Music & Lyrics (Part 2)

"Because Of You" by Kelly Clarkson

I will not make the same mistakes that you did

I will not let myself 

Cause my heart so much misery

I will not break the way you did

You fell so hard

I've learned the hard way

To never let it get that far

Because of you 

I never stray too far from the sidewalk

Because of you

I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt

Because of you

I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me

Because of you

I am afraid

I lose my way

And it's not too long before you point it out

I cannot cry

Because I know that's weakness in your eyes

I'm forced to fake

A smile, a laugh everyday of my life

My heart can't possibly break

When it wasn't even whole to start with

Because of you 

I never stray too far from the sidewalk

Because of you

I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt

Because of you

I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me

Because of you

I am afraid

I watched you die

I heard you cry every night in your sleep

I was so young

You should have known better than to lean on me

You never thought of anyone else

You just saw your pain

And now I cry in the middle of the night

For the same damn thing

Because of you 

I never stray too far from the sidewalk

Because of you

I learned to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt

Because of you

I try my hardest just to forget everything

Because of you

I don't know how to let anyone else in

Because of you

I'm ashamed of my life because it's empty

Because of you

I am afraid

Because of you

Because of you

Music & Lyrics (Part 1)

"Too Close" by Alex Clare

You know I'm not one to break promises,

I don't want to hurt you but I need to breathe.

At the end of it all, you're still my best friend,

But there's something inside that I need to release.

Which way is right, which way is wrong,

How do I say that I need to move on?

You know we're heading separate ways.

And it feels like I am just too close to love you,

There's nothing I can really say.

I can't lie no more, I can't hide no more,

Got to be true to myself.

And it feels like I am just too close to love you,

So I'll be on my way.

You've given me more than I can return,

Yet there's oh so much that you deserve.

There's nothing to say, nothing to do.

I've nothing to give,

I must live without you.

You know we're heading separate ways.

And it feels like I am just too close to love you,

There's nothing I can really say.

I can't lie no more, I can't hide no more,

Got to be true to myself.

And it feels like I am just too close to love you,

So I'll be on my way.

So I'll be on my way.

And it feels like I am just too close to love you,

There's nothing I can really say.

I can't lie no more, I can't hide no more,

Got to be true to myself.

And it feels like I am just too close to love you,

So I'll be on my way.

So I'll be on my way.

So I'll be on my way.

Travel destination: KOREA

It's been years since my family and I went on a family vacation anywhere further than Thailand, Indonesia & Singapore. Last Chinese New Year, my parents made an impromptu plan to go on a holiday in Korea! We were all ecstatic when we heard the news 'cause we've never been to Korea before. This was also our first time going on a guided tour organized by a Muslim tour agency, Triways. We were lucky to have met such wonderful group members. They were very friendly and outgoing, especially Uncle Sani (He was definitely the life of the group!). You know how going on guided tours comes with a risk that your group members aren't always punctual and fussy, thankfully we didn't have that problem at all!

Our holiday package was for 6 days 5 nights; 4 days in Seoul and the last 2 days in Jeju Island. It was the first time my brothers and I experienced winter. Actually, there was a whole list of firsts for all of us - skiing, playing with snow, building a snowman, making a snow angel and the list goes on. The weather was freezing cold! When we arrived in Seoul, the temperature outside was around -8°C! When we were at Nami Island, the temperature dropped to -18°C!!! What a vast difference compared to the weather in Malaysia, eyy? We came prepared though - with our bubble jackets, gloves, thermal wear; you name it, we've got it! I personally think I looked like an eskimo in my winter jacket. There was only one problem with my winter apparel; my shoes! I wore my pink high-cut Converse shoes throughout the trip. My poor feet had to withstand the cold. I did try to look for boots there but not one store had my size. Bummer! 

Anyway, we were all very lucky to get Gina as our tour guide. Apparently, she is one of the most sought after tour guide for Malaysians in Seoul. It's not surprising 'cause she was amazing! She even knows how to speak Malay! She would greet us every morning with "Selamat pagi!" and when it was time for lunch, "Kita akan pergi makan-makan! Makan tengahari. Ada asam pedas!". Before she ends the day, she'd say "Okay we're going back to the hotel so you can all golek-golek, gelek-gelek, tido-tido." We totally LOL-ed whenever she said that. Oh and she even introduced herself as "Beautiful Sexy Gina". So much love for this lady!

Peter was our group's photographer. At the time, he had just completed his two year compulsory service in the army so he took up photography to fund his further education. Peter is very quiet and shy. Maybe it's because he knows very little English and can only say Malay words such as "ikan bilis (anchovies)" and "nasi (rice)". Okay, it was more like "nashiiii" than nasi, really. Haha! On the last day of our tour, Peter compiled all the pictures he edited and organized them according to families. My family had 48 photos all together and it cost us almost RM700 for them. Blimey! You better put all that money into good use alright, Peter!

Speaking of money, we did not get the chance to shop till we drop because our travel itinerary was quite packed. Our tour did cover all the must-go shopping places in Seoul - Namdaemun Market, Myeong-dong Fashion Street, Lotte duty free department store, the National Amethyst Factory and the Korean Cosmetics duty free store. Don't you just love the word "DUTY FREE"! As we all know, Korea is not only famous for their phones and cars but their cosmetics too! I did manage to get my hands on some of their cosmetic products. How can you possibly go to Korea and not get a BB Cream at least. I love Skin79's BB cream! I cannot go a day without it, literally! Now this gives me an idea; I might even write a review on my favorite Korean beauty products. So stay tuned! Dad was generous and got me a cabochon amethyst ring from the National Amethyst Factory. Thank you, Ayah! xx

Isn't it pretty? :)

Okay. I can't quite put 6 days of fun and adventure we had in Korea into words as this post would be a rather lengthy one. Look how much I've written so far and I have not even gotten to the interesting parts yet. Fret not for I have made a compilation of pictures and videos for your viewing pleasure. As the saying goes, "A picture speaks a thousand words!". Hope you enjoy the video! :)

Starbucks Green Tea Frappucino

I don't mind spending hundreds of Ringgits on clothes, shoes, bags & accessories but when it comes to overpriced drinks, I'd think twice! Sometimes thrice, even. Whenever I eat out, I'd usually just ask for plain water. Mainly 'cause it's free and refillable (Hey, don't judge! I'm an accountant-to-be. Got to be economical, right?). Oh and it is also a healthier choice. We're talking zero calories here, girls!

Don't get me wrong though, it is okay to splurge once in awhile. Yes, on drinks too. Do you ever find yourself scanning the list of drinks in menus at restaurants or cafes and you're like, "Whoa! RM6-10 for a drink? Can they be any more expensive?!". If that's the case, then you'd get the shock of your life when you visit any beverage chains such as Starbucks, Coffee Bean, JuiceWorks, Boost, etc. One drink can cost you up to RM20 (tax included)!

Anyhoo, as I mentioned earlier, it is okay to spoil yourself with these little luxuries once in awhile. A few weeks ago, I had the urge to splurge at Starbucks! I've been hearing a lot of positive reviews on their Green Tea Frappucino. I love green tea so I wanted to see what the hype was about. At the time, i've only tried their Chocolate Chip Frappucino (love it!) and their Caramel Latte (err, never going to order that again). I can count the number of times I've visited Starbucks with my fingers. That's why I never bothered signing up for their membership card. 

Anyway, I was so excited to tryout the drink for the very first time. When it was finally my turn at the counter, I froze; there were just too many options! Lucky for me, there wasn't a queue behind me so I had plenty of time to go over my order. When you listen to the most experienced Starbuck's customers give their orders, not only will you hear proper pronunciation, but there is a kind of rhythm to the order that provide the baristas the exact beverage specifications. For example, "I would like a grande skim double-shot vanilla latte with whip." I on the other hand, was like; "I would like a green tea frap with low fat milk. Wait, there's a soy milk option too?! Never mind, I'll go with the low fat milk and no whip cream. Oh and I'd like that in a...err, (tall sounds like small but venti sounds like tiny & grande sounds huge!)..tall size?". Only God knows what was running through the barista's mind at the time. 

For those who are as inexperienced as myself, check out this link on steps to ordering from Starbucks! 

The tall sized Green Tea Frappucino cost me RM15 and that was the smallest size! It took them roughly 5 minutes or less to prepare my drink and as I took the first sip, it was magical! It was by far the best Starbucks drink I've ever tasted and worth every single penny spent! Oh how I wish the cup would just magically refill itself.

My brother just started college at Taylors University last week and it has only been a few weeks since he obtained his driver's license so my parents and I had to drop him off and pick him up. We were early one day and had to wait for his class to end so my mum suggested we get something to drink at Starbucks. My eyes immediately lit up and I got so excited like a child in Disneyland! I knew exactly what to order; Tall Green Tea Frappucino no whip and this time with soy milk. Oh God, it tasted even better than the first one! Definitely going in my list of favorites!

The image of that drink has been lingering in my mind ever since. I wanted more but I didn't want to blow off another RM15 at Starbucks so I tried searching for tutorials on Youtube and that's when I discovered pinkmacprincess! She's got many Starbucks drink tutorials uploaded on her channel and yes, she made the Green Tea Frapuccino tutorial too! There were very few ingredients needed - green matcha powder, milk, sugar, vanilla syrup (optional) and ice. All I needed to get was milk and green matcha powder. I thought I had hit the jackpot. HA HA I can make as many green tea fraps as I please and still save a bundle! Or so I thought...

I tried to be clever by using honey instead of sugar and skim milk just to cut down a few calories but it didn't turn out nearly as well as I thought it would. It came out pale and there was only the tiniest hint of green. So I added more green matcha powder in hopes that the concoction would turn a darker green, but to no avail. I was so close to adding a few drops of green food coloring in it. The whole thing was a disaster. The taste was horrid! In my mind, I had the image of the owner of Starbucks laughing at me and saying "HA HA trying to be clever, eyy? Why don't you save yourself the trouble and give me your money instead." 

Urgh. I think I should follow the recipe to the letter next time or make an iced green tea latte instead. If all else fails, "Here, take my money Starbucks!".

Behold, the ever so amazing drink!

Ice Breaker!

Hello and Welcome to Bee Victorious!

This is my personal blog where I write on just about anything I feel like - my hopes & dreams, my rants, fashion, beauty, food, places and life's paraphernalia, perhaps. Welcome to the wonderful world of my brain!

Stay tuned for more updates!

xoxo Nabeehah