Archive for October, 2010

Just a Minute (October 2010)

October 31st, 2010 by Manda | 3 Comments | Filed in Life

On the last day of every month, I take Just a Minute to reflect on what I’m currently up to.

Relieved… that no drama resulted out of my senior year roommate situation. Thank goodness!!

Searching… for that perfect pair of boots. I’ve completely worn down my old ones and am in desperate need of a new pair, but unfortunately my feet are too big for most shoes sold in Chinese street markets.

Missing… an oven in my kitchen so I can bake! There’s nothing like warm apple pie or spiced pumpkin cake on a cold winter day. Unfortunately, I can’t bake as I have no oven :(

Freezing… my butt off in the cold Beijing weather. By law, Beijing is not allowed to turn on the heat until mid-November, so until then I’ll be perpetually frozen. Luckily, it’s warmed up a little today.

Continuing… my intensive Chinese language studies next semester!! After lots of pondering and consulting, I’ve decided that it is the best option in the long run.

Feeling… accomplished, as my friends and I climbed the Great Wall yesterday! Photos will come soon. As will all my other photos from my time so far abroad…

Celebrating… Halloween! I didn’t put together a costume this year, so I ended up wearing my hottest dress when my friends and I went out last night and good times were had by all. Happy Halloween!

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Speak Now (Taylor Swift) (2010)

October 29th, 2010 by Manda | 2 Comments | Filed in Reviews

Summary: “Speak Now” is Taylor Swift’s third album and her follow-up to her massively successful album “Fearless” (2008)

5 Words/Phrases: Solid songwriting; some songs sound more similar than different; songs are clear examples of how Swift is growing as both a person and an artist; Swift’s tunes are as catchy as ever; not quite sure how Swift is fitting the “country” genre

Most Impressed By: The tracks “The Story of Us,” “Better Than Revenge,” and “Haunted”

Least Impressed By: The track “Long Live” is relatively dull

Comments: The deluxe version is worth getting as it has acoustic versions of some of Swift’s songs – acoustic versions of songs are my favorite!

Overall Rating: 9.5/10

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A Record of My Street Market Bargains

October 26th, 2010 by Manda | 1 Comment | Filed in Style
  • Zara Collection sweater: 120RMB to 50RMB
  • Chloé bag: 800RMB to 80RMB
  • Freshwater pearl earrings: 60RMB to 10RMB
  • Pashmina: 150RMB to 20RMB
  • Max Mara cashmere coat: 2000RMB to 250RMB
  • Salvatore Ferragamo bag: 850RMB to 120RMB
  • Silk scarf: 350RMB to 20RMB
  • Vans beanie (bargaining with friend): 120RMB to 30RMB
  • Quiksilver hoodie (bargaining with friend): 600RMB to 150RMB

I might not be the best bargainer out there, but I think I can be fairly 厉害 if the time calls for it!

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