New In: Sudio Sweden KLANG Earphones

Stylish and minimal; my kinda product! But what else can you expect from a Swedish brand? For a while now I've been on the hunt for some new earphones and was drawn to these at first because, quite honestly, they looked good in pictures I saw on Sudio Sweden's Instagram account. (I'm not gonna lie, as an avid Instagrammer, I do consider a products photogenic qualities before purchasing.)

I chose the Sudio KLANG earphones in white (they also come in black, orange and brown) and they were shipped all the way from Sweden to my doorstep in Taiwan. (They offer free international shipping!). I was very pleased to find that, not only does the earphones look great, the sounds quality is fantastic and it drowns out other noises very well.

The earphones come with a very handy leather pouch, which I like, because my earphones usually just get thrown in my bag and will be a disgusting off white yellowish shade after just a few days. Also, you get four extra sizes of sleeves to make sure you get the perfect fit, especially perfect for runners who find that their earphones keep slipping out. Another extra you get is a little clip for the cord to attach to your shirt. Very useful!

Attached to the cord is a 3-button remote to control the volume or to pause music and answer calls. I tried the earphones on my iPhones 6Plus and iPod and it worked perfectly. I'm so impressed with these earphones and I would definitely recommend them to friends looking for a new pair of quality, affordable (only $60!) and sleek earphones.

So what do you think of the Sudio KLANG earphones? Which color would you get them in?  If you're interested in getting a pair of your own, use my special promo code LIESL15 at checkout to receive 15% off your order!

5 Things I Love...

I love...

1. ... planning our wedding with my mom, and how she supports, helps and understands me, even when I act like an evil Bridezilla.

2. ... laminating stuff! (fellow teachers will understand)

3. ... mornings.

4. ... the look on my friend's face when I surprised her with an unexpected gift.

5. ... this song by Macklemore.

Happy Friday, everyone!

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 11 - Put your music player on shuffle and write 10 songs that pop up

The last time I listened to music on my iPod was probably in July last year. For real! I only use it when I go to the gym, which also influences what type of music I have on there, and that is mostly pop tunes.  Because I was traveling during the summer, and didn't really work out during winter and have been doing INSANITY for the past 2 months, the poor thing was just lying in a drawer gathering dust.

Also, I don't listen to music on my iPhone, only podcasts and comedy shows. The only time I listen to music is at home on YouTube. 

Okay, so I recharged my iPod and these are the first 10 songs that came up after shuffling. (Please keep in mind that I haven't updated my workout music in a looooong time...)

1. Knockout by Lil Wayne ft Nicki Minaj
2. When love takes over by David Guetta ft Kelly Rowland
3. Angel by Akon ft David Guetta
4. Firework by Katy Perry
5. We found love by Rihanna
6. Just like heaven by The Cure
7. Raise your glass by Pink
8. Rock that body by Black Eyed Peas
9. I'm in Miami Trick by LMFAO
10. Clocks by Coldplay

Uhm... yes, I do need to update my workout playlist. Any suggestions?

Capturing December: Day 14 to 17

Are we really already half way through December; how did that happen!? The next half of this month is surely to go by even faster, with lots of Christmas parties and a New Year's Eve celebration coming up.

Anyway, I'm still going strong with the pictures for the "Capturing December" photo-a-day challenge, and here are the latest four:

Day 14 - Christmas tree

This year I decided to have a silver and glitter theme for our tree. I got a bunch of matte, shiny and glitter balls, and also a string of silver beads. And, to add an extra personal touch, I included pictures of our families (even the dogs...)

Day 15 - Favorite Holiday Song

I love Christmas music and have a lot of songs that I listen to over and over around the Holidays. "Oh Holy Night" will always be a very special one for me. It reminds me of Christmas with my family back in South Africa, especially when I was a little girl and when we used to celebrate Christmas at my grandmother's house. There are many beautiful versions of this song, but Josh Groban's just gives me the chills.

Day 16 - Outside Christmas lights

Every year, there is a huge Christmas tree outside of Taipei 101. This year the tree is entirely decorated by Cartier jewelry boxes, a lot of lights and red bows. It's really pretty!

Day 17 - Presents

Over the past few weeks, The Boyfriend and I have started putting some presents under the tree. Like I said, we rarely wrap our gifts, and stick to the no-hassle, eco-friendly way of just leaving the present in it's original shopping bag. We usually just tell each other what we'd like, which prevents disappointment. Ta-da! Everyone's happy. But... I do buy The Boyfriend a surprise gift every year, and I'm still waiting for it to arrive in Taiwan.

What's your favorite Christmas song?

Christmas Gifts for HIM 2012

I don't know about you, but for me it's usually really hard to find gifts for the men in my life. Us ladies are easy (...not in THAT way!) I mean, just get us some jewelry or anything that smells good and we're happy.

Men, on the other hand, are a little more tricky. Gone are the days when underwear and soap-on-a-rope would suffice as Christmas gifts. We need to step up our game, ladies!

After doing a bit of browsing online, I found some things that I think my brothers, The Boyfriend, my dad and my guy friends would like this Christmas. Maybe you'll find something in the list that you can get for those pesky males in your life...

1. Mustache Drink Markers

US $5

2. iPad mini

US $329

3. Bleu de Chanel Eau de Toilette

US $62

4. Burberry men's wallet

US $325

5. Wii U

US $300+

6. The Bro Code by Barney Stinson

US $12.49

7. The Original Fridge Poetry Magnet set

US $20.38

8. Lomography Diana F+ Camera

US $100

9. L'Occitane Mens Collection Gift set

US $50.75

10. iTunes Gift Card

US $15+

I hope you found some inspiration for gifts on this list!

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2012

I look forward to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show every year. Probably not in the same way as some guys do... But what's not to love? An over-the-top extravaganza of pop music, creative outfits and, of course, gorgeous ladies.

Cara Delevigne

This year's show definitely did not disappoint, although I'm puzzled how Cara Delevigne got a spot as an Angel. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore her and she's one of my favorite models, but she doesn't really scream "sexy Victoria's Secret Angel". She's definitely more of a high fashion model and looks amazing in the Burberry campaign.

Justin Bieber 

Even though I enjoyed the whole show very much, my favorite part was "Angels in Bloom". It was stunning! The "Pink" part with Justin Bieber's performance was also really cute. By the way, don't judge me, but JB is really starting to grow on me and I think I might have caught a little of that Bieber Fever... I won't say I'm a Belieber just yet, but he's kinda cute in a little brother kind of way. Let's face it; the boy's got swag and he knows it.

Candice Swanepoel

I love that they inserted a little segment of Candice Swanepoel's childhood and how she came to be a Victoria's Secret Angel. She's my favorite Angel! I might be a little biased though, being from South Africa... But isn't she stunning?

Miranda Kerr

The Boyfriend has a thing for Miranda Kerr, and I can't say that I blame him. She is perfection! I mean, I wouldn't kick her out of bed.

Watch the full show here:

Did you watch the show? What did you think?

My Top 5 online Black Friday deals

Even though I think it's absolutely ridiculous how people turn into animals and trample each other while shopping on Black Friday, I do participate in this madness... not in person, though, but online.

I'm not American, and I don't live in the States, but I do like to shop and I can't say no to a great deal. Even though my sister will be in Los Angeles on Black Friday and will do some shopping for us, I still want to get my fix online and get in on the action as well.

I poked around and found some awesome deals for us online shoppers. Here is my pick of Top 5 Black Friday online deals:

1. Shopbop.com
clothing, accessories, shoes, bags

(click image to go to shopbop.com)

Valid until: 
Monday, November 26

Deals: 
Spend $250+ and get 20% off
Spend $500+ and get 25% off
Spend $1000+ and get 30% off
Spend $1500+ and get 35% off

Code: 
Enter code BIGEVENT12 at checkout

2. Asos.com
clothing, accessories, bags, shoes, beauty

(click image to go to Asos.com)

Valid until: 

Sunday, November 25

Deals: 
20% off sitewide

Code: 
Enter code BLACKFRIDAYBONUS at checkout

3. RevolveClothing.com
clothing, accessories, bags, shoes

(click image to go to RevolveClothing.com)

Valid until: 
Sunday, November 25

Deals: 
up to 50% off sitewide

4. Amazon.com
books, magazines, clothing, accessories, electronics, cosmetics

Valid until: 
Sunday, November 25

Deals: 
Up to 50% off


5. Feelunique.com
cosmetics

(click image to go to Feelunique.com)

Valid until: 
Thursday, November 29

Deals: 
10% off gifts for men (code: SNOWMAN)
Spend $32+ and get $5 off (code: SECRETSANTA)
Spend $80+ and get $7 off (code: XMASLIST)
Spend $160+ and get $16 (code: XMASLIGHTS)

Are you going out shopping for Black Friday this year, or are you getting your fix online? Also, if you know of some other great deals, please share it with us in the comments.

Halloween 2012

Happy Halloween!

The Boyfriend and I on our way to the Halloween party.

The Boyfriend and I had so much fun at last year's Halloween party that we decided to go all out again this year. This might become "a thing" until we are really too old and boring to dress up.

This year, The Boyfriend wanted to go as a punk rocker or an '80s rock star. I had no idea what I wanted to wear until I saw an Alice in Wonderland costume and fell in love with it.

Alice in Wonderland

Shopping for our Halloween costumes and accessories is usually a big part of the fun, and we had a hilarious time going through the many costume stores in Taipei and trying on different ridiculous things.

On Saturday, we joined our friends at the same party we went to last year and had an absolute blast. My best friends from South Africa were visiting us here in Taiwan, and it was wonderful that they were able to join us for the Halloween party. We danced until 3 am and then went to one of our favorite 24/7 restaurants for breakfast.

'80s rock star

It was a great night, but I just wish I had taken more pictures, as I saw some really creative and original costumes at the party.

Did you dress up, or are you dressing up, for Halloween this year?

GUEST BLOGGER: What's in my bag?

Today, our guest blogger here on Pretty.Random.Things. is the adorable and beautiful Alynne-Leigh from Pink Lemonade: Designed to Love. I was so happy when she agreed to share with us what's in her bag. This is my all-time favorite type of post to read. Yeah, I'm just that nosy...

Alynne-Leigh

When Liesl asked me to do a "What's In My..." post, I couldn't help but write about What's in My Bag. Handbags are my favorite accessory, and it's very rare that I'm carrying anything less than everything around with me, from day to day.

In fact, I'm not sure if my bag has ever been cleaner than it is this week. I just switched bags for summer, and this is what I'm carrying around:

a. My fast flats - These babies come in a little gold pouch for a reason. I love wearing heels and pumps, but after an eight hour shift at work, my feet start begging me for some TLC, and these shoes know just how to save the day!

b. Shades - Now that it's summer time, I don't leave the house without my sunglasses. You've gotta protect your peepers! These ones are my favorite: they're Simply Vera Wang from Kohl's, and were totally free when I used my Kohl's cash!

c. Keys to the world - Okay. They're not keys to the whole world. They only unlock my car and an old minivan. But, hey, that's pretty close. 

d. Expired coupons - Every girl needs an extensive supply of coupons past their prime in her handbag, and I am no exception. If you're looking for freebies and discounts from three months ago, my bag is the place to find them.

e. Chewy bar - Shopping, rushing from class to class, and getting stuck in traffic can really work up an appetite. That's why I don't leave home without an emergency chewy bar in my purse.

f. My little iPod - I have a bigger iPod Touch, somewhere. But I absolutely love my little iPod. I think the last time I uploaded music to it was when I was still in high school, so a lot of the songs are old and outdated, but they're my favorites, and every time I listen to these songs, it takes me back. 

g. The berry - I'll admit it: I have a problem. I think I'm addicted to my cell phone. I don't go anywhere without it. When I'm not texting or calling someone else, I'm using it to surf Facebook or catch up on my favorite blogs' RSS feeds. I'm hooked.

h. Little bag of wonders - And by wonders I mean makeup. I don't go anywhere without this bag. It's a public service, really. Trust me.

i. Wallet - Home of credit cards, loose change, and expired coupons, my wallet has seen better days (considering how empty it's been lately!). But, you know, I love it anyway. 

What's in your bag?

Top 10 Tuesday: Favorite Online Shopping Sites

I love to shop just as much as the next girl. Okay, maybe a little bit more... Living in Taiwan I have numerous options when it comes to shopping and stores, but sometimes I "need" something specific, and that's when I turn to the wonderful worldwide web. 

International shipping costs can be a beatch, and that's why I love sites that offer free shipping, or shipping at a reasonable rate. Whether it's to buy or just to browse, these are my favorite online shopping websites: (I add new favorites all the time, so check back!)

Listed alphabetically 

(* = Site offers FREE international shipping)

ASOS* Clothing, Accessories, Shoes, Bags & Beauty Products
AVENUE 32 Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags 
Azalea Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags
COSME-DE* Beauty, Bath & Body Products
DAILYLOOK Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags
DERMSTORE Beauty, Bath & Body Products
ESCENTUAL Beauty, Bath & Body Products
EVERLANE Clothing, Bags & Shoes
FARFETCH Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags

FEELUNIQUE* Beauty, Bath & Body Products
FORWARD by Elyse Walker* Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags
LA GARCONNE* Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags
LOOKFANTASTIC* Beauty, Bath & Body Products
LUISAVIAROMA* Clothing, Accessories, Shoes, Bags & Home
MATCHESFASION Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags 
MYTHERESA Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags
NASTYGAL  Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags
NEEDSUPPLY Clothing, Accessories, Shoes, Bags & Home
NET-A-PORTER Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags
NORDSTROM Clothing, Accessories, Shoes, Bags, Home & Beauty
REVOLVEClothing* Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags
SHEINSIDE* Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags

SHOPBOP Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags
SKINSTORE Beauty, Bath & Body Products 
SPRING Clothing, Accessories, Shoes, Bags, Home & Beauty
SSENSE Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags
STEVEN ALAN Clothing, Accessories, Shoes, Bags & Home

THE BOOK DEPOSITORY* Books & Stationery
THE OUTNET Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags

ZAPPOS Clothing, Accessories, Shoes & Bags

                   Follow me on Instagram @_liesl_

If you know of any other great sites that offer free international shipping (or shipping at a reasonable cost), please share it with the rest of us shopaholics.

*Disclaimer

I'm not being paid to advertise these sites. These are my personal and honest opinions. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links.

Lady Gaga Born This Way Ball 2012 in Taipei

Lady Gaga The Born This Way Ball 2012, Taipei (Taiwan)

I ain't no Little Monster, as Gaga's fans call themselves, but I sure as hell had my claws up at her concert last night here in Taipei. Taiwan was added to her world tour lineup after her quick visit to the country last year, and I just couldn't miss the opportunity to see the Lady herself in action.

Me and my fellow non-Little Monster

Tickets for last night's show sold old quickly, in spite of high ticket prices. But I managed to snag two tickets from a friend of a friend. So I got my friend, got dressed up in crazy neon orange jeans and headed off to the show, which I'll admit, I had high expectations for.

Lots and lots of people

The show was incredible and the audience was obviously gaga for Gaga! There was so much energy in the venue, as everyone was singing at the top of their lungs, waving their pink lights and dancing up a storm. I couldn't take my eyes off of her, as you can never really guess what she's going to do or wear next. 

We were obviously back in the nosebleed section

And boy, did she do and wear some crazy stuff. Multiply your wildest, craziest ideas by a hundred, and that's what she came up with. I mean, come on, this is Lady Gaga for crying out loud! The woman that once wore a dress made out of meat; the woman that once got carried into an award show in an egg.

The Meat Dress made another appearance

She definitely delivered the goods on this Born This Way tour, and exceeded all my expectations! I'll definitely recommend seeing Lady Gaga in concert if you ever happened to have the opportunity. I guarantee she'll blow your socks off!

Day 34 - A picture of your currently most played CD

It’s been a while since I’ve bought an actual CD. And by “a while”, I mean ten years. It’s just always been very hard for me to spend that much money on an album if I’m going to end up listening to only four or five songs on it anyway.

I know many people get their kicks out of collecting their favorite artist or band’s actual album, and I think that’s really good. Thank goodness for iTunes and Frostwire for providing us with the option of downloading individual songs. That works for me!

I guess if I still bought CD’s, I would probably have purchased Adele’s latest album. She has an amazing voice and all her songs are beautiful. That would’ve been my currently most played CD.

I’m actually curious to know; do you still buy actual CDs or know of anyone who does?

20 Things I'm thankful for

 Even though I'm South African and don't celebrate Thanksgiving, I like the idea of sharing what I'm grateful for this time of the year. I have too many blessings to count, but here are the top 20 things I'm thankful for.

Top 20 Things I'm thankful for: 
(in no particular order)

1. The Boyfriend - How lucky am I to have met the love of my life. He is kind, generous, loving, my best friend, and the person I want to grow old with. I'm very thankful that he loves me just as much as I love him.
2. My family - I'm truly thankful for my amazing, supportive family. There is so much love and laughter, and if I had to choose a family myself, I would definitely not have it any other way.
3. My friends - Having friends from all over the world is a huge blessing. Even though I can't see all of them often, I carry them around in my thoughts and prayers every day.
4. Excellent health - I can use all my senses, my legs, my arms and my brain. I'm very thankful for physical and mental health. And not just for myself, also for my friends and family.
5. Traveling - I'm fortunate to be able to travel regularly and I couldn't imagine a life without being able to see the world.
6. My job - I can honestly say that I love my job, and I'm so thankful to be able to walk into work everyday, getting to be creative and happy, and to feel proud of my work.
7. Internet - I need to thank the World Wide Web for giving me so much. Not only can I stay in touch with friends and family around the world at the click of a button, I can also get any information I need in less than 10 seconds.
8. Food - I'm thankful that I get to go to bed every night with a full belly, and that I never have to worry where my next meal will come from.
9. Water - This is often taken for granted, and I'm thankful that I always have access to fresh water, and that I can swim in the ocean.
10. Digital cameras - Thanks to digital cameras, I will be able to share so much of my life with my children and grandchildren one day. 
11. The future - I appreciate the fact that I can dream about the future and that almost anything is possible. I'm thankful that I will be able to get married one day and be able to have my own children.
12. Humor - In a world filled with hate, violence, war and crime, I'm thankful that humor still exists.
13. Technology - It makes my life so easy and convenient. We have smart phones, that can basically do anything now except our laundry, internet, airplanes, iPods, TiVo and the list goes on.
14. Taiwan - Taiwan has been very good to me. I'm thankful for always feeling safe and free and that I'm able to work here and have a good life. 
15. My childhood - Whenever I see an elementary school student here in Taiwan, walking home after public school, additional English classes, violin class and science class at 8pm, I'm so thankful that I got to finish school at 2pm and got to play sports and with my friends for the rest of the afternoon, and then spend some quality time with my family in the evenings.
16. Books - Reading is one of my favorite hobbies and I'm very grateful that I can visit the bookstore often and buy amazing books.
17. My dogs - I'm very thankful that I grew up always having dogs in the house. Currently, my dogs are very old and living with my parents in South Africa. They still bring me lots of happiness though.
18. My apartment - With all the crappy apartments in Taipei, I'm very grateful that The Boyfriend and I found an apartment that is perfect for us and that is our little sanctuary here in the city.
19. Seasons - I love the fact that the seasons change every three months. I can't imagine living somewhere where the weather is always the same. 
20. Music - Music is always there for me, no matter what mood I'm in.

I would love to hear what you are most thankful for.

Guest blog!

Fellow blogger, Vulnavia, from "Nobody said anything about clever" asked me to guest blog on her site today. I created my Top 10 List of things I just "don't get".

Check out my post "I just don't get it" here:

http://vulnaviag.blogspot.com/