way.  I think the photography part is really a talent and each individual person is going to be different.  At this point, I just want to know how to work the camera.  Anyone know of any better books?  Classes?

Naturally there are many other items out there that I would love!  And as you can see, 3/5 of the items I listed are quite pricey and I would be reluctant to get them, hence I would like to receive them as gifts hehe.  For times like Christmas, it's nice to see tons of presents under the tree.  But I would honestly like to have one great gift and everyone pitched in a little, than have tons of tiny gifts that I'm probably not going to use anyways and will probably take up space because I never throw anything away.  So...what are your hot items? =D