Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Happy Holidays!

Hello blog & readers,

I just wanted to greet you all a Merry Christmas, if you do celebrate Christmas! I can't believe it's December 25, and 2014 is upon us!  Still can't believe it's that time of the year again. I was thinking of spoiling myself with a massive book buy, but then I thought, I don't have money left. haha.
You can find me watching Christmas movies nonstop today in my jammies! *clap clap*.

What're your plans for today?

Again, Merry Christmas!


-nicole

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Christmas Eve Cupcakes!


Hello internet people! How are you doing? I can't believe Christmas is a few hours away! Yaaaay! I am super duper excited? Who isn't? Earlier today, I baked some Christmas-themed(not really) cupcakes. I only used one color for my frosting because I wasn't able to run to the store and buy more but I still think they turned out well. What do you think?

Monday, December 23, 2013

DIY Festive Vase + Filler!

Hello internet people! I'm really sorry for delaying this post! I'll try to keep up with my schedule from now on. Today I thought I'd do a little do-it-yourself post suitable for the holidays! I'll be showing you how to make these super-Christmasy vases from supplies you can easily find in your house. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out, and I hope you'd try it out!


Part I: Vase









Step 1: Using the pencil and paper, I sketched a Christmas-related item, a Christmas tree. Details aren't needed as I will be using it as a stencil. This while be like the "window" to my little vase.Then, I cut out my sketch.




Step 2: With my glue stick, I glued the cut-out design onto the bottle where I'd like the see-through part to be. 





Step 3: Then, I painted the outside of the bottle. You can go super creative at this part, painting it green, yellow, or any color you'd like!











Step 4: When painting over the pasted design, firmly pressed on it to make sure it covers the glass below it. I carefully painted over it with slow brush strokes.











I continued painting the rest of the bottle. If the paint looks opaque, you might want to add another coat like I did.



Step 5: Before the paint dries, I carefully peeled out the pasted stencil. This will reveal an unpainted portion of the glass. After peeling it out, I decorated the rest of the bottle.

















Step 6(Optional): Lastly, I added paint varnish to keep the paint from chipping.








Part 2: Filler








Use the cup to hold the plastic bag in place.





Step 1: Pour about a cup(or how much you'd like)of salt into the cup.










Step 2: Then, I picked which colors I'd like to fill up my vase with. We will only be working with one color at a time, I chose to start with green. With a cutter knife, I scraped the chalk.











Step 3: Add the chalk shavings into the cup, and take the plastic out. Mix the salt and chalk by shaking the plastic. Make sure no contents spill out. If you're satisfied with the color, move on to the next step, if you want a darker shade, add more chalk shavings of that color.












Step 4: Use a piece of paper to make a funnel for the bottle. Pour in the salt and shavings mixture.









Repeat these steps to make more salt and shavings mixture of different colors.


You can get really creative at this point. You can choose a pattern or design you'd like to follow. My designs aren't too Christmas-y but I believe they're still fitting for the holidays.









Happy Holidays!


 - nicole

Monday, December 16, 2013

Nicole's Blog Diary

Hello internet world! Long time no post! I've been really busy with school stuffs lately. Now that it's winter break, I have a lot of free time on my hands! Why not go back to blogging?
When school starts again, I'll still try to post regularly. 

Starting today, this blog will no longer be named "ItsmeKylaluu". I recently changed it to "Nicolesblogdiary". I just wanted to clear this up to avoid confusion before I start being active and post more again.

I'll be posting every Monday and Thursday! Hope you tune in!


*Update* I'm not sure if I'll be able to post tomorrow(Dec. 18) but I'll try to. If not, I'll be posting the next day! Sorry!


-nicole

Friday, November 15, 2013

15 Facts about me!

Heeeeeeello everyoney! Here I am again with blog post! Yayayayay. So, since I really don't have anything to write about, I figured I'd write another random post. Today's random post(I've been saying that alot, okay) is 15 facts about me! So, if you want to know a little bit more about me, keep on reading. If not, well, just scroll down to the next post on my bloggy, haha.

1. I don't have a favorite song because it always changes when I hear something I like. 
2. I prefer reading a book than listening to music. I looove reading.
3. I am really really happy I have a blog. haha. 
4. I procastinate and cram a lot.
5. My favorite subject is English, and I am a total whiz at math(lol. no). Seriously though, math hates me.
6. I get sad when my phone goes "low battery, 10%" urgh.
7. I am in eight grade. 
8. I am currently living in Saudi Arabia! But, I was born in the Philippines.
9. I really want to buy a polaroid, because I love remembering memories.
10. I take a loooot of selfies. >
11. Looking back, I though I was really good at poetry when I was in the fourth and fifth grade. Turns out, I just made words rhyme that has no relevance to each sentence,.
12. I've always loved writing stories, I believe I started writing short stories when I was in first or second grade. I want to write a novel that will be published, but I find it hard to write stories now because I always have writer's block.
13. I like painting, drawing with my (drawing) tablet, making short-film or just plain random videos, and taking photographs.
14. I don't think I have a talent.
15. I am really really happy that you're reading this! Thank you for taking the time to read up to here!

So, that is it for my little blog post. I decided to do this so you(or the internet, haha) could get to know me a little more. Byeee!

-nicole

Monday, November 4, 2013

Motivational Monday

Are you having a bad day? Stressed? Tired? Not all of us feel cheery and happy right now, and if you are feeling down, continue reading and maybe this post may help you out. I looked up inspirational quotes, and I found some of them moving, so I am now sharing them with you!

(Image credit: I do not take credit for any of the images here)


This quote says a lot. I try to live by this quote, because I love it's message. Basically it says don't be afraid to try things. If you don't you'll be left with what ifs in the future. Live life to the fullest.Take risks. Step out of your comfort zone, because you'll never know what lies ahead if you don't try to get there.


Always, always smile. We have so much in life to be happy about. You, reading this, you have wifi. Isn't that enough? (haha. but seriously). Don't ever let the things happening around you bother you. Stay strong and always be happy. Life is simple, but we insist on making it complicated. Smile more, worry less.


We all have been in the position where we worked so hard for something, yet it still seems impossible for us to reach our goal, and so we end up giving up. Don't give up hope, because things always have a way of working out. Before you give up, try to think why you held on for so long.


I know this post is not that long, but oh well! Urrm, what do you think? I'm not sure though if I will be doing this every week or it's just a one-time thing. I really do hope the pictures and I inspired you. Have a great week everyone!

                                                
-nicole

Monday, October 28, 2013

Looking & Reading

Jarir Bookstore in Malaz
Last night, we went to Jarir,if you're not familiar with Jarir, it's basically a large bookstore here in the middle east. Their stocks compose of video games, books, smart phones, arts/craft supplies, office supplies, things for school and much more.

Click here to redirect to their website. 

The main section I wanted to check out were the books. I was looking for a good book to read throughout the week(or a day, if I'm not doing anything). There were many books that were on sale for SR 9 to SR 50, ranging from nursery rhymes to autobiographies. This is the time when I wish I've saved up my money instead of buying random things I see. Anyways, I browsed through the Fiction section and spotted the book "Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini, and I bought it.. I haven't read it yet, but hopefully I'll have time later today to start reading it. Maybe I'd write a review or my thoughts about it? What do you think(if there is anyone reading this haha)?

I've taken these photos using my phone's camera so the quality is not the best. Click to enlarge! 


Above are some books sold in Jarir. I've always loved how I can always find a book I've been looking for here, but sometimes I have to go back the next day because they have no stock. But even though I have to go back, I will still be able to buy it.

Some of the books on sale! As I said some of them were as cheap as SR 9! Fingers crossed that the Pretty Little Liars Series will go on sale soon! 







Above are some other books I've spotted as I was browsing through Jarir! Hoping I can buy them when I come back. Time to save up! 


That is it for my little post! I'll try to post at least 2-3 times a week, randomly. I realized I've mostly been writing about the places I've visited and things I've tried so maybe that'd be the concept of this blog. (: See you on my next post! 

-nicole

Thursday, October 24, 2013

30 things to do when you're bored ♡

Harry Potter Marathon 
Hey people of the world! *waves to the world(or anyone reading this..)*

Last week was my school's Hajj vacation and it has come to my realization that sadly, I did not do much. I pictured myself really enjoying the one-week vacation, going to malls, go swimming, well, just doing anything that takes my mind off school. I ended up not going to the mall even once and I was stuck at home. My only pal was the wifi. So, what did I do for the rest of my vacation? Well. I watched marathons, chatted with my friends, read books and thought of ways on how I can make my vacation brighter and better. I really hated how I didn't get to come up with an idea to do so. So, here is a little list of things with what you can do to lessen boredom and brighten up your day. 

1. Movie Marathon, great way to waste time. Lets you catch up with your favorite tv show too!
2. Have a dance party with yourself, it's a dance craze!
3. Write a blog, like this one!
4. Learn how to fake an accent, hello mate!
5. Eat, eat.. just.. eat.
6. Read a book, or fall asleep while reading it.
7. Exercise, get rid of that extra fat!
8. Prank call people and tell them you're a potato
9. Do homework
10. Don't press here.
11. Go outside, get a rock, name it Pebbles
12. Make an imaginary friend
13. Sleep. all. day. long
14. Make dares with yourself
15. Act like a field investigator all day
16. Start a concert with no audience
17. Dress your puppy and start a runway fashion show
19. Sew a glove
20. Make a tire swing
21. Add random people on Facebook
23. Make a home video
24. Bake a cake, then sit on it.
25. Take a refreshing bath
26. Stalk celebrities online
27. Make theories on how the human race began
28. Put a message in a bottle then throw it far away
29. Write a song/story
30. Read the rest of my blog posts


-nicole

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Pretty Little Liars is Back!

Image Source: ABC Family
Hello liars! It's October 22! You know what that means! Pretty little liars is back! *screams in a high pitched voice*. I may or may not be a big fan of the Pretty Little Liars Series. (: Even though I know what happens in the book, I still wanted to read it. I read up to the 4th book last week and I couldn't fit reading the rest on my school schedule, so I haven't read the rest of the books I downloaded. 

In honor of our five(inc. Alison) favorite liars, I will be answering this tag I found on Youtube!


Who is your favourite character?

Image Source: Fashionchalet.net
It would be Spencer. Although all four of them have gone through bad A times, I believe Spencer handled it well(Okay, not the going to Radley part. Wow, that's a bad example). She has the wits and she makes the decisions I would most likely agree with.

Who do you think is behind the A Team?

Image Source: Popcultureplaypen.com
Everybody's a suspect in Rosewood, in my opinion. I don't really know. But who I would like to be in the A-Team is one of the four liars. It would be a great plot twist. Just not Aria, everyone's already expecting it to be her.

Who do you ship?
Spoby all the way. Also Ezria, but we just found out Ezra's A! Or is he? But Seriously, I love Spoby.

Most memorably cheesy/stupid moment?

Errrrm. I can't think of any right now.

Favourite villain?


Mona. Mona. Mona. Many might not agree with me, but I want to believe she is on the good side. She was really great as the villain. I do hope she will frequently be on the show.

Who do you think will/might become a villain?

 Paige. Have we forgotten she tried to drown Emily? She's really creepy. 

Which girl do you think has been hurt the most by A?

 Spencer. A hurt her socially and mentally. She even went to Radley because she couldn't take it anymore.

Which girl's style do you love the most? 

 I love Aria's style. It's hip and trendy. I love how she always match up layered tops with  combat boots.

Who's your crush on the show?

Image Source: Fanpop.com

Keegan Allen. Tooooby! 

Who is your least favorite character?

 Out of the entire character list, my least favorite would be Jenna. She's just so creepy. Seriously.

What was the most shocking moment for you?

Image Source: ABC Family
Finding out Toby was A. Ohmyguacamole. 

What has been your favorite episode so far?

Image Source: welovesoaps.net
 Unmasked. Just because I loved the scene with Spencer and Mona near the end.

What would you do if A was after you?

Image Source: ABC Family
Freak and have panic attacks.


That's it for the questions/tag! I'm already looking forward to watching the next episode next week! That's it for now! I'll be jumping up and down in excitement in 3.. 2.. 1..

-A


Saturday, October 19, 2013

Ladurée - Macaron Heaven

In Paris, the Ladurée chain of pastry shops has been known for its macarons for about 150 years. Ladurée is a French luxury bakery and sweets maker house. It is one of the top premier sellers of the double-decker macaron, fifteen thousand of which are sold every day. They are still one of the best known makers of macarons in the world. 
Well, that gave us some info about Ladurée ! Thanks Wikipedia! (:
But Ladurée  is not just popular in Paris, it has branches all over the world! I first learned about Macarons from photos all over the net. I googled it and wanted to try it since, but I didn't really know where to buy one. When my friend found out the a Macaron shop is located at a nearby mall, I freaked. The thing is, I forgot to ask exactly where the shop was in the mall. The directories of the mall were written in Arabic(well, of course, I am in Saudi), which I could not understand. But after a long walk around the mall, I finally reached my destination, Ladurée. I was looking for a big store which had Macarons displayed on the windows, turns out their branch in that mall was like a mini one!(I've heard they had bigger stores elsewhere in Riyadh)The macarons were 11 SR each. I bought 6 pieces with random flavors, but I didn't get too fancy with the box packaging. I opened it up when I went home, and when I did, some of the sides of the Macarons were cracked. *sob*. Nonetheless, it didn't change the taste. It was sweet, tasty and over all delicious! One of the best desserts I've ever had. 
I managed to snap some shots. (: I used my iPhone in capturing these photos so they're not the best. 
A view of the mouth-watering macarons
What I took home
Box Choices
The macarons cracked because of all the walking we did *sob*
Macaroon Choices! *yum*
Love love love their bag


-nicole

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