Ola amigos! Hope all is well with you. :)

Over the weekend, I went on a window shopping spree with the best buddy and wound up with a myriad of photos for (yes you guessed it), another Inside the Dressing Room post! We were on the hunt for dresses for her upcoming dinner and formal/work clothes for my new job.



To our delight, H&M rolled out some affordable pieces and we found ourselves with armloads of clothes to try on. I was also in Brands Outlet a couple of weeks back and tried on a couple of items as well.

Let's get right into it!

Item #1: Quilted formal black flared skirt from H&M, RM39 (sale!)

I immediately picked up this classic, versatile piece from the sales rack in a size L. The quilted material is extremely stretchy and comfy, great to pair with a simple white tee.

Item #2: Beachy crossback striped dress from H&M, RM79

All hail the stripes! I saw this piece on a mannequin and literally went on a hunt for it (Size L). Alas, it fit well around the chest area but I felt that the waistline was a bit too low on me. Would still have bought it if I had the $$$ though. Way too adorable to pass up!


































Item #3: Feline printed top from H&M, RM59 (super super love)

You're gonna hear me roarrrr...I can't get over how amazing this top is (Size L)! It was made with a thick structured fabric and would be perfect paired for work AND play. Sadly, the top was a bit out of my price range but I'm heading back with my next paycheck. Wait for me!

Item #4: Mint Green Flared Dress from H&M, RM39.90

Upon realising that I need more colour in my wardrobe, I felt obligated to try this out in a size L. It fit extremely well and would definitely suit all kinds of occasions. Throw on a denim jacket OR a black blazer - outfit complete!

Item #5: Grey Flared Dress from H&M, RM39.90

Essentially the same design as Item 4, but in a work-appropriate colour palette. What a steal!

Item #6: Blue printed skinny slacks from Brands Outlet, RM49.90

I had never been able to fit into Brands Outlet's slacks/jeans range (Size 10), so I was pleasantly surprised when I tried this on! Subtle, barely there prints add to the overall semi-casual vibe of the slacks.

Item #7: Dark blue printed formal shirt from Brands Outlet, RM49.90 (RM69.90 for 2)

Of late, I'm drawn to loud printed shirts and this was right up my alley in a size 10. It would go well with black slacks or a pencil skirt and pumps. Easy peasy!

And that brings us to the end of this post. I have stockpiled a few posts to revive this blog, and would definitely look into investing in some lighting/camera equipment for better photos. Do leave a comment to tell me what you think - your feedback is welcome here! :)

Thanks so much for reading and see you soon. Happy shopping! xx

Hands up if you hate running. Yup, both of my hands are up AND feet (if that were counted). Never have I pegged myself down to be a runner/jogger person.

That's why I was equally as surprised as everyone in my house when I decided to turn the 'Can'ts' into 'Cans'. If you had read my Weight Loss Story, you would know that my weight & exercise has been a constant battle.

Thus, when I started the Couch to 5K or C25K running programme, I was hesitant to record my progress in this blog, a main reason being that I wasn't sure if I would even get halfway through. But with motivation and support, I am now on Week 6 and catching glimmer of the finishing line in the horizon.

Brief background about C25K:

If you are an ardent anti-fan of running like me, the C25K programme was built for you. It's a 9 week programme that aims to transform people with sedentary lifestyles (ie: couch potatoes) into running their first 5KM race.

Each week comprises of 3 exercises, in which you slowly alternate jogging and walking to build endurance.

You can download the programme here: http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml 

Free Mobile App: http://www.active.com/mobile/c25k

What I love about the programme:

1. Duration: To me, 9 weeks is a manageable commitment, given that it isn't a extended period where I would be likely lose interest or get bored. 
2. Simplicity: No fancy equipment required. Just lace up your shoes and go.
3. Flexibility: With 3 workouts in a week, I'm not restricted to workout every single day, leaving enough time to do cross-training, strength workouts or recover. As in the chart above, I like to alternate C25K with the elliptical and strength training at least 3 times a week.
4. Speed: While jogging/running, you can go as fast or as slow as you'd like, as long as you complete the minutes required.
5. Cost: None.

My experience with the programme so far:

1. I started off making rounds in a local park while my mom helped keep time on the mobile app. It was difficult getting through Workout 1, but Workout 2 & 3 got progressively better. Right now, I jog on residential roads, often with my colleague Kirat.
2. As the weeks went by, I switched to my sister's digital stopwatch/my Baby-G watch to keep time. It was definitely more convenient than carrying a smartphone around.
3. MUSIC HELPS. See more below.
4. GO AT YOUR OWN PACE. Most people think that running is all about speed. It's not.
5. Don't be afraid to take extra rest days. A fixed schedule is good, however I learned to listen to my body and take time to recover.
6. It doesn't get easier, it just gets better. As a novice runner, I looked up articles on the net on how to improve my running form to reduce injuries, as well as proper cool down techniques afterward.

Running Essentials

Moving on to my running essentials, I wear my good old Power shoes from Bata that cost RM40-50. They are built for running and cross training, and although they aren't from a premium sports shoe company, I find that they are build to last and give me the support that I need.

For inner support, I bought these polyester sports bras from an online store in size XL. Retail price: RM39 for a set of 3. These have an adequate padding to provide minimal support, however I wouldn't recommend them for proper long distance running.

If you are well-endowed, I would suggest Zaggora Active Sportswear: http://zaggora.com/ww_en/

To keep my hair out of mischief, I use these telephone cord hair ties (retails at RM5 for 5 pcs) & hair bands (RM2-3 each).

To keep track of time, I use my Casio Baby-G watch. Finally, if I'm running alone, I load up my iPod shuffle with some tunes to keep me going. Current favourites: Casey Abrams, The Wanted & A Great Big World.

More workout playlists: http://www.fitsugar.com/Best-5K-Playlists-29837222

I found this photo via Pinterest on proper running form. If you are interested to start running with the C25K and need support/advice, do feel free to leave me a comment below! I'm definitely still a novice runner, however I would be glad to share my thoughts.

You are also more than welcome to join me on my weekly rounds if you live within the PJ area. :) I will also try to update on my Post-Workout meals, tips on running better, C25K progress, cross-training and more. Am also hoping to join my first 5K this year! :)

Meanwhile, do checkout my C25K Runspiration Pinterest Board: http://www.pinterest.com/carameloves/c25k-runspiration/

Hope you enjoyed reading!

Till next time, stay healthy & happy! xx

Hello & Happy Lunar New Year 2014 to those who are celebrating! This was a rather quiet new year in my opinion, perhaps largely due to the rising costs of living and inflation.

Nevertheless, the New Year is the best opportunity to reconcile with relatives, spread cheer & joy, and of course, collect red packets.

For me, it is also the best excuse to whip on some traditional outfits (ie: the Cheongsam or Qi Pao)!

Pink Cheongsam from Oriental Noble, Sunway Pyramid, RM100+

Nude wedges from Ti Amo, RM59

Clutch from Padini, RM42

Not gonna lie...I've always been petrified of Cheongsams. The form-fitting material and cutting guarantees that every little flaw will be exposed whether you like it or not. 

But this year, I conquered my fears.

For the first reunion dinner with my maternal grandparents at a fancy restaurant, I donned this pink flowery Cheongsam which belongs to my elder sister. Not sure about the exact price but I'm guessing it costs RM100+. 

I paired it with nude wedges and a pink clutch from Padini. Also, so sorry about the blurry picture!

Grey T-Shirt from H&M, £5

Military Shorts from Brands Outlet, RM39.90

For the second, home-cooked reunion dinner at my paternal grandfather's place, I went with shorts and a T-Shirt for comfort. Tucked in the T-Shirt to expose the gold studs on the military shorts.

White Cheongsam from Oriental Noble, RM259

Dong dong qiang! On the first day of CNY, I wore this white Cheongsam with burgundy embriodered flowers. I loved the traditional buttons running down the side, creating a more streamlined and slimmed silhouette.

Cheongsam girls!

Paired it with blood red lips (Revlon's Colorburst Lipstick in True Red) and eyeliner (but you can't see it in this photo).

Cheongsams are certainly not an everyday necessity - however if you wish to take the leap and invest in one for future wedding dinners/formal occasions, it's still not too late! Here's some resources to purchase plus-sized Cheongsams online:

1. Femme Elegante
2. Beauty Myth
3. Miracle Mall
4. GC Fashion Online

Hope you enjoyed reading, and have a very prosperous new year! :)

Love,
Mabel.

Gong xi fa cai! :) 

Apart from Christmas - the Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year is my absolute favourite time of the year. Red money packets, savoury cookies, free flow of alcohol...what's not to love? 

And as tradition calls for, a new year often poses a reason for a new you. But like many others, I quickly realised that I hadn't much time left to hit the stores.

Thus, I decided to put together a few outfits from my wardrobe to usher in the new year - no extra money spent! There's no harm in recycling outfits, as long as you switch up the styling, no one may even notice ;)

Top: Cotton On, RM30
Shorts: H&M UK, £5

 Flats: Vincci, RM20

Bracelet: thrifted, RM20

If you don't believe in the superstition of wearing black in the new year, welcome to the club. Nothing screams CNY like tones of gold & red - and this ensemble is something I would wear to a reunion dinner at a relative's house.

The sequinned sleeves are slightly dressy, yet toned down by the nude shorts. Fit for a casual setting especially if things get a little crowded and humid.

 Jacket: Independent Boutique, RM39
Neon dress: H&M UK, £7

Heels: Walk In, RM42

Belt: Primark UK, £2

For the first or second day of new year, feel free to bust out the pinks and reds! This neon dress is much too loud to wear on regular days, but I think its just perfect for CNY. If your family is more conservative, the puffy jacket adds formality to tone down the look just a notch.

 Dress: Padini, RM40

Wedges: Ti Amo, RM49

Gold Belt: thrifted, RM10

Of course, you can't celebrate CNY without stepping out in red and gold. I wore this outfit a few years back - with the exception of the gold belt. The cotton dress is perfectly breathable and endlessly practical especially if you're going to be collecting ang paus from house to house.

Learn how to do a chopstick chignon here!

Hi-Lo Dress: Cotton On, RM30

Belt: Independent Boutique, RM15

Heels: Padini, RM42 

In case you hadn't realised already - I'm all for flowery patterned dresses especially during the festive season. This Hi-Lo dress was an absolute bargain from Cotton On Online, and it is perfect for sit-down lou sang dinners when you want to look a bit more dressed up.

Top: Cotton On, RM15

Skirt: Cotton On, RM15

Flats: Forever 21, RM49

Hair Bow: Chameleon, RM3.90

Finally, greeting visitors can be a tiring affair. I'd throw on a cotton skirt and simple top which is comfortable yet not too homey. Add a hair bow and you're good to go!

This post was inspired by the Click Network's latest video on CNY Fashion by The F Word. :)
My latest fashion inspiration icon: Wendy's Lookbook

Thanks so much for reading! I hope this post gave you some styling ideas for the upcoming festive season. Do leave me a comment telling me what YOU would wear for CNY. Wishing you a very happy New Year & happy holidays!

Love,
Mabel.

To be completely honest, it took a while for me to muster the courage to write this post. This journey has been incredibly personal to me, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to share it with the world.

But here it is.



Left: August 2011. Right: January 2014

I have always been chubby. Fat. Plump. Prosperous. Whatever you'd like to call it. This photo was taken when I was 8 - that's me, seated on the far right.

And because of that, I've been told that I'm 'big-boned'. People asked if I ate more than normal kids. Trust me - Asians treat fat kids like a museum exhibit. That's how rare we are. Some even chastised my parents for 'poor parenting' and nutrition. As a child, I did not see or appreciate the value of sports/activity - and I believe a lack of exercise was my main cause of weight gain.

"Why are you so fat? Do you eat a lot?"

Along the way, I learned not to heed rude comments. To ignore. To walk away with my head held high. To place my self-worth above appearance. And it was all good.

By the time I was 15, I had ballooned up to over 220lbs/100kg. Even so, I felt contented and happy with the way I looked. Mainly because I was surrounded by positive, loving friends and influences. I did not feel the need to 'transform' myself into something that I was not.

"You are beautiful, just the way you are."

But if the way you are - is obese, stricken with sleep apnea, unfit, at risk of a flurry diseases, essentially, unhealthy at a young age - how could you consider yourself to be 'happy'? Concerned for my health, my mom brought me to a dietician at a government hospital who advised me on basic food groups (food pyramid, anyone?), exercise and more.

My weight reached a critical stage when the doctors found that I couldn't breathe at night due to sleep apnea - and I had to get my tonsils removed to accommodate my weight.

I knew I had to do something. Everyone was supportive of me losing weight - except me.

Moving on to college in the year 2008, I was at my lowest self-esteem. Surrounded by skinny friends, I was convinced that I needed to look pretty to fit in, at least. I started to wear more 'fashionable' clothing, experiment with make-up, hairstyles and more. My struggles with weight caused me to be constantly emotional, hormonal and angry at the world.

However, the unhealthy habits continued. Late night snacking, emotional eating, the lack of physical activity.

"I'm too fat to do anything."

I did not know where to start. Somehow I believed that I would stay this way forever. And if people couldn't accept the fact, I couldn't care less.

Look at those chubby fingers!!

At the end of 2011, I started to realise that change had to begin within me. My main motivation was the impending 3 months of summer school in the UK in 2012. There was absolutely no way that I was going to travel halfway around the world looking like a whale.

"I hated exercise with a passion."

Anything that requires exercise - count me out. I was perfectly happy to remain where I was.

Having started many 'diets' and unsuccessful exercise routines in the past, I was hesitant to share my plan with anyone. Secretly, I started a hardcore fitness regime and lost about 33lbs/15kg in 5 months (August - December 2011). However, I was completely alone in the journey - except for a few cyberpals I met on MyFitnessPal.

"I was afraid of failure."

And that led to my eventual downfall.

In the UK (year 2012), I lost another 11lbs/5kg in 3 months, bringing to total weight loss to 44lbs/20kg. I attributed this to the homecooked food, endless walking and clean air. It would be safe to say that my term in UK was the healthiest 3 months of my life.

Upon return to Malaysia, I quickly returned to my unhealthy habits. It was inevitable, and I should have seen it coming.

"I don't have time for this."

I started a new job and it took up most of my time. This journey took too much time, energy and effort. I let myself go. YOLO, right?

Who knew? In mid 2013, some of my colleagues started picking up on the importance of health and exercise, I realised that it was time to get back on the wagon. I started exercising again and enjoyed myself - but I was still doing it wrong.

The new exercise regime started in August 2013 - and ended in August 2013. I remembered reading about the 80/20 rule (80% diet, 20% exercise) rule and realised that I was neglecting my diet. The hardcore exercise made me hungry - all the time. I ate and ate, thinking that I could work off the calories the next day.

So, I revised my plan. Since Christmas, I have lost another 8.8lbs/4kg with God's grace and the help of a magic slimming lingerie - bringing the total to 52.8lbs/24kg!

Left: May 2011. Right: December 2013

Photo taken on Jan 11, 2013.

The journey continues. Right now, I'm still considered plus sized and I wear a size L/XL. I am not at my goal weight yet - there's another 22lbs/10kg to go. But I would love to share some of the new health lessons I've learned along the way.

Lesson #1: It's not a diet, it's a LIFESTYLE CHANGE

If you are going to commit to a lasting weight loss, remember this: A diet lasts for a few months. A year, maybe. But a lifestyle change lasts...a lifestyle. You can't expect to starve yourself for a few months, resume eating unhealthily as normal and not gain weight.

Lesson #2: Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper

One of the most important lessons I've learned is that our metabolism slows down towards the end of the day. Naturally, we do not need so many calories when we're go to bed. And this may sound impossible for Malaysians, as most of our lives revolve around food and heavy dinners - but trust me, try it for a week and you will see a difference.

早餐吃的饱 (eat a satisfying breakfast)

午餐吃得好 (eat a fulfilling lunch)

晚餐吃得少 (eat a substantial dinner)

Lesson #3: Be the best that you can be (做最好的自己)

When you're stuck in your comfort zone, it's hard to envision your dreams. I love this quote that I've heard from a Mandarin programme - that we should aim to be the best that we can be. 

Lesson #4: Get support

You cannot journey alone. That was my first mistake - and now I know that I need the support and motivation from my friends and family to keep me going. Confide in someone that you trust, and get him/her to be your motivational partner.

Lesson #5: Calories in, Calories Out

One pound = 3,500 calories. An average person needs 2,000 calories to maintain his/her own weight in a day. Thus, if you aim to lose one pound (0.5kg) in a week, all you would have to do is:

3,500 calories / 7 days = 500 calories

2,000 calories - 500 calories x 7 days = 3,500 calories

Simply cut out 500 calories per day and you will be on the road to lose about 4lbs/2kg per month! If you do not wish to cut out 500 calories worth of food (that's one Double Cheeseburger excluding fries & coke), you can choose to cut out 250 calories for food + burn 250 calories with exercise.

Lesson #6: Don't be afraid to fall

If you fail, try and try again. Good things in life never come easy. Had a bad day? Pick yourself up and carry on. You can only move forward.

What do I eat? Here's a picture of my regular breakfast:

For breakfast, I typically have a bowl of Enco Muesli (you can find it at Jaya Grocer or Giant) in Chocolate Hazelnut, a banana and low fat milk. I also like to have a bowl of Instant Quaker Oats with hot water/milk, grapes/raisins and a tablespoon of honey. Yum!

For lunch, I eat anything. I hate having to deprive myself of a good lunch break especially when after a stressful morning in the office. However, I would recommend staying away from heavy simple carbohydrates like white rice and go for meehoon/chap fan without the fan etc.

Here's what I would have for dinner:

I've been advised to have fruits/vegetables for dinner - and now I find that I hardly feel hungry at dinnertime. It has helped tremendously with bloating the next morning, and I also sleep better. Goes to show how simple choices can make a huge difference.

What about exercise?

Eventually, I got over my hatred for exercise. I realised that my detest was mostly attributed to the fact that I looked like a hippo in gym shorts. I've always preferred working out at home - and so I discovered some awesome home workouts. If you're like me, these workouts are for you.

NO, you do not need an expensive gym membership. The best things in life are free! Some of my favourite exercise programmes include:

1. Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred
   This workout includes a mix of cardio, strength and ab training - meant to kickstart your healthy lifestyle, and it only takes 30 days! There are 3 levels of intensity, and if you wish to stay longer on any level, you can. I love Jillian's no-nonsense training style. She always gets me motivated to achieve more.
2. Insanity
   Don't play play. This workout is INSANE! I was very hesitant to try it at first, but curiosity got the better of me. The well-structured programme is laid out for 60 days, whereby you work your way up from Level 1 to Level 2. Each workout lasts 40 minutes, and at the end of it you'll either feel like you got punched in the stomach, or you've just won a million bucks. I hope it's the latter. :)
3. Denise Austin Cardio Workout
   Perfect for beginners - this low impact workout incorporates fun moves and some kickboxing as well! I love working out to Denise's positive attitude. Always gets me in the right mood.
4. Turbojam
   For those who love a little pick-me-up at the end of a long day, Charlene Johnson and her upbeat turbojam music will come to your rescue! I'm a fan of kickboxing, and this super fun workout will get you moving in no time. The moves may get a little monotonous after a while, but it's great for days 'in-between' when you seek a little variety.

If you wish to get motivated, I also pin Fitspiration images on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/carameloves/fitspiration/

I count calories and engage in an active, supportive community at MyFitnessPal: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/user/mabelebam/status

Also, my sister and I recently started an entrepreneurial project to market Elken's DX, a slimming lingerie to fight bulges and banish fat especially on the abdomen area (which I have been struggling with for years). If you're interested, do check out Heart2Heart Project: https://www.facebook.com/hearttoheartproject

At the end of the day, I'm grateful for the support that I've had from the Lord, and my friends & family - helping me to get this far. As for my resolution, I would really really like to wear a Cheongsam this Chinese New Year. ;)

I hope you have found this post somewhat inspiring - if your 2014 resolution is to lose weight and get healthy too, DO IT NOW! :)

Do feel free to leave me a comment about anything at all! Till next time, xx.

Hello Plushionistas! It's been a while.

I'm glad to report that one of my 2014 resolutions is devoted to updating this blog at least once a week. Yes, it's not one of those vague, unrealistic, unachievable goals - it's entirely possible. So...get ready to see more of me in the coming weeks! ;)

To kickstart the year, here's my #OOTD from my cello performance in November 2013. It's extremely outdated and I apologise for that - but I particularly liked this outfit even though it was put together at the very last minute.

My church was celebrating its 60th anniversary and had us 3 cellists perform an ensemble to commemorate the event. Our theme was black - and no skirts because, well, you have to hold a cello with your knees while sitting down. Heh heh..

We'd originally planned to wear all-black with a colourful scarf, but I found this photograph on Pinterest and was inspired to go for gold instead.

Here's what I wore that night:

Textured Peplum Top - RM39 from Brands Outlet

Black Leggings - RM15 from Cotton On Online (similar item)

Skinny Gold Belt - belongs to my sister

Open-toed Wedges - RM42 from Walk In

The outfit was comfortable & I loved how the gold belt + peplum top created an illusion of a smaller waist and streamlined silhouette. Goes to show how keeping things simple can accentuate your best features. 

I straightened my hair and paired the look with simple winged eyeliner and coral lips. As for accessories, I wore some old school silver stud earrings.

More photos from that night:

Thank God for a smooth-going performance - we were definitely nervous but everything went well in the end.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Do leave your thoughts on my outfit in the comments below - I'd love to hear from you.

Till then, stay fabulous! xx