Fashion, Shopping, Life Jottings & many more..

The Big Day - Part 2

2010-11-10T15:26:00.000+13:00

A week before D-day, I had a run through with Bridget of BGorgeous ("B") to discuss with her the hair style and make-up colours I was looking to incorporate for the wedding day. Since we only communicated via phone and email before this, I also went the extra step by compiling and emailing pics prior to our meeting to show her what my current hair is like and the hairstyle I wanted.
Since my face is "bulat" (translated to English- round) + chubby , I don't particularly suit an up-do. Neither do I want it straighten. That's my almost daily look. I wanted something fuss free and loose + showing off a bit of natural me. Moreover being an Asian but not having Asian hair, it is difficult. Yes, I have curly hair. The straight hair you see in my pics were all "enhanced" (thanks to straighteners!).
Here were the results.

Front view of hair

Back view of the hair

I cannot stress how important it is to have this talk through and also the trial with the person doing your hair and makeup for your big day as it will either make or break your day. Nobody wants a grumpy or annoyed bride (cue Bridezilla...). It will also help he/she to understand your skin tones and hair types + won't be running headless on the day itself it things doesn't go on accordingly.
Be prepared with the information like the theme for your day, the hairstyles you are wanting and also if you can describe or show your dresses to them, it would be ideal.
I remembered B also asked whether I wore a lot of makeup on a daily basis and the degree of makeup I wanted - may it be natural, pastel, a bit colours or dramatic..

Up close on makeup

I was glad and relieved I did the trial because not only I got to know the wonderful B who was so accommodating and attentive, I also managed to let B know that I thought the colours she chose for me then was a tad dark and I wanted more colours to brighten it. She also found that using normal eyeliners for my eyes caused smudges so she opted for liquid liners on the day itself.
In addition to all this, I also managed to gauge the "lasting" effect on the hair and makeup as B will not be around the whole day with me, so it was good that we (E & I) knew how to touch up when freshening up for photo shoots and the evening reception.

Check me out on B's website. I am a "celebrity"...

A new chapter in this blog

2010-11-09T17:30:00.000+13:00

I used to shy away from cooking, baking or whatever that are raw and fresh and involved "transforming" them into cooked or edible food. If you were mates with me, you will know that I would rather wash up than to cook.
Times have changed since then because I am now living away from home, I really missed mom's cooking and the local delicacies in Penang. Moreover, it makes more sense to buy fresh food + take up cooking as we can save so much more than eating out everyday (save the eating out to weekends, tee-hee..)

So in this lil' blog now, am introducing a new section, which is my adventure with food (Blog tag: Masak-masak, in Malay, which roughly means cooking in English).
I leave you here the my baked walnut, pear and banana muffins.

The Big Day-Part 1

2010-11-08T18:13:00.000+13:00

I am going to start off this main entry of mine here with a post on my wedding.

My big day was close to 9 months ago and I must say I still miss planning it A LOT.

I am not sure why I am still hooked on it till now...its probably ooh-aah-ing about the dresses or maybe just getting into the buzz...

I remembered going through a lot of phases and changing my mind over and over again on colour themes. I was so reluctant to put my foot down on which colour I wanted and kept showing it to AC to get his buy-in. Oh my I can't imagine the hell I put him through, ooppss...

But I think it finally was obvious when I bought my or rather THE heels I want to wear with my beautiful dress (I had 3 pairs by the way), tee-hee...

In my mind, colours for our big day should reflect our personality. We love colours and isn't very much into colour coordinating everything. So that's it, these were the colours we are going to work on and around with when it comes to the stationeries, flowers, MOH dress, etc, etc.


The pair of peep-toe heels (hooked on our picket fences...)

2 stalks of mini-gerberas for my flowergirl to hold onto when she walks down the aisle

MOH's wristlet

My bouquet

The heart shaped bouquet which was placed at the chapel's entrance

Favour (noodle box) and self made menu for reception dinner

Order of service for wedding mass

I am back!

2010-11-08T16:33:00.001+13:00

It's been a while, hasn't it?

Thanks for welcoming me back (by stopping by..)

Till the next post.......... XOXO

A Thousand Apologies

2010-02-01T17:55:00.000+13:00

I am very much aware that this blog's been abandoned, shuffled to a corner, collecting dusts and cobwebs whilst I juggled Christmas-New Year celebrations, turning 3-0, squeezing in a mini trip back to Penang and planning + organising for my wedding which is in 19 days time!
It doesn't help that work is whirlwind crazy when February marks the new season for us retail company and looking back at Summer 2009 - which was the dog and diamond, what sold and how to make Winter 2010 a better one and all this happening with one staff member down in the department plus me going on wedding leave in approximately 15 days time!
Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I promise, I will be right back............. so stay tuned...

Best pressie this year

2009-12-28T18:02:00.002+13:00

Introducing my latest craze: the Nokia E72

Christmas came early for me as this was received in the beginning of December 2009, before my trip back to Penang, courtesy of AC

I chose the goldish/brown colour version........
Totally love it!

What terrifies you most?

2009-12-28T17:55:00.000+13:00

What terrifies you most?

Could it be:

spiders,cockroaches, snails, bees, any forms of birds with feathers, waxing, ants, eating insects and the list goes on

What terrifies me most?

Truth be told, I am easily terrified.

For instance, I got quite scared when ducks terrorize my lawn.

I cannot stand the sound of them quacking while looking their next feed (i.e. worms) on my lawn... especially after my lawn's been fertilised... just send shivers down my spine...

Ducks aside.............

I am also terrified of going to see the doctor and waiting for medical test results.

The fear of not knowing what's going to happen next, kills me!

Oh the joy of wireless internet keeps me from going insane while waiting but then again what a waste of time waiting to see these so-called specialists and then not getting any answer(s) which made sense?

Urrgggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

A year on

2009-12-28T16:57:00.005+13:00

A picture of my gfs and I which was taken in Penang mid-last year (2008)

And below was our recent picture taken almost 2 weeks ago during my short trip back home.
Time flies... the end of 2009 is almost here.
How our lives have changed too in this one year.

As we take on different, new or grow the roles in our life, do remember to stay positive and be happy always.

May we all have a blessed 2010!

Smile!

2009-10-08T20:02:00.000+13:00

Smiling releases hormones that help destress.

Although a heartfelt smile has a deeper effect, research shows that even fake smiles do the job.

So, spend a few minutes smiling at the mirror, it might even make you foolish....

But it is better than feeling frazzled!

Maxi Dress (GG inspired)

2009-10-03T21:33:00.001+13:00

Maxi dresses - pics from Gossip Girl season 3's first episode

The maxi dress is is still a key fashion style for Summer!

XOXO

Hallensteins : Massive 3 day Clearance @ Auckland

2009-10-02T01:49:00.001+13:00

Old and new investments

2009-09-26T22:49:00.000+12:00

Been de-cluttering my closet + house and finally decided that I should clear some space around it.

I have finally parted (very heavy hearted) with the Stella bag I bought as a motivation to start gym-ing or exercising....
It is of no use to me because (a) I have never started my exercise regime; (b) it is better off with another person who will actually use it and (c) it is good to share and pass along great stuffs with others.

So hopefully, your new owner will be proud to tote you around!

Sayonara!

And on another note, last weekend marked a new investment by AC and I.....
Since designer sporting bags can't motivate me to start exercising, I hope these wonderful gadgets will.......

Woo-hoo........... off to Wii now..........

Kids at Fashion Week

2009-09-26T22:25:00.001+12:00

Aren't they adorable?

Trelise Cooper Kids @ NZ Fashion Week

Source: www.nzherald.co.nz

Updates on the "big day"

2009-09-24T22:47:00.000+12:00

What's done:

Fixed a date
Finalised ceremony and reception venues
Confirmed our celebrant
Enrolled and "graduated" from Catholic Engagement Course
Ordered my dress (after so many try-ons.......)
Sorted AC's suit
Booked makeup and hair artist
Confirmed photographer
(Sort-of-know) the theme for "the day"
Appointed Maid of Honour & Bridesmaid (s) (hmmm 1 of the girl's status is TBC)

What else to do:

DIY : designing and printing invites
DIY : menus, placement cards, ceremony “order of service"
Buy a mini teapot and cups for tea ceremony
Measurements for "ang chai" (red prosperity cloth for the house's front door)
Book florist
Dresses for MOH and BM + little flowegirl
Need to phone organist/pianist for ceremony as no reply via email :(
Order rings
Cup-a-cakes!!!!!!! Or go all the way with multi tiered cake? :P
Fit the guys out for their suits
Car hires
Menu selection
Select wines and bubbly
Candles for ceremony
Need empty angpows

OMG so much more to do......................... If I keep listing them I might start having a panic attack here............

Something blue

2009-09-24T22:30:00.001+12:00

Bridget by Mi Piaci

So in lurve with shoes right now......

Best way to de-stress from work and uni assignments is looking + admiring beautiful shoes........

*Please excuse me for the back-to-back shoe posts*

Purple Heels

2009-09-17T12:41:00.000+12:00

DAZE by Chinese Laundry

PurpleGeek here's some shoes for you!

PS: I bought a similar colour strappy 3 inches (different design) as back up wedding shoes...

Microdermabrasion

2009-09-09T09:06:00.001+12:00

Microdermabrasion (often referred to as Microderm) is a family of cosmetic procedures popular in day spas, doctors' practices, and medical spas in which the stratum corneum (dead outermost surface of the skin) is partially or completely removed by light abrasion, to remove sun-damaged skin and to remove or lessen scars and dark spots on the skin.
The procedure is not very painful and requires no anesthetic. Microdermabrasion can be used medically for scar removal when the scar is raised above the surrounding skin, but is less effective with sunken scars. There is very little, if any, evidence that microdermabrasion stimulates collagen formation. Microdermabrasion can also be used for treatment of acne, but must be repeated periodically to be effective.

Will know more when Saturday comes...

bring on monday!

2009-09-07T09:38:00.002+12:00

bright sunny weekend.loved the sunshine, hated the cold snappy winds.would love summer to come quickly.wearing 1-2 layers less of clothes now.have not felt so relieved in months.slept till 12 noon on saturday.went for eyebrow threading.have nice shapely eyebrows again.handed in marketing assignment on friday.off from uni for 2 weeks.cleared heaps of clothes to be ironed.believe me there are more.yikes!cooked again on saturday, seaweed seafood soup.how delish!wedding plans back on too.wonder how i can do so well switching on and off whenever i want to.poor fiancee of mine dealing with me and split personalities.out and about on the weekends shopping.would love to hit the beach as well!!!!bought a pair of ballerina flats for $10.thankful the fiancee had a good eye for shoes with a cheap price tag.also in the shopping list was 2 belts and 1 sunnies.was reminded that sunnies collection increasing.sly hint in your remark.laughed over it.omg need to get belts and pashmina organizer set up soon in cupboard.need to sort out my closet.ordered my veil after so so long putting if off.great exchange rate of nzd to usd.that was my weekend.

Dress of the day

2009-09-02T09:23:00.004+12:00

Jim Hjelm's raspberry chiffon A-line tea-length dress, draped cross-over V-neckline bodice

I hope my BM(s) are taking notes of the dresses I post here as you might end up wearing one of this design maybe, you will never know..

Harem Pants - for Men?

2009-08-27T22:43:00.005+12:00

How did my lunch appointment with E ended up with us discussing about Harem Pants - for Men?

E who just returned from her hols at Hungary was sharing with me about the curret fashion style in Europe where it is all about bright vibrant colours on all the clothes for both men and women, the lack of colours in NZ's clothings (will see how Spring/Summer 09 goes..) and... Harem Pants- for Men.
I thought she got it wrong and "corrected" her, it is for "Women", E?

No she said....... I thought she was kidding.

As far as I am aware, the harem pant fashion trend did not kick in here in NZ when a few fast fashion womenswear retailers trialed them months ago.

But check the below out first.......

latest collection from Versace, Lanvin and Bottega Veneta

Would your man (boyfriend/partner/husband) dig this look?

What do you think?

Down Memory Lane

2009-08-21T13:34:00.006+12:00

"Nyonya" is the generic name given to Chinese women who descended from Chinese migrants in the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore when the states of Malaya were under the rule of the British colony. The men are called Baba.
They speak Malay rather than Chinese and for the women, their dress of choice is the Sarong-Kebaya.
The Babas and Nyonyas are known as "Peranakan".
(Combination of generic definitions obtained from the www)

My family is Peranakan. We speak more in Hokkien and English rather than Malay. We adore spice in our food because without it, food always seem blend and tasteless, creates no appetite at all - so says mom and aunties during meal times. I might be influenced by them now but I cannot agree more. LOL

There are certain words too which we never know what it is called in Hokkien, but we always address it in Malay...
Can anyone tell me how do I say "soap" in Hokkien, but not "sabun"?

In our attire/dressing, the nyonya kebaya is always reserved for special occasions, i.e. birthdays. weddings, etc. I am always amazed how a kebaya can create feminity in most women who dons it, creating curves never seen before!

I am feeling quite nostalgic lately and managing the planning of our wedding which is coming in the next 6 months, I tend to reflect a lot, especially on family, home and our cultures + traditions. I am trying my best to incorporate as much family culture and traditions in the wedding, which include making one of my attires for my BIG DAY, the nyonya kebaya.

Will see how that goes..sourcing a kebaya maker online is quite a task!

Oh yes one more thing..

The book cover of "The Nyonya Kebaya" by Datin Seri Endon caught my attention because it is bright, colourful and attractive.
How gorgeous!

Cleo & Kookai

2009-08-16T18:00:00.002+12:00

Free gifts with the purchase of this month's Cleo NZ mag.
Kookai's black footless tights and a silver tote bag

How great! Another bag (tote) to add to my collexion....

Damn I am easily attracted to freebies...

Wedding Dress Rant

2009-08-13T16:21:00.008+12:00

After months of flipping bridal magazines and looking online, I started off my "ideal BIG DAY dress" search with a fixed design and colour because I thought it will suit me. Little did I know this "idea" sorta drifted away because (a) the design I wanted is a bit too much (allows me minimal movement) and (b) doesn't suit my body type.

Up to date I have tried on around 30 wedding gowns. Yes I know and fully understand the more dresses I try, the more confused I become and I must say the dress which I ordered is totally different from what I actually envisioned my wedding dress to be!

Now I totally need to also say it here that this Pronovias gown pictured below is by far the most gorgeous wedding gown I have tried on! OMG OMG
I knew it when I had it on that I needed to get this dress..................
Been totally head over heels smitten with it and even though I cannot afford this designer gown as it would blow over our wedding budget, I am c-o-o-l.....
By the way, the retail price is around NZD $4500.

Unfortunately the store did not allow me to take a picture when I tried the gown on so it will always remain a sweet image of me with this gown and the chapel veil for AC and I......

~I heart wedding dress hunting!~

2009-08-12T12:50:00.002+12:00

I AM GOING FOR THE FINAL SHOW IN NZ

FOR 'STARLIGHT EXPRESS' THIS SATURDAY!

New on my Skincare regime

2009-06-07T18:18:00.008+12:00

Its been a long long while since I bought any type of skincare from over the supermarket shelves. Since my teens I had bad acne problems and terrible oily skin, I tried everything over the shelves but nothing worked. So I had stuck to what was best for me until now I thought why not try it out again, this time around mix over the shelves products with the expensive skincare brands (Shiseido, Biotherm and Clinique) to see how the results are. I must say after 2 weeks, it's been good....

Source: Aveeno

AVEENO POSITIVELY RADIANT® CLEANSER

With moisture-rich soy, cleanses without over-drying
Gentle enough to use every day and even for sensitive skin
Soap-free, oil-free, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic

AVEENO POSITIVELY RADIANT® DAILY MOISTURIZER WITH SPF 15

Total Soy Complex and Natural Light Diffusers
Nnaturally even out skin tone and immediately reflect light to bring ou

t skin's natural radianceGentle enough to use every day and even good for sensitive skinSPF 15 UVA/UVB sunscreen, oil-free, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic

AVEENO ULTRA CALMING NIGHT CREAM

With naturally calming feverfew, a natural ingredient related to chamomile, clinically proven to visibly reduce facial redness and calm irritation
Helps soothe dry, red uncomfortable skin
Moisturizes skin all night long to maintain healthy-looking skin
Gentle enough to use every day and safe enough for the most sensitive skin, even those with rosacea.
Oil-free, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic