The Singing Sunflower

A Photoshoot with Jasmine

2013-08-19T02:26:00.000-07:00

I went on another photoshoot with a friend of mine, Jasmine. We both wanted something simple, yet classic. In conclusion, we went for a vintage/red theme. To achieve this look, a simple (white) dress is needed and accessories with a hint of red.

Some Tips & Tricks to South East Asia

2013-08-12T01:11:00.000-07:00

(Tips and tricks to south East Asia)

Thailand

My Trip Itinerary: Saigon >> Bangkok >> Pattaya >> Ban Phe >> Kho Samet

Things to do in Bangkok:

Grand Palace
Siam Park City
Wat Pho
Safari World
The "real" Floating Market
Khao San Road

Tips From Personal Experiences:

Pack light! Pack shorts, tank tops, light materials that can dry over night. Thailand is hot and humid most of the time. But don't forget to pack 1 or 2 t-shirts with sleeves and pants/dresses that cover your knees for temples.
Bring money! Like in Asian restaurants in the States, "Cash Only" signs are everywhere. Asian people don't really believe in debit/ credit cards, so be ready to use cash for everything in Asia. However, I do get nervous when carrying too much cash around, use a Charles Schwab debit card. This card is the hands-down the best debit card for travelers. It has no international transaction fees, no currency conversion fees, no monthly maintenance fees and no annual fee.
Bargain! I know some people don't believe in the concept of "bargaining," but the locals will rip you off on everything. And trust me! It will add up!!!!
Use Tinted Moisturizers, instead of foundation/powders! I am never a big fan of wearing makeup in the summer--not speaking of the humility of Thailand. I usually use bb cream or tinted moisturizers in Asia because it has SPF and water resistant ingredients for the skin. You don't want to have those cakey/droopy face and panda eyes on your vacation. It is really a trade off between beauty and comfort!
Use AGODA.COM for hotel reservations. Hands down, the easiest and cheapest solution to find hotels around Asia. Sometimes the pictures on the website can be "VERY" deceiving. Read the reviews and do your research before booking any hotels.
Ask or bring a map! Ask your hotels for a map around the region. It's important to know where you are and where you are going to.
Don't carry fancy purses/iPhone with you. Avoid wearing fancy purses or accessories in Asia. It's not safe! And for phones, buy one of those 1940's phones that has the battery's life span up to a month. My friend got her iphones stolen twice on the trip. Just be careful~ things can happen when you are least expected.

I took a month off from my school life and traveled to Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia. For now, I will just post pictures from my Thailand trips because I have more than 2k pictures from different countries! And I don't have time to go-over, pick, and upload all of them. Here are some pictures from my iPhone.

Bangkok

Our hotel was located right on Khao San Road

Cheap clothes! But You still have to bargain.

Compare the exchange rates to at least 5 different

stores, before exchanging your money.

Don't eat or buy the food on or near Khao San Road!

Expensive and not that great

Grand Palace! 5000 Baht (~17$) for foreigners.

Maybe ask the locals to buy you the tickets for cheap!?

Remember to wear shirts with sleeves and

pants/dresses that cover your knees! You

have to buy clothes if you have shorts or tanks

on. It's literally paying respect for the Buddha.

baptizing my head with the lotus water

My 2 good friends :]

Tuk Tuk! Ask for the price before riding one.

Pattaya

Our hotel has a killer view and an infinity pool!

We love coconuts!!!

A fiesta for under 20$

I used an underwater iphone case for these pictures

Our balcony from our hotel

The Tiffany's Show

WARNING: You have to pay to take pictures with them

Look at all the BOYS~

He got tricked into taking pictures with them boys~~

The Tiffany's Show: Doesn't live up to the HYPE

Fish Massage!!!!

I screamed the whole time~!!! Too ticklish

Ko Samet

Our Bungalow

Reading the maps of the island

We rent scooters to explore the island

"O," the nicest resort on the island

Driving a speed boat to other 4 islands

Snorkeling is not my FORTE-- I drank to much salt water that day

Lunch with the crew

Yum yum~~

gonna try to catch some SEA URCHIN

I got some, and ate it raw

Gearing up for zip-lining

I zip-lined to the longest forest in Asia

Best BBQ chicken in Thailand

Thai's Creepes

More food ...

Meet Vicky

2013-08-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

In the past, I've been taking pictures of objects, food, and landscape. I recently got into portrait photography. I was lucky enough to have pretty/photogenic friends that I can use to test out my skills.

Meet VICKY! She is one of my good friends with many talents in the beauty department--from fashion to makeup. Enjoy the pictures :]

Wedding Seasons

2013-08-06T00:03:00.000-07:00

I came across “Berta!” Expensive, but not too expensive for an average family. I love the lace, long sleeves, and simple approach toward modern wedding dresses ...

What do you guys think? LOVE IT or HATE IT?

NEW! Fashion Blog Website

2013-07-17T01:42:00.002-07:00

Hey Guys,

Sorry for being MIA for the last couple of MONTHS! I will post pictures of my mini "vacation" around S.E. Asian soon :] For now, I wanna introduce to you guys this "new" fashion blog website. It's rather new and definitely has potential. Check it out, sign up, and start sharing your fav bloggers for us to see :] WEBSITE: OtherFashionBlog.com

DIY Gold Necklace Out Of Hair Pins

2012-12-27T01:13:00.005-08:00

Materials:
1. Lots of hair pins
2. An old necklase (any color)
3. Spray paint (18K gold Plate metallic)

REMEMBER: Spray both sides and let it dry for 2-3 hrs before wearing it :]

Here is a video with step-by-step instructions:

DIY: Christmas Cards for Kids (Easy)

2012-12-22T16:38:00.004-08:00

1. Print the template at http://adf.ly/GKlfL

2. Fold your card in half

3. Trim your card to the desired size

4. Ask your kids or nephews you join (in this step)

5. Soak your thumbs (or other fingers) with your desired color

6. Start finger printing :]

ENJOY (:

or watch the tutorial on youtube

DIY Neon Yellow Shoes

2012-08-24T12:57:00.000-07:00

How to style my DIY yellow neon heels

DIY: Neon Yellow Shoes (Using Spay Paints)

Materials:

Newspapers | Spray Paints | Scissors | Tapes | Shoes

Step 1: Clean your Shoes

Step 2: Stuff the newspapers inside your shoes

Step 3: Tape any parts that you don't want the spray paints to get into

Step 4: Lay the newspapers on the floor

Step 5: Spray paint your shoes. For an even layer, REMEMBER to spray at the

same distance throughout so the paint won't clumps up on certain areas.

Step 6: Let it dry for 24 hours before wear

For the people that don't wanna read, I also made a YOUTUBE VIDEO:

FINISHED!!!

Parings: Neon Yellow Shoes

White Top: A|X

Orange Skirt: Gap

Chasing Pavements

2012-08-20T17:34:00.000-07:00

Asymmetric Shirt: Arden B

Liquid Tights- Miley Cyrus (Walmart)

DIY The Sleeveless Shirt

2012-08-17T12:31:00.001-07:00

Hello everyone,

It had been awhile since I last did a DIY post! Today, I'm gonna "attempt" my first clothes DIY! This took me FOREVER cuz I'm very clumsy as an individual--always dropping needles on my beds and poking needles into my fingers. Anyways, here is a shirt that I bought from a local thrift store (Salvation Army) for 3 dollars. I didn't like the long sleeves, so decided to alter this shirt a little.

Step 1: Lay a shirt on top. I used this sleeveless shirt as a mold

Step 2: Use a pen, marker, or fabric chalk (here) to trace the outline.

REMEMBER, to leave few inches for stitching.

Step 3: Cut along the outline. (OH MY! Look at my ghetto cutting skills)

Step 4: You can sew this by hand or machine!

FINISHED!!!

I can't believe I used to be in high jump!!!!

NOW, I can't even jump 1 ft if it has to save my life :(

Graffiti

2012-08-13T15:09:00.002-07:00

Top :: H&M

Rings :: Forever21

Bottom :: Fashion Store

Shoes :: Story - DIY Red Sole

Strawberry Croissants

2012-08-02T13:35:00.001-07:00

Craving for some strawberry croissant

Rings + Earrings :: Aldo || Watches :: Target

Shoes :: Nine West

Romper :: APT 9 (Kohls)

Sunglasses :: Gucci

Finally done with my Microbiology class! Phewww that was such a tough class!!!! Summer starts now for me :] Hope everyone is having fun in the sun :] yayayay

The Floral Dress

2012-07-30T18:34:00.001-07:00

Shoes :: Charlotte Russe

Necklace :: H & m

Floral Dress :: Do & Be

I don't usually wear floral dresses for many reasons. I prefer monochromatic dresses for simplicity. But since this was a gift from a friend, I thought to give it a try! What do you guys think of this? YAHH or NAHH ???

Inspired Jewelry Storage (20 Ways)

2012-07-28T12:43:00.000-07:00

No. 1 | Mirrored Tray

No.2 | Sea Shells

Too many rings laying around? Necklaces tangling up together? Or a lost pairs of earrings? You, my friend, have an organization problem! Don't worry, I'm no better than you guys. This is why I was inspired to look around the internet for 20 easy and fast way to store your jewelry. Enjoy, if you have more questions or recommendations, please leave a comment :]

No.3 | Kitchen Dishes

No.4 | Framed Lace

No.5 | Wallpaper With Pins

No.6 | Any Nice Design

No.7 | Old Books

No.8 | Tree Branches

No.9 | Frame W. Branches

No.10 | Pin Onto Walls

No.11 | Mannequin

No. 12 | Hooks & Chains

No. 13 | Wooden Board

No. 14 | Dried Branches

No.15 | Daddy's Revolving Tool Box

No.16 | Shower Curtain Rings

No. 17 | Spaces Under Shells

No.18 | Over The Door Organizers

No.19 | Wine Corks

No.20 | DIY Jewelry Box

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Too&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

Bodycon Skirts

2012-07-26T22:28:00.000-07:00

Ohhh NO... Summer is almost over and I've not yet shown the world my Summer Wardrobe! Well, this is gonna be an excuse to whip out my summer's essential: bodycon skirts. Click on "READ MORE" to view six more images on how I would style a simple bodycon skirt :]

FIRST OUTFIT | With Tuck In Your Shirt

Shoes :: F21 || Top :: Fashion Young || Bodycon Skirt :: H & m

SECOND OUTFIT | With Flared or Pelum Shirt

Voodoo Dolls to release my anger ... jk

Top :: H & m || Bandage Skirts :: H&m

Shoes :: Guess

Adele & Christian Louboutin Inspired Nails

2012-07-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

How was your weekend? Mine was magical. I was fortune enough to visit NYC again for a school interview. To feel confident and lucky, I decided to mimic my nails like Adele at the 2012 Grammy Award. Since I'm not a nail wizard, I kept it simple with a black top coat and red at the bottom.

Here is the result! What do you guys think? Hate or Love it?

Materials:

1. Bend Don't Break

2. Red Nail Polish:

3. Black Nail Polish

4. Q-Tips

5. Container
(missing in picture)
6. White Nail Polish

7. Acetone

Before starting, know that there will be 3 basic layers. Layer 1 is the base coat, then a layer of white, and then black. Top coat is optional as the fourth coat.

1. First, paint the bottom of your nails red. Do this first so you can erase any unwanted mark with acetone later and not effect the surrounding.

2. Paint your nails with any base coat in the front for long lasting nails. I chose Jessica's Bend Don't Break because it acts as a base coat and a nail treatment.

3. Paint a layer of white nail polish in the front. This step is important!!!! If you skip this step, the red at the bottom won't show up vividly after the black coat is applied.

4. Apply your black coat!

5. Top coat is optional here

Here is my version of Adele and Christian Louboutin Inspired Nails

FINISHED!

Day Dreaming

2012-07-19T05:43:00.002-07:00

The view from my University

Top: Gap || Bodycon Skirt: H&m || Stockings: DKNY || Belt: Bebe

studying for my Microbiology Test :]

How to wear Bodycon skirts-- 3 ways

Blue Is The New Black

2012-07-13T18:45:00.001-07:00

Happy Friday the 13th!!!!
Everyone's got the blues! Of late, I've spotted the world's most stylish women turn up in this spring/summer's apparent hit colour. With royal blue taking preference, I'm up for some Jazzy Blues too :]

You guys just don't know... what I had to go through with this dress! This is why I hate Forever 21 clothes (even though I used to work there for years in H.S). I hate the cheap stitches and the materials. However, the material for this dress was actually decent, but the stitching was HORRIBLE! I had to re-stitched almost the entire dress, added an extra layer of fabric under the dress cuz it was too see thru, and made the "split" longer cuz it was originally in an awkward length! Was the 27-dollar-dress worth it? Maybe not, but I really like the color and the style. THEREFORE, I would only buy this with a gift card that I've received for my birthday.

Dress | Forever 21

Shoes | Qupid

Walk A Thin Line

2012-07-10T18:47:00.000-07:00

Shoes| Forever 21

Zipped Skirt| H&M

Clutch| Michael Kors

DIY: To-Go or Portable Mesh Long Skirt

2012-07-08T02:24:00.001-07:00

My inspiration for this mesh skirt ...

(D.I.Y) How to make this To-Go Long Mesh Skirt!

Lately, I've been obsessed with see-thru (or this mesh) fabric. So I decided to make something out of it. Instead of sewing this to one of my skirts, I made a "portable" or "to-go" one. Because ... if I do mess up (on the sewing), I don't have to throw any of my skirts away! And two, I can apply this "to-go mesh skirt" to any of my skirts! Oh how convince :] YAYAY! Let's begin the tutorial

Material:

2 or 3 Yards of Mesh fabric (2.99 per yard)
Candles + Matches
Threads + Needles
Elastic Band
Lint Roller
Scissors
Iron

Step #1: Cut the edges and use the lint roller to clean up the mess

Step # 2: I know this is weird, but I like to flame my edges! When melted, the plastic will stick the edges together. Just gently and quickly pass the edges through the fire for 1-2 seconds.

Step #3: Iron to create folds

Step #4: Now, sew the folds together

Step #5: For the waist, sew a fold that is big enough for the elastic to go through. Put the elastic band through the fold, and connect the two ends together.

Finished! My portable/ To-go mesh skirt

Shoes: Report Signature

Skirt: Arden B

Ladies don't lean against lamposts

2012-07-06T16:10:00.003-07:00

Such an interesting Spring collection called 'Ladies don't lean against lamposts' from Friend of Mine's. This will hit stores and online on July 9.

Hand Washing: Soaps, Antibacterial Soaps, and Hand Sanitizers

2012-06-25T01:40:00.001-07:00

( picture from examiner.com)

Hello Everyone,

How was your weekend? I hope everyone had fun! Today, I will try to persuade every single one of my readers to wash their hands correctly and to inform you guys the differences between soaps, antibacterial soaps, and hand sanitizers! I think all professions from teachers, artist, doctors, chefs, fire fighters, and EVEN bloggers need to wash their hands! and THEY NEED TO WASH THEIR HANDS CORRECTLY!

For this summer, I had nothing better to do, but to enroll myself in a Microbiology class at a nearby college! So, lately, I've been VERY paranoid by little, unseen animals (aka bacteria.) It's very annoying to know that bacteria ARE virtually everywhere, but I can't do ANYTHING about it!!! Anyways, the best way to cure my paranoia is to wash my hands after every bathrooms' visits, meals, and every time I touch something in the public.

Our Lab Results!!!!! Pretty gross! Little dots are bacteria colonies ...

To begin with, there are three main ways to clean our hands: soaps/detergents, antibacterial soaps, and hand sanitizers. (If I make NO SENSE! SORRY)

Soaps/Detergents

Soaps/Detergents functions as surfactants. It's known as a wetting agent to decrease the surface tension of a liquid, the interracial tension between two liquids, or that between a liquid and a solid. It emulsifies fats, oily firm, and skin.
The "soap" does not kill the bacteria, but mechanically removes the bacteria from our skin. Therefore "RISING" and "SCRUBBING" are super duper important to physically removing the bacteria.

This is my agar plate with "BEFORE" and "AFTER" washing my hands. The small dots are bacteria colonies! Surprisingly, I had more "bacteria" after my wash my hands with soaps! After researching and reading textbooks, I found out these are actually my "resident flora"-- the good bacteria that colonize the body in a symbiotic relationship! I had no "transient flora"--bacteria maybe on the body for a short time, but do not colonize. The soap was actually washing away my skin and revealing more "good" bacteria.

Anti-Bacterial Soaps

Antibacterial soaps has a very low concentration (~ 0.15- 0.3%) of this ingredient called "Triclosan." At low concentration, Triclosan targets fatty acids synthesis by binding to an enzyme called ENR. This actually kill the bacteria! Overtime, the bacteria will alter their ENR genes so Triclosan won't work on them anymore. Also, the bacteria can "over-express" their ENR genes, or develop mechanism to pump the Triclosan out of their cells. SMART HUH!? After this, I'm staying away from Antibacterial soap, I don't want the bacteria on my body to resist toTriclosan and get stronger in the future!

Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers usually contain alcohol (ethanol or isopropanol). Alcohol is very effective against bacteria, fungi, and virus, but not spores or endospores. This denatures proteins and disrupts cytoplasmic membrane. Most hand sanitizers have a percentage of 62-70% alcohol because it does not evaporate right off your hands, but sits their long enough to kill the bacteria. COOL HUH? Check the percentage of alcohol on your hand sanitizers! It shouldn't exceed 70%, or it will not work properly!

Apparently, my friend's hands were pretty dirty! And the Hand Sanitizers DID HELP HER!

Alright! This is the proper way to wash your hands! Remember! Step#3, RISING/SCRUBBING is very important to get the bacteria off your hands! Also, Step #5 is also important! Don't use your naked hands to turn off the water or open the door! Use a paper towel PLEASE!

-Happy Washing Hands!!!

DIY: Christian Louboutin Inspired Red Sole Shoes (PART II)

2012-06-20T00:39:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

How is your summer so far? Mine was a B-L-A-S-T, but I'm back to summer school now! *A moment of silent* School seems to be a "NEVER ENDING" cycle for me!!!!

ANYWAYS...

FOR NOW!!!! We have a tutorial to do (sorry for my ADD-ness). Few months ago, I did my first RED SOLE tutorial (picture below) or READ MORE HERE. For that tutorial, I used 3 nail polishes to paint the soles of my shoes. Today, I will show you a SECOND "technique" to achieve the same result!

Let's start on the tutorial:

Materials:

Cha Cha Cherry (or any color you want) Ducktape
Grip Knife
Scissors
Shoes

Nude Pumps

Nude Pumps from Steve Madden

Steps To Transform Your Shoes:

Time: 30 mins
(depends on your cutting and trimming skills)

Satisfaction: 7 / 10

Step # 1: Clean the bottom/sole of your shoes with baby wipes or paper + water

Step # 2: Choose what color tape you want! I chose Cha Cha Cherry (Red ) Ducktape for my sole

Step # 3: Tape it to the bottom of your shoes

Step # 4: Smooth out the tape, so the surface is even

Step # 5: Fold the tape along the edges, so you can easy identify the edges of the tape on the shoes

Step # 6: Use the grip knife, and cut along the edges

Step # 7: After tracing with the grip knife, quickly rip the remaining tapes out

Step # 8: The edges might look uneven at first, you can go back and trim it again

I know this might look ghetto and ugly, but this tape is not big enough to COVER the whole shoes!

DON'T WORRY!!! This is the bottom of the shoes. NO ONE will notice this :]

DIY: Christian Louboutin Inspired Red Sole Shoes (Using Red Duck Tape)

Warnings:
I would RECOMMEND to do this tutorial as a ONE-TIME-USE red soles and PEEL IT OFF AFTERWARD :] (if you want to keep the tape on these shoes) put them in cold places (lower than room temperature, 25 Celsius) ! The TAPE'S sticky side tends to melt and stick to the shoes at HOT temperature!!!

There are advantages and disadvantages to this technique versus the"nail polish" technique. You can weight out the Pros and Cons! and Judge for yourself

PROs

Cheap materials
Can peel off easily
Fast / Easy to make
No smelly nail polishes smell

CONs

Cutting/trimming skills are required
Might damage the shoes, if you cut into the shoes
Doesn't look as good as the "nail polish" technique
sticky tape can stick to shoes if the room temperature is HOT

Wear Them Blue Jeans

2012-06-14T04:12:00.001-07:00

Summer is Here! Be BOLD by wearing bright and colored jeans!!!! Sorry, I've been busy editing pictures from my East Coast vacation for the Food Blog. I will be uploading tons of new DIYs + Tutorials by next week. Please be patient and come back next Tuesday or Wednesday. For now, check out my food blog at Curious Tasting for more delicious foodtography :]

Cheers!!! I LOVE my BLUEMOON :]

Before & After Prom Makeup

2012-05-26T00:57:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone,

I'm done with FINALS! And summer officially starts NOW! Today was somewhat a hectic day for me-- finished up my last FINAL, fed my little nephew, met up old H.S. friends, called grad schools, and helped Theresa with her Prom makeup (PHEW...) It was so nice of her to let me post her before/after pictures. Thank You, Theresa.

For Theresa's face, I used only drug stores makeup (except for BareMinirals) such as ...

1. Neutrogena's Oil Free Moisture (For Combination Skin)

2. Monistat Soothing Care Chafing Relief Powder-Gel

3. Revlon's ColorStay (Normal/Dry Skin)

4. I.D BareMinerals's Loose Powder

5. Elf's Clarifying Pressed Powder

6. Elf's Makeup Mist and Set

She looked stunning with this coral body-con dress and gold heels

Have fun at PROM, Theresa :]