HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY TO ME ♡

I want this to be a time to say 'Thank you' to my family and friends, I truly appreciate them being here for me, loving and caring for me. I think birthdays should not be as materialistic as it is today but it should be a time to say 'Thank you'.
I'm 18 now which means I am legally classed as a young adult; I am no longer a child. I definitely have to thank my parents for bringing me up and being such loving as they are, we all have our quarrels but I still love them through the most happiest and sadest part of life.

♡ I remember my mum would organise a small gathering every year for my birthday with all my Chinese friends.
♡ My dad pronouce 'birthday' as 'bothuday'... he would sing 'Happy bothuday'to me every year - makes me chuckle.
♡ My sister, you are my bestest friend that I can have ever chosen. 

Today, Monday 25th February 2013. I spent my birthday as another normal day. I do not want to hold a gathering or a meal this year on this day because I want to spend my time with my family, because they work I rarely see them throughout the day and night. I want them to find me at home so we can talk as often as we can, also I liked that my birthday was relaxing. I like to disconnect myself for some time because that is the best time to relax and pamper yourself.

REVIEW: The Moon That Embraces The Sun

Firstly, I have to begin by praising this drama; I cannot believe the numerous times I have cried for certain scenes, this drama is incredibly moving. I would definitely recommend this drama to those who aren't afraid to cry for a fictional story.
I understand I am behind the hype and have forgone the moment when all were captivated by this drama, but I believe all The Moon That Embraces The Sun fans will still be able to recollect their memories of this drama and share their thoughts with me here.

Some of my favourite scenes ♡

The Story: It tells a love story between Crown King Lee Hwon and Heo Yeon-Woo. They met by fate during the civil service examinations congratulatory ceremony. Their love blossomed since the first day they met. Later Yeon-Woo became the crown Princess as both Lee Hwon and Yeon-Woo wished.  However, the darkness of this story begins early....
I will leave you to finish the story. I guarantee you would feel wanting to watch episode after episode just by the first few scenes.
If you have not seen the drama yet, please stop reading as there would be many spoilers discussed hereafter.
Tip: put a box of tissue in reaching distance before you start watching. ;)

My Thoughts...

• The young actors and actresses began the story so well, especially Yeo Jin-goo and Kim Yoo-jung. In my heart, I did not want the adult actors and actresses to replace them later on in the story. However, the adult actors has connected with their character as well as the young actors had. 
• One of my favourite characters of this drama is the king's personal servant. I adored the King Lee Hwon and his relationship. I enjoyed watching the king punishing him, and the face he would pull after.  It greatly amused me, especially when the king told him to make a snowman. 
• I knew the king's half brother, prince Yang-myung would not betray his brother in the scene of the minister's rebellion. I did have sympathy for him that he did not know the previous king, his dad does love him and he loved Yeon-woo but couldn't obtain her love.
• I still do not understand the reason for Prince Yang-myung to die, he said he has to die because he did not want to cause trouble to his majesty. Is he the other sun?
• Queen Yoon Bo-kyung, I had sympathy for her. She just wanted the king to love her. I did not think she was the villain of this story. However, her younger self, when she was a playmate of Princess Min Hwa, it seemed she was very evil. 
• King Lee Hwon gave Yeon-woo the other hair piece that comes as a pair in the political debate room.... I cried. Very touching.
• Seol died protecting her young majesty. That scene was moving, I did cry indeed. 
• Prince Yang-myung and Yeon-Woo scenes are adorable, when he would flick her forehead and jokingly tell her she is ugly. 
• I'm glad there was a happy ending to Princess Min Hwa as I don't think she deserves to be punished for long, she was innocently tricked by her grandmother. 

My Favourite scene:

It definitely has to be when the fifteen year old crown King Lee Hwon met the thirteen year old Yeon-woo. I had to re-watch that scene immediately once I've finished the drama. That scene is the scene where the love blossomed, and I liked that the love was as strong as eight years ago when they met. It was truly touching. 

There are many scenes that I love watching that has touched my heart but it cannot beat the first scene when they met, what is your favourite scene?

I can put my hand on my heart and confess that I have cried uncountable amount of times during this drama, you would be lying if you haven't cried once watching it. The scene where the crown king was watching Yeon-woo being taken out of the secret moon pavilion due to her sickness made tears spill like a tap from my eyes.

No doubt this is a 10/10 drama.

Finally, thank you Jung Eun-gwol for writing this novel.

I would definitely watch this drama again. Maybe a few months later? I am in love with this drama.

If you have any dramas that is as DAEBAK as The Moon That Embraces The Sun, please recommend it to me.  ♡

Creams Cafe.

I have heard wonders about Creams Cafe, I am a foodie; I love exploring food that I have never tried before. I am willing to try any recommendations. That is why I had to visit this new hyped place, Creams Cafe. 

If you do not know what Creams Cafe is, it is a dessert bar. I walked in and it immediately reminded me of an American styled diner: leather seats and tables, flashing disco ball, and music blasting!
Here, they sell ice creams, sundaes, waffles, crepe pancakes, and milkshakes. If you have a VERY sweet tooth, this is your place to be!

I ordered the Nutella waffle with ice cream and crushed oreos on top. (Personally, I thought it was too much)

Before you do go to Creams, you have to know:
1. Only have a small meal beforehand
2. The portions are very generous, don't over order
3. Prices are mediocre - Waffles and a bottle of coke came to £7

I would definitely return for another sugar craving adventure. I have to try one of their huge ice creams, there are a range of flavours to select from.

If you have any 'must visit' restaurants, bars or markets, please leave recommendations in the comment section below!

HAUL ¦ Topshop + Forever 21 ♡

- Sunday 17th February 2013 

- Oxford Street, London 

A few cheeky snaps for you in the changing rooms

Topshop 

* GREY Roll Back Crop Tee - £10

* BLACK Roll Back Crop Tee - £10

* ACID Joni Jeans - £36

I heard Joni Jeans in Topshop are very good replicates of AA Easy Jeans; I have always wanted a pair of soft high waisted jeans. This pair is perfect, I am hunting for a darker colour that is currently not in the range. The jeans really hugs my legs and creates a slimmer illusion, it also gives me a flattering bottom. My favourite piece that I have bought. 

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FOREVER 21

* BLACK & CREAM Stripe shoulder cut out blouse - £18.75

This blouse stood out from the other items, Forever 21 is a hit or miss store for me. I only found this blouse that I particurlarly liked. I envisioned myself wearing this piece with a pair of leggings and heels for a night out, a simple night look with the comfort factor.

Thank you for reading,

this is a small haul.
If you find any good buys. Leave a comment below + share.

xxx

"It's Just A Bad Day. Not A Bad Life."

We all have to accept life comes with highs and lows. There are no exceptions, sadly. Sometimes I would feel sad, angry, frustrated; I would then hate myself for feeling this way, which makes me feel even more upset.

There are quotes saying "Happiness is a choice" which I do believe in however sometimes if you cannot control your emotions, remember "It's just a bad day. Not a bad life." 

Everyone have their personal problems, personally some thoughts of my past angers me which someone else's action has caused this. I try to put these past issues behind me but times it past through my mind which is unavoidable.

I wanted to share this because I feel when I need to pick myself up, I think this post will be helpful. 

I apologize for this upsetting post but it is necessary.

Chinese New Year has past not long ago so I want to say:

Happy Lunar New Year to everyone, I hope the year of the snake will be filled with happiness and joy.

❤ 

10 Q & As.

Firstly, this is the third year of owning my blog 'CHOILAI'; I'm so grateful that I have started this blog three years ago and I'm hoping to embrace upon this interest. 

Not many of my readers really know who I am, so here is an 'ABOUT ME' tag that I'd like to share. ♥ 

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1. Do you have a middle name? Yes, it's Choi Lai which I named my blog after. It is my Chinese name.
2. Do you speak any other language? English and Cantonese I speak fluently. Still in the process of speaking fluent Mandarin; my heart wants to learn Korean.
3. Where do you currently live? UK, London.
4. How old are you? 17 ( my birthday is in 22 days...18 soon).
5. What are your favourite stores? Topshop, Boots, H&M, Pull&Bear... this list is endless.
6. How tall are you? 5ft 5? Sadly I'm not as tall as I thought I was.
7. Favourite restaurant? NANDOS! Definitely a Nando's girl. Weekly visit is needed; please don't judge me. Haha
8. Favourite colour? Always changes, currently it's a shocking red.
9. Favourite TV show? Running Man - South Korean variety show.
10. Favourite animal? Pomeranian dogs, they are the cutest and fluffiest dogs you'll ever lay your eyes on.

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INSTAGRAM - JANUARY 2013

Instagram: mchoilai  

Did not Instagram often in the month of January, will have to snap more photos to quickly create my Instagram wall! ~~~