Shopping Tips: Why You Should Spend More Sometimes

by Max Law from MaxMayo.com

Photo source: Très Bien Shop

A few years ago when I was still new to the working world, I did a major shopping spree to prepare myself for my first real job. One of the plan was to get a few decent dress shirts. As a freshman, my instinct naturally let price tag triumphed over quality and my preferences.

My mindset was very simple: If you pay lesser for each piece, you can buy a lot more!

So there was a Brand X dress shirt at RM80, and then a Brand Y at RM 130. Obviously, I took Brand X, thinking that I've made a wise decision even thought I wanted Y, and I actually could afford it.

So barely after 4 months, reality called and my Brand X shirt started to looked very washed out, fabric's pilling, and honestly I didn't feel comfortable in it cause it wasn't that breathable. Thinking that it was normal, I bought the same shirt from Brand X again, which later also lasted around 4 months.

Eventually I bought Brand Y. And guess what? It lasted a year, plus better comfort.

Come to think of it: I actually spent more with Brand X even though it was the cheaper option in the first place.

Does this sound familiar to you?

I've been through many times of the same situations but on different things, before I finally made up my mind to only spend on items that I fall head over heels. If I can't afford it now, I'll just wait until I can afford it later.

That saved me some money in the long run, and it also brings unexpected benefits:

You'll be Happier

Getting the thing you really like is different from settling for an alternative. You'd naturally be happier if you got what you desired. Knowing my favourite shirt fits well and look good, I'd also appear more confident and at ease.

Re-evaluate Your Need

When you decided to save money for your dreamed item, you actually give yourself some time to think about your decision again. "Should I buy it? Do I need it? Is there something else that I should spend on first?" It might help you save your money and make a wiser decision.

Create Less Waste

Sometimes when you settle for less, you might end up leaving the items unused. For example, the Brand X shirt mentioned. I might have just leave it in my closet after wearing it 2 times and buy new shirts from other brands that are more comfortable and similar to Brand Y. It will take up space in my closet and eventually I'll run out of idea where to store them when new shirts come in.

My experience tells me that I'm more likely to wear what I actually like more often.

This useful idea helped me to understand how the other fashion bloggers can afford more clothes (not all fashion bloggers have silver-spoon). It also can apply to almost anything from purchasing car to buying a new house. It's all about buying the right things.

It's shopping season now and I hope this will help you.

All the best!

Checkout Max at MaxMayo.com and follow him on twitter @maxmayo for more updates and fashion tips!

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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Dato Lee Chong Wei | 謝謝你, Thank You, Terima Kasih!

by Daniel Chiam 

Dato' Lee Chong Wei, Malaysia are very proud of you.

It was heart wrenching to see tears in Dato Lee Chong Wei's eyes. I felt so helpless when you are out there in the battlefield doing all you can trying to win the gold for Malaysia, and all I can do is just to shout and cheer all my heart out to you. 

You have put up a really great fight. You even showed us the true patriotism that a man can offer for his country. In fact, you have united Malaysians as a true 1Malaysia today. You have achieve greater things beyond just-only-a-silver-medal. You have made us truly a proud nation for having someone like you representing all of us.

Despite the result, I am still very proud of you and thank you sincerely for giving all your best out there today. Thank you for your heart of gold. Thank you for being a true champion with your love and passion for your country. All the best for your future.

Again, thank you for such a wonderful birthday gift. You are indeed my hero, the Malaysian's hero. 

Photo by Khairul Ghazali.

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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[Movie Review] Total Recall (2012)

by Daniel Chiam

5/10 Totally Okay to Watch

Since I can't totally recall the original one, my review will be solely base on the movie itself without comparing it to the original 'Total Recall' back in 1990. Yes, this movie is a remake (just in case you didn't know that).

The story line was fairly written and not much weight to it other than the identity crisis of the protagonist; that itself was brilliantly executed in the movie, but that brilliant-ness doesn't last long. I felt that the political agenda was not being emphasis much and it sort of weaken the whole movie and the importance of the protagonist.

Kate Beckinsale's outstanding performance as the villain clearly overshadowed Colin Farrell's role as the protagonist. I was anticipating to see more kick ass actions from Kate throughout the whole movie than wanting to know how Colin are going to survive till the end. Kate is really that good and she's HOT!

Kate Beckinsale as Lori Quaid in Total Recall 2012

Overall, it's a none stop actions movie with some great chase scenes and one particularly great psychological intense moment. Totally enjoyable to watch but with not much to recall in the end. Could have been a great movie if only the significance of the agenda are being well laid out throughout the movie. 

Thanks to Sony Pictures and Nuffnang for the invite.

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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What Is "Chic"?

by Max Law from MaxMayo.com

"Chic" – not the word "Chick" or a word in any way related to girls or young women – is an important fashion element that influences a person's appearance and personal style.

Black, Simple and Chic

In Malaysia, you may be more familiar with terms like Street Style, Punk, Lala / Ah-Beng-style, Gothic, Preppy, Casual, Trendy etc when describing a person's style, but hardly the word "chic". We're never really know about "chic", as it's not a Malaysian value in our local culture.

"Chic" is a word borrowed from French, which means Elegant, Stylish & Fashionable (from the Dictionary). Being chic is different from being trendy, as being chic simply focuses on what suits you and flatters you, rather than wearing the most popular style out there today. French people are experts in being chic and that explains why "Parisian Chic" is so well-received among the fashionista and Francophiles.

"Parisian Chich" by Ines de la Fressange

While people may interpret "what is chic" differently, but here's a list of the common traits displayed by chic styles according from my point of view:

1. Always look dressed-up (even a little)

Being chic means you look elegant & stylish, even when you just rolled out of bed and rushing to work, or when you're just dropping by the nearby kopitiam. You can be cincai (sloppy), but don't overly cincai. At least shows up in a nice t-shirt & styled hair.

2. Simple & Subtle

They are always simple in overall coordination and subtle in colors. Maybe a black pants and a white shirt, and a pop of color, but never complicated. It's about quality, not quantity.

Most of the times, you can always spots staples like basic white shirt, dark blue jeans, navy blazer, nautical stripes etc repeating.

Accessories are good to have but keep it to minimal, or just wear 1 or 2 pieces of bold accessories. For men, you may consider investing in at least a signature timepiece.

3. Well-fitted

Fitting is important, and ill-fitted attire make you looks sluggish. Size matters.

Just like other types of skill or art, being chic requires learning (as what I've been doing) it is an art that you can practice regardless of your location and settings. When you can be effortlessly chic, you've certainly mastered one of the most valued skill in the fashion & life.

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a chic day. Share your thoughts here! :)

Photos sources: Pinterest and YesStyle

Checkout Max at MaxMayo.com and follow him on twitter @maxmayo for more updates and fashion tips!

"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/room8five.page

Twitter: @room8five

The Blessed Month of Ramadan

by Aemy Nadira 

Finally, it's here; the blessed month of Ramadan! As a time to purify the soul, Ramadan is so much bigger than just the absence of food and drink throughout the day. It's time to make peace with people, strengthen bonds with family and friends, and break the bad habits. Muslims are excited and already setting goals for their Ramadan this year.  

However, to reach the goals of fasting, we go through some difficulties in Ramadan. We may have the same challenge on a normal days, but in Ramadan, those challenges are taken up a notch or two. Glancing at the clock becomes the typical thing to do all day during Ramadan. It doesn't only teach us to have enough willpower to turned away from temptations, but also teaches us how to manage our time wisely. It would be a waste of time if we spend the whole day sleeping in without getting the benefits of fasting.

There are many ways to prevent from the void of fasting. Try to take some time out for a little walk instead of lazing away. Go out and be charitable, like; giving donations to the poors and feed the orphans. A man's wealth is never diminished by charity.

In Ramadan, moderation is the key. Islam is a way of life and it reflects the need of balance in everything. It’s the month of control, anyways. No, it doesn’t mean you starve all day, all night. Just make a little extra food and pass it on to a neighbor, or someone needy you might come across on the road. A little good deed goes a long way, especially in Ramadan.

Don't just solely focus on the food. Read the holy book of al-Quran. Read stories about Prophets and share them with the younger ones, enlighten them about the importance of Ramadan.

Let's treat this month as if it's the last Ramadan that we have because time won't wait. In fact, Muslims and non-Muslims alike can benefit because we should all learn not to let the clock beat us and steal our holiest times. Time is a beast that doesn’t wait, and this life’s virtues are not always obvious. So let's grab every chance we have and make the best out of it.

Happy Ramadan, everyone!

Photos source: Google image

Checkout Aemy at emynadira.com for more of her updates!



"Seize the day, Caper Diem"

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