"... this England"

Hello! I'm back! I hate seeing myself slipping away from my blog so before it gets too long, I'm going to do a quick post of my trip to London very recently.

Yes, I was in London! I was told I was going to make a trip back to England about a month ago because we (as in the company I work for) were going to participate in Pure London. Pure London's basically a trade show where all emerging brands exhibit their products for buyers and stylists and anyone who wants to know who's who and what's new. And that's us. We're new.

So Shera and I were asked to go and I was honestly very very reluctant to make the trip because if you should know, I'm very, very, VERY bad at traveling. I hate the whole process of it - from packing, to the airport, to the actual flight, to the immigration line, to picking out my bag from the carousel, to the fuss of transport from airport to accommodation - I just really dislike it all. But this was London... and I really love London. I was conflicted but that soon changed because right after passing immigration, I found myself smiling from ear to ear like a fool because I was so excited. Excitement only started creeping in then when it finally all hit me that I was back in the country that I had missed so much! Of course I had trouble finding my taxi driver at the airport and the running up and down to find him cost me an extra £10 was not the best start to the trip, I actually had a very, very fulfilling stay in London. 

I worked from Sunday til Tuesday and my whole takeaway from the work aspect of the trip is that we're such a small brand compared to everyone that came to show. I won't say they were major, major brands but they were definitely a lot more... grand. I think I definitely underestimated the whole trade show. It was a real learning experience for me because I got to see how people sell their things and how they present themselves as a brand. I got to talk to a lot of people who were attracted to our booth - from buyers to stylists to students. It was nice to speak to people who have absolutely no clue on the brand - and the cool reaction you get when you say we're from Malaysia. It was a tiring few days because we were there from 9:30 - 6 for the first 2 days and we got off at 4 on the last day. We might go back for the Spring/Summer show but we'll see what Lady Boss has to say haha. I really did learn a lot about meeting buyers and stylists and talking about the brand as best I could. I hope I was a decent representation of the brand and of Malaysia in general. We still had someone say "Wow you speak really good English" mid-conversation so I guess we managed to change that lady's perception on Malaysians? 

But London was so welcoming, with it's blistering cold and intermittent rain and harsh wind. I say this with love though. I missed the cold, for a second there I forgot how it was like to dress warmly and how dry your skin gets and how it's absolutely of no use to do your hair because the wind will mess it up for you the second you leave the house. But I loved it - reminds me of my student days so although I was complaining about it, I'd like to think I braved it quite well.

I got to eat all really good food from a Korean rice bowl place in Soho to Khans in Bayswater. Met friends and my cousin who came down to London for me and I had just a really good time walking around a familiar place. I would have definitely, definitely made a trip to Bristol if I had a bit more time in London but I'll take what I can get. 

Photo time! 

I don't really shop in Selfridges but it's very pretty I've got to say.

 

Wanted to cry being back in my favourite Topshop. I don't shop in Topshop at all in KL because prices are ludicrous but I'll always make it a point to get something from the Oxford Circus flagship store because well... it's the flagship store. I love it, it's my favourite in the world.

One of the best things about London is that you'll never not have a place to eat - there's always something to discover. I went to this restaurant on a whim as I was searching on Korean food to eat in London. The food was okay but I was definitely more taken on the whole experience of finding a new place to eat and being kinda adventurous in that sense. 

Didn't eat here but thought it was purdy.

Sighhhhh I forgot how good Five Guys was. My cheeseburger was a double patty so we couldn't finish it but sUCH a good meal - I managed to pull in a few people to have Five Guys when I posted this on my Stories hehe

My all time favourite crisps - can't think of anything that comes close. Maybe it's a good thing they're not in KL yet because that'll be a pretty shit diet.

This was probably my favourite meal. Cryin now.

This was also sooooo good. Met up with Aqie, Ariff and Julian (who was so kind to even make a groupchat 'Dinner with Nadia', he's really vvvvv sweet) and we had Japanese for dinner at Dozo in Soho. I had the unagi don and I think there isn't any other that beats this one.

Moved on to desserts at BobaJam and we had a mango patbingsu with the rather interesting add-on's of cereal and the popping whatever it's called. Really sedap. Why ice in the cold winter? Idk but it was really sedap. I highly recommend! 

So I was damn full from lunch with my cousin that I didn't even eat a burger at GBK which was my favourite burger joint when I was in Bristol. But I had to get myself some skinny fries and as usual, I over-salted them and so I couldn't finish it. Man, what I'd do to bring back the Hei Hei Salt....

Also had Khans!!!!!!!!!!! I stayed over at Hanna's so Khans was only just a 2 minute walk away but man, this place never gets old. Such a Malaysian cliché to go Khans for dinner but if the food's good, who cares about the clichés, right????

If I were to go London and forego all other spending and only buy this pair of Proenza Schouler shoes, I'd be perfectly content.

The lights at night at Carnaby Street. 

The cool mirrors at Monki.

A random magazine store in Soho. I'd get a few if they weren't like a kilogram each.

I missed getting on public transport in the UK. I love the MRT's here but nothing's as efficient as the one there.

I didn't know Arket had already opened! It's a brand under H&M and it's very... COS-ish. 

The Lunar special flower arrangements at Liberty's. Sooooo beautiful - pink and red/orange are my favourite colour combination ever.

Met a Korean couple in Covent Garden who were dressed in the same colour scheme and I thought there was something so endlessly cool about it.

At The Deciem in Covent Garden to get my The Ordinary fix.

Can you tell I'm really, really in to polka dots nowadays.

What's a trip to London without my FAVOURITE CHOCOLATE ORANGE COOKIE FROM BEN'S???

Have you watched Nike's ad on their London campaign? They're about to release their #LDNR tee and I'm so stoked because I really want to get it! I actually went to Nike Town to ask and the lady said, "You're about the 50th person today to ask me that" hahah but she said there has been a delay in distribution so they haven't gotten it in-stores yet. Bummer - was really hoping to get one when I was there. But watch the ad anyway, it was really cool.

On our last day of the trade show! Those jeans were such a nightmare - they kept slipping down because I was wearing my heat tech under it so my jeans got really slippery. Not the most flattering image of having to do the mini pull-up-your-jeans jig. 

At Flat Iron for lunch with Myra.

With my £3 umbrella from Primark. It's just much of a staple in your handbag as your Oyster card methinks.

My beautiful cousin, Myra and I. She studies in Kent now and the sweetheart came down to London for a day trip to have lunch with me. We shopped for a bit and bought matching sunnies. Wot a qt - always love seeing family xxx

With the ever cute and ever wide-eyed Aqie. She actually also managed to request for a day off from work to attend a dUck event hahaha qt

I look so tiny next to Ariff! So happy I got to see him!! Can't wait to reunite in KL over coffee and tea.

Soooo bummed I forgot to snap a photo with Julian!!! Sorry Jules, if you're reading, I still really love you and appreciate that you planned the whole thing for lil' ol' me. 

And last but not least, one with Hanna (didn't manage to say bye nor take a photo with Hanan). I stayed with her throughout and I'm sooo happy I did because she and Hanan were so lovely and so gracious to host me throughout my whole trip. Loved how we got right into gossiping as soon as we were done with our Good Morning's! And I really loved that we properly got to catch up with one another the past week because can't think of anyone else to do that with. Love you lots, dear Hanna!!!! Can't wait to see you and Hanan again in KL! Both of them are in their final year so they've been busy with classes and assignments so staying over their place made me feel like a student again! Not that I was studying with them or anything but I felt like I was in London for a short break before going back to Bristol. Love you two!!! Thanks for having me, girls!!!

OH I ALSO GOT TO SEE SNOW FOR THE FIRST TIME????? It was very short-lived and it didn't settle or anything like that. We were halfway into dinner when Shera pointed out it was snowing outside and you damn right I stopped and went outside to take a video to send to my family (they didn't reply because they've all seen snow.....).

I loved, loved, loved my whole trip. I graduated in the summer of 2016 and I really didn't expect to be back in England so soon. In fact, I was just telling a friend that we should all plan to go again in 3-5 years. Regardless I'm so happy I got to go because there's just something about London for me. Maybe it was all the solo trips I would take from Bristol to London in my years of studying there. Maybe it was the Christmas holidays where my friends and I would all bunk in a flat together to play board games and have sleepovers and cook ramai ramai. Maybe it was the cold that reminded me of my walks to classes in the rude winter or the birthdays we'd spend together. Maybe it was because I met so many new friends and grew closer to my old friends throughout my journey there. It was our first ever experience abroad without any parents and to have friends scattered all over the country was so unexplainably fun. It was wonderful to be back and it brought back the BEST memories of being a degree student. Like I said, I would've LOVED to have gone to Bristol for a day because I think I would've proper cried from the overwhelming emotions of being back in what essentially was my home as a young adult but being in London was good enough. My heart was so full and I was so blissfully happy to be back in the place that started it all.

Ending the post with a quote I came across while watching The Crown (I'm still not over it) which I then later found out to be a small excerpt from Shakespeare's Richard II.

"This happy breed of men, this little world, this blessed plot, this realm, this earth, this England"

xx

(Excuse all typo's, grammatical errors and odd sentence structures - it's half past 2 in the morn and I'm tired)

First 2 weeks of January

So what have I been doing for the past 2 weeks? 

First! I attended Rachael's wedding. Rachael is a friend of mine from high school. We met in primary school but I basically have no recollection of my primary school days when I was in Taman Tun because I absolutely hated the school and my life there so I think younger self blocked all memories there. Anyway, I met most of them back in high school and Rachael is the first friend who came up to me at assembly on the first day of school. I don't remember what she said but I do remember her saying she recognised my name on the class list. And from her, I knew everyone else. I loved my high school years and I had some of the best times with them. There was always some sort of house parties and celebrations and it was always just so fun. Also helps that these girls are some of the craziest and loudest bunch I've met. At Rachael's wedding, it is a TRUE FACT that we were the loudest in the hall. 

 

With Brenda (left) and Belinda (right). All of our other friends are taller so we're the mini ones in class. 

I haven't attended a friend's wedding before so this is my first time seeing a friend I've known since I was 14 in a wedding dress!!! Getting married to the love of her life!! It was a wonderful wonderful celebration and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. From birthday parties and having our parents drive us to tuition classes to seeing one of us get married. The whole reception was pretty surreal. I can't wait for all of us to get married hahahaha

I also really like my dress and it's from a shop in OU called WonderMe and it's like a small boutique. To be honest, I wouldn't have even thought of finding a dress in one of the shops there because I hardly go to the old side of OU. So I came across it by chance because Tania wanted to check out something from the store 2 doors away. It was also quite the bargain - got it at RM169 which is a steal because wedding dresses are SO expensive.

-

I've been also watching Black Mirror. After much convincing by everyone, I finally managed to sit myself through a whole episode and it was enough for me to watch another one... and another one. It has it's weird, creepy, odd appeal and it toys around with our fear of how invasive technology can be. It's scary and one says to not watch a string of Black Mirror episodes at one go because it feels too much. But I really dig it. I haven't watched every episode because I've skipped on some sleeper ones but I've watched a good amount to have a favourite. My favourite is Hang the DJ but I also recommend Nosedive, White Christmas, San Junipero and Black Museum (but only if you've watched a handful already, it's more fun that way). 

I now want to get into The Crown because so many people have said it's good and my mum told me of a fun fact she learned; Queen Elizabeth was Wikipedia's most searched about person in 2017 and it's largely because of the popularity of The Crown. Nothing like fun facts to intrigue me to watch a new TV show. 

-

I would've already been 25 this time next week. I'm so excited for this year.

xx

My New Year's Eve

It's January 1st!

Last night, I went to Kaveetha's house party which has in itself become an annual do. I always look forward to it because it's like a tradition to always gather at Kaveetha's place to dance, sing, catch up with friends and have fun. Came back at 3 which is pretty late in my book considering I didn't get enough sleep the night before but no complaints! I got to ring in the new year with some of my high school sweethearts whom I haven't seen in ages so it was really, really nice to do that again after so long! 

Can't wait to see her in her wedding gown next week! The first friend who came up to me in Taman Tun when I first moved in. Love you lots and lots, Rach. So endlessly happy for you!

To be frank, I don't even remember what my 2017 resolution was. Is there even a point to make resolutions anyway when everyone forgets about it once January 3rd rolls in.

I just want to save money and properly have this year the starting point of hopefully a bigger dream. I know I say this all the time but 2017 was still a year of me trying to make sense of work and getting used to the responsibilities that come with being an adult (I bought my first car! ... and the monthly payments are such a pain). So now that I think I've gotten the hang of it, I'm going to steer my life into the direction I've been wanting to go since I was 7. Pray for me! 

I also want to be have a better and healthier diet. I want to eat more greens, eat more vege and less fast food. In fact, my mum and I have made a pact to stay off fast food this whole month. Alhamdulillah I didn't fall sick all of 2017 - I hardly fall ill because my immune system is pretty impressive alhamdulillah but by no means do I underestimate my health! I need to be better with my diet and drink 3l of water everyday! I do it anyway but hopefully this year, I'll be consistent about it. My eczema has been so bad especially on my hands so I also want to be healthy for my skin's sake. 

Also! This is a pretty trivial one but this year I want to get into buying presents and gift wrapping them and all that! I think it's fun and we don't do that anymore. It's always very special to be receiving presents and to be giving them out. So I hope to do that to as many as I can.

I've just finished watching one of the most wonderful drama called, 'Because This Is My First Life' which stands by its rather quirky motto of 'Going through this life is the first time for all of us anyway' so no judging on how people live their lives and you do whatever you want to do as long as it's safe for everyone, and that it's good for you and for the people that you love. Everyone's figuring out their lives anyway so be nice always!

Hope everyone had a great 2017 and I'll spend my days wishing for a better 2018 for everyone. It only gets better from here.

xx

Jonghyun x

So yesterday evening I was on my secondary Twitter account (dedicated to all things Korean because I kinda didn't want to have my current feed bombarded with like, 300 K-pop accounts) when I came across a tweet that said the lead singer of popular K-Pop group, SHINee was found unconscious in an apartment in Seoul. His name was Jong Hyun. 

Now, I love SHINee. Maybe not as much as a proper fan but I mean, I do love them. I still follow them rather regularly and I keep track of their new releases and whatnot. And Tania and I even managed to see them at the SMTown building. That was pretty surreal because it was my first time seeing them up close.

Yesterday, he was found unconscious and was rushed to the hospital and after what seemed to be the longest time, he was pronounced dead. There were news going around that he was responding well to a treatment by the doctors but ultimately he succumbed to his death. He died from carbon monoxide poisoning and it was an apparent case of suicide. And then this wave of uncontrollable sadness just overwhelmed me and I cried. I cried because he must've had so much to deal with on his own, and it must've been so difficult for him to wake up every morning. I know a lot of Asians seem to dismiss mental illness. Apparently very true in his case in his long suicide note where he said his doctors weren't helpful and instead, had rubbished his depression and denounced his own depression on his own personality. I don't know how depression would feel but it must've been so dark for him. Breaks my heart to know that he performs his all for his fans for 9 years only to come back from that feeling so alone and dark. 

Before performing for his last concert, he handed his suicide note to a friend who then alerted the family. The family knew about it and was keeping a close eye on him and comforted him just to make sure he was doing fine. You can read the suicide note (in which Jong Hyun himself told the friend to make public whenever he would leave) here (Part 1) and here (Part 2) . It's a long one and I'm still trying to make sense of it but it's heartbreaking. I can't imagine the ones close to him. His mum, sister, friends. Especially the rest of his group members who has spent the later part of their lives together. All 4 members were assigned to be Chief Mourners at his memorial which basically means they were in charge of greeting all the ones who came to pay their respects. It's usually a role assigned to a family member so this speaks volume of how they were as a group. 

Mental illness should be discussed more freely and more often. Especially amongst Asians. We seem to not understand the magnitude of it. It's as if it's something we can get over pretty easily. For me, even throwing around the word 'depressed' feels wrong. I've stopped saying it a long time ago because it's such a dangerous adjective to be bouncing off conversations. It belittles the illness. 

Just be nice to everyone. Be understanding of everyone and be kind. Always choose to be kind. Everyone faces their own battles, unknown to most. Don't belittle depression, accept and acknowledge it as it is - an illness. Actually, just don't belittle any type of mental illness. Who are we to decide how someone feels.

Wake up everyday and feel grateful that you're not engulfed in darkness and that you don't have demons in your head but be mindful and accommodating to those who do.

We're all that we have. We share this space on earth with so many people. We need to respect and be kind to one another. Don't dismiss it as something that they'll get over easily. Don't dictate how others should feel. I hope this sheds light on the mental illness and suicide rate in Korea and everywhere else. Following this unfortunate incident, I'm trying to educate myself on mental illness and I think everyone should do too. We shouldn't be taking this lightly as we have been in the past. We need to address it and we need to do better where and when we can. 

Jong Hyun was a wonderful performer and he was a respected artist in the Korean pop industry. He was funny, entertaining and so sweet to everyone around him. Apt to the name of the group he rose to fame in, he was a star and he will always be. I can't put into words how sad I feel that he had to go through that alone. How hard it must've been for him to end the pain he was going through. 

I wish love and light for everyone suffering depression or any form of mental illness and I hope you pull through this, one day at a time. You are worth it and you are wonderful and you deserve a lifetime of great happiness. I'm sorry you don't feel it yet but with lots of prayers and wishes, you will. I pray that the day you see the light at the end of the tunnel, even if it's just a glimpse, comes soon. 

Jong Hyun, thank you for making days brighter for those who cared for you. I got into K-pop just as SHINee was about to make a come back for View and I got into it so quick after hearing SHINee's music. You and SHINee played a part in my love for K-pop which is why I've been speechless about this until now. I can't put this into words.

Taken from SMTOWN Global's official twitter. (Translation: Jonghyun, who loved music and enjoyed the stage more than anyone else and who loved communicating with his fans through music. The best artist. We'll remember you forever)

May God bless and may the days to come be full of joy and warmth and ease.

xx

Burgers at the hospital

Ok so hi.

I have the day off tomorrow! Yayyyy, I love public holidays and I don't care what anyone says! I'm essentially only working 4 days of next week and then I'll be off 'til 2018 and I'm so stoked! It'll feel like cuti sekolah again. I can imagine allll the days of me lying down and watching endless dramas.

I've started getting into Designated Survivor and it was... ok. It wasn't fantastic but ok lah, I was from one episode to another. It wasn't gripping. I watched it on my Netflix trying to squeeze as much as I can before the free trial ends in about a week. I haven't utilised much of it to be completely honest. When I was watching Designated Survivor, I was sleeping at 3-4am which is horrible because I had to get up at 9 the next day! And waking up at 9 would usually mean I'm at least 15 minutes late to work. So I stopped while I was ahead (or more like it got boring and meh) and now I'm... kinda back to a normal-ish sleeping routine? I was breaking out from sleeping so little so I'm trying to gain back all the hours I missed out on sleeping. Tonight, though, I think I'm going be up late. Since I'm at liberty to wake up pretty late tomorrow. EXCITED!

Today was pretty eventful. Got up early to go and see my friend, Hafeez, who got involved in a pretty horrific car accident. Alhamdulillah syukur, he only escaped with just a broken collarbone (still very ouch because he had to have a plate with 7 (!!) screws inserted). I got McDonalds breakfast for him and for another friend and we ate in the hospital room. This would be my second time having a meal in a hospital room because of a friend who got admitted. And hopefully my last! Maybe the next time when someone has given birth or something. But drive safely everyone!!! No one wants to have 7 screws in their body!!! He even made fun of how airport security is going to be a bitch from now on with all the metal in his body. *rolls eyes* And they say I'm dramatic.

Me with my burger. And my friend, the temporarily disabled Hafeez.

And then I got home and rested for a bit - tried watching an episode of something but it was sooooo slow so I slept hahaha. Had a birthday dinner at a Japanese restaurant at PJ and I had a plate of unagi cheese maki. I think that was what it was called? It was ok. I'm still so-so with Japanese food but it was the company that was a lot more enjoyable! Haven't seen the lot since the last week of Raya so I really looked forward to seeing everyone tonight.

I haven't hung out with friends in so long so a night out was much needed. I like to be reminded that I'm 24 and still young hahaha

So, another one leaves the team. Cryyyy. Raissa, the creative and marketing girl at NH has officially left the team. She is such a ball of sunshine and she makes our days in the office. So bubbly and so loud all the time, she's such a gem and we'll miss her lots and lots but she's just so good at what she does that wherever she lucks out on, she'll do amazing things! Love you girl, can't wait to see what's in store for you!!

Random tangent but BTS (aka favourite Korean boy group ever... in life... in the history of ever) just held their huge concert in Korea and I'm determined as ever to save up to go for their concert soon. I just need to. It's just something I HAVE to go for, I cannot pass up the opportunity again. Stay tuned!!! 

Photos from their official Twitter account.

Ok going to continue watching that really slow drama because my sister swears by it and it's being produced by the same folks over at Reply 1988 (y'know... the one that I'm an unofficial ambassador of) so I'm quite determined to watch it at least 'til the end of the first episode. With these Korean dramas, sometimes you need to just give it a chance. But damn, it's an hour and a half PER EPISODE. Yep, definitely the same people from Reply 1988 behind this one.

This post is so messy but oh well.

Have a wonderful Monday, everyone! Just to rub it in your face, I'll be in bed 'til at least 2pm. On a MONDAY. Night!

xx

It's December??

Um hello hi it's already December. Didn't we ALL just tweeted out "May the 4th be with you"???

Anyway, apologies for the non-blogging. I've just been busy, tired and uninspired to write about anything. I haven't taken a break from working so I still have a good amount of leave days left to be utilised. My family and I aren't making trips anywhere this year because we still have 2 girls in uni and they don't get much of a term break. I'm planning to only making a trip to Penang because I want to go see my grandparents and well, I really love Penang. And we're thinking of getting the train this time which should be fun. 

I'm excited for the new year to start. These past few weeks have seen me question a lot of my choices over the year. I feel like I can do so much better but I'm stalling it for absolutely no reason. It's hindering me from potentially doing things that are above and beyond me. Like I can see it but I can't seem to get there. It's very suffocating and frustrating. Which is why I kinda don't mind seeing the new year come quicker. I feel I need a new slate - starting now in December feels like a last minute effort to have things 0-100. I've already drafted new resolutions and I'm determined to make it happen. 2017 was brilliant, it was the first full year of being a proper working adult. But I need a new, clean, organised state. My mum has been posting throwback photos of our younger selves and she's so reminiscent about it which is cute. I can't believe I'm about to turn 25 next month. What's going on????? 

-

It's a long weekend for us here in Malaysia - yay! I was working both days last weekend for an event and it was hella hectic. We had a booth at Marktplatz which is Mimpikita's annual warehouse sale and we were one of the vendors. We sold soooo many shoes and we never really got to take a breather, it was manic! By the end of day 1, my whole body was sore which I thought was my body being dramatic until my friend told me the same thing. Second day of the event was a bit quiet in the morning but picked up pace by the end of the day. We walked away with a handsome amount of sales which is always good but man, that shit was tiring. Selling shoes to women looking for bargains is.. no... joke...

With my partner-in-crime. 

Syazwan and Nina were the one of many friends I met over the weekend. 

Good job, team! 

I wanted to blog some other things but I think I'll have it spread out to a few other posts. I'm going to have my haircut tomorrow and I AM SO STOKED!! 

Hope everyone has a lazy weekend! Don't check your work email.

xx

HIBT and Casey

Nothing quite like a Sunday spent lying in and taking a few naps and watching endless Youtube videos.

I did my laundry, vacuumed my room, scrubbed the toilet floor and walls, and washed the dishes after lunch, showered (am a dedicated cold-shower person now), prayed Isyak and wore a sheet mask to calm my purge of zits. My ideal Sunday probably wouldn't have consisted of doing chores but I mean, this was a good Sunday anyway because I had a good rest.

Went out for a surprise birthday dinner last night celebrating Syazwan's 24th birthday this coming Tuesday. And I was very excited about it because i) I haven't seen friends in a long time ii) I got to dress up a bit iii) I got to eat lasagna (which I found to not be that good but I'll make do). So nice to meet up with friends again that wasn't at a mamak haha.

It's irritating me that this photo isn't straight but I can't be arsed to fix it.

What I've been doing an awful lot these past week or so is listening to a LOT of How I Built This podcast. Sometimes I'd listen to an episode more than once. I think the reason why I've always wanted to start my own thing is not just because I love fashion and retail but because I genuinely am very, very interested and intrigued by the business world - it's so hectic and unpredictable and sometimes doesn't make sense at all but that's why I love it. I'm so curious about the dynamics of the ever changing market. Pair that with my habit of wanting to know everything about everyone and my endless need to understand how things are made and you have a #1 fan of a podcast. I'm so inspired every time I listen to an episode and I always, ALWAYS pester my family and friends to listen to them because it's just so good. I look forward to my long car rides home from work because that's all I listen to. Music isn't cutting it anymore for me hahaha. I think I've probably mentioned it way too many times here on my blog but I tried listening to other podcasts about entrepreneurship and start-up's and all that but it doesn't have the same... charm as How I Built This does. Listen here.

Another thing I'm obsessed with is Casey Neistat. Oh my God, I love the guy and the content he puts out. He is such a breath of fresh air. The only other daily vlogs I used to watch is Judy and her family but I fell off the wagon and now I've discovered Casey I feel like I can't go back to any other vlogs that doesn't have a drone shot and chaotic filming hahaha. He makes everyday feel like an event and he's just an ace filmmaker in general - the effort he puts out for his vlogs deserves the attention he's getting and more! I can't even piece a good 10 minute vlog (I still have my Singaporean trip in drafts and that trip was in September) and this guy is putting out videos with crazy good content and if you watch it, you know what I mean when I say how he makes his vlogs so effortless. I would've finish watching a video and I'm like "That was it???", not realising it was a good 15 minute video which in vlog time is pretty damn long. And on top of all that, he also seems like a solid great guy. Whenever he has fans saying 'hi' to him, he's always a sport about it and he LOVES his kids and it always makes me smile when he explicitly tells how much he loves his wife, son and baby daughter. And he makes me want to go to New York just *that* much more. LOVE HIM.

As for personal life, work is going okay and no, no boyfriend yet. 

xx

Silkscreen and a rant

November is in 3 days. 

It's a lazy Sunday which is my favourite kind of Sunday's. It's 11:15, skipped out breakfast and now hungry. Mum's cooking lunch and she texted me last night what I wanted to eat and I said masak lemak. Masak lemak with ikan goreng with sambal belacan with telur goreng? Yes. 

Yesterday I had to work for an in-store event. There was a silkscreen tutorial and participants were invited to learn how to print on a t-shirt. It was in conjunction with Pink October and everyone played around with a stencil of a nasi lemak. Bangsar Village also organised a Trick o Treat event and kids were all in costumes and they went from one shop to another for candy. Which I just thought was the cutest thing in life. Saw everyone from Belle to a Starbucks. Yes! Someone dressed as Starbucks cup hahaha. I've never experienced Halloween but I'd totally dress up as Cher from Clueless. It's been a lifelong dream, you can say.

Also, Singapore Fashion Week is happening now and I'm so dead jealous that it's being held at the National Gallery. That place is so stunning - the architecture of it all is massive and so beautiful. I was there during my trip to Singapore recently for the Yayoi Kusama exhibit and I was sooo taken by the gallery. It's so modern, it's so well-kept, it's so impressive. And for Fashion Week to be held there - divine idea. If you don't already know, I hate (and I'm being very generous here) that our fashion week is held in a public shopping mall. I think it's so... boring. There's no creativity for the designers to make their stage their own. Maybe it's because I'm so used to seeing fashion capitals hold their fashion week in unique places and making it personal. They have their own kind of runway, they have their own kind of seats, they have their own kind of interior, they have their own kind of performance. It gives the brand its character, right? Here, everyone's the same. Which in any other case, I'm totally fine with (#equality) but these are fashion brands who are trying to distinct themselves from everyone else. I've also been backstage for a show once and it's really not like how you see it everywhere else. Models actually get their hair and make-up done elsewhere and they only come rushing in backstage to change clothes. So really, even in terms of practicality and convenience, it's not a good idea to have it in a mall. It should be done properly and just organised better. I hate it. I've heard justification from its management saying by hosting it a public mall, it allows the public to see it and to experience a fashion show just like any one else. This is cute. Because if you really want it to be an immersive experience for the public then maybe the brands should also CATER for everyone else? Have you seen the prices on these designer things????? I'm not about to pay a 1000 ringgit for a jacket?? Also, invite people not because they are influencers but because they work in fashion and they are editors, and stylists and writers. It'll be very hard to convince me that an Instagrammer is going to influence me to get a 1000 ringgit jacket. Really hard. Try lah if you can but I doubt it. 

Sorry for going off on a tangent but I was looking through photos of SGFW and can't help but be so envious and mesmerised by how cool the whole location is. We need to up our game is allll I'm saying. Just had to rant that out somewhere that didn't limit my thoughts to 140 characters. I stress on thoughts. Anything and everything ever written on my blog is 110% my own opinion and thoughts and so, you're more than welcome to disagree but ultimately, this is still where I stand and it's still going to be up on my blog. Just had to be clear on that.

Anyway. Hope the coming week is better. I was up and about so much in the last week so I hope this week sees me more... organised and sane...? 

xx

Five Minutes (#1)

I'm going to time myself and write everything within 5 minutes. 

This will be random.

•  My skin is so dry. I have aloe vera lathered all over my face and my skin is DRINKING it like nothing else. Maybe also due to the OXY10 I've been putting. Damn pimples.

•  Should resumé's include photos? I say no because it's unprofessional and what has my looks got to do with how well I work anyway? 

•  I really need a new pair of jeans - one that's high waisted, cropped and flared. Maybe I just need a new belt that fits me well. I hate having to go the cobbler or tailor to fix anything post-purchase. I want something I can buy and wear NOW.

•  I'm watching While You Were Sleeping and it's a brilliant Korean drama. It's my new 'CAN'T WAIT FOR NEXT WEEK'S' drama. Last one was Fight My Way.

•  Listened to Jessie J's new single, "Not My Ex" and it's bringing me back to my KY days where Jessie J was ALL that I listened to.

•  I'm seeing everyone get married and I'm feeling a pang of, "Why am I alone" feels.
•  Skipped dinner and I always regret doing it because I'm so close to driving to McDonalds and buying me some fries. At 11:23pm.

xx