Mayy's Closet #57

Winter is SUCH a lazy season. Perhaps it is also because I am on vacation mood. I just so need a break. Which is what I am giving myself this weekend. No parties, no dressing up. Just leggings and oversized sweaters and hoodies. If I could leave the house in bathrobe, I would. Sitting on my ass all day in front of the telly in my tubchair, ok LOSER. Whatever. So 'tis the season where no matter how many layers you wear, you still feel cold. So sometimes, I settle for just one since it makes no difference.

And here's one of my favourite winter outfits: an olive green drop-shoulder long knitted sweater from Zara and leggings.

Photo credits: mayydiaries.blogspot.com

I bought this (four/five) years ago before I even knew I would one day actually be faced with living in a country with four seasons. I bought it in Zara Macau or Hong Kong (I can't remember if it is even in anyone of the named countries) and brought it with me to Japan too. It is so comfortable and warm and chic in my opinion. It is timeless and and I can dress it however I want to. Though usually it is just with leggings and black boots and gold accessories.

It is good for a day out or even a night out. It is a little bodycon-like so I have to push myself to not overeat and have a tummy showing. Wouldn't be a good look here! There are always that few dresses or clothes items you will never give up. This is definitely one of them for me. I wouldn't know what to do if I one day have to retire it. I don't think I will though. It will just be reduced to home-wear at most. I am so glad I stuck to my guns and told my mother I wanted it no matter what. It didn't come cheap, that much I remember but thank god for Mum and Dad's more generous spirits when we go on holidays. There are just some things worth fighting for.

Till my next closet raid, Mayy xo

M's Food Find #54

I managed to keep to my plan and spent the whole day home today. And didn't spend anything. I also didn't bother cooking or whatever. I just ate Lucky Charms cereal the whole day. A bowl with milk, a couple of cups without, then with milk again. And then without and with hot cereal milk. I definitely finished more than half the box today. Can this much sugar eventually kill you? Other than that, I had a slice of toast with Vegemite Cheesybite and a slice of cheese. And some fried salted sliverfish. Just to balance out, I needed some salt. Not the healthiest days eh?

ANYWAY, now that all I like doing these days is snacking (partly due to me spending so much time in uni where the staff pantry can get some good stuff now and again). I found something I REALLY liked, out of all the kinds of biscuits we get:

Photo credits: mayydiaries.blogspot.com

Arnott's chocolate Scotch Fingers.

And it has to be the chocolate ones. The milk chocolate is so creamy and milky and cocoa-ish. It goes really well with the slightly salty crumbly buttery fingers. I love how a bite of it melts in your mouth. Super awesome. Blogging about it now makes me want to get off my bum and drive down to Woolies and get some. Thank goodness I am too lazy for that.

I have so much work to do or should start doing. But I told myself I am going to give myself this weekend off before I officially kick butt come Monday. Hence, the full day of watching telly today. Oh alright. NO MORE KFC AND HUNGRY JACKS AND SNACKING AT HOME. Not that I eat Hungry Jacks anymore but I thought I would just add it to the list for good measure. Let's just start being healthy again.

Winter sure does some bad things to my cravings and to a body. WELL, IF YOU HAVEN'T TRIED THESE SCOTCH FINGERS, and you like Tim Tams and chocolate and shortbread cookies, this is IT. GO!

Till my next food find, Mayy xo

A Disney Princess

I'll always be the first to admit that I am still a big kid at heart when it comes to Disney and cartoons. I can veg out all day watching Disney Channel programs. But there is one part of Disney which will always remain NUMBER ONE in my heart.

Yes, that's right. Disney Princesses. We have quite a few more these days. But before the new ones, there were six. Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, Ariel, Rose and what'shername (oh alright, Snow White). Fine, I have named them in the order in which I adore them. So here's the first post to the many DP future posts.

At Centrepoint Mall in Singapore when they had their annual Christmas theme. That year, it was Disney Princesses and if you spent over $200 in the mall, you get to redeem a Disney Princess umbrella. I MANAGED TO HOARD TWO! One for keeps, and one for me to use. And yes, I just had to bring it over to Perth with me. Perfect for keeps in my car.

Disney Princesses get updates or new ballgowns to their collection every once in a while. I really liked this collection. All the gold ones!

I love Cinderella, she's gorgeous and I love the whole story. Glass slippers.


Photos credits: mayydiaries.blogspot.com; Disney
And of course, Princess Jasmine. Although I really liked her usual green outfit! I mean it is my favourite colour after all. And I like her pet tiger. So cute! I want a pet tiger too...Hmmmmm.

And don't we all wish for happy endings? Never mind how many times life tells us otherwise, I think if you always believe in it, it may eventually just happen.

Shoestopper #38

Photo credits: mayydiaries.blogspot.com

This is the pair of stilettos I was wearing in the previous Closet post. My dressy sandals/heels for events and dinner occasions in Perth. I got them at Betts last year at one of their fabulous sales for only AUD27. It is A STEAL. One of my best bargains since they are super comfortable (cushiony soles!) and steady to walk around the whole night in. And of course, dancing post party. The straps also do NOT cut into my feet and the slingbacks hold well. No slipping off! I just love a good solid pair of heels.

I only really have one pair of dress heels in each of the countries I live in (or maybe two). First of all, I am super picky when it comes to these things. Second, I want a good investment and third, something that goes with alot of outfits. There are quite a bit more criteria but shoes find you. You don't find them. So when you come across one that really speaks to you, and you don't have an occasion for it (YET, because you can always create one), please don't let it go. NEVER. Even if you overspent your monthly budget or something. Whatevs, money can always be earned. But you will NEVER find another pair like it again. NEVER.

Have you had any shoes that you regretted letting go? Or just have this specific style you really want but there just isn't ANY like it? Don't lose hope though! Perhaps the right one is just round the corner. It took me more than a year or two to find this pair here. And when you finally get it right (and at a discount no less), it is worth everything.

Till my next shoe-stopping experience, Mayy xo

Mayy's Closet #56

Just got back home from dinner with the girls. They are moving in together and I did help with unpacking for abit. I just like being organised and neat I guess. Anyway, I am too full from dinner at my favourite Vietnamese restaurant, Toto's in Vic Park and decided to blog before showering.

Here's the dress I wore for my night out at Burswood: dinner at Sirocco and drinks at MinQ after.

I bought this dropped hem black ruffled maxi dress from Dolly Girl in Carousel. One of the first shops to introduce the dropped hem style dress before Valleygirl and Ally came out with theirs. Admittedly, this dress is so NOT made for winter since it is strapless and material is too thin.


Topped with a cropped cardigan,

and belted for better waist definition.

Or you can wear it sideways... I can't seem to pull off this look but Anna wears this way better. Since she is too tall and the front becomes too short for her.


Photos credits: mayydiaries.blogspot.com
I really liked the unique hemline and how classically simple this black dress is. I mean, it is a dress for keeps! No expiration date really. Just a good pair of strappy stilettos to match. When I walked in it, the back of the dress seems to float around your legs and you just feel a little like you are walking on air. Sort of like a peacock too, or a princess.

Well, can't wait for summer to roll around and I can wear this again. I really do have too many summer dresses.... BUT it is winter now so do keep yourself warm!

Till my next closet raid, Mayy xo

Completely Random

Photo credits: mayydiaries.blogspot.com
It's the rainy season and the weather forecasts a whole week's worth till next Tuesday. I hope the rain clouds disappear sooner than expected. Anyway, I love umbrellas or brollies or parasols (which really cannot be used when it is actually raining). And I love shopping. So when I saw the above umbrella at Portsman's, I had to take a photo of it. No not buy it because frankly, it is not that practical seeing how many I already have. But it is cute no? Pretty chic to carry it around in your handbag...

M's Food Find #53

Maybe it is because it is winter, or that I am suffering from some kind of weird eating disorder. Nevertheless, I somehow managed to kick my routine of eating one proper meal a day aside from liquids or fruits. And gave in to my guilt by indulging in my snack attacks of late. The bad thing about this isn't the snacks I am eating. It is the amount I eat and still want to eat. It is like this bottomless pit. And I KNOW I am not preggers. So I have since resolved to NOT buying anymore snacks when I go groceries shopping. No snacks, no eating. Too bad tummy, deal with it.

One of the snacks I have come to love indulging in once every couple of months is Shapes by Arnott's. And not just ANY Shapes flavour. There is only ONE flavour I liked.

Yes, from the Sensations (considered the gourmet line) line Tomato & Chilli. They sure won't kidding about 'Flavours You Can See'. I love seeing my fingers turn red from the flavour toppings and licking them clean. The sweet and spicy kick really satisfies. I pop one, the second one and soon enough I won't rest until the box is wiped out.

They recently have two new flavours to the Sensations line, one of my favourite potato chips flavour/combinations: Balsamic Vinegar and Sea Salt.

Photos credits: mayydiaries.blogspot.com
While this is nothing to crow about, the balsamic vinegar really comes true. However, nothing can beat the Smith's crinkle cut potato chips when it comes to Vinegar and Salt. NOTHING. Perhaps only the real balsamic vinegar. So I will stick to my Tomato & Chilli for now. I find it hard for Shapes to really top that flavour for me.

Shapes have so many different flavours and lines catering to every individual's preferences. The international one where they try to do woodfire pizza flavour, feta and something of that sort. Really, I have tried most of them and I still prefer T&C.

So which is YOUR favourite? Or Shapes aren't your thing?

Till my next food find, Mayy xo

Mayy has a shopping regret #4

For the past weeks of shopping once I was done with my first semester, I did get quite a bit of new items but also quite abit of heartbreaks when something I LOVELOVELOVE is unavailable in my size. Here is one of them... (I am still holding out hope though).


Photo credits: mayydiaries.blogspot.com
Reminiscient of the one and only, and my favourite Chanel peony, Forever New has this pair of ankle boots, or booties as I like to call them. I have tried so many in the shops at Garden City, Carousel and Harbourtown. There are two colours - tan and black. Let's recap on my heartbreak. I tried on size 8 but they are too big for me. Black just isn't as nice and I really have quite enough black footwear. Not only I don't have any tan footwear, I also really liked this one! HMPF. Size 7 fits me just right but I have yet to find a tan one, only in black. So I tried size 6 in the photo and yes... they fit but I am afraid they will hurt after a while since my toes are all the way at the front. I asked for size 7 at the latest try in Harbourtown, and when she said there were 2 pairs showing up on the system, I was near joy. HOWEVER, when she finally unearthed them from the big boxes, there were only 3 shoes. One side was missing, and the ONLY left side was faulty with the flower detached. OH FOR GOODNESS SAKE.

So I left the place empty-handed yet again. Okay, not completely empty handed, just without the boots. I got pants and a blouse and a fifties-style skirt and an awesome pantsuit which needs some altering. I did NOT get them all at one go alright, they were from separate occasions. I may have a shopaholism addiction...

Till my next post, Mayy xo

M's Food Find #52

BURGER MONSTER IS BACK AT IT! Cravings are the worst and best things to have because (a) you know what you want to eat, (b) you know EXACTLY what is it you want, (c) you will NOT rest till you finally get it. Right.

The new burger place, Burger Edge at Waterford Plaza, Karawara sits right at the corner of their new 'precinct'. They have it in the city as well, at the food court of the new mall, NEX100 or something like that.

Didn't bring my camera out with me, so photos were taken using my Blackberry Torch

That's Alina's burger order. I know it is beef but I cannot remember which version it was.

Looks a little flat from this angle... A meal comes with chips and a drink. There are two sizes to the meal option or you can just have the burger.

That is my chicken burger, the Hula which has pineapple and bacon and chicken fillet.


I chose the soft turkish bun which really is soft at an additional cost of 50cents. There are four kinds of bread to choose from. If you are not fussy, then I am sure the normal sesame buns would do. The pineapple sweeten the whole burger, the chicken fillet a little dry for me but at least it was not too tough. Bacon was not overly fried so that is a plus.

Jeremy's Meat Lover burger, there is salad for the burger but he opted to just have beef and bacon. Okayyyyyyyyy. Truly a meat lover there.

Kenneth's beef burger, I cannot remember what it is called. But hey, no complaints so far!

Steven's chicken burger.

Janis' burger which I have a feeling may be a vegan one but I really cannot remember. However, I know it is NOT fish because they don't have one.

A large bowl of chips is the way to go. I think there are about five toppings for you to choose from. Salt, Chook salt, Spicy etc. Not the best chips I have had but I still liked the thickness and a good potato filling. Overall, a 6.5/10.

Eveline was the healthy one and ordered the feta veggie burger. There are quite a few burgers to choose from but the prices are pretty steep for its quality. Given the distance uni is from V Burger Bar, I would go that little extra mile for that. Burger Edge is really nothing to crow about and the only edge they have over all the other burger places is that they serve MILKSHAKES. Yes, a good milkshake is the PERFECT end to a burger meal. However, I did not get one because it was alittle late in the night when we had dinner.


Photos credits: mayydiaries.blogspot.com
And they also have onion rings!!! They call it gourmet onion rings but frankly there is nothing gourmet about it, except I chose to have the parmesan and oregano topping. At $4.50, I would much rather go have the ones at V Burger Bar. However, it is nice to know I have the option closeby when an OR craving hits. There are quite alot of OR to go around in a standard bowl but it was wasn't freid properly or properly coated. The flour could not hold the ring shape well.

While it is nothing compared to Grill'd and the bistro and even JusBurgers, it is the next best thing we have to a more gourmet burger so close by, only very slightly comparable to V Burger Bar.

Good to have a try myself and unlikely for me to return. What say you, am I a burger snob?

Till my next food find, Mayy xo

Today, Mayy... (Blog Title Change!)

I don't know if anyone noticed BUT the blog title has been changed from Searching for a place called Home to The Life of an Accidental Amateur Academic. A wise person once said the only constant thing in the world is change. I thought hard about my blog's content and how I could aptly title it. Since it really features events of my own life, people I know, things I love. While my job title will always be changing at the age I am, I realised all four most possible future jobs started with the letter 'A'.

In all honesty, I actually thought about this title in the shower when I looked back at how on earth I am actually studying accounting. I don't even know what it was till I actually did the unit Accounting 100. Which is a first year basic accounting unit for all business students in Curtin University. While I am not yet an accountant, nor an auditor, I am doing my honours year and tutoring part time. Job title is Sessional Academic, and being in the academic line does have a certain appeal to me. Unfortunately data collection is not my strong suit and I really am not a fan of it. Give me a month or so to figure that out and I will get back to you on it. ANYWAY, since it is my first year experience, I am qualified for Amatuer status! Accidental came about because all these jobs were fell into place only recently and I really just stumbled my way into it.

When I finally graduate this year end, I would have hoped to have earned a job as an auditor and then I will change the title of this blog again. Or accountant, or go on to pursue my phD, or if I cannot or don't want to do any of the above, I would really liked to experience travelling the world by becoming an air stewardess. See, I told you all four future jobs started with the letter 'A'.

Blogging gives my right brain a creative outlet from the dull mundane left-brain tasks I have to do. Always been one to love the arts and all, but the typical Asian parental guidance and culture pushed me to accept (I don't claim that I love) that sometimes reality is harsh. It does give me food for thought though. Especially when I think about how I want my kids to grow up to think and pursue their interests. Encouraging of whatever they desire, or grilling them that being a certain way is the only path. Well what do YOU think? Whether you are a parent yourself, or your own experience as a kid, or what you think you would want to do as a future parent?

Till the piggy banks, Mayy xo