Packing for Japan

In exactly 2 weeks, I will be relocating to Japan and deciding what to bring was really tough for me (because I have many material loves). Though I have 40kgs of luggage allowance, in the past week I have packed and repacked my 2 luggages so many times, each time removing more items to meet the weight allowance. 

 

Our bedroom in Japan would only be about half the size of my current bedroom, which is still an okay size, but considering how many things I've amassed over the years.. I knew I couldn't bring everything over. Not in one trip anyway. 

I used to have so many shoes, beauty products, bags, and nail polishes but these days I've limited my hoarding to just beauty products (which I use) and nail polishes. Specifically Chanel polishes.

This is my collection sometime earlier this year, I definitely added a few more colours to the rainbow but didn't manage a picture. I initially decided on bringing half of them over but they were so heavy! In the end I just picked the colours below for this trip.

My little box of polishes which will see me through Summer, Autumn and Winter 2016. Other staples which I am also bringing over are my beloved blushers (all of them!), some face care, sheet masks, most of my red lippies and some BB creams/cushions.

I have no doubt the beauty products took up most of my weight allowance. I didn't pack much body care as I did leave some in Y's apartment the last time I visited. But if I had extra weight, I would definitely bring my favourite body creams along.

I decided against buying new products in Japan (for now) because I don't want to spend time figuring out a new routine for my sensitive skin in the first month and also, what will I do with all my skincare left in Kuala Lumpur? I can make do without most of my clothes but not without my beauty products.

Super excited for the move, sometimes it feels like time is moving so slowly but part of me also feels that the days are counting down so quickly. 2 weeks will go by in a blink, I just know it. 

Bittersweet, but mostly sweet.

The Proposal

As of 3rd May 2016, I have been engaged to the most wonderfully perfect man for me. The proposal came as a complete surprise to me because we had already made it sorta known prior that we wanted to be with each other (forever, haha). 

Y (my fiancé) told me he picked the ring himself, and this man knows me so well. A single stone is usually the choice for engagement rings but he felt that this design suited me better. Delicate, simple and sweet. And he is right, I love the ring but even more I love that it reflects my style, and was picked out by Y.

Y distracted me with desserts and drinks just before he proposed. When he popped open the box and started expressing his feelings, it was as if my surroundings froze and I couldn't hear anything except for his voice. Admittedly, I did tear a little but after that I couldn't stop smiling!

I've never come across such a design.. a little bow but it's so delicate and pretty and unique! I LOVE IT!!! Y always picks the best gifts for me (which is a hard task as I'm very particular especially with jewellery).

I am so blessed and thankful for having Y love me exactly the way I am (and knowing me so well!!).

We have now been engaged for more than a month but every time I look at the ring my heart still skips a little and a smile plays on my lips. 

I miss Y so much! Counting down the days until we meet!!

Beauty: SwissPure x Le Petit Prince

A quick look at Swiss Pure x Le Petit Prince, wasn't able to locate a store in Busan so I placed an order on G-Market. Way cheaper than any blogshop or online stores I found, even with shipping included.

It's hard to say no to the little prince!

I picked up a BB cushion (plus refill), Foundation cushion and a Eyeshadow Palette (01 Urban Bloom Rose).

The collection has a number of skincare but I passed on those as I am currently well stocked, but just couldn't resist the cushions and also the little eyeshadow palette.

Korean cosmetics always come in pretty packaging and they also give the best gifts with purchase. 

Swiss Pure was running a "Buy 1 Petit Prince Item, Receive a Mirror" in-store, but I was not expecting to receive one with my package as it was an international order. But they sent me 3! Love the hand mirror and so handy too.

If you're a Le Petit Prince fan you should definitely check this collection out. Can't wait to start using them!

Almost ready...

Amongst the things I had to get done prior to my departure was to apply for the "Single Status Certificate" or also known as the "Letter Verifying Marital Status" in Malaysia. Application for this certificate can only be done at Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) Putrajaya and will be valid for 150 days.

I applied for mine yesterday and the whole procedure took me about an hour plus. From filling the forms, giving a sworn statement, obtaining the cert and also having it endorsed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which is located at another building.

Most if not all the information needed can be found online, however the last unofficial guide I came across was written in 2015, there were just slight changes. Here's a walkthrough below:

1. Drive to JPN Putrajaya, there is ample parking along the streets and also a designated carpark next to the building.

2. Go to Level 1, Department of Marriages & Divorce, Counter 1. An attendant will ask for your IC and give you the necessary forms to fill.
*You will only be given a number after you've filled up the forms and given your sworn statement. Previous information found online, applicants were allowed to take a number at the same time.

3. After filling your forms, you will have to give a sworn statement (just signing) at the Commissioner of Oaths just downstairs or if it's closed, at the next building. I took a number and waited about 5-10 minutes, signed some papers, paid MYR4 and I was done.

*From the JPN website, one of the documents required is "Application letter stating the purpose of the application", do not fret there is a template provided with the forms, you just need to fill in your details.

4. Once completed, bring your forms back up to Level 1 and the attendant will hand you a number. I waited less than 5 minutes before my number was called, paid MYR5 and in about 10 minutes I received my certificate.

5. Now, with certificate in hand you will have to drive to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (about 4-5 minutes away). Again, ample parking.

6. Sign in at the guardhouse and walk all the way in, there will be a counter inside. Show your document and take a number. Your certificate will collected when your number is called. It took me about 15 minutes to get mine. The cost of the endorsement is MYR10.

7. Done!

The whole process was easy peasy, and didn't take very long.

Just a reminder:

-Bring your IC and a copy of your foreign partner's passport

-The forms available online are only for reference, you will have to obtain the original one at the JPN counter

-Don't forget to get your certificate stamped and signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

-Check opening and closing hours, it's different for both the Departments

If you Googled this, chances are you're preparing for a marriage so, CONGRATULATIONS!!

You can find the official information from JPN here.

Hello 2016!

In a blink, the first half of 2016 is almost over, and I honestly can't wait for the rest of the year to unravel. In the past month... I got engaged(!!) and in less than a month I will be packing up and moving(!!!) to a country where English is not the first language(!!!!!). But, more on that later.

I previously blogged at -iheartxen.blogspot.com- but decided to start fresh as I move into a new chapter of my life. Also because Blogger kept prompting an error when I tried to save the new address.

Regardless, I feel that this new address "MementoVivere-X" reflects better on what I aim to to with the blog- as a keepsake of my life journey, a reminder to live; and hopefully when I read back on my little adventures I would remember how I felt as I went through that moment in time.

♥