LUNAR NEW YEAR

Happy Lunar New Year, humanoids. Here I am finding myself in awe, how ridiculous time it is that time has passed so quickly. It's already a week into February 2016. Before we have barely assimilate the passage of time travels, we'd pretty much be back on the same 
page. Déjà vu. Whilst we are still seating in one corner of the room, slowly but unwillingly coming to senses
that Christmas is over, Lunar New Year (LNY/ CNY) songs start to drift through the local radios. 
Next on would be the sea of red that makes its grand entrance. We are bombarded by CNY themed 
collaterals; tissue boxes; abalones; rice; t-shirts; you-name-it-they-got-it things. Before you get 
the wrong idea, I love festive seasons. Lunar New Year sits comfortably at the top of my list. 
Typical prep work for ushering the LNY includes spring-cleaning (basically, its to clean the entire house), 
pussy willows, and charging towards the supermarkets to pile up on groceries. For one, its perfectly logical
 to follow traditions. But what about that humanoid who is still scrubbing and wiping windows at the wee 
hours... I mean, don't we all need to maintain the cleanliness of our homes all the time? 
I'd be in all agreement with you if you'd tell me the act of spring cleaning is a part of the Chinese tradition. 
But what about the situation where it drives one mad whilst cleaning till the unearthly hours a day 
before LNY? I guess it's all about getting one's priorities right, in retrospect. 
Isn't it about process of preparation for Lunar New Year that churns precious memories, after all? 

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JUDGING THE JUDGER

They say humans will, somehow or rather,  get accustomed to the ever-changing environment. Revelling the moments as a kid never fails to bring back so much laughter. Kids being kids, they aren't bounded by the many complicated thoughts of adults. They cry, pout, smile, throw tantrums, laugh, sound out their sentiments - all without qualms. Before I could even justify my thoughts, people around me probably would pass me off as an immature young adult who refused to grow up. Grow up, they insisted. Who knew the process of growing up will put you through a series of events - both happy and sad. A good friend of mine once said to me, "good heavens, you've changed so much." Did I? "No I didn't change, I grew up", I thought to myself. Alas, I never knew I'd find myself in such a dilemma. Every peer around me seems to fit into the standards of today's society. As much as I refuse to sour any friendships, I'd still stick to my principles so dearly. That's because your personal judgment and instincts come into the picture. In a perfect world, negative feelings wouldn't have existed. Passing judgements on someone we barely know would ring the bell for most of us. Making jokes out of people's names, categorising people and their personalities, or even forming baseless conclusions on someone's actions, so long and so for... It was not only until recently that I learnt about more an acquaintance who was heavily judged and jeered by many. It is indeed a small world where one's friend could be someone else's relative that you might also happen to know. For we are incapable of alleviating someone else's pain, we gain nothing in aggravating either. Alas, there is a fine line between being logical and opinionated, isn't it!

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SUMMER LIGHT

TOP MANGO / SKIRT MISS SELFRIDGE 

For as long as this summer is here, my complains about the humidity won't stop. But life goes on. As much as I dread leaving the house, my sis and I headed out for the farm behind our house to film a lookbook. If case you haven't already know, I have started a style and beauty channel on YouTube and you can also find us blogging about our faves here.

It was nearing the golden hour that day and we couldn't resist taking some outfit shots. For one, I honestly felt out of place because everyone was dressed down. These photos were taken by my lovely sister, as I didn't lug a tripod along. She loves those floaty photos with lots of lens flare, so here you go. I personally feel lens flares can make or break a photo. Too much of it makes it look mediocre at times. Some of the ones my sister took contained too much lens flare but come to think of it, she has made tremendous improvement in her photography skills (yes she's taught by your's truly hahaha). Anyways, be sure to check out our YouTube channel and Blogger, folks!

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SUMMER TIME HUMID TIMES

I'm not a huge fan of summer time. The heat and humidity level in especially ridiculous in Singapore.    While many sunshine lovers celebrate the summer times, I'd not be embarrassed to hide in the shade. After all, photographing subjects under the harsh sun is not the most desirable, you see. And not to forget those sunburnt skin and stickiness from the humidity, ugh. Fortunately, it's the school break now and that means no busking under the blazing sun whilst on my way to school. Alas, enough of my complaints about the heat. I thought i'd put together a few of my favourite things at the moment.

SUNGLASSES

These are basic yet indispensable all year round, well at least for where i'm residing in. These Tod's sunnies frame my round face nicely and its light enough to be carried around. For you small face girls out there, you're lucky to be able to fit into most specs and sunnies! Getting the near-ideal pair is quite of a hunt for me but I guess that's the interesting part (that calls for more shopping). 

SLING BAG

Aren't those little brass studs cute. This Marc Jacobs sling is not one of the latest lines but i'm someone who have a fetish for classy and quality pieces over something that's not as practical for daily wear. 

JEAN SHORTS

These low-rise Mango shorts were a steal that I got in the recent GSS (Great Singapore Sale). I have a ton of jean shorts but i've yet to find the 'perfect' one that suits my liking. The ones from Uniqlo are at least, of decent cut and fitting. Nonetheless, these dark navy shorts from Mango have landed on my go-to rack of most worn clothes. 

COSMETICS

Talking about the humidity, I swear by this sebum control powder from Innisfree. With this hypersensitive skin of mine, not all face makeup makes the cut for me. This translucent powder is not only natural but also free of those yucky Parabens, which cause skin to age. Google reveals it all, folks. 

I don't wear Mascara often but when I do, these Estee Lauder ones really brings my short lashes to live. And who can resist that glitzy gold packaging? 

Lip stain. Ah yes, lipsticks aren't really my thing because its so sticky. I really dislike strands of hair getting stuck on my lips. Lip tints/ stains are really a huge hit in Asia, which I guess it's the influence of the Korean wave. This one from Etude House falls in between a stain and a liquid lipstick. I'm not really bothered with the staying power of the lip product per se, but rather the texture. This goes on light and has notes of flowery scent too. 

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A SHORT NOTE

Not too sure if I've gradually got my dad's obsession with cleanliness or that keeping my house clean has always been a neglected priority of mine. Ever since my school break, I have to make at the very least that my room has to be organised and clean. But there there, sharing a room with someone else can sometimes hinder your 'cleanliness goal'. This person is none other than my little sister. Of course, there are perks too (think having a companion that contributes to the liveliness in a room after a horror movie). Alas, mom's wise words simply put everything in place - 'if you're living in a community, everyone has the part to contribute to a harmonious environment'.

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JUST A THOUGHT

Brady Grass (or Lalangs) are always amongst the top subjects for photography enthusiasts to shoot. I've always envied how folks living outside Singapore have the privilege of more land to thrive on. These were photographed about a two years ago when I first chanced upon the grassy eco park near my place. I know I was slow but the good things are always discovered by those who take the extra effort to explore isn't it! These photos were well-hidden amidst the ton of folders i've created for school work. Growing up, photography was most-discussed topic amongst my dad and I. Despite not pursuing a degree in photography (which bugged me a lot), I realised it's not the physical certificate per se that matters but the techniques and passion that ultimately fuel any interest.

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WILD HONEY FOR TEA

"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts..." - William Shakespeare. I think i've overused this phrase for the millionth time but it still stays relevant to me. While the one party mourns the lost of a loved one, the other celebrates the birth of a newborn. People come and go in life and time surfaces almost every untold story. It's been already a month into my holiday and it seems like i've lost track of time. Losing track of time is not a bad thing after all. Although the constant need for to ensure your schedules are on track might already become second nature, it can be extremely daunting overtime. That's if you'd ever take a step back. But it does not equate to losing yourself, though.

Last week's tea at Wild Honey was awesome and it certainly brings back memories. I remember how mom and I joined aunt for brunch four years ago at the same place. What's different is, grandpa has proceeded to the rainbow bridge. On a lighter note, the waffles were so good that grandma finished a good portion of it before I could even finish my burrito! 

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