Before I turn 30...

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In ten months I'll be joining the "dirty thirties" movement. Contrary to how most people feel about turning thirty, it absolutely doesn't mean anything bad to me. In fact, I feel that your thirties are probably your best years. But that's just me.

Before I turned 27 I made a list of 10 Things I want to do before I'm 30. To be honest, I kinda forgot about this list, until boredom fate made me read through some older blog posts earlier. And, wow, I can proudly say that I've already crossed 6 things from that list.

I officially have ten months left to achieve the rest of my goals, and then it will be time for some new ones. I'm not sure whether I'll be able to cross everything off the list, but I'm going to do my best to make it happen. 

Here's the list of the 10 Things I want to do before I'm 30:

1. Adopt a dog

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We only adopted Toby 3 weeks ago, but already I can't imagine not having him around. This little fur ball has crawled so deep into our hearts, and I'm so thankful that he came into our lives.

2. Visit Paris

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What a blessing to have been able to visit Paris with The Husband. We went there for a week during the summer of 2013, and it was even more magical than I thought it would be. I would go back in a heartbeat, and it really IS one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been to.

3. Donate a lot of money to a charity

I don't know why I haven't done this yet, so I'm sure this will be the next thing I'll check off the list. Even though I sponsor a dog at a local animal rescue center, I also want to donate a considerable amount to a charity for rescued animals in Taiwan, as that's a cause I feel most passionate about.

4. Master liquid eyeliner 

Well, this one is debatable. I have been trying to do it more often (practice makes perfect), and I'm definitely getting better. But the thing with liquid eyeliner is, that you just never know what you're going to get. Some days it comes out perfectly, some days I just make a big mess on my eyelids and look like a raccoon. If I take my time, I can usually get it right. Not truly a "master", but I think this is probably as good as I'm going to get.  

5. Get engaged and married

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Check and check! The Husband and I got engaged during our week in Paris last year. (I know!) He proposed to me in front of the Eiffel Tower right before the tower lit up, while we were having a champagne picnic. There were literally thousands of people around us, but at that moment I felt that we were the only two people in the world. 

Seven months later we tied the knot in South Africa on a farm close to my hometown. Our friends and family flew in from around the world to celebrate our special day with us. It was absolutely perfect!

6. Fill up my passport with stamps

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I did it! My passport is officially full of stamps. Actually, on our last trip to the States, I got a little nervous about not having that much space left for stamps, but luckily it worked out fine. I love flipping through my passport and seeing all the countries I've been fortunate enough to visit. I can't wait to fill up the next one!

7. Go on a hot air balloon ride

Even though I'm so obsessed with this, everyone keeps informing me on how dangerous hot air balloon rides are. But I still really want to do it. (It's funny that I'm saying that, because usually I avoid any activity where I feel I might get hurt.) I know there are hot air balloon rides in Taiwan, but I want to go on one over the desert in the UAE. You know, like a magic carpet ride.

8. Write a children's book

The idea is in my head, but I haven't actually gotten to writing anything down. This is another item on the list that I truly want to achieve. Efforts must be doubled, as they say.

9. Buy myself an expensive designer purse

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I bought my first designer bag while we were in Paris. I figured THE shopping Mecca would be the best place to do it. Also, the 12% tax refund for tourists definitely spurred me on. I opted for the Louis Vuitton Speedy 30 bag in the Damier Ebene canvas. I think this bag is a timeless classic and I'll be able to keep it for the rest of my life. I use it quite often, as it goes with basically any outfit.

10. Apply for a master's degree program

Hmm, I'm not exactly sure about this one. On the one hand, I want to take time off from work to study Mandarin full time, but on the other hand I want to further my studies in my field (education). I'm not going to rush this decision, but who knows, I might have made up my mind by the time I turn 30.

I guess I'll have to get busy on the "unchecked" items. Be sure to check back in ten months to see if I managed to achieve the rest of my goals. Also, please share one goal that you'd like to achieve within the next ten months.

Happy Friday!

My Favorite Spring/Summer 2014 Nail Polish Collections

I always say that I feel a little naked when I'm not wearing nail polish, and that's why you'll rarely catch me without a layer of lacquer on my fingers. But, believe it or not, I've barely been wearing any nail polish for the past 2 months. "Why, Liesl? Why?", you may be asking. 

After our wedding I decided to give my nails a break from pretty polishes, especially after getting a gel French manicure for the Big Day, which as you know, can wreak havoc on your nails. 

Well, fast forward two months to today, and I finally decided that it's time to spring-ify (yes, I know that's not a word. But it should be...) my nails by getting some of the recently released nail polishes for spring and summer. And, looking at the new collections I'm so impressed. It is not normal for one to be so excited about nail polish, is it? ...

Here are my favorite collections for spring and summer this year:

ESSIE "Hide and Go Chic" Collection

Left to Right: hide and go chic, fashion playground, style hunter, truth or flare, spin the bottle, romper room

ESSIE definitely got it right this year! I'd wear all these shades during spring and summer, except for "hide and go chic", it's not really my cup of tea.

OPI "Brazil" Collection

Top - Left to Right: Red Hot Rio, The Bikini Zone,  Toucan Do It if you Try, I Just Can't Cope-Acabana, AmazON AmazOFF, Don't Bossa Nova Me Around
Bottom - Left to Right: Scores a Goal!, Kiss Me I'm Brazilian, I Sao Paulo Over There, Where did Suzi's Man-go, Taupe-less Beach, Live.Love.Carnival

Lots of darker shades in this collection from OPI, which is strange for a spring and summer collection. But, the more vibrant shades do make up for it! This is not my favorite collection out of the bunch, I feel like I've seen all of these polishes in their collections before.

BUTTER LONDON "Boho Rock" Collection

Left to Right: Trifle, Lucy in the Sky, Keen, Goss, Lushington, Trallop

Oh, BUTTER LONDON, what happened here? I only included this collection because I LOVE the shade "Keen". The rest is really not that interesting to me.


TANYA BURR Lips & Nails Collection

Top - Left to Right: Be Bright Be Happy Be You, Riding Hood, Little Duck, Midnight Sparkles, Mini Marshmallows
Bottom - Left to Right: Mischief Managed, New York Night, Peaches & Cream, Penguin Chic, Bright & Early

Many of you will know TANYA BURR, the lovely British YouTube beauty guru. She recently released her first line of nail polish and lip products, and I couldn't be happier about it. I'm obsessed with most of these polishes, and I think this would be such a great gift, as most of these colors are classics and will serve you well for years.

TOM FORD Spring 2014 Collection

Left to Right: Indiscretion, Incandescent, Coral Beach, Sugar Dune

I'm crazy about all of these, except for "Incandescent". (You've probably noticed I'm not a huge fan of the metallics.)

DIOR Spring 2014 Nail Polish Collection

Left to Right: Porcelaine, Bouquet, Bloom, Perle

Good job, DIOR! In my opinion, these shades are spot-on for spring and summer this year. I especially love "Bouquet" and can't wait to get my hands on it.

CHANEL Spring 2014 Nail Polish Collection

Left to Right: Ballerina, Charivari, Tapage

I wouldn't have put "Charivari" in this collection, CHANEL (although it would be PERFECT for fall and winter). But I do love the classic, "Ballerina", and you can never go wrong with a good red. All year round!

DEBORAH LIPPMANN "Reveries" Collection

Left to Right: Tip Toe through the Tulips, Spring Buds, La Vie En Rose, Flowers in her Hair, Build Me a Buttercup, Blue Orchid

This collection immediately made me think of ESTEE LAUDER's spring nail polish collection from last year. But, you can never have too many pastel polishes, so I'm not complaining. These colors are so fun, and I'm definitely gravitating towards "Blue Orchid".

CIATE "Dolls' House" Collection

Left to Right: Poppet, Doll Face, Paper Doll, Baby Doll, Sweet Pea

CIATE has become one of my favorite nail polish brands in the past couple of years. And how pretty are these shades for spring!? I'm not sure about "Paper Doll" though, I've never been a huge fan of white on my nails. The rest; swoon!

Out of all of these, of course I'm going to have my absolute faves:

I would love to know which ones are your favorites! 

OUR WEDDING PHOTOS by Moira West Photography

Photo by Moira West Photography

We received our wedding photos! *jumping up and down while clapping my hands*. It's only been 2 days since we got them, but I've probably gawked at them a thousand and one times. Is this really MY wedding!?

Moira West Photography did an excellent job at capturing our special day, and I couldn't be happier about how they turned out.We will receive our DVD with about 400 edited images soon, but for now I'm basically glued to Moira's website, looking at the photos she's already posted.

How on earth am I going to choose which ones to get printed!? HELP! I would LOVE to know which ones are your favorites.

To see the rest of our wedding pics 

CLICK HERE

December Favorites 2013

I hope everyone had a wonderful December! It's kind of a bittersweet month for me. I love the holidays and festiveness, but it's also very hard to be so far away from my family at this time.

It's been a really busy month for me; working hard to finish everything up before I leave for South Africa, and also getting things done for the wedding. We are leaving in exactly 11 days, and I can't be more excited!

Here are some things I've been loving during December:
1. Dior Incognito

I've been on the lookout for a nice nude nail polish, and I think I found the perfect one for me. If you don't choose the correct nude shade for your skin tone, you can end up looking like you have no nails... Only fingers. Yes, a little weird and creepy. Anyway, so I found this one that has a slight tint of blush in there, which looks beautiful on my nails. Also Dior nail polish, where have you been all my life!? I guess you pay for quality.

2. The Wet Brush

My tangle-prone hair and I are always on the search for new ways to de-tangle, brush and de-knot. I've read about this brush before, and that it's usually used on children's fine hair when wet. Tried it. Loved it. Will be using it. Forever.

3. MAC Pro Eye Makeup Remover

I despise taking my eye-makeup off at the end of the day, but alas, any person would tell you not to go to bed with makeup on, so the mascara and liner need to go. I originally wanted to get the MAC Cleanse-Off Oil, but I couldn't find it at the store, so I got this one instead. It works well and I can remove all of my eye-makeup with very little effort.

4. HUNTER Original Short rain boots

Because I "needed" another pair of rain boots!? I love the black Regent Neoprene ones I have, but I've always wanted the classic short ones in navy, too. It's literally been raining for two weeks straight in Taipei, and now I don't feel so bad about getting another pair of rain boots.

5. REBECCA MINKOFF Mini Mac

I've had the Rebecca Minkoff Mini Mac purse on my wishlist for a loooong time, but for some reason I just couldn't decide which color I wanted (they come in a huge variety of colors). When I saw it in the color Port I just knew that's the one I wanted. I love this bag and I just know I'm going to be getting A LOT of use out of it.

What are your favorites from December?
HAPPY NEW YEAR

Sweater Weather Tag!

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Yes! There's another autumn tag on the loose, called the Sweater Weather Tag, and you know me, I can't resist a good ol' list of random questions to answer. Is it still autumn, though? It feels like only yesterday I did the I love fall Tag, but that's already been more than a year ago! I don't want to go on about how quickly this year went by and how it's already nearing the end of fall but, damn people, time flies!

I'm not complaining because I'm all about sweater weather, hence the Sweater Weather Tag:

Question 1: 
What is your favorite fall candle scent?
I've been loving Diptyque's Pine Bark candle the past few weeks. 

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Question 2:
Coffee, tea or hot chocolate?
Do I have to choose just one!?

Question 3:
What's the best fall memory you have?
I guess the best fall time memories I have are from my childhood, when we used to have a week off school in April when it's technically autumn and starts getting colder in South Africa. It was nice to be able to sleep in on a cool day, and play inside the house.

Question 4:
Which makeup trend do you prefer; dark lips or winged eyeliner?
I think a dark lip looks beautiful if done correctly, but I've always been a big fan of winged eyeliner. Although, I'm a total spaz when trying to apply it. I'm working on it though.

Question 5:
What's your favorite fragrance for fall?
I'm currently using a bunch of fragrances, and don't really have a specific favorite. I've been obsessed with Diptyque's Do Son Eau de Parfum though, and spray it on myself every chance I get in the stores. I already ordered it but I want to wear it on my wedding day, so I'm not using it now.

Question 6:
What's your most loved Thanksgiving food?
My most loved Thanksgiving food, is any Thanksgiving food. This year will only be my third Thanksgiving ever, as I'm South African and we obviously don't celebrate it. But now, I have The Fiancé and his US citizenship as an excuse to stuff my face every year.

Question 7:
What is autumn weather like where you live?
It's really nothing special and not so cold compared to other places around the world during this time. It's a very welcome cool-down from the extreme heat and humidity here in Taiwan from the summer, but we don't get snow in the city and the temperature seems to stay above 12 degrees Celsius (about 53 Fahrenheit).

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Question 8:
Your most worn sweater.
I've been wearing most of my sweaters quite often, but this one is definitely the favorite. I got it from ASOS a couple of months ago. So cozy!

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Question 9: 
What's your must-have nail polish this fall?
This year, I've been loving CHANEL Le Vernis in the color, "Elixir". I can't seem to get tired of it and apply eat almost every week.

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Question 10:
Football games or jumping in leaf piles?
Football games!? I don't know anything about football, to be honest. Jumping in leaf piles sound fun, although I don't know much about that either...

Question 11:
Skinny jeans or leggings?
Another tough decision! Skinny jeans is my one true love, but I do love me some leggings on a rainy day, just hanging out at home.

Question 12:
Which do you prefer; combat boots or UGGs?
UGGs! What's cozier and comfier than that for fall?!

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Question 13: 
Is Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Lattes worth the hype?
I wouldn't know, I've never had the honor of drinking it. Although there is Starbucks in Taiwan, I've never encountered a Pumpkin Spice Latte. Sadly. Because it sounds pretty good!

Question 14:
Favorite fall TV show?
It's definitely a tie between The Walking Dead and American Horror Story. I've been absolutely crazy about Coven, and The Walking Dead really knocked my socks off during that mid-season finale. It is everything!

If you haven't done this tag yet, I tag you!

Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals 2013

Dear Shopaholics of the World

IT'S HERE! I'm sure you all marked this spectacular event on your calendars? Why wouldn't you, it's the Shopping Olympics for crying out loud! It's that time of the year again, when we can find some fabulous deals and discounts in stores and online.

There are some fantastic coupon codes and discounts out there this year, and I wanted to share my favorites, you know, from one shopaholic to another. We gotta stick together! If you're not in the States, don't fret, because there are many great deals available online for international shoppers as well.

So, get out those credit cards! Here are some great deals from a few of my favorite online shopping sites:

Sigma Beauty

SHOP NOW!

Get 20% off your order with code CM2013 (International)
Only on December 2

shopbop.com 

SHOP NOW!

Get 15% off your order when you spend more than $250 with code BIGEVENT13
Get 20% off your order when you spend more than $500 with code BIGEVENT13
Get 25% off your order when you spend more than $1000 with code BIGEVENT13
Until December 2

Lookfantastic.com

SHOP NOW!

Get 10% off your order with code LFNEW (International)
Until December 1
Get 10% off your order with code 28DAYS (International)
Until December 26

ASOS.com

SHOP NOW!

Get 20% off your order with code GIMME20 (USA only)
Until December 2

Get 30% off your order with code GIMMEMORE (USA only)
Until December 4

Get 20% off your order with code 20FORYOU
Until November 29

REVOLVEclothing.com

SHOP NOW!

Get 10% off your order with code TULIP (International)

Madewell.com

Get 25% off your order with code FEAST25
Until December 2

Feelunique.com

Get 15% off your order with code FESTIVE15
Until December 2

Michael Todd True Organics

Get 25% off your order with code THANKU25

(When I get more information on other deals going on, I'll add them here over the weekend. Also, feel free to add to the list if you want.)

Happy Shopping!

The Liebster Award

What a nice surprise; Pretty.Random.Things. received another blog award! This time we were awarded the Liebster Award by Michelle of Pretty in the East. Thank you so much, Michelle!

What is the Liebster Award, you ask? It is an award given to smaller blogs to expose them to a bigger audience of readers. A pretty cool idea, I think!


To formally accept this award, I have to do the following:

1. Link back and recognize the blogger who nominated you

2. Answer ten questions given to you by the blogger who nominated you

3. Nominate ten other bloggers for the award.

4. Create ten questions for your nominees to answer.

5. Notify your nominees.

Here are the questions, composed by Michelle, for me to answer:

1. How long have you been blogging and what made you start?

I've been blogging since June 2011, so that means I'm at the 2 years and 4 months mark as of today. I started blogging because I was bored and wanted my own little online space where I can share the things that I love, make lists, post pictures and interact with interesting people from around the world.

2. What type of post(s) do you enjoy reading and writing the most?

I enjoy reading fashion and beauty posts (I mostly like looking at pictures) and humorous diary-like lifestyle posts. My favorite posts to write are lists... about everything.

3. What are three of your favorite songs, either current or classic?

There's no way I can answer this. I have a very very eclectic taste in music and if I had to make this choice, we might be here for days and days.

4. What are you most inspired by?

I'm mostly inspired by images, as I'm a very visual person. I'm also inspired by strong, independent, successful women.

5. If you had $500 to spend on one makeup brand, which would you choose and why?

I think I'll go with MAC. I like the quality of their products and adore their lipsticks and makeup brushes.

6. How would you describe your style?

Classic, simple, comfortable, chic, feminine, preppy. 

7. Where would you go on your dream vacation?

I've always wanted to go to French Polynesia.

8. Where do you see yourself ten years from now?

In ten years I'll be 38. AHHH! I see myself living the simple life with my man, in a beautiful house with a big yard and at least two dogs. Maybe a kid or two, a successful business and, of course, being healthy and happy.

9. What are your top three ‘holy grail’ products you can’t live without (makeup, skincare, bath, body, etc.)?

Products that I keep repurchasing, and that I'll probably use for the rest of my life, are Nivea's Q10 Plus body lotion, Lancôme Hypnôse mascara and Kérastase Masquintense hair treatment.

10. What are you looking forward to the most this fall and/or winter?

I'm really looking forward to wearing all my cozy sweaters, drinking lots of tea and cuddling with my man on those cold days.

Here are the 10 bloggers I nominate:

1. Nicole of The Lovely Twenty Somethings

2. Fariha of Fariha is Here

3. Carrie of Better with Cheddar

4. Nelleke of Darling Nel

5. Jess of 26 & Not Counting

6. Meg of I go by Meg

7. Shannon of Awash with Wonder

8. Jessica of Blog with Benefits

9. Ashley of All that Glitters

10. Amanda of A Good Hue

Here are my questions for the bloggers that I have nominated:

1. What is your ultimate travel destination?

2. What is your favorite online shopping site?

3. How many times a day do you check social media?

4. Link your most popular blog post EVER! (The post that got the most views.)

5. Are you a cat or dog person?

6. What is your most worn lipstick?

7. What would you do with $1 million?

8. Are you a morning person or a night owl?

9. Do you think you'll blog forever? Or do you have a cut-off age?

10. What is your worst habit?

Have a great week, everyone!