Christmas traditions.

It's the most wonderful time of year once again!

It's not the thought of ripping the wrappers off my presents; I'm 23 going on 24, pretty much grew out of the thrill of crawling out of bed in the middle of the night and under the Christmas tree in search of the box with my name on it. It's not that people are a little bit more kinder, giving or joyous -- they aren't. The shopping frenzy is becoming more like waddling through a war zone. And it's not winter either (not that I've got to worry about that here in Singapore). I love the snow but definitely not a fan of the cold.

Nonetheless, I'm keenly aware of how super duper zuper merry this festive season makes me! I still get mesmerised walking down the streets seeing everything sparkle so prettily with my favourite fairy lights.

It's odd, isn't it? I'm a lot older; I hate shopping with the crowd; I could sing "Do you want to build a snowman?" till I croak but I ain't going to build Olaf when it doesn't snow, and yet, downright hyped for Christmas every single year. I believe it's the traditions of this season that keeps me excited. And I absolutely can't wait to start our own little traditions with my other half (when I eventually find him) year in and year out to make the holidays even more special.

Maybe it's just me, but the house doesn't feel like Christmas at all without the Christmas tree. I've always pictured how cool it'd be to go Christmas tree picking with my love while it's snowing. What better way to kick start the festive season right?! But then again, since we're living in a sunny little island, heading to the malls and choosing from a range of artificial trees would suffice too. After all, it's the company that counts!

When hunting for the perfect tree, look out for a extraordinary tree topper, one that represents a favourite memory/vacation of the both of you. Or it could be simply just be a tree topper that you two really love. 'Cause a tree topper magically completes the Christmas tree, like icing on the cake, and nothing beats completing the tree every year with someone who completes you in every way.

Once that's done, it's time to shop for presents and put them under the tree! All those years when you were single, you had to crack your brains coming up with a Christmas gift list and doing the shopping alone. Imagine all the fun you'd have snuggling up to the warmth of your favourite person and brainstorming gift ideas together. Also, you'll never have to lug those gifts home and painstakingly wrap them all by yourself ever again. No wonder they say two is better than one!

While the both of you shop for everyone else, it'll be really sweet to help each other strike an item off the wish list. So make a list and send it to the North Pole for Santa your better half!

Christmas is all about celebrating the spirit of giving -- both to those we love and those less fortunate, find a cause that the two of you strongly believe in and contribute within your means. Otherwise, round-up old/unwanted clothes and donate them to a homeless shelter or pick out toys and give them to a children's hospital. Let's share the love and give back during the holiday season. You'd be surprised at how something small can go a long way. 

I'm never contempt with buying and sending out generic greeting cards 'cause I think they lack sincerity. That can only mean one thing -- time to pull out those glue guns, scissors, all things fancy and glitter-y. Since we can't be out building Frosty the snowman and making snow angels in the backyard, there's no better way to spend time indoors with your significant other (and of course a cup of hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows) hand making Christmas cards for loved ones! Let the creative juices flow!

Like log cakes and turkey, Christmas cookies have become a tradition. Baking cute little gingerbread men or Christmas themed cookies is an excellent way to get your man off the couch and into the kitchen so both of you can have some quality time. Oh, and did I mention that it could potentially start a flour war too? It's messy but nothing the joyous season can't handle!

Those Christmas cookies would make great snacks whilst the both of you curl up in bed at night, watching Christmas shows such as The Nutcracker.

I love hosting parties and it's something I see my future husband and me doing often. We've seen our mothers slaving over hot stoves and cooking up a storm in preparation of a scrumptious Christmas dinner, so it's time to return the favour.

Although cooking isn't rocket science, it can get quite tedious. Either way, the entire process from planning out the dinner menu to grocery shopping to cooking to laying the tables will be an enjoyable one with your other half. At the end of the day, the bulging bellies and happy smiles of your loved ones will make all that work worth it.

Being a Catholic, it'd mean the world to me if someday I find someone special who loves Christmas as much as I do or more, and who'll attend midnight mass with my family and me on Christmas Eve. That'd undeniably be one of the best blessings from God!

Last but not the least, Christmas is definitely the season to pucker up and be mistletoe ready with the love of your life! Ultimately, it's a time honoured tradition not to be skipped.

Photos by Ing

Editing by yours truly

"He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree."

- Roy L. Smith

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Reasons why you should date an Aquarius.

It's a new month, so here's another guest post for Love Out Loud Asia!

I don't know if it's the same for every other Gemini women but I definitely hit it off well with Aquarius men. Whether he was my puppy love in primary school, biggest crush in secondary school, sweetest eyecandy in college, goofy buddy or first true love, they were surprisingly all born under the water bearer constellation. Sometimes I wonder if they're all just uncanny coincidences (what are the odds) or fate's way of telling me which horoscope suits me best. Either way, here's some reasons why I'm naturally attracted to Aquarians and sure as hell love being around them.

"What a large volume of adventures may be grasped within the span of his little life by him who interests his heart in everything."

- Laurence Sterne

Aquarians are a smart lot. It's both unfair and fascinating at the same time how even the lazy ones make achieving good grades seem so effortless! But who doesn't love an intelligent man who yearns to learn about everything this entire universe has to offer? A heads up if you're dating an Aquarian -- there's possibly nothing else that could make an Aquarian's heart beat faster than the hunger for knowledge and a partner who is able to feed that with wits. Being with such an inquisitive mind will broaden your horizons 'cause the two of you will constantly seek new adventures (which leads us to the point below) and learn new stuff together.

"Lots of people like rainbows. Children make wishes on them, artists paint them, dreamers chase them, but the Aquarian is ahead of everybody. He lives on one. What's more, he's taken it apart and examined it, piece by piece, colour by colour, and he still believes in it. It isn't easy to believe in something after you know what it's really like, but the Aquarian is essentially a realist, even though his address is tomorrow, with a wild-blue-yonder zip code."
- Linda Goodman

The Aquarius is consumed by wanderlust. Their love for adventures fuels them to travel and explore at every opportunity they get. Travelling with your partner is probably the best way to find out if he is the one you want to spend the rest of your life with 'cause this is the time you discover his bad habits and weird quirks. It's a double edged sword really. If you two can travel without clashing with each other, you know he's a keeper. Otherwise, there's a lot more to work on or maybe even reconsider the relationship.

"The way we communicate with others and with ourselves ultimately determines the quality of our lives."

- Anthony Robbins

Geminis are known to put a premium on communication; they absolutely love conversations that are intellectually stimulating or captivating. Boy, am I glad that Aquarians share the same sentiment. In a relationship, it's crucial to find someone who is able to hold a conversation and comfortable in discussing about everything with you. More importantly, you'd want your other half to be your better half (which comes instinctively for Aquarians 'cause of their optimistic nature) when life throws you lemons. They somehow miraculously work their magic and get you out from your turmoil. And in the long run, you'll start to realize that their optimism is so overpowering that it rubs off on you. Being a good communicator is not the only amazing trait of Aquarians. They're blessed with a great sense of humour that will leave you laughing even on days when you don't even feel like smiling. There's hardly ever a dull moment with them! 

"The more you try to hold on to Aquarius lovers, the more you will feel them slipping like water through your fingers."
- Gary Goldschneider's

With a very strong sense of themselves, Aquarians adore and even crave for time alone occasionally. When you've been with one for long enough, you'll know when aloofness is on its way and you'll know it's space they need. Don't mistake that for a sudden lost of interest in you 'cause that couldn't be further from the truth. They just spend a little more time with their inner thoughts; they take time to enjoy the peace and quietness that solitude brings while re-energizing, especially if they're going through a rough patch. You'll also come to know that 'cause of their immense individuality, emotions are not the realm of an Aquarian. They don't like to feel caged or smothered. So if you're a girl who needs constant attention from your partner, perhaps you're better off dating someone else. On the other hand, if you enjoy having time to do your own things (which I do very much), an Aquarian is probably your best bet. He'd never try to dominate and take over your life 'cause he understands how important personal space is. He'll leave you to make you own choices, respect them, and support you. Bottom line, your freedom ain't gonna hurt his man ego!

Photos by Ing

Editing by Nelson

With love,

Instagram @clarabellefaithng

Ask.fm @clarabellefaithng

5 things every girl should know.

"You know what's really, powerfully sexy? A sense of humour. A taste for adventure. A healthy glow. Hips to grab on to. Openness. Confidence. Humility. Appetite. Intuition. Smart-ass comebacks. Presence. A quick wit. Dirty jokes told by an innocent-looking lady. A storyteller. A genius. A doctor. A new mother. A woman who realizes how beautiful she is."

- Courtney E Martin

The only way to realize how beautiful you are is to love yourself, flaws and all. We girls are the most self-critical creatures by nature, fixated on the ring of flab encircling our waits, whatever bit of cellulite, every line, and every spot. It comes to a point where we often forget how beautiful we are. Embracing our imperfections empowers us and radiates confidence -- that invisible yet powerful energy that draws attention. Stop trying to pursue those unrealistic bodies that society worships 'cause there aren't any fixed mould you have to fit in to be beautiful. Be your own kind of beautiful instead of a cookie cutter!

"When a woman puts on a heel, she has a different posture, a different attitude. She really stands up and has a consciousness of her body."

- Christian Louboutin

Most girls shy away from high heels 'cause they leave us sore, blistered, and limping. While a pair of flats can be the easy painless way out, it can dull our ensembles and make them appear flat (all pun intended). Heels not only elevate women physically, but also emotionally. That extra bit of height gives you that added boost of confidence. Moreover, heels seem to have that captivating ability to make heads turn by transforming your walk into a strut that's ever so sexy and alluring. So go get a right pair that tailors to your feet shape, and do heed Victoria Beckham's advice -- Wear big high heels, but do practice walking. Go perfect you wiggle I'd say!

"You will always be too much of something for someone: too big, too loud, too soft, too edgy. If you round your edges, you lose your edge. Apologise for mistakes. Apologise for unintentionally hurting someone -- profusely. But don't apologise for being who you are."

- Danielle LaPorte

Haters gonna hate and there's always one in every nook and cranny. There's nothing wrong with you, how you're shaped or what you choose to wear; haters are the ones with the problem. They project their own insecurities on you to make them feel better about themselves. Ignore them 'cause buying into their crap is a waste of time. And remember, those who try to bring you down, are definitely below you. So whether it's your assets or flaws, wear them unapologetically!

"A strong woman accepts both compliments and criticism graciously, knowing that it takes both sunshine and rain for a flower to grow."

- Mandy Hale

We would like to believe that the whole "women are bad in accepting compliments" notion is just a stereotype except, (as much as I hate to admit) it's the truth. More often than not, we fluster when we get an honest and sincere "you look amazing". What's worse is reciprocating with self-loathing rebuttals or brushing them off like they were nothing. We need to stop undermining ourselves. Instead, graciously accept compliments and bask in the moment.

"There is a special place in hell for women who do not help other women."

- Madeleine Albright

You can cloth yourself in expensive labels, but clothing yourself with a good character appeals more. A truly strong and confident woman is one who helps build other women uo rather than tear them down. Rise above and set yourself apart by avoiding catfights and petty gossips. Surround yourself with women who inspire and empower you, and do the same for other women. Do what you want done to you.

Photos by Gian

Also, lots of love to Love Out Loud Asia for giving me the honour to do a guest post for their blog. 

Love Out Loud Asia (LOLA) is a SIMPLE, FUN & PRIVATE dating app that helps singles spend less time online and more time actually dating! How are we different from other dating apps? We focus on date ideas and only send you one match a day at noon.. here's a short 30sec video to better illustrate how-it-works: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqkPh3dFde4 Available on both iPhone & Android. For more info, simply visit: http://loveoutloud.asia.

With love,

Instagram @clarabellefaithng

Ask.fm @clarabellefaithng