Paris, here we come!

This must be a dream! Am I really leaving for the airport now to fly to Paris!? Well, judging by the pile of suitcases, passports, tickets, travel guides and other travel-related stuff at the front door, I'm gonna have to say yes. This is really happening!

We are flying via Vietnam from Taiwan, and will arrive at Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris at 7am on Sunday. Even though our itinerary for our week in Paris is jam-packed, we did not plan anything for the day we arrive so that we can rest after our flight and then go out and do whatever we feel like later in the day. 

That said, I know that The Boyfriend and I will probably be so wired from excitement when we get there that we'll probably go out to explore the city as soon as we've checked in and put down our luggage in the hotel room.

I'm shaking from excitement knowing that I'm going to visit the place that's been at the top of my list of must-see destinations for as long as I can remember. It's really a dream come true and I'm so happy that The Boyfriend and I will get to experience this adventure together. I know we are very fortunate and blessed, and I'm very thankful.

Expect many, many photos and recounts of our trip on our return, as I probably won't have time to blog while we're there. I will most likely post pictures on my Instagram throughout the week though.

Au Revoir!

June Favorites 2013

Happy Summer, everyone! Whether you are on summer vacation or still punching the clock, I hope you've all been enjoying the long summer days? I live for summertime and the sunny and hot days have me in a good mood almost every day.

Here are the things that managed to float my boat this past month:

1. Jo Malone "Osmanthus Blossom" Cologne

I've wanted to get a Jo Malone cologne for the longest time, but I just couldn't decide which one to try. Finally, when I read the rave reviews for the limited edition Osmanthus Blossom cologne, I was sure that this was the one I wanted to try out first. And oh my goodness, I'm in love with this scent! It's totally my style and absolutely perfect for summer. I get so many compliments when I wear it, and now it just got me itching to collect more Jo Malone colognes. Not that I need any more perfumes...

2. ASOS Laila ballet flats

The day these flats got delivered, I was so excited because I had totally forgotten that I'd ordered them... Uhm, yes I know... Let me explain; shipping to Taiwan usually takes about 10 business days and I browse ASOS.com so often that I don't even know when I've ordered something or just drooled over it. Anyway, I'm so impressed with these flats. I'll never have too many pairs of nude ballerina flats, as they are a year-round staple for me, and these are a lovely addition to my collection.

3. Bath & Body Works "Honeysuckle" 3-wick candle

When The Boyfriend recently went to the States to visit his family, I asked him to bring me back some candles from Bath & Body Works, as I'm such a big fan of their 3-wick candles. He picked out this one and we've been burning it every Sunday evening while hanging out together and watching movies. The scent is lovely and reminds me of autumn leaves in a way. It's a very natural scent and not too overpowering like some of their other candles.

4. Blistex Lip Medex lip balm

Ladies and gentleman, this lip balm has officially taken the number 1 spot for my favorite lip balm, and believe me, I've tried MANY. Blistex DCT used to be at the top of my list and that's why I decided to try this one as well. I like it even more because of the minty scent and the fact that I really only have to reapply this maybe 3 times a day. Definitely repurchasing this for the rest of my life. Unless I find one even better...

5. Kerastase Elixir Ultime shampoo

As most of you know, I'm a huge Kerastase fan, and truly believe that the Bain Satin line sorta-kinda revived my lifeless highlighted hair when I started using it 2 and a half years ago. I've been using the Bain Satin shampoo and Masquintense hair mask since then and still love it. But, I've heard that it's good to change up your hair products once in a while, as your hair can get used to a product and then it doesn't work as well. Not wanting to venture too far from products that I know work well for me, I purchased the Elixir Ultime shampoo, as I adore the Elixir Ultime hair serum. The shampoo smells wonderful and works beautifully. I don't love it more than the Bain Satin one, but it's a nice substitute to use for a while.

6. Butter LONDON "Trout Pout" nail polish

This nail polish is just perfect for spring and summer and looks even better when you have a bit of a tan. It does need at least two or three coats to look its best, but it's totally worth the effort in the end. 

Is there anything that you've loved this past month?

I hope you guys are enjoying summer as much as I am.Until next month!

Day 16 - Your views on mainstream music

I'm skipping Day 15, "Your favorite Tumblrs", because I've never had a Tumblr account, hence no favorites. Do any of you have a Tumblr? Is it like Pinterest? Anyway, on to the next...

I feel like I've talked about mainstream music many times, and as most of you know, I'm all for it. I can't stand it when people only like one genre of music and try to put all others down. Why do you think your music taste is so superior!? Music is music, and there's room for all genres and different tastes in music. So get off your high-horse, broaden your horizons, and live a little.

Mainstream music is mainstream for a reason; many people enjoy it. And even if you say you don't, and complain about the fact that Bruno Mars' song is on the radio AGAIN, I see you singing along to it. And what's wrong with that? Judging someone on what music they like is probably the lamest thing I've ever heard. If you like a song or a beat, what does it matter who sings it or what genre of music it is? Just enjoy it! Who cares!?

I was brought up to appreciate many different genres of music, and I have a lot of respect for musicians who can play their instruments well or who can knock your socks off with their amazing voices. And I also respect artists that can come up with something new and fresh every few months and that can transform their music depending on what they're inspired by at the time.

I know that not all mainstream music is of the best quality, and that a bunch of suits are sometimes behind their big success, but whatever, who cares? Give these people a break. They're just trying to make it in the world, just like you and I.

To sum up my mini-rant; I think there's a place under the sun for all genres of music, and if there's a song you like, enjoy it, no matter who the artist is. If you hate it, don't listen to it. But don't try to bring others down if they don't like the same music as you do. To each their own. You have a choice to keep the radio on, you know.

Day 14 - Your earliest memory

I'm not sure of my age in this photo, but I'm guessing I'm around two to four years old.

Sometimes it's hard to distinguish between real memories, and memories I think I have because of photographs or stories my family shared with us. There are certain specific events and places I remember, but I wasn't sure of my age, so I had to ask my mom.

I thought that most of my early memories were around the age of 5. But my mom says that the things that I remember must have happened by the time I was 2 years old. I remember my grandmother and great-grandmother's house in Paarl, South Africa. It was about 2 hours' drive from my parents' house.

I remember playing in the garden with my brothers and stepping in a huge thorn that fell from a tree. I also remember watching kids' shows on TV and a movie that scared the bejesus out of me. I remember clearly what the house looked like inside. There was a little park in the neighborhood where we used to play and a very specific Christmas where I got a ridiculous amount of presents that Santa had left in black bags at each door of the house.

I also remember their domestic worker, Katie, and how friendly she was and that she used to give us candy. My mom says that they moved out of that house when I was about 2 and a half years old, which means that I remember all these things from when I was VERY young. Is this normal? As far as I know, we don't own any photographs of these places and events. Weird, right?

I love that my earliest memories are at my grandmother and great-grandmother's house though, and that they are all happy memories. Well, except for stepping in that huge pointy white thorn... that sucked a little.

What are your earliest memories? 

Pretty.Random.Things. is 2 today!

I've been blogging for two years! How did that happen!? A very Happy Birthday to my little baby, Pretty.Random.Things. May there be many many more!

This has been an incredible year, with many ups and, luckily, not too many downs. I thought I would have run out of things to write about on here, but it seems that I have bucket loads of thoughts and experiences to share with you guys.

For my blog's birthday this year, I'm giving away 3 Urban Decay NAKED Basics palettes, so if you haven't entered yet, be sure to check it out, you have a week left to get your entries in.

Pretty.Random.Things. now have 732 followers and has had over 515 000 views in the past two years. Wowzers! Thanks a bunch to all my loyal readers, and a big welcome to all the newbies! I appreciate the support, the sweet messages, the encouraging comments and that you are a part of my little online world.

Love,
Liesl

Day 13 - Somewhere you would like to move or visit

My INSTAGRAM: @_liesl_

Somewhere I would like to move or visit? Well, those are two totally different things, aren't they? There are many places that I'd still like to visit, but it's not necessarily places I see myself moving to.

At the top of my list of places I want to visit, is Paris. It's always been a dream of mine; the cafés, the patisseries, the famous sites, the hidden alleys, the architecture, the romance, the fashion... oh, the list goes on. But it's always just been a dream. Until...

A few month ago, The Boyfriend and I were browsing online and decided to check flights from Taipei to Paris. It was just random, but it planted the idea in our heads. We couldn't stop talking and daydreaming about all the things we'd do there.

Audrey Hepburn said: "Paris is always a good idea". So he contacted our travel agent and a few days later we threw caution to the wind and booked our tickets to the City of Love. We leave for France in exactly 11 days. As you can imagine, my level of excitement is immeasurable. It's a dream come true!

I've been working hard on our itinerary, which is jam-packed with all the things we want to do and see during our 7 days in Paris. I love planning out our trips, and this one has been especially fun to plan. To be honest, it's still a little surreal to me.

Who knows, we might like it so much that we do want to move there someday... Never say never!

Have you been to the City of Love? 

What things are at the top of your must-see and must-do lists?

Wanderlust TAG

I haven't done a TAG post in a while, have I? Recently, I watched one of my favorite YouTubers, ESSIEBUTTON, and her boyfriend do the "Wanderlust TAG" and I loved it. I couldn't wait to do this tag here on Pretty.Random.Things. as I'm kind of a travel junkie. Let's jump into it!

1. Your most treasured passport stamp?

There are many stamps that I treasure, but I'm gonna go with my first stamp coming into Taiwan in January 2008. I had just graduated from university and I was ready for a new chapter and adventure in my life. Moving to Taiwan was the best choice I ever made, as it opened so many doors for me and has provided me with so many unforgettable experiences. It's also here in Taiwan that I met The Boyfriend, the love of my life.

2. Can you recite your passport number from memory if asked?

Definitely! I have had to write that number down SO many times, I'd have to be an idiot not to remember it.

3. Preferred method of travel; planes, trains or automobiles?

Obviously, I prefer planes because it's the fastest way to get somewhere. But after our cruise last year, I think I like traveling by large luxury cruise liners the most.

4. Top 3 travel items?

I'm not going to list the obvious things like travel documents and money. I can't travel without a camera, lip balm and a travel guide, like Lonely Planet. I love reading a lot about a place before I go there.

5. Hostel or hotel?

Hostel? Oh, hell no! I'm sorry, but I can't stay in a hostel. I need my own space that's quiet and clean, and where I have my own bedroom and bathroom. When choosing a hotel, we like to splurge once in a while, but if we go somewhere where we are going to do a lot of sightseeing and activities and spend barely any time at the hotel, we usually opt for a budget hotel. As long as it's clean, has a nice bathroom, air conditioner and in a safe neighborhood.

6. Are you a repeat visitor or do you explore new places?

I'm a little bit of both. I love visiting new places and adding new countries to my list, but then there are those little gems like Thailand, which is a short flight from Taiwan, that we've visited multiple times. Sometimes you just want a little break to a place that you know what to expect and what it's going to be like.

7. Do you read up on your destination (culture, history, safety) or do you wing it?

I'm an obsessive planner. Before traveling, I will usually create a detailed itinerary of what to do each day. I'll also read up on everything about that place and we always buy a travel guide. I like to be prepared and make sure we'll have enough time to do everything and see everything. Although, I don't obsess about it if we change our itinerary while we're there or if we don't get to follow it exactly. It's more of a guideline.

8. Favorite travel website?

I like to visit Lonely Planet's website for information, and also Tripadvisor for hotel, restaurant and sightseeing reviews. For hotel bookings we always use Agoda.

9. Where would you recommend a friend to visit?

It totally depends on the person and what type of vacation they're looking for. Relaxing beach vacation? Definitely Thailand. Everything to help you relax is cheap; food, massages, luxury accommodation, etc. If you want to see many places in a short amount of time, I'd definitely recommend a cruise with multiple port stops. I always tell people to visit South Africa as well, as that's where I'm from and I believe it's a truly amazing place to see and experience. 

10. You're leaving tomorrow, money is no option, where are you going?

Tahiti, French Polynesia. AKA Heaven.

I tag everyone who like to travel, or would love to!

Happy Birthday, Mamma!

My beautiful mother, Suzette

It would be rude not to write a special birthday post to the one person I know who reads every single one of my blog posts. (Even the boring ones that other readers might skip.) Thanks, Mom!

Can you believe that this stunning woman is 60 years old today? I know, neither can I. I would like to say an extra special Happy Birthday to the most amazing woman I know; my mom.

I realized that I've never really told you guys about her, and I thought that this would be the perfect opportunity. I know that everyone says that they have "the best mom in the world", but I really feel that I do. 

She is the most loving, kind and understanding person that I know and she's taught me so much. I'm really blessed to have her as a mother, and a friend. When The Boyfriend lovingly says, "you are just like your mom", I take it as the biggest compliment, as she is my role model.

Let me paint you a little picture about her. She is a tiny, petite woman, but she's the bravest and strongest person I know. Her life has not been all rainbows and butterflies, and she's had to go through some pretty tough times. Still she lives life to the fullest and manages to see the good in people and treats everyone with kindness and respect.

She was a sporty girl growing up, and a ballerina for many years. After school, she attended a design school in Cape Town, and made a good life for herself designing and making clothes. After that, her and my dad had a very successful small business.

My mom is a dog person, loves to laugh and could live on Coke Light and dark chocolate. She'd be the happiest person alive if it was summer 12 months out of the year. She really can't stand to be cold, which is why she has a grand collection of fuzzy warm slippers and socks that makes up for most of her closet, and also why she spends many months out of the year visiting my siblings in hot Dubai.

She barely sits down during the day, and is always either working, running the house or in her garden. She has green fingers and a spectacular garden to show for it. She likes to get comfy on her lazy-boy chair in the evenings, and will spend her time on her beloved iPad, Skyping with all of us, playing Farmville or browsing online.

Don't think you'll be able to "out-shop" this woman. She puts me to shame on a day of shopping and has the stamina of a marathon runner. She can walk around for hours... (actually, days, if she didn't have to sleep). Not that she sleeps a lot anyway... 4 to 6 hours are all she needs.

She also gets busy in the kitchen and can cook up any meal your heart desires. She also loves baking cupcakes. I know what you're thinking; is there anything this woman can't do!? And the answer is no. She can do everything and that's also why we call her, "Supermom".

My mom has taught us so much, not only with her words, but mostly through her actions and character. I always notice how she treats people; friends, family and strangers. She makes everyone feel so special and you can't help but love her after spending time with her. Well, I'm a little biased of course, but I know how much my friends and The Boyfriend love her, too. I can really go on for hours about how amazing my mom is; her generosity and good heart has touched so many lives.

My mom is my role model and I just hope that I can be such a good mother as her one day. My future kids will have the best grandmother in the world, and I know she's going to spoil them rotten.

My mom and I in South Africa this past February.

Happy Birthday, Mamma! May all your wildest dreams come true. You mean the world to us, thank you for being our everything! Love you to the moon and back.

Day 12 - Bullet your whole day

Unsupervised shopping mission

By now you all probably know that one of the great loves of my life is making a list. Naturally, today's topic appeals to me more than it would to the Average Joe. I'm going to try and bullet my entire day yesterday (Sunday), as obviously Monday's not over yet.

I wanted to include times, but geez, I really don't know the exact times that I did stuff. Also, I'm going to leave out the less-than-appealing-un-internet-appropriate activities like going to the bathroom and such.

My day (Sunday):

• Woke up at around 9am
• Laid in bed for another few minutes checking my Instagram
• Got up and made coffee and had cereal with fruit
• Checked Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and my email
• Got a call from The Boyfriend from the States to say hi (he's on vacation)
• Got dressed
• The Boyfriend called again to tell me to turn on Skype
• Skyped with The Boyfriend's mom for a bit
• Did a load of laundry, washed the dishes and made my bed
• Left the house and took a bus to Dunhua shopping district in Taipei
• Lost all self-control in Mango and Zara (got some really cute things, though!)
• Got some sushi for lunch

Yes, I take pictures of my food and post it on Instagram. Deal with it.

• Bought pretzels I didn't need to buy
• Took the bus back home
• Huge earthquake strikes Taiwan while I'm blissfully unaware on the bus. Everyone felt it except me... 
• Got home and unpacked my shopping haul
• Checked my social networking sites again
• Relaxed at home and watched the last 10 minutes of the movie Ghost on TV
• Left the house again to buy toilet paper and face cream
• Skyped with my sister in Dubai
• Watched YouTube videos
• Did the "Core Cardio & Recovery" workout from the INSANITY program
• Took a shower and put on my pj's
• Ate a mango
• Watched two episodes of Orkney Snork Nie
• Ate the aforementioned pretzels...
• Checked all my social media outlets AGAIN
• Got ready for bed at around 9:30pm
• Fell asleep some time after that

Not a super exciting day to be honest. The Boyfriend and I usually have much more fun filled Sundays, but he's been in the States visiting his family for two weeks, so I kinda had to entertain myself. He'll be back in Taiwan tonight; can't wait! Happy Monday, everyone!