withlove-geri-blog

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|| The Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash || Now available for purchase on @wishtrend! 🌱 I've been using this for a good 3 weeks. Since I've thin and sensitive skin, I usually use this twice a week, one weekday and one weekend. I was using the Clarins One-step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with orange extract before I've got to try this one. Now the Green Tea & Enzyme Powder Wash became my new favourite exfoliating cleanser, mild and hydrating without irritation. I like that my skin feels smooth and refreshing after use. 🌱 Thank you Hae Na from @bywishtrend for letting me test this product before the launch! 😘 Check out the links to -20% in the comments below. P.S.: I only give my honest opinion and experience about the products that I personally use myself. I do not get paid or sponsor.

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I've found a new favourite shop! @normal_norge 😍 A Danish chain that sells normal stuff at abnormal affordable price! 😉 . . . Why I love this place? ❤ They're selling one of my favourite Korean slice mask sheet 🍉 ❤ I finally found one of my all time favourite fizzy orange beverage, Orangina 🍊 ❤ Cute Happy Hippo but also delicious Kinder chocolate 🍫 ❤......& many more stuff that i love!

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|| H e l l o N o v e m b e r || New month, new beginnings! 🍃❄️

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Is learning Norwegian language difficult?

In Norway, Norwegians are very polite. Sometimes too polite that it makes it harder for me to perfect my Norwegian. They do not want to make you feel bad by correcting your mistakes, they do not interrupt you when you are speaking and they are careful not to make you feel uncomfortable. So they just let you speak your way and I ended up speaking “not so bad and not so good, but good enough to get by” Norwegian!

After living here in Bergen for 4 years, I’d been to 4 different schools to learn Norwegian. Other than attending language courses at schools, i listen to Norwegian music, watch the news, tv series and movies, and go to språkkafe (it is a language cafe where you meet new people who wish to learn and speak Norwegian. This is usually held at the library once in a week). I practice writing and speaking Norwegian by sending text messages in Norwegian instead of English with some of my foreign friends, communicate with my husband’s family and friends in Norwegian and try to speak as much as possible.

Before I moved to Norway, I do not even know a single word of Norwegian. I picked up a few simple words and phrases such as hello, thank you and i love you from my boyfriend a.k.a my husband now. I was keen on learning the language in the beginning and found it interesting and fun! So I’ve enrolled in folkeuniversitetet, a university of continued adult education to learn from basic. After a few months, I was able to put together a few short sentences. But i was still not confident enough to speak it at the grocery or retail stores yet.

Then I got a job offer and stopped learning Norwegian for almost a year. When my contract ended, I went back to learning Norwegian again at Nygård skole, a school for adult learners. I was entitled to free tuition in Norwegian and social studies because i was married to a Norwegian. I was required to complete 550 hours of Norwegian language and 50 hours social studies in order to be granted the permanent residence permit. A number of hours a person needs depend on when you were granted your first residence permit. The rules and regulations change all the time. So it is important to follow up closely and stay updated by checking UDI’s website frequently. I spent a year learning Norwegian at Nygård skole until they closed my class due to the capacity size. Initially, we were more than 12 - 15 students. Eventually, some left for all sort of reasons and we were too few. It was a pity because I really enjoyed the class and the teaching skills of my teacher. My teacher was good in explaining in the easiest way for us to understand and he made the learning process much more enjoyable in an effective and efficient manner. This was when i felt like i learned much more and expanded my vocabulary that allows me to express myself, even more, I was able to have a decent communication with Norwegian with a little help from the husband.

While job hunting, i have lots of free time to spare. So learning to be fluent in Norwegian is my main goal. I enrolled myself and got a place at Bergen Katedral skole, a school for adult learners and it was a 2-year programme. I accepted the offer. I’ve also applied to study a higher level Norwegian at the University of Bergen. Took an entry test and got a place there too. In the end, i gave up my place at Bergen Katedral skole and took the offer at the university instead. It was a 19 weeks course, much shorter compared to the 2-year programme.

Unfortunately, i did not manage to pass the entire exam. I passed the oral examination with B but failed the written examination. I did not have very high expectations but i thought i would probably pass the entire exam at least. I was quite disappointed when i received the news about my failure.

I failed, stumbled, and got up again. Nobody promises a safe path. At least i know i have taken the chance to pursue something i care about.

To me, the most important thing is that i have learned something from the course. Grades do not mean that i am not capable of speaking the language or i am not good at it.

“Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.”

There’s no such thing as failure, only feedback.

I have taken a break from going to schools to learn Norwegian. It doesn’t mean that i have given up but now i put the theoretical knowledge that i have learned to practical use.

There is actually no deadline to learning Norwegian. It is just a goal that i have set to achieve. Why? It would open doors to career, travel, education, to be able to help my children, be respected, be more independent, have more self-worth etc.

If you are struggling with learning a new language like me, don’t worry, breath, you’re not alone! It is tough because it challenges both your mind and time. But don’t fret! Be happy to make mistakes and realize you will feel silly at times. It will take some time before you can express yourself as easily in a second language as in the first. It’s the passion that will keep you going in a way that will keep you focused and positive.

Just find the strength that will keep you focused and positive in learning the language. Some people feel the strong urge, maybe nothing really or in between. Just take some time to think about the importance of learning. No matter what methods you choose, it is better that than wasting time not trying at all.

Learning a foreign language is no easy thing, but it does get easier over time!

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H a p p y T u e s d a y ! 🎈 What's your favourite facial cleanser? Mine is the new Green tea & Enzyme Powder Wash which is launching soon @bywishtrend. I have been using all sorts of face cleanser from oil-based, cream to foam cleanser. But this is the first time I've tried a powder wash! I am actually liking it so far. Not lying but I've only used it twice since I've received it last week. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My thoughts about it 💭 🌱 cute packaging, bottle in pastel green like the color of green tea. Easy to open, air-tight lit keeping the product fresh.🍵 🌱 has a mild fragrance of green tea. Smells so good that I want to drink it! 🤣 Anything with green tea, I will definitely buy it. 🌱 Contains baking powder that acts as an exfoliater. I really like that the texture of the powder is smooth and fine, not as rough as other exfoliater scrubs with rough and coarse texture. It suits my skin type since my skin type is thin and fragile. 🌱 it does not generates a lot of foam as a foam cleanser. Very gentle to the skin. 🌱 I like how my skin feels after using it. It does not dry out my sensitive and dry skin. The cleanser gets really deep into my pores and leaves my face feeling fresh and clean. 🌱 I would use it as a exfoliating cleanser. Will not use it as a daily cleanser but as an add to my weekly skincare routine to maintain a healthy pH balance of my skin and remove impurities. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ✨Tips: I would suggest that those who have sensitive and dry skin like me to use it only twice a week to avoid thinning and drying out the skin. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Share with me in the comments below. I love to know what's your favourite type of facial cleanser, why and what you think of it. 😊

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Received this package from @bywishtrend at my door step on Thursday! Let's open it! 📦

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▪️one of little pleasure in my life▪️ I just simply love sheet masks! Why? To put it simple, a sheet mask is a fabric (usually made of cotton) saturated in powerful skincare ingredients that’s left over your face for about 15 minutes so your skin can absorb all the good stuff from it. It is contoured to rest on your face comfortably and it has small cutouts for your eyes, mouth and nose so you don’t feel as if you’re suffocating! It's spa treatments for less in my opinion. Getting a professional facial is a luxury. But there’s nothing like being pampered in your own cozy home. Downside of facial treatments at beauty salons is that they are expensive. So that's why I love using sheet masks! Easy and fast to use, much affordable and does it job too minus the massage!

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//Living for these chilly walks with you.// 👫

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Vlog - Hike with us Bergen’s highest mountain!

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◾️S a t u r da t e◾️ Happy weekend! It's time for a date with my other half. We were lucky with such lovely weather today. Went to town, strolled around Fløibanen area and had coffee at one of my favourite coffeehouse @bkb_vagen. 🌳🍁👫☕️ Hope you all had a great weekend as well! 🌤

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My day skincare routine is now up! ✨ Check it out! Don’t forget to give me a thumbs up if you like it and subscribe!  (◠‿◠✿)

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It was Mid-Autumn Festival aka Mooncake festival two days ago. Mid-Autumn Day is on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. This is the time when Chinese people will get together with family and friends to celebrate the harvest, have dinner, eat mooncake and appreciate the beauty of the full moon. 🌕 Not forgetting lanterns too!🏮 Even when miles apart, we still share the same moon. I am missing home so much. 🏡 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦😢

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October is here! 🍁 Fall is here, and winter is around the corner! ❄️ Here's how I keep my skin hydrated in colder weather. ⤵️ ▪️A.M. r o u t i n e ▪️ 💠 Banilla Co. Clean It Zero 💠 Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick 💠 Laneige Power Essential Skin Refiner Toner 💠 Innisfree Greentea Seed Eye Cream 💠 Innisfree Greentea Seed Serum 💠 By Wishtrend Vitamin 75 Maximizing Cream ⤵️ I've been using all those products mentioned above in my daily day routine for several years except for the Banilla Co., Su:m37 and By Wishtrend products. Early this year, I've started using the Banilla Co. Clean It Zero as make up remover and Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick as a double cleanser. I really love them alot! All thanks to my husband, I managed to get to hold of the products when he went to Geoje island in South Korea for business trip.The most recent used product is the Vitamin cream from @bywishtrend. The texture of the cream feels light on my skin, easy to apply and doesn't leave me a sticky feeling. I personally prefer to use it as a day cream at the last step of my A.M. routine. 🌟All i can say now is I'm enjoying the Vitamin 75 Maximizing cream so far. I've only been using it for a couple of days. Will share my first impression about it after using it for a month at least.🌟 Check out my A.M. Routine video at the links below! ⬇️⬇️⬇️ 🐦 Twitter: @withlovegeri 👻 Blog: https://www.withlove-geri.tumblr.com 💻 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/withlovegeri/

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Received this product by @wishtrend recently! I've heard so many good things about it. Can't wait to try it out! Want to know my first impression about this Vitamin 75 Maximizing cream? Stay tuned and follow me! 😘 . . . . . 🐦 Twitter: @withlovegeri 👻 Blog: https://www.withlove-geri.tumblr.com 💻 Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/withlovegeri/

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Check out my first YouTube video! Let me walk you through my 6 essential steps night routine the Korean way!  Please give me a thumbs up if you like it and subscribe! (≧ω≦)

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Jobbklubb

I have been attending a course since 4 weeks ago and it isn't really what I imagined it would be.

Jobbklubb is arranged by NAV (Norwegian Labour and Welfare Service). Jobbklubb translated to English is Job Club. It is a short-term course that is meant for job seekers. This course is designed to help job seekers to become a better and active job seekers, and also teach you how to orientate yourself to the job market. In this course, there were probably about 20 participants altogether in a class. Two instructors were assigned to help us and guide us through. 

In my class, we had a female and a male instructor from different backgrounds. The people in my class were pretty diverse and of different ages and work background. There was a balance of both immigrants and Norwegians.

Week 1, we first introduced ourselves to everyone and then theory was taught. We learned how to analyze job announcement, write a good CV and a cover letter. Week 2, we basically sat in front of the pc and kept working on our CV and cover letter, look for available jobs and was encouraged to go out to staffing agencies or companies we are interested to work for to deliver an open application. Week 3, we had interview training and did almost the same stuff like week 2. 

I assumed the purposes of this course is to encourage people who are unemployed and starting to feel demoralized to get out of the house instead of being a couch potato and lazed all day. At the same time, it is good in a way to meet people who are in the similar situation. At least you know you are not alone. On the other hand, I personally feel even more demoralizing being there around with so many unemployed people. Knowing the fact that this course is ongoing and there are so many people who are out of job and struggling with finding one. A nice way to put it, it is a way to meet new people and build your network. You will never know these people are the key contact for your future job. 

Honestly speaking, I am not sure if I gain extreme knowledge or any skills to boost my chances of landing myself in a job from this course. Most of the course material being taught in class are things you already know. But one thing that I have gained is the courage to get in contact with headhunters. Week 2, we were told to go out and deliver our CV and open applications. And, I did! I contacted a staffing company and met one of the recruiters there for a chat. Even though there were not any positions available for me at the moment, but she told me she would contact me if anything comes up. At least I knew I got my foot one step closer to getting a career.

I speak only from my personal experiences. I was not really 100% satisfied with the course instructors. I felt that they were not professional enough and were not prepared. I was unsure about them as a mentor and if they are worthy to be trusted as instructors. Well, I experienced something negative and I don’t want to talk about my bad experiences here to lead people into negative thoughts. What happened was I felt like I was being discriminated in a way by one of the instructors because I was being treated unfairly. Maybe I overthink it or probably I was right. Either way, I just accepted it and endure it. But I believe I am not the only one who felt that way. 

Oh well, I have one more week to go and the last 3 weeks of the course is a voluntarily workshop. Basically, you're encouraged to continue making effort to find jobs on your own, the instructors are there to help if you need any, and they will repeat things you’ve learned the first 3 weeks upon request. 

I chose to continue with the workshop and endure for another 3 more weeks since I do not like to quit when I started something. It also reflects how I am as a person and I have my principles. I won’t allow a minor setback to affect me so easily. 

A minor setback paves the way to a major comeback!

Actually, I felt sad and demoralized being there instead of motivated. Sorry to sound negative. What I think its sad being there is that there are some people who are not motivated to learn something or actively participate. There are certainly many different reasons for this: lack of Norwegian language knowledge, little interest to work, poor self-esteem and self-confidence and some might find it embarrassing to be there.

Why did I go for this Jobbklubb thingy? I contacted NAV on my own accord to seek for help in finding a job. I needed extra help since I am a foreigner and it is not the best situation for me to find my job on my own. I have always been an active job seeker since I became unemployed nearly 2 years ago, but I still did not get even a single interview. This is so depressing! So that is why I took contact with NAV and the advisor suggested that I give this course a go first and then go with other alternatives if this does not work out for me. It is not like I am desperate for a job. I am still young and ambitious. I just do not want my skills to go down to waste. I have the ability to work, no kids yet, so why not? (I will write more on the future post about my uncertainty about focusing on getting a job or having kids.)

This is not a situation I want to be in if I could choose, but I am sure that I gain some good experiences that I can use later on, and hopefully, I will land in a new job very soon! 

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Sour Apple Tequila Cocktail 🍸 Ingredients 1 ½ shot Tequila 1 ½ shot Sour Apple Liqueur 1 shot Lime Juice ½ shot Agave/Sugar syrup (optional) Sprite to taste Garnish: Lime Wedges