tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19925562387083653682024-03-13T17:56:10.748+08:00happydiscosadnessUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-13184166234323150252019-07-14T15:22:00.000+08:002019-07-14T15:22:07.784+08:00Generation Gap<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4mdqw1uqTWKX-uAu-moEm2fi9890D3LvpdiNEBCCydemYKQZDMWuty8ouvZeVL8hSAcHU8l0JuCicvJnGt7JVDjctPsAHRZxlrLQinaZumJHnTnXo7rNtqzSCsqtrygqItlBNiSalrss/s1600/0.png" width="1200" height="367" />
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<p class=ex1>I am back in school doing my Masters. It's bizarre how I got myself into this. For a kid who never did well in school, I can't even imagine why I'm here.</p><br>
<p class=ex1>The funny thing is... all this time, I thought people should get experience first before even getting their Masters... otherwise, what's there to talk about? Isn't Masters supposed to be like the next level of your Bachelor's or something? Well, I don't know. I probably got the memo wrong because here I am with a bunch of kids literally a decade younger than me.</p></br>
<p class=ex1>I have a bad habit of self-deprecating myself. Partly because it's part of my humor and partly because it's the truth. Like I always joke about how painful my back is and how I get bruised up easily. My young friends laugh at me and call me old. Haha, if they only knew what they're getting themselves into. This profession that they're aiming for will literally break their bones and muscles. They say it will never happen because they'll own their businesses. That made me laugh again because that's exactly what 50 blockmates of mine said and look where they are now. Most are no longer in the field and the few left, well, some never even left their very first jobs...</p><br>
<p class=ex1>So this is what older people must have felt. When young people start dissing you for all that wisdom and experience you've gained. I understand now.</p><br>
<p class=ex1>I'm beginning to look at the bright side of things which is really hard, still. But the workload is definitely keeping me from drowning in a depressive state. I am trying to remember all my long term goals and focusing my energy into achieving that. If I managed to do it 3 and 5 years ago, I'll be able to do it again.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-38072457409686920902019-06-28T15:05:00.003+08:002020-08-23T21:46:30.704+08:00The Beauty Edit: Winter Skincare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBcx7nlaopI9XSInKRFompDtbof9Jt4Z9WnlfeRwd05vSs3wVR-DmM5R774gdN0QhWYRew37um3CwIhjE6q0HgjeuIaHuZcZfbr5w1vzG-PDQSXFmxQluWEk6IJLNTY_odm7lX_rEM6dvI/s1600/Photo+28-6-19%252C+2+56+25+PM.jpg" width="1198" height="741" /></div><br><br>
<p class=ex1>I was going through my <a href="https://happydiscosadness.blogspot.com/2016/02/the-beauty-edit-skincare.html">old blogpost from 2016</a> and saw how much my skincare game has changed. A lot has changed. My skin type, my routine, my approach--everything. It has certainly been a learning curve, especially now that I'm in a new continent. It's my first winter and so much has changed from the way I approached my skin health.
</p><br><p class=ex1>
The way I approached my skincare then is so much different from how I approach it now. Now it's more self-care than anything else. I have also shifted my routine to K-beauty. I thought that I have been using products designed for people who have never understood Asian skin, they also have never lived in a hot and humid country. While Korean and Japanese beauty does not cater much to humidity as well, their perspectives of skincare is more or less in line with what I hope to achieve. Japanese, for example, is more ritualistic. They stick to what works. Korean beauty, on the other hand, is more innovative but really focused on hydrating and evening things out.<br>
</p><a name='more'></a></br><p class=ex1>
Getting <a href="https://happydiscosadness.blogspot.com/2018/01/somethings-wrong.html">diagnosed with PCOS</a> last year was also a game changer. I suddenly understood why my body has changed and I felt slightly more prepared to address the issues. I know that what I eat and do has a lot to do with my skin and health in general. I try to avoid dairy as much as I can (but cheese is life, so it's hard). I also try my best to stay away from carbs (rice is also life). Recently, I've been so stressed I've been craving for all things junk. I had one of the worst breakouts a couple of weeks ago thanks to a combination of 5 assignments due all at the same time, homesickness, other personal stress and bad meals. My skin has only started to calm down but it's still a work in progress.
</p></br><p class=ex1>
Unfortunately, I moved to a country where there's not a lot of access to Asian beauty, too. I've been worried about running out of products lately because there are some products or brands now I feel like I can't live without. Luckily, the options for Western Indie skincare brands are available.
</p></br><p class=ex1>
It doesn't rain here but the wind and cold draft can be harsh on the skin. My skin started breaking in Autumn. It completely freaked out and I started pruning even on my fingers. Now that it's winter, I think my skin has slowly acclimated to the cold. I don't feel as cold as I did in autumn which is weird.
</p></br><p class=ex1><h5><center>
Winter skincare
</h5></center></p></br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zza2qn42d8rroc-9X6Pw74_8sDmSRmvD7FBabd2QkP8D7YbAZ_uchHDUGUnXTu6X4rAVeGQgdEV4tDw6MnqwUy9YbOSbZYGptd6IRh0uoF_idzJ_7MZWP31in_qJm_r06UvYCSSOozqE/s640/Photo+28-6-19%252C+4+34+24+PM.gif" width="640" height="640" data-original-width="320" data-original-height="320" /></br>Double cleanse!</div>
</br><p class=ex1>
I stopped using cleansers in the morning and started to just wash my face off with water. At first, it was tough not using a cleanser because I never felt clean but now I'm okay. My skin is not as oily as it used to be, too, and I noticed how healthier it has been since I skipped using a cleanser in the morning. I don't use a face towel like I did before, too. At night, if I am wearing mascara, I sometimes go over with my <b>Son & Park Beauty Water</b>. But most of the time, I skip that and I begin my first cleanse with the <b>MUJI Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil</b>. I have to be honest, I'm not an oil cleanser kind of girl. I prefer rich emollient balms that emulsify. Sephora Australia does not carry the entire <b>Farmacy</b> range and I don't think I have ever seen the <b>Green Clean</b> in any of their stores which is such a shame because it's one of the best cleansing balms I've ever tried. I will have to go back to <b>Clinique Take The Day Off Balm</b> next time. I have the <b>Senka Perfect Whip</b> which I find too drying and definitely not a fan of. I recently got a sample bottle of the <b>Eau Thermale Avène's Extremely Gentle Cleansing Lotion</b>. It's supposed to be no-rinse but I still rinse my face anyway. I find that this does not irritate my skin. If I forget to use the cleansing oil and find myself already in the shower or really feel like my skin barrier's in absolute mess, I use <b>Cereva Hydrating Cleanser</b>, it's my body wash but it's okay to use for the face.
</p></br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPOp8elMJOo7SSmjOgjdWdqOij9tIuQ9iMcoUqSb2IyvK5zmw3YHxhe0fMUMvVfSaPR73azf89sDfoOgm1aKbDgHE8je9JEIgtqIP2yxP_h2a-OmjMLjZEI-F398Moqz8XBJ8K5zcHjBXk/s1600/Photo+27-6-19%252C+10+36+49+AM+%25281%2529.jpg" width="1198" height="741" />Hydrators</div></br>
<p class=ex1>
After a good face wash, I rehydrate with the <b>MUJI Light Toning Water in Light</b>. I've decanted mine and placed it in one of my old face mist bottles. I don't exactly know whether this works or not but I heard that they use water from Mt. Omine which has supposedly one of the purest water mineral in the world. For all I know, I could just be spraying tap on my face. Sometimes I swipe the <b>Son & Park Beauty Water</b> instead. On days when I need extra moisture, I use the <b>Laneige Cream Skin Refiner</b>. This has been such a Holy Grail especially for this winter.
</p></br><p class=ex1>
My skincare steps have significantly changed from its step by step routine. I rotate and change my products every now and then now. Sometimes, daily but really depends on how my skin is feeling right now. My <b>SK-II Facial Treatment Essence</b> is something I brought with me from home but have neglected recently, well my entire SK-II range (I buy the 3-piece set) has been neglected, if we're being really honest. I still love it and it's one of the products from the first time I jumped into skincare that I still use. I think using this in conjunction with the <b>Cellumination</b> and <b>Genoptics</b> really makes a difference. For hydrating serums, I reach for the <b>La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5</b>. I love everything about this serum except for its fragrance and the pump. The fragrance is so overpowering that sometimes it gives me a headache and the pump is not really a pump and you end up getting a messy bottle. But the product is divine and I just love how it plumps up my skin thanks to its blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 and madecassoside. I'm currently trying <b>The Inkey List's Polyglutamic Acid</b> which is supposedly like a stronger version of hyaluronic acid.
</p></br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJDSTlq5JjjaBIu41Xzk4M574cPAfN-8YjVOxo-Xcplmk3Dcjkv7JJRp8fFspfrpHMcme-HkP7ckvYjj_eqd-9VYIxfKABPjywnbtDhRwSi5jvyHZFlNJJdnOKyB3V31Rq9JsmjtKV7oA/s640/Photo+28-6-19%252C+4+45+58+PM.gif" width="640" height="640" data-original-width="320" data-original-height="320" /></br>Texture is important!</div></br><p class=ex1>
I recently finished <b>The Ordinary's The Buffet</b> and am still deliberating whether it's worth repurchasing. I love using it on less problematic areas of my face such as my eyes and cheeks and I do notice how it just plumps everything up. The reason why I'm iffy about repurchasing is because they're quite particular about not mixing it with other actives which I have hopped on to. It contains several kinds of peptides such as Matrixyl and has a pH level of 4.5 to 5.5 which is slightly acidic than the other offers from The Ordinary. One thing I have repurchased is <b>The Ordinary's Niacinamide 10% and Zinc 1%</b>. I use it primarily on congested areas of my face--my chin, my forehead, the sides of my nose and the cheekbone area. I know it does not help active breakouts but I know it helps with congested skin. The good thing about indie brands is their simple approach to skincare. Aside from The Buffet, The Ordinary pretty much tells you the ingredient you're getting because they're basically just called by that. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 that helps with congestion while the zinc tackles sebum production. I am loving <b>The Inkey List's Q10</b> serum. Q10 is an antioxidant that's naturally occurring in our body that helps fight free radicals, but it's something we lose more and more as we age. Q10 I think is a great ingredient to help combat those environmental stressors and just add a bit of life back into our skin. I love it except for the packaging. The cheap packaging makes it so hard to get the product. I haven't used an eye cream in a long while but recently purchased <b>The Inkey List's Caffeine</b> to try out. I'm still trying it out and I haven't noticed anything. This supposedly contains Matrixyl aside from caffeine but I have yet to notice any difference.
</p></br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsO9Sn9hcBzj54pPJpBFWT4TN8tH5PvMsv8KX9XMkbeIwZYB0Yv3Dwu1tNkWxBkJUxDpsAO2gICn2dJuuLFlJNYBoi4kFTm8-dGWwSFk9stTK-Ct9M5hDoJz9dotB6o3z0Q-3zuLp9pq-u/s1600/Photo+27-6-19%252C+11+09+46+AM+%25281%2529.jpg" width="1198" height="741" />Skin supplements</div></br><p class=ex1>
<b>The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane</b> is something I occasionally use. While they say this does not cause any irritation, I feel like I get super flaky using this so I use this in moderation and always mixed with a moisturiser. <b>The Ordinary 100% Cold Pressed Rosehip Oil</b>, on the other hand, is a holy grail. It's something I put on it's own or mixed with a moisturiser. On days when I need to step back and reset my skin, I do a simple cleanse, spray my face with the gentle toner from MUJI and just go straight to this. I think this really helps calm any irritation while still is hydrating. As Rosehip is a form of Vitamin A, they suggest using it only at night but I still use it in the morning because I just love it so much. <b>Life-Flo's Pure Tamanu Oil</b> is an oil I occasionally use as well. I use it for hyperpigmentation which really helps (it just takes forever to notice the difference). </p></br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQNWfjl9ERlDRiG-YthOOi4w6US1YIzvMGBw3ZdKfLrcOtb2QX93AwJZxXtPqCqj1N6gpshANiWtfodLfs_Jb4qWYt2x0oQEiqYXTEMU0krpTLQ1qJ05Q9SmQB5zCxIkgAgO_QruQDAqXr/s1600/Photo+27-6-19%252C+9+36+19+AM+%25281%2529.jpg" width="1198" height="741" />Triple threat</div>
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<p class=ex1>
The <b>SK-II Genoptics Aura Face Essence</b> is a luxury holy grail and it's something I haven't had the chance to enjoy much of since moving here. The reason is because I've been breaking out a lot. I feel like using SK-II while my skin's a mess is just pure waste. But using this alongside the <b>SK-II Cellumination Deep Surge Ex</b> is just divine. Whenever I use the SK-II line, I always get compliments with how bright my complexion looks. The <b>Mamonde Ceramide Light Cream</b> is another Holy Grail. I'm gutted that I only have like 2 use left. I also have my second jar of the <b>Laneige Water Sleeping Mask</b>. This is a really good mask to add that extra hydration. I'm guilty of not using it enough though. In my fridge space, I have a bunch of sheet masks chilling. I haven't used any of them since I got here, though... Just trying to calm my face and wait until it's pretty clear.
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For acne, I this would be the second time I was prescribed to use <b>Epiduo</b>. This is one cream I have to be careful with because even if I just spot treat, my entire face tends to dry out. Sometimes I use <b>Tea Tree Oil</b> from <b>Thursday Plantation</b> as a spot treatment depending on my mood. CosRX Acne Pimple Patch is also a Holy Grail. I can't believe third-party retailers here sell them for $10 a pack, such a rip-off!
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For sunscreens, I always go for Japanese. The truth is: sunscreens confuse me, like I still don't know which ingredients are chemical and which are mineral. I still don't know which one's better to use or what to pick. But I really believe that Japan has the best sunscreen technology. With Anessa, I don't have to worry about what sort of UV filters they have because they have both physical and mineral. It's also cosmetically elegant which means it's milky, non-sticky and does not leave a white cast. I have just run out of my favourite sunscreen: <b>Anessa perfect UV Skincare Milk</b>. I actually prefer the mild version because the normal ones sting my eyes but it's super difficult to come across. Now it's impossible to get this here in Australia.
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Let me know if you have any product recommendations or tips on how to survive this winter!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-87678675838369812312018-12-09T15:05:00.001+08:002018-12-09T15:08:08.382+08:00Next...<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-evyRWC5oVQegjzim1w6SkdQnR-EAAtXfXAFTLwNNRzQPQwfgGcmXN6xISqGiiPMXHxTvda4gKZNi15XQe_XtSfKDhnArIhqgQqu3d6iHYY3sB3GU_AsWQ6n8acb5jjp5UGSChyphenhyphensBVh1U/s1600/prthmrvr.png" data-original-width="1198" data-original-height="741" /><br><br>
<p class="ex1">There's a certain calm that lingers.</p><br>
<p class="ex1">A week or two ago, I remember feeling wrecked. Amidst the chaotic pressure of packing eight years worth of my life into a box, stuff I need to finish for work and random people prying into my future--I wanted to just stop time, burst into tears or flames or just disappear into thin air. I was feeling incredibly stressed and it has manifested everywhere--my mood has flipped, my health has deteriorated, and my skin has broken out like never before.</p><br>
<p class="ex1">Like I said, people have been prying and asking a lot of questions. I have always been very private about me. I hate talking about my plans and future. Someone told me I should talk about it because I look in denial. Not that I am denial, I just don't find the need to tell people about me. And so far, since I have been open about it, I feel like nothing has gone the way I want it to go... life was much better when I did things discreetly. But here we are.</P><br>
<p class="ex1">This time, people are much concerned about the fact my plans have become fuzzy. They're worried. They weren't worried when I was completely worried about it. They're finding me reckless now. But I'm not... things are just really out of my control.</P><br>
<p class="ex1">But today, I feel much better. Chilled.</p><br>
<P class="ex1">I know the cycle will start again. This must be the calm before the storm. Or perhaps I am a bit numbed. Life can't get any worse than it already is, right? Well, it really isn't bad. I just have no control over the things I usually do. That's all on me--I am a Virgo after all.</P><br>
<p class="ex1">Anyway. I don't know. I already miss this city and I haven't left. I already miss the food, the comfort and safety I have grown accustomed with. The thought that I will never be able to walk in the dark all alone by myself freaks the hell out of me. I've been independent for far too long. How do you go you even go back?</p><br>
<p class="ex1">I digress. I'm rambling because maybe I'm just in denial and I'm scared about what is about to happen.</P><br>
<p class="ex1">Anyway. I don't know where this new chapter will take me but we'll see...</p><br>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-13881168471726260522018-11-10T18:27:00.000+08:002018-11-10T18:27:06.129+08:00Currently Spinning: Slow Days<p class="ex1">
Don't forget to follow me on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/1188597441?si=E2yoSIyRTIW0iN3lRChE0A" target="_blank">Spotify</a></p>
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<center>
<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/user/1188597441/playlist/2KbuzR4LmiGhCYn4lhhB5B" width="300"></iframe></center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-43811421443561436682018-10-14T17:26:00.001+08:002018-10-14T18:28:02.283+08:00Currently Spinning: The 90's Starter Pack<p class="ex1">
The 90's is my favourite decade. It's the decade that shaped me to who I am. Don't forget to follow me on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/1188597441?si=P_nnqIFxR0ifEK7VLJCFkA" target="_blank">Spotify</a>:</p>
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<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/user/1188597441/playlist/2Zs2tCnLAXXko3Mm829DA7" width="300"></iframe></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-75103670633750427622018-04-14T16:10:00.000+08:002018-04-14T16:10:30.811+08:00Embracing Courage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lX6AJDPSKzKlqG6hvjP33d9t4VhsGi8f3W3u8z6DjFh181ENNc5C4Oe71pmMeNMDmcaWdFW4vcz3H21VDSIbix0Y3S2uaMinrLzswGENhT7yYx9I6Z_q1brOGB7jGUYcChBM-DLzWOTQ/s1600/Photo+31-3-18%252C+2+14+01+PM.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="730" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-lX6AJDPSKzKlqG6hvjP33d9t4VhsGi8f3W3u8z6DjFh181ENNc5C4Oe71pmMeNMDmcaWdFW4vcz3H21VDSIbix0Y3S2uaMinrLzswGENhT7yYx9I6Z_q1brOGB7jGUYcChBM-DLzWOTQ/s1600/Photo+31-3-18%252C+2+14+01+PM.gif" /></a></div>
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<p class="ex1">As of writing, I am sitting in a small food court in Perth’s Terminal 4. In a few hours, I am heading back to Singapore and I have a lot of time to spare to reflect back on this adventure that has been my 14 days in Perth.</p>
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<p class="ex1">I booked a ticket to Perth spontaneously a few months ago. It was pretty random and I regret the decision almost immediately. Perth was never a place I thought I would ever visit. You can ask everyone who knows me and they could name a couple of cities they could identify me with and Perth was definitely not one of them. But anyway, fast forward to Good Friday and I was on a plane on my way to Western Australia. For the next two weeks, I found myself experiencing things I never ever imagine I would choose or do in this lifetime.</p>
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<a name='more'></a><p class="ex1">In the PYP, as teachers, we always encourage and advocate for our children to take courage and be risk-takers. It is one of the Learner Profile Attributes, which are learning dispositions that fosters inquiry and develop natural curiosity. We cultivate this lifelong skill in learners to innovate and approach uncertain situations with courage. Ultimately, we want our students to move out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves.</p>
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<p class="ex1">The truth is: we tend to use these words casually and patronizingly. I know I am definitely guilty of that. I know I can inspire my class of 3 year olds to have courage as a teacher. But as an individual, I know I have a lot of fears that hinder me from trying new things. Perhaps it is my upbringing or my personality (or even both) but I have always been a cautious person. So how do I instill the value of courage into my students if I, myself, do not possess it?</p>
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<p class="ex1">Three days ago, I was tricked by my friend into doing a tree-top adventure obstacle course in the middle of nowhere. Tricked because I was shown only a photo of people crossing a harmless bridge from one tree to another and was not told that the whole thing was actually an obstacle course that resembles the challenges you’d see in American Ninja Warrior or Wipeout. The next thing I know, I was on top of a tree with nowhere to go but the next tree 10 feet away.</p>
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<p class="ex1">So I jump. I take a leap of faith and I trust whatever there is left to trust. Actually, I jump because there literally was nowhere else to go. The next thing I know, I find myself swinging and basking in the fresh Aussie air, and watching the sunset mid-air. As I descend to the ground and swing from point A to B, perhaps it was life flashing before my eyes but it made me think about what courage or being a risk-taker really means. Does it mean that I have become fearless for having accomplished the jump? Not really, I still fear a lot of things and I am not an adventure-seeker. But it made me realize that every now and then, it is okay to move away from our comfort zones. It's okay to push our personal boundaries and see the world beyond our bubble. And as an educator, having stepped out of my own safe space inspires me to push my children to step out of theirs, too. Fear is not a bad thing, either. As both fear and courage allow us to see things in different perspective, it's the balance of the two that is important.</p>
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<p class="ex1">For the first few jumps, my legs wobble in fear of the unknown but they eventually stop most likely either because I got used to it or my legs have become so numb with the tight harness around my body. I manage to complete three courses. They weren't the hardest (by professional standards) but they weren't easy either. At one point, I was separated from my crew because they wanted to do a harder course and I opted for an "easier" one. (No, it was not easy at all.)</p>
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<p class="ex1">Perth—well, actually, Australia, in general—has pushed me out of my comfort zone in so many ways. In Perth, I have embraced more nature than I could ever imagine. I have climbed so many treacherous rocks and battled sea winds. I have inhaled so much sand and dust. I have gone 62 feet underground in dark, slippery caves. And I have flown from one tree to another way too many times to count now.</p>
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<p class="ex1">Two years ago, I booked my first solo flight to Sydney. Sure, I have traveled alone before but they were just short flights in between Manila and Singapore, and they're practically considered home. That flight to Sydney was the very first time I went on a holiday by myself. So Australia, in general, has made me a courageous person. I have managed to face many of my fears and do the things I probably never would have done ever.</p>
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<p class="ex1">I am coming back to Singapore with sore muscles, bruises here and there, rope burns and lots of new freckles but I am glad I took this trip and take back any regrets or reservations at the beginning. I am proud of the adventure I had and I am excited to go back to work, tell my 3 year olds all about my experience and hear theirs. But most of all, I am coming back to Singapore with this brand new courage within me and a better sense of who I am as an educator.</p>
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<p class="ex1"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/embracing-courage-cheryl-de-jesus/">Entry first published on LinkedIn</a></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-49984159294141362292018-01-08T23:16:00.003+08:002018-01-08T23:16:47.176+08:00Sweet Sixteen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5QNy6C1s2VCOBLWoR2XAYNsGF3AEPacsLMn2Z0QHwtJ-ZaVB2FKq1yEEf_XuZMA1aXSpiwawLhtJaCbYbKyVn16S5PaNJ3RUN3t_mgSVU42WpM3beKYZTRTOG17yMXwfUA5lqtZ6qLqn/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-08+at+11.05.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU5QNy6C1s2VCOBLWoR2XAYNsGF3AEPacsLMn2Z0QHwtJ-ZaVB2FKq1yEEf_XuZMA1aXSpiwawLhtJaCbYbKyVn16S5PaNJ3RUN3t_mgSVU42WpM3beKYZTRTOG17yMXwfUA5lqtZ6qLqn/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-08+at+11.05.55+PM.png" /></a></div>
<br /><p class="ex1">
Today, I spoke to a relative who shared with me some concerns she has about her sixteen year old daughter. She worries that her daughter is not popular nor has any interest to be one, that she doesn't have a best friend or isn't making any effort to be part of the norm, "She isn't the typical (girl who goes to this school)," my relative says.</p><br />
<br /><p class="ex1">
She shares all these with me because I went to the same school her daughter goes to. She knows what I am talking about and I went through the exact same thing her daughter is going through. Her concerns may sound too superficial but this is the reality when you're a teenager or have a teenager.</p><br />
<br /><a name='more'></a>
<br />
<p class="ex1">The funny thing is, how she described her daughter is probably how my mom would describe me at that age. You see, the school I went to was an exclusive, private all-girls Catholic Chinese school. It's one of the best in the country and it's a school known for producing the heirs of the country's largest corporations.</p><br />
<br /><p class="ex1">
What I meant is: the school is known for producing a certain prototype of women. And that is what she meant by typical...</p><br />
<br /><p class="ex1">
I hated high school. I knew I didn't belong and so did everybody else. I was bullied and the people I considered my friends never stuck up for me. I was an underachiever because I was demotivated and I felt so alone. I couldn't wait to get away from what felt like a hell hole.</P><br />
<br /><p class="ex1">
I laughed and told her not to worry. I told her life begins after high school. It also begins after she goes to university. And if she's lucky, she'll go to a university where she will meet people outside of her comfort zone, people who come from backgrounds so much more different from her. And if she's extra lucky, she'll even have the opportunity to leave the country and live independently and experience life outside all that.</p><br />
<br /><p class="ex1">
In truth, I'm one of the lucky ones to have had this chance and to have had this push. Certain events have led me to where I am today and in a way, I'm very lucky to have experienced all these--the good and the bad. I learned humility, responsibility and how to work hard.</p><br />
<br /><p class="ex1">
I look at some of the people I grew up with--some from high school and some from uni--people who have never left their comfort zones for six or seven years. They've done the exact same thing, lived the exact same way and have only known the exact same things. There's no growth or change. Thinking about them is what motivates me to push for change and to try something new and different.</p><br />
<br /><p class="ex1">
I told my relative her daughter will be okay because there's a whole bigger world out there just waiting to be discovered and explored. All she needs to do is wait for a little while for this phase to be over.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-19792254123926687702018-01-05T14:27:00.001+08:002018-01-05T14:30:01.587+08:00Something's wrong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEvta-k-kEva7c4p5csjISn17z1-yKby6TCN4mroepxEcydwL-HRn4j1HJ5qgO0Kscr-r7OddiPpAza0_KG85I56uAwWGwdBv6i8zc9dj0QC_PJ9PAAoH65AgdH4ww0NSaqIMx1gJ5fuW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-05+at+2.20.55+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEvta-k-kEva7c4p5csjISn17z1-yKby6TCN4mroepxEcydwL-HRn4j1HJ5qgO0Kscr-r7OddiPpAza0_KG85I56uAwWGwdBv6i8zc9dj0QC_PJ9PAAoH65AgdH4ww0NSaqIMx1gJ5fuW/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-05+at+2.20.55+PM.png" /></a></div>
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<p class="ex1">
Today, I was officially diagnosed with PCOS. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a condition that affects a woman's hormone levels. I think this condition varies from person to person like most people have irregular periods, have struggle conceiving, hormonal acne, weight gain, and or hirsutism. Statistics says that PCOS affects one out of ten women.</p>
<div>
<br /></div>
<p class="ex1">
For over a decade, I have been struggling with this hormone imbalance. I always had my period and it came more or less regularly but I still knew something was off. Every time I would get my period, the period pains would just get worse and worse. I kept gaining weight and no matter how much I try, I could never lose the weight. I grew up with clear skin but as I got older, I was plagued by adult acne. My mood swings got worse, too--to the point that I would have panic attacks.</p>
<div>
<br /></div>
<p class="ex1">
I would check with doctors every now and then with symptoms that they would often dismiss as "stress-related" and "nothing." My periods also come every month, so it didn't seem like there was anything wrong reproductively. Sure, sometimes it would come a week earlier, sometimes a week later, but it always came. I had everything checked--ultrasound, thyroid, blood tests... everything came clear... or so it seemed. I've been told to eat less (which I do). </p>
<div>
<br /></div>
<a name='more'></a><p class="ex1">After going back and forth, my OB-GYN has finally diagnosed me with PCOS. There's also a small benign tumour in my left ovaries.</p>
<div>
<br /></div>
<p class="ex1">
Being diagnosed with PCOS is one of the worst things that could happen but to be honest, I was initially relieved. In a way, I felt that there is finally an answer to a decade-long question and struggle. There really is something wrong with me, yes, but now I know what it is and then maybe I could deal with it.</p>
<div>
<br /></div>
<p class="ex1">
Mixed with relief was a wave of another set of emotions--I was sad, of course, because PCOS is something that will haunt me for the rest of my life--so are boatloads of medication and food restrictions. And because my particular PCOS related to insulin-resistance, and I am already overweight, I have a very high-risk of diabetes and also heart disease in the future. While I'm not thinking about children right now, I also wonder whether having this will prevent me from conceiving in the future. I didn't get to ask those questions because I was mostly shocked and it always takes me time to process things.</p>
<div>
<br /></div>
<p class="ex1">
There are lots of other women sharing resources about PCOS but it still is a little hard to deal. It's always easy to say you need proper exercise and diet and that's how it'll help but guess what--I live in Singapore and I'm always on the go. Sure, I don't go to the gym but I walk all the time and my work as a preschool teacher keeps me fairly active. I'm always trying to eat healthy. Sure, I love bacon, it's my favourite food in the world and I am very open about professing my love for and I would eat it everyday if it won't kill me but I don't. I don't eat bacon everyday, I don't even buy bacon and only have it occasionally outside, more as an indulgent treat. I have managed to maintain a low-carb, low-sugar, almost gluten-free diet for about two years now. </p>
<div>
<br /></div>
<p class="ex1">
I was prescribed contraceptive pills and another medication to control my insulin-resistance. I'll probably have to do tests more regularly now that I have been diagnosed. I don't know how my life will change after knowing about PCOS. I have to try to live better and control it. I have to find a way to fight it and deal with it and not let it stop me.</p>
<div>
<br /></div>
<p class="ex1">
If you're in the same boat as me, feel free to write to me and share with me your story, I would love to hear from you. Let's support each other.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-23878721938659753802017-09-16T21:52:00.004+08:002017-09-16T21:54:03.671+08:00Turning 30<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTI5rOXWPzeTGeFMVW0C74JpZaZRkHHnJ2eo4qqaSo49fgf6aXnm-hyMEI3O72BiSZTFIOzKp9m4YJmhs9VQzokkBrKbOJX3QeQ0TV1t3EwcNnKy7AgzmUqH1EGdixl-LhQupmsyPy0ytp/s1600/21231697_10155619585466753_117912300542701751_n.jpg" /></div>
<div class="ex1">
<br /></div>
<p class="ex1">
I recently turned thirty and strangely I feel fine.</p>
<br />
<p class="ex1">
It used to scare me, you know, getting old. Every time my birthday creeps up, I feel extremely anxious. I'm a Virgo so I overthink things. It starts a week ahead, my birthday anxieties. And by Law of Attraction, something bad really happens or I get extremely unwell on my birthday. But this time, it came and it went. I barely had time to grasp the idea I'm freaking thirty.</p>
<br />
<p class="ex1">
I did feel something weird--something I have never felt before. I feel rather contented. It's something I have never felt before because I am a Virgo and I have always felt like my life has been a complete failure. But I feel okay now. I feel like I am in a good place in my life. And I feel like I will be okay.</p>
<br />
<p class="ex1">
I feel really proud of how I managed to get to this place--where I am. I am cherishing this moment because I know it didn't come easy. Whatever I have right now, I made it happen. I fought for it myself, I worked for it and I earned it. Nothing came easy and it wasn't handed to me on a silver platter. I also know that this might never come again and I also know that this won't last forever. But at least I know I made it.</p>
<br />
<p class="ex1">
And quite frankly, it still scares me. But I guess I was too busy "adulting" that I really didn't have time to even feel anxious about getting old.</p>
<br />
<p class="ex1">
<i>Wow, I am thirty.</i></p>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-7508162138984120372017-06-25T16:30:00.001+08:002017-06-28T21:29:55.228+08:00The Australia How-To<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Buri2zfHe4TX8FsjUWhnHoHXN2ZEWAhPT3fPkOj7e91atfrFovgJxl7MmN1jnTgFqS19x7nRKAvW6gStUehz_H9gM-E0MclvtYRta1kZRqaLkzPeIw_27_ksRQ1GK_p5H8yhXHsqczZ8/s1600/syd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Buri2zfHe4TX8FsjUWhnHoHXN2ZEWAhPT3fPkOj7e91atfrFovgJxl7MmN1jnTgFqS19x7nRKAvW6gStUehz_H9gM-E0MclvtYRta1kZRqaLkzPeIw_27_ksRQ1GK_p5H8yhXHsqczZ8/s400/syd.png" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C0eXadrSdLgzX3tZQV3K4HzEswiRukkCK19TknNYKPRssRcN2qPA6WafCuHhqUE45p1a23387qte-F_uDSjC0ufHB1GUbxfho_ZIJB-i2o0U5rc9IDyCMPvjXsy2brC5dHoUTAbru900/s1600/melb.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6C0eXadrSdLgzX3tZQV3K4HzEswiRukkCK19TknNYKPRssRcN2qPA6WafCuHhqUE45p1a23387qte-F_uDSjC0ufHB1GUbxfho_ZIJB-i2o0U5rc9IDyCMPvjXsy2brC5dHoUTAbru900/s400/melb.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Illustrations by Che</i></div>
<br />
<br />
<p class="ex1">
I am not much of a traveler. Don't get me wrong, I love going to new places, experiencing different culture, eating new food and all that but I am not fond of the hassle of it. Traveling means planning--lots of it. I hate organising itineraries, booking flights and hotels, dealing with foreign exchange, and getting lost in translation.</p><br />
<p class="ex1">
And I am a Virgo, and having some sort of organisation and order is a must. So when I spontaneously booked a trip to Australia almost a year ago, I had no game plan.</p><br />
<p class="ex1">
It was strange but liberating, to say the least. I enjoyed the fact that I wasn't tied down to my own rules and expectations. I liked this new me, this spontaneous me. </p>
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<p class="ex1">
<br /></p>
<p class="ex1">
I stayed in Sydney for about 13 days over at my best friend's house. On weekdays, I would explore the city on my own while my friends worked. It was strange to be there and I kept wondering what it felt like to live in such a different city. It felt so different from Singapore and Manila. The city was filled with contrasts that complement well. I like it, I liked it a lot.</p>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Sydney Beaches</h4>
<br />
<p class="ex1">
For someone who isn't the biggest fan of beaches, I did visit quite a few of them in Sydney. I did the infamous Bondi to Coogee walk. Infamous because I talk about it so often. I am not an adventure seeker. I don't do bushwalks and coast walks or basically any kind of walking... except when it's in a shopping centre. The funny thing was, my companions for this trip who seemed to live a much healthier lifestyle than I do was already willing to give up. Believe me, I wanted to give up but then I did not want all my hard work to be nothing and I managed to convince them to finish the trail...</p>
<br />
<p class="ex1">
If you want to do it but know you're not in the best physical shape or form, start from Coogee and make your way down to Bondi (that's way more practical).</p>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Walk from Town Hall to Circular Quay</h4>
<br />
<p class="ex1">
Now this is the kind of walk I don't mind doing. It might sound crazy considering they are 2 stations away from each other but it is actually doable. I did this almost everyday while I was in Sydney. I even managed to do Central to Circular Quay (which is even crazier). Walking on those streets gave me a better view of the city and the people around it and I enjoyed the character it had. Town Hall is shopping heaven with buskers regularly performing shifts. St. Martin's Place is filled with lots of bankers and lawyers. There's coffee stalls, left, right and centre. It's a busy street that reminds me of New York. Then you reach Circular Quay where like reaching the end of the rainbow you see the pot of gold... only here, the gold is the Sydney Opera House.</p>
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy some Hot Nutella</h4>
<br />
<p class="ex1">
I am not a coffee drinker but I do enjoy a good cup of hot chocolate. One day, I stumbled upon Hot Nutella and my life changed forever.</p>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
The Scenic views and Aussie Animals</h4>
<br />
<p class="ex1">
My first Aussie experience was exploring the Blue Mountains for the scenic experience of New South Wales. It was gorgeous! We then traveled to Featherdale where I got to pet some Kangaroos, Wallabies, Koalas and most importantly, a Wombat!</p>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Exploring the hip suburbs</h4>
<br />
<p class="ex1">
My favourite part of Sydney was exploring the nearby suburbs of the Sydney region. I had a friend who drove me to Balmain. I got to explore Newtown and Darlinghurst on my own. I appreciate walking down the streets, looking at the quiet neighbourhood. I imagine my life in those houses and I wonder whether I would ever live in those places.</p>
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<p class="ex1">
Whilst planning for my Australia trip, everyone I talked to about it said I should check out Melbourne because they see me fitting in Melbourne perfectly. And guess what, they were right. I spent 2 days in Melbourne and it was enough to make me fall in love with the city. Melbourne is full of art and culture--exactly the kind of city I was looking for.</p>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Exploring the Laneways</h4>
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<p class="ex1">
Melbourne is known for its colourful Laneways. Have brunch at Degraves then hit up Hosier and the AC/DC lane. As a huge music fan, I had to check out the birth of St. Jerome's Laneway Music Festival...</p>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Chilling at Brighton Beach</h4>
<br />
<p class="ex1">
Take a photo or fifty along the colourful beach boxes lined up in the shore of Brighton. I couldn't imagine anyone swimming there but it was gorgeous.</p>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Discovering the National Gallery of Victoria</h4>
<br />
<p class="ex1">
I love museums but the National Gallery of Victoria definitely solidified it. Tricia and I did not plan to visit NGV but happen to stumble upon it after our visit to St. Kilda. The gallery was closing and we only had 15 minutes to check it out. We breezed through it but my breath was taken away by their collection. My favourite was seeing the floor to ceiling gallery wall of paintings.</p>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Breeze at St. Kilda</h4>
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<p class="ex1">
I am a city girl by heart. I was born and raised in the city and find myself drawn to the architecture, concrete pavement, neon lights and the hustle and bustle. But I love how St. Kilda pier was close enough for that much needed nature escape. If I ever decide to live in Melbourne, I love that I could bask in the fresh air and sunlight as much as I wanted.</p>
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Drinks at Naked for Satan</h4>
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<p class="ex1">
I asked 2 different friends (a colleague who was born and raised there and a friend currently living there) for tips and places to visit in Melbourne and both of them recommended I check out Naked for Satan. Naked for Satan had the view that made me fall in love with Melbourne.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-77103082837641053802017-06-18T14:14:00.000+08:002017-09-16T21:34:18.677+08:00Hong Kong 2017 Travel Log<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YL8AOy1mLec" width="1200"></iframe>
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<br />
<p class="ex1">
There's something about Hong Kong that keeps me coming back, with each visit still leaving me breathless. It's my fourth visit but it has been a while so I was expecting a lot of changes. Hong Kong is a taste of New York in Asia--fast-paced and bustling, neon lights and juxtapositions left and right. I love the mix of old and new, East meets West culture and the high and love.</P><br><p class="ex1">
I built my itinerary on two simple goals--scour the best places to shop and the yummiest food to eat. For the list of food, I got mine through my brother and for shopping, basically from my rusty memory and a bit of research. To be honest, I could have done more and I would have wanted more. But I had my parents in tow... At night, I did venture out and explored on my own.</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-55164668855037290722016-11-09T20:00:00.001+08:002017-06-22T11:03:45.687+08:00Australia 2016 Travel Log<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y9EPPST6Jcc" width="1200"></iframe><br />
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<p class="ex1">
People often think I'm such an independent person having lived abroad for six years. In a way, it's
true--I've been financially independent since I moved out. I, alone, have control over what I want to
do and how I want to live my days. But in certain aspects of my life, I still feel inadequate. I still feel
like a little girl who needs to be taken care of by her parents and older brothers. And living in
Singapore, you feel so safe and secure that you forget that there is a world out there so big.
<br /><br />
I turned 29 and felt that I needed to do something with my life. I made a lot of grown up decisions
and one of those was to travel abroad on my own. So without any hesitations, I booked a two week
holiday to Sydney, Australia (even spent a weekend in Melbourne). Technically, I wasn't entirely
alone, but for the most part, I had no one to rely on but myself.
<br /><br />
I made a video of my two-week trip there. It was tough to make it concise and even tougher to select
good footage. Aside from the music, which I knew had to be Australian, I didn't have a gameplan as
to what sort of video I wanted to make. And I also didn't realise my Gopro was too shaky. Anyway, I
still hope you enjoy. If you're watching, don't forget to go HD... and enjoy.
<br /><br />
Australia blog to follow up... hopefully!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-78904725638882977482016-04-17T15:05:00.000+08:002017-07-01T15:20:48.793+08:00The Beauty Edit: Makeup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With <a href="http://happydiscosadness.blogspot.sg/2016/02/the-beauty-edit-skincare.html">skincare sorted</a>, let's talk about makeup. Be warned though, I am not eloquent in makeup talk, so this post might be a bit weird or totally wrong, depends on how you look at things. I don't really have a solid makeup routine because I don't really wear a lot of makeup. The reason why I don't wear a lot of makeup is because I don't know how to put makeup on and I'm very heavy handed. And for the most part, I'm not used to wearing it and so it feels a little uncomfortable. I've been lucky, too, because I am very fair and I could get away with just wearing a bright lipstick on my face and it makes me look like I have a bunch of makeup on.</div>
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On days that I do wear makeup, I have a few products that I use. Except for lipsticks, I don't really collect makeup so I use almost everything I have (although there are some products that I just don't know how to wear and I end up not using them at all). Since I'm not as into makeup, I tend to own more drugstore makeup (from one particular brand) than high end brands.</div>
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For base, despite having oily face, I like using hydrating foundation rather than a mattifying one. My first foundation was <b>Sephora's Brightening and Hydrating foundation</b>. It's a good quality foundation that's affordable. Surprisingly, I was able to finish a bottle of it. I didn't repurchase because I wanted to try something else.</div>
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Sometimes, I use<b> Laura Mercier Oil-Free Tinted Moisturiser </b>with SPF20 in the shade Porcelain. It's a good base if you fancy something very light and you want a radiant coverage. I like this because it's lightweight, it's enough coverage for me and it has SPF. The only downside to this is that it doesn't last on me very long. My face is oily and I sweat everything out. By a few hours, it's already gone. Another base I am currently using is the <b>Bourjois Healthy Mix </b>in the shade No. 51 Light Vanilla. This foundation smells delicious. If I get around to cleaning my brushes, I use my <b>Real Techniques Expert Face Brush</b> to buff the product all over my face, sometimes I also use my <b>Beauty Blender</b>; otherwise, my hands are enough to help me blend the products in.</div>
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Concealers are confusing to me. Somehow, I can't seem to make it work for me. I've tried <b>Benefit's Boi-ing</b>, <b>Collection 2000</b>, and <b>L'Oreal </b>concealer and all of them never look good on me. I recently discovered <b>Maybelline's Age Rewind concealer </b>which is amazing and the most blendable undereye concealer for my eyes. I have yet to find a concealer to help me conceal all the blemishes that my foundation can't hide.</div>
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Aside from the occasional plucking, my brows are untouched and I like it that way. I have always loved thick, straight and bold brows. I have yet to find the perfect brow product but for now, I really enjoy using <b>Maybelline's Fashion Brow </b>pencil and brow mascara.</div>
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I don't usually put on eyeshadow. If I do, I use <b>Maybelline Color Tattoo's Bad to the Bronze</b>. On rare occasions when I feel brave and want to try a look, I use my <b>Sleek MakeUp</b> Storm or Au Naturel Palettes. I want to invest in a really nice eyeshadow colour but since I rarely wear makeup and hardly even use eye shadow, I find it hard to commit. I use my <b>Real Techniques Shading Brush</b>, <b>Sigma Eye Shading E55 </b>and <b>Sigma Tapered Blending E40</b> to apply and blend. My eyes are pretty weird so most of the time, I skip eyeliner. I use my Shu Uemura eyelash curler and use my favourite mascara, <b>Maybelline's The Falsies</b>. I find that this mascara holds the curl better and it makes my lashes really full and long.</div>
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For my cheeks I usually reach for my<b> Nars Orgasm</b> blush or <b>Nyx Dusty Rose</b> with my <b>Real Techniques Blush Brush</b>. It really is an amazing cult product worth the hype. I love the peachy pink shade with soft golden shimmer it gives the cheeks.</div>
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To seal everything in, I use <b>Bourjois Java Rice Powder</b> if my <b>Real Techniques Setting Brush</b> is clean on hand or my <b>Maybelline AngelFit Ultra Natural Affinity</b> powder foundation to seal all the makeup in.</div>
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Disclaimer: Every skin is different. A product may work for me and not for you, please consult a make-up artist or do more research on the products mentioned. All products mentioned here were purchased for personal use. This is not a sponsored post. Check out my skin type <a href="http://happydiscosadness.blogspot.sg/2016/02/skin-type.html">here</a>.</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-68933777572881613422016-03-19T19:23:00.001+08:002016-03-19T19:24:56.862+08:00The List: Favourite Music Films (Part 1)<div style="text-align: center;">
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As a pop culture enthusiast, I've always believed that film and music goes hand in hand. Some of the most iconic films have equally memorable soundtracks whether they are instrumental scores or radio-friendly pop tracks. Today, I share five of my favourite cinematic pieces whether their musical biopics, rockumentaries, or just a film with a damn good soundtrack. There's definitely more than five but I'm saving those for another time.<br />
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Almost Famous</h4>
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Music Highlight: Elton John - Tiny Dancer<br />
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This is the movie that made me fall in love with music. Sure, I have always loved listening to music even as a kid. I knew every line to Disney theme songs and to every track from The Bodyguard's soundtrack. But this movie literally changed the way I heard music. Almost Famous made me feel the music. No, I didn't want to become a groupie like Penny Lane, instead, I wanted to be William Miller. I wanted to be Lester Bangs. I wanted to be a rock journalist, covering rock concerts, writing a piece of review on every record that affected me.</div>
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Music Highlight: The National - Terrible Love</div>
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One of my favourite rockumentaries ever made. Mistaken For Strangers is endearing, poignant and hits home for me. This is an incredible story about family and how siblings' relationships are not always perfect. I am Tom. I am the youngest in the family, I am the creative one, I am the kid who quits even before things begin, I am the kid who didn't quite make it, the underdog, the black sheep; I am Tom. And I have brother just like Matt. What I love about this film is that it's not entirely about the band. It's a film about family.</div>
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Music Highlight: NWA - Fuck Tha Police<br />
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Straight Outta Compton is a piece of music history. Essentially a story of NWA, how they shaped rap music industry and its members' legacy. If you don't know NWA, you should still know super producer and music mogul Dr. Dre and actor/rapper Ice Cube. I am not the biggest hip hop fan in the world but I do appreciate old school rap music. Occasionally, I play the oldies but goodies in my iPod and I try to jam to Salt n Pepa. I always wished I could bust some rhymes or beat box but I can't. </div>
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Music Highlight: Barden Bellas - No Diggity<br />
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I went to a private Catholic school for girls so joining girly clubs like the Glee Club was the in thing. I loved music but I knew I can't sing so I never even tried. But I remember one tryout results day, one of my schoolmate burst out crying because she was grouped in Soprano 2. Apparently, you have to be a Soprano 1 to be considered legit. The Soprano 1's were the A-team. They led the group, they had solos, they're the It girls. I remember looking at my schoolmate and not giving a damn about it. So whenever I watch Glee or Pitch Perfect, I always remember that even in nerdy clubs like this, there is a hierarchy, there's a star. Anyway, I love watching this movie every now and again. It's light, funny and easy.</div>
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Music Highlight: Broken Social Scene - Anthems For A Seventeen Year Old Girl</div>
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Broken Social Scene</div>
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In 2009, Canadian supergroup Broken Social Scene had a free concert in their hometown in Toronto and filmed a movie around it. If you're sick of rockumentaries, or even biopics, then This Movie Is Broken might be just for you. It's a movie complete with fictionalised characters and plot. The story isn't entirely original: boy pines over girl forever, she's leaving, one last night together, go to a BSS concert, but it's endearing and notable. I had the privilege of seeing the band in 2010 before they took their hiatus and it was phenomenal, so watching this movie with a star-studded ensemble was like taking a trip down memory lane.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-90233647629216387512016-03-04T20:54:00.000+08:002016-03-12T18:54:06.139+08:00No. 57 Bon Iver (Live in Singapore)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There are lots of different artists or records that could put a person's life in perspective. You see life pass before your eyes; and songs become reminders of fragmented memories of the highs and lows, the best and the worst, and the random in-betweens. If I had to choose a record that could tell the story of my life, I'd narrow it down to the riveting and euphonic music of <b>Bon Iver</b>.</div>
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While my life story pales in comparison and mirrors none of <b>Justin Vernon's</b>--who found refuge in solitude and winter at a remote cabin in Wisconsin after his life came crashing down (his band disbanded, he was recovering from a sickness, he lost all his money in poker), a dramatic premise that birthed the critically acclaimed debut <b>For Emma, Forever Ago</b>--his music transcends, with its subject matter vague and filled with random made-up vocabularies and places.</div>
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The self-titled second album, <b>Bon Iver Bon Iver</b>, is a symphonic masterpiece. It's an album that's complete and tells the story of birth, death and the in betweens. And it's no longer a solo project made in the woods. Bon Iver is finally a band</div>
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Last 26th of February, I sat inside The Star Theatre in awe of what was happening before me. It was a day I honestly thought would never even happen. Because I remember reading an interview done with one of the Laneway promoters. Someone asked him if he could get Bon Iver to play and he said he's impossible to get. And the fact that his last tour was six years ago, seemed highly unlikely he'll tread the Asian shores. But he did. And I sat there, second row, behind the guy who inspired Vernon to write Re: Stacks.</div>
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The show started with Justin Vernon standing on the stage unaccompanied. After a brief moment with what seemed like a small techincal glitch, he then proceeded to introduce his show with Woods from his <b>Blood Bank EP</b>. The track, a reverberating 19-word summary of how the record <b>For Emma</b> was made, ironically sounds nothing like his first record but more like an Imogen Heap track.</div>
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The crowd--nearing five thousand in number--was quiet and entranced. But despite the eerily huge venue, Bon Iver's show was exquisitely intimate. It made me feel like I was in a tiny apartment in France just like their memorable <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goStnWG_EXQ"><b>La Blogothèque</b> performance</a>. The rest of the band, including the amazing <b>Sean Carey</b> and the bewitching English sister trio <b>the Staves</b> (whose harmonies just blends so well with Vernon's falsetto), joins him for the whole set up until Skinny Love, where he sings it solo on acoustic guitar. And while it made a lot of people tear up, it was The Wolves (Act I and II) from his two-song encore that almost made me lose it.</div>
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The fourth track from For Emma builds its intensity with its chaotic drum sequence mimicking explosive firecrackers. It's the reason why there's two drummers. But to me, the song is more than a dramatic song with a powerful crowd appeal played live. It was one of the few songs that helped me whilst I grieved my baby nephew's passing.</div>
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He sang all my favourites like Holocene, Perth, Minnesota, WI., Re: Stacks, Blindsided and For Emma, except the captivating folksy number Creature Fear. That and the fact that I wasn't able to get my vinyls signed were my only disappointment that night. Nonetheless, I left the theatre incredibly satisfied.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-14801144055255903912016-02-10T18:49:00.000+08:002017-06-25T16:50:22.347+08:00The Beauty Edit: Skincare<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZx-hdLMOor0Q4Z-NbU66KfBXiRyOlGFhpfmj9h2T3Xip1HouQKE8zWe1bCC2gl-sRIslm9NYFsJRUB-qTNLHSPDh_-NfzPuworj0nT-Dcn8OPMwz9QkiTJ7gWcu3smrlgx-PWRkGUxxVg/s640/Photo+7-2-16%252C+2+03+23+PM.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My everyday skincare routine</td></tr>
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My skincare routine</h5>
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My mom never had a solid beauty routine when she had kids. We didn't really have any extra money to splurge on cleansers and cream and she was always too tired from work to even try to keep up with a routine. That said, she still looks way younger than her actual age (according to everyone who meets her, my friends included). My mom's only beauty secret is cleansing. Every morning and every time she comes home, she makes sure she washes her face even if it's just water and a face cloth.<br />
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I never really took her advice in the beginning. I have always thought, that face cloths were way too abrasive. I recently realised that cleansing is one of the most important steps in skincare and, yes, my mother may know better.<br />
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As with anybody else, my skin care routine starts with a cleanse. On super rare days when I wear makeup, I remove it with<b> Bioderma Micellar Water</b>. I don't wear makeup regularly so I have only ever tried this and Sephora's. I like Bioderma because it's gentle on my very sensitive skin and it removes my makeup. It doesn't do well on super waterproof stuff, but that's okay because I make sure to give my face a good wash. I like massaging <b>Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm</b> on my face. The balm is like a vat of hardened oil that melts on your face like butter. It is so creamy and gentle on your skin. I wash it off, three to four times, with a face towel that's wrung in hot water.<br />
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I am not sure how I feel about toners but I use one anyway. Right now, I'm trying out <b>First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads</b>. So far so good, it's a gentle exfoliating toner that hasn't broken me out. I also like using the <b>Witch Hazel and Rose Water toner</b> I get from Watsons or Guardian. It's very soothing.<br />
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After toning, I use <b>SK-II Facial Treatment Essence</b>. I feel like this essence helps prep my skin and helps absorb my serum and moisturiser so much better. It could very well be a placebo effect but I use it anyway. I then apply <b>Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair</b>. I've tried a lot of oils and serums but I always end up going back to this one. I really see the difference when I wake up in the morning.<br />
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I am an insomniac and I am looking for the perfect eye cream that will help brighten my under eye as well as prevent wrinkles. Right now, I'm using <b>SK-II Stempower Eye Cream</b>. As with any eye cream, I try to use only a tiny bit because I end up getting milia if I put too much.<br />
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Sometimes, when I remember, I will use <b>Retinol Reface</b> around my eyes and on my spots. This is the first retinol product I have ever used and so far, it seems to be a very gentle, non-irritating form of retinol.<br />
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The very first skincare product I have ever used and is still using is <b>Creme de La Mer The Moisturizing Soft Cream</b>. It is my holy grail. I discovered this because it's the cream my former boss used and she's literally like an Asian version of Samantha Jones. It has received a lot of flack for being an overpriced cream but it truly is a jar of magic. I know this for a fact because during my first Laneway, I got super sunburnt. I tried slathering myself with aloe vera every 30 minutes and that didn't do anything. When I finally used La Mer, I saw my neck heal the next day. I always love trying out new and cheaper alternative moisturisers but I always end up going back to this one because it really is effective. I always wake up with a nice glow on my face the next day.<br />
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Extra bits</h5>
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Occasionally, I like to put on some face mask. I alternate those Korean face masks and <b>Aesop Parsley Seed</b>.<br />
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I still carry with my <b>Duac</b> cream that was recommended to me by my dermatologist in Manila. I don't use it as much as I used to anymore but if I have a spot in the middle of the day and I remember I have this with me, then I try to apply it. I've gone through so many tubes of this that I feel like my skin has become so used to this.<br />
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I don't use sunscreen often, the reason being I breakout on most of them and they make me feel very uncomfortable. I have yet to discover the perfect sunscreen which won't break me out.<br />
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Another product I swear by is <b>Dr. Bragg's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar</b>. If my skin is feeling troubled, I use it as a toner instead of my witch hazel and rosewater toner. But most of all, I drink it. I try to drink it with warm water everyday mainly to control my acid reflux but I also noticed the effect it has on my skin.<br />
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I know that half of the products I mentioned are ridiculously expensive. As you know, I'm not loaded, I don't have a trust fund and I survive on a teacher's salary. All the products I have mentioned were purchased with my hard earned money. Prior to turning 25, I didn't care about my skin. I never stuck to a routine and was always too lazy to take care of myself. I figured the only way to force myself to stick to it was if it cost me what I earned. That said, I wouldn't buy a $280 moisturiser just because it's a cult favourite. I actually use these products and swear by them. And as with all products, a little goes a long way and it can last me a few months.<br />
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Disclaimer: Every skin is different. A product may work for me and not for you, please consult a dermatologist or do more research on the products mentioned. All products mentioned here were purchased for personal use. This is not a sponsored post. Check out my skin type <a href="http://happydiscosadness.blogspot.sg/2016/02/skin-type.html">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-83091800044610532392016-01-19T18:52:00.001+08:002016-01-23T09:44:19.699+08:00A to Zine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyeZN5qfoMqZcvgDdy7Pd2lQ8RzJY4SOOAubaTMDz9JO-n5vU_OerOOdwIIbrLFHsNCFWkJlF9Rejtl8vzmNVaPmdULhDqVkRJaTn3TMxTWUjapvwqaNxRFrsaUmDO7vbaCOe8awWwy36h/s1600/Slide2.jpg" /></div>
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Zines are self-published works that usually contain very controversial themes or topics, or niche mainstream media. With the invention and popularisation of the photocopy machine, Zines flourished and became one of the most popular form of independent publication common in the underground scene.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4-KS6MEmLHh2Mz5B5LApbuh7X8STYlMzDa9hCCEC0NOSl7jNje99mm3nXMJVxrY_BT_-34cX9R9947tAxvi6IFrsVgR7O64Z5pROeXSNGk6vGpziVTRj4wmS0rZ-0YdG2DDMofnAzMyw/s1600/Slide1.jpg" /></div>
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Back in high school, my friends and I were a bunch of creative misfits. We weren't extreme anarchists or anything, really, but I felt like we were a group of kids that did not belong to the same circle, kinda like the Breakfast Club. I remember my friends and I were really into the whole underground scene that we decided to create our own zine. Back then, I thought I was dead set about becoming a writer so having my content reproduced in a photocopy machine felt incredibly rewarding. I don't remember much from it but even up to this day, I still think it's the coolest thing we have ever made. Like all other zines, which were ephemeric publications, our zine didn't last that long. I don't even think I saved a copy of it.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_-boIM7YGY_Kg-BFMQ3ucwwqkKxGzNuyMZ0I2aa4d9iSVsgKDl4WbYZ16iqeXasQLtRbNF6cRKyKEXZ3KVaVqyKUcgXnfwNq5rz1wKhyphenhyphenBYoElXsAESPMxZ6DnP3mAoQ23o8n6uc045G6/s1600/Slide4.jpg" /></div>
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Fast forward to 16 January, I stumble across Aliwal Urban Art Festival kicking to Singapore Art Week. Dre and I attend for a sole purpose--to attend the Cut & Paste Workshop. Our visit to that tiny room in Aliwal Arts Centre literally brought us back twelve years to when we first started our zine. t wished that our other friends were there with us. It would have been cool to make a new zine twelve years later.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6UR_XxfwIh0RA-S-0E_ag9wRfEfb5nhZrQZ4FBM60YTCMIFEvST29KjGZmDAIheSxRVFjxfVQlvUHTyoNz3NXEIWcQz2eP4n87TUe4uycEVUOQQQABYP4WLcFEC-aYKU7KhE3nwTC0t-7/s1600/Slide3.jpg" /></div>
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Dre, who is a big fan of Henri Matisse, created cutouts. I, on the other hand, just went free flow. The whole process was incredibly therapeutic that we did not realise that we have stayed for two hours. I ended up creating five pages of zine material while Dre made four. After leaving Cut & Paste, we wandered a bit and ended up just watching people dance awkwardly. We left at around 11.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVf0Jb0a3hDdLimajJHjKgnlGM0x039jATwjtHT9VBo-iTUo2LElbiuqoPbkXX42ZzZKej0QxuV6K1ffaQv1Kj9R1t6pXDLVjugFVXRSuBLGe9Za_Iwt2nyHIiAFFwfkkecHOHMrMqlE6_/s1600/Slide6.jpg" /></div>
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If you ask me, my zine days were definitely the prelude to what would be blogging. And as I relaunched and revamped my website, I knew I wanted to make my blog feel like a zine. It may not necessarily look like a zine but it sure is inspired by the zine culture of the 90's.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR1pMstgGLahQqQ6aXEnscPKKrLXqtGPW8Baqr1MmbOXr8xUsR3VaDI-ouFc0CuXM3HmuuliAVnRoO4UvQHYCINIdvOOPX9ZBgK2GRnlt3ZinzPnlR5FnNcdDSNWpdb1H3hTtwK1KvD4M_/s1600/Slide5.jpg" /></div>
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Find Happiness:<br /><a href="mailto:happydiscosadness@gmail.com" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/email-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/Happydiscosadness"><img alt="RSS" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/rss-1.png" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" /></a> <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/happydiscosadness-2291432" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Instagram" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/heart.png" height="32" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://instagram.com/chedj" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"><img alt="Instagram" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/instagram-1.png" style="font-size: 100%;" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/chedj/" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"><img alt="Pinterest" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/pinterest-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://toasterpastry.tumblr.com/" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Tumblr" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/tumblr-2.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://twitter.com/happydiscoche" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Twitter" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/twitter-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://vimeo.com/user9525317" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Vimeo" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/vimeo-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/cheeedj?feature=watch" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Youtube" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/youtube.png" /></a></center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-68203664751691560532016-01-13T16:24:00.000+08:002016-01-16T23:54:01.973+08:00Two Weddings and a Bridesmaid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ2lshXNzcExZi2psgX8v4twRheg6Z4UXE5ZvOQOIy_lk1Wo1s0yxMUVc2PnHO1N4YodghbTACmULx-XjFJC61ptw_ACytNN3X4zNiDcN3dIxuH7FHFpUZnayge8ksw_26ZT8e_R2TVWN-/s1600/Slide01.jpg" /></div>
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Flower girl forever</div>
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As a kid, my services as a flower girl was pretty in demand. I was called on to walk down the aisle left and right by relatives and family friends I probably didn’t even knew... I don’t remember much from that experience except that one time I was pretty upset because my mom obviously made me look like a page in one of my colouring books... Blue eye shadow, super pink cheeks and pink-red lips. It wasn’t the 80’s but it felt like it with all that excessive pigment on my face. This is definitely why I never wear makeup because I never really enjoyed being dolled up.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Che</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I look at weddings now and think,<i> these (flower) girls have it way easy nowadays</i>. Back then, flower girls had to wear these ridiculously itchy fabric with massive petticoats underneath. The dress had to be big and heavy and uncomfortable. It had a matching headband with pearls beads. Gloves are optional part of their flower girl uniform. We also had to hold baskets of flowers; because, duh, flowers girls. I no longer see kids with the same kind of makeup I had back then. Now, they’re dressed in luxurious fabrics that are easy to twirl around to. Their makeups are now au naturel, they look like girls. So I don't really get why these kids act up when they're on the job, haha. </span><br />
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Whilst I was an expert flower girl, I wasn't really knowledgeable on other roles. I became a secondary sponsor once for another relative but I didn't really enjoy it. I remember I had to wear a short dress because the other girl was short.<br />
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It's wedding season!</div>
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Now, I'm way past my quarter life and all my friends are starting to get married. Since I live in another country, I haven't been invited to plenty of weddings but I try to go to all the ones I've been invited to (and I have attended all so far, except for one because it was my nephew's first birthday). Recently, two of my friends got hitched almost at the same time. The most exciting part is being part of their entourage.<br />
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I didn't really know what a bridesmaid's role was. So I literally went to Kinokuniya to research on that important role. As it turns out, most of the job is really the Maid of Honour's. It was such a huge relief as I didn't know what the hell I was supposed to do. But at the same time, I felt like I wanted to be a Maid of Honour to someone... and looking at my situation, I live away from friends, I have no sister... my best friends all have sisters or are close to their cousins or have other best friends too, my chances are slim to none. Nonetheless, I'm happy to be a friend's bridesmaid. And in 2015 alone, I had the chance to be a bridesmaid twice. Even my mom was excited. She didn't really believe I had friends... at all. So for people to ask me to be their bridesmaid was probably shocking to her.<br />
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For wedding preps, I am pretty useless because I'm nowhere anywhere near the bride whilst planning but I tried helping out as best as I can and would always ask for updates or offer my help despite the difficulty of the situation. For Tricia's wedding, I really felt pretty useless. I know Patty helped out a lot and I was feeling really guilty for not doing the website. I helped her out with the logo, though. It's nothing big because anybody can do that, I know Tricia could have done it herself to be honest. But she trusted me on that and seeing the logo on all the flipbooks and succulents--it was pretty exciting. For Janelle's wedding, <a href="https://vimeo.com/149654338">she asked me to do an AVP</a> on her and her husband's growing up stage. It was a challenge. Everybody can do a slideshow and I don't want to present something to a hundred people with an ordinary slideshow, unless I had a real vintage overheard slideshow. So I made huge plans... which didn't go as planned. I did end up with something more or less like a slideshow, still. I added some fancy effect and luckily everyone seemed happy. I wasn't as pleased because I knew I could do so much better.</div>
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From flower girl </div>
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to bridesmaid</div>
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It's been two decades and a half since I walked down as a flower girl. So my aisle walking skills must be pretty rusty. And I haven't worn heels in three years. It freaked me out. But I did it and I survived! I did have to change from heels to flats at the reception...<br />
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I noticed some bridesmaids like to cry. I wondered if they did it because they wanted to be videoed or photographed. Because I noticed that videographers and photographers flocked the bridesmaids who do. I didn't cry. I was damn happy. I was super happy my best friend Tricia found a guy she deserved. Same with Janelle, I was happy she finally found the one. I looked at the brides on their wedding days and neither of them cried. Now why would I cry? I had a big-ass grin on both weddings because I was so happy and I don't cry pretty anyway.<br />
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The only thing not cool about weddings is when you're single, you're automatically selected to play in the singles game. I like joining contests and I'm pretty outgoing, but I'm still an introvert and I don't like being in front of a lot of people, especially at weddings.<br />
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Being a bridesmaid was an amazing experience. I am so happy for my friends that they finally found their own happy endings. I have another wedding to look forward to this October 2016 so that's exciting. Let's just hope I don't turn out to be Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses. That would be tragic.<br />
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<img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6hSE-4hAu4c8nzoAQFPvLd2HSkhAVnQdaaHmDJdvp8gniycLtdvfsNCNuR_1QYKfHAb41BSfQusrEtLYbRIX-X6sfjFlGQsevS5IIkvskoLSAR9X6hDRND-Aqt9Suy1QIO-Ll1sOP_0o/s200/grn.png" width="200" /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RiovcomQJrylyUv1XP14H1Vrex7UYqWwNAwCB4J0tYqW5OEwdNIpLSY3yLsZ-aQQmHvCH5SzqEriauHkawCTie8GtdDQE0aeI1rkRkxZEWkrOvEd0iAkxebGfbnSUn_7NkprS9eRfe6Q/s1600/Slide04.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Che</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Z8U5v9srFsAf4bgAasZIP6sEpWZMnzrZIEzGfg3bGUeGRr3eFSzqh0OHdqGFqyQ325nxCA-CBwqMspStSCsJlj0HtCjk-Ty85YSgfonwbEKcc2l_N2EMs4UwfNRITsSAhzv8N-Z5_PwZ/s1600/Slide06.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Marlon Capuyan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYn7joXLdK8BIoVScYxq4DFKO7nK7qM4bCcmc0dZHXsEknjsYTxkfc2ZYEyltV73a4hmctikdDv0Xx6A3btq5viAp5pvInjX3gzZelmxmD1vIWGjVY96YuCRB9TeYlWm9Qf8rn8JFTjfql/s1600/Slide05.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Che</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Photo by Marlon Capuyan</span></td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/148839505" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="720"></iframe> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://vimeo.com/148839505">Kevin & Trish</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/thesparkseries">The Spark Series</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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<img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Zar-_Xftn3xb3iQMQmL2CFQ9HC9jZxkxhWnL7v0DrW5t8j4J2Ahk4XSpc8rnb8nflqWoVDCso8WA84Q40VdhOmzLki5mQhfi7z546396ySQO3vzgWPz5_hTq-TuPAVxUUQRgh0sy2xu6/s320/pg.png" width="320" /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Che</td></tr>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgprAG5WKh-Fk-z5bXCPjJRdBgkGk5ib3nRRnkPSxgPIN9HWAkWWZGnjNYLiOJPw0t9joCcmDmhbdiw6d2Zs72uDB0mWCkKrfiwpYAaqixnG6Q1gOMjK2zOx0ZIRqlThLKULH6lWUrQYnk-/s1600/Slide11.jpg" /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Che</td></tr>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp9Ea1XtxjES2OezGiAeyH4Ilv_FEtenpU9oO0gD8mI1-YoqmnB2XPYYHRqh9eYNVQb4NAUxg6zW1AUJwNsZ_d7HpDC0a8y_R4xSvVeljX5zP3oGzMtntwrTAy_kG1Miuv4CKoDLw3HJuM/s1600/Slide10.jpg" /></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="405" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/150231402" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="720"></iframe> <br />
<a href="https://vimeo.com/150231402">"Side by Side" Chris and Janelle | Same Day Edit</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/waxambata">Joaquin Ambata Films</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.</div>
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Find Happiness:<br /><a href="mailto:happydiscosadness@gmail.com" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/email-1.png" / /></a><span style="text-align: left;font-size:100%;"> </span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/Happydiscosadness"><img alt="RSS" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/rss-1.png" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" / /></a> <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/happydiscosadness-2291432" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Instagram" border="0" height="32" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/heart.png" / /></a><span style="text-align: left;font-size:100%;"> </span><a href="http://instagram.com/chedj" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"><img alt="Instagram" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/instagram-1.png" style="font-size: 100%;" / /></a><span style="text-align: left;font-size:100%;"> </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/chedj/" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"><img alt="Pinterest" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/pinterest-1.png" / /></a><span style="text-align: left;font-size:100%;"> </span><a href="http://toasterpastry.tumblr.com/" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Tumblr" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/tumblr-2.png" / /></a><span style="text-align: left;font-size:100%;"> </span><a href="http://twitter.com/happydiscoche" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Twitter" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/twitter-1.png" / /></a><span style="text-align: left;font-size:100%;"> </span><a href="http://vimeo.com/user9525317" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Vimeo" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/vimeo-1.png" / /></a><span style="text-align: left;font-size:100%;"> </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/cheeedj?feature=watch" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Youtube" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/youtube.png" / /></a></center>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-39541878856995000222016-01-08T17:32:00.000+08:002016-01-17T13:08:03.882+08:00Malacca<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGgspmA-TPyHSz9U9NZcPnqxutrBWaMnJ2b1U-mnk2LAlY3ijYj0Qa6iv1c4VMZzrxRHQenQ3wuhcH-RqP4_3Zwr9Q1E2m9PeNfoONiFBMPMq24zukheftaKe4ELLmombJmV_UFWSJgdKN/s1600/mitm.png" /></div>
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I haven’t had the opportunity to travel in the last five years that I’ve been living in Singapore--except that one time I went to Bangkok with my family, a trip to Batam with colleagues and two short day trips to Johor Bahru. But a few weeks before the school year ended, some friends at work and I decided to explore the Malacca.<br />
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Our trip to Malacca was such an incredible experience. I especially loved the food and strolling along the cultural sights.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SAY8nY_cAOjpCF1obwxNQSCerQ9wmqjNRF5_ViWwmqUNiCwAGGo4iK2SzJXi0WxSAMYfAVD3Sx7n3-PxXrlxl3VNKLdoLUTrX9-GmbOxExQ8MPZtL1L8IDbcq7hBVhKP9-W1bygJLWNH/s1600/Slide09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5SAY8nY_cAOjpCF1obwxNQSCerQ9wmqjNRF5_ViWwmqUNiCwAGGo4iK2SzJXi0WxSAMYfAVD3Sx7n3-PxXrlxl3VNKLdoLUTrX9-GmbOxExQ8MPZtL1L8IDbcq7hBVhKP9-W1bygJLWNH/s200/Slide09.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
And like I always do, I made a 7-
hour roadtrip playlist. I must say,
it’s the most diversified and
eclectic mix I have ever made. Only because there were five of us in this trip and I knew we all had different tastes in music.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ytli60y5qqoOcE78q7qnqfpSgsVb42sKExWGqjFS9qXkFh3E6-o7AZUiBmc-PqAX_43OaJBOLEjn87EAj6D2LriKvZ-AhuQN21UwJhZq5wR1xr2jmR1uuXilGDZSAouEAKqJFuy2W7PD/s1600/Slide08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ytli60y5qqoOcE78q7qnqfpSgsVb42sKExWGqjFS9qXkFh3E6-o7AZUiBmc-PqAX_43OaJBOLEjn87EAj6D2LriKvZ-AhuQN21UwJhZq5wR1xr2jmR1uuXilGDZSAouEAKqJFuy2W7PD/s200/Slide08.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Oh and I also made a video...</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="405" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/149477589" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="720"></iframe><br />
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/149477589">Malacca</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user9525317">Happydiscosadness</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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Find Happiness:<br /><a href="mailto:happydiscosadness@gmail.com" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/email-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/Happydiscosadness"><img alt="RSS" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/rss-1.png" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" /></a> <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/happydiscosadness-2291432" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Instagram" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/heart.png" height="32" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://instagram.com/chedj" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"><img alt="Instagram" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/instagram-1.png" style="font-size: 100%;" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/chedj/" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"><img alt="Pinterest" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/pinterest-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://toasterpastry.tumblr.com/" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Tumblr" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/tumblr-2.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://twitter.com/happydiscoche" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Twitter" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/twitter-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://vimeo.com/user9525317" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Vimeo" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/vimeo-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/cheeedj?feature=watch" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Youtube" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/youtube.png" /></a></center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-56473003450784113032016-01-05T00:35:00.000+08:002016-01-17T13:08:21.628+08:00Going Solo<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
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I have been going to concerts and festival for ten years. Over the 50 plus gigs I have been to, I have been to two concerts on my own, been lost in the crowd and separated from friends and have been left in the middle of a set in a club. Short gigs on small venues are alright; after all, I am there for the music anyways. But the thought of attending a music festival on my own seemed daunting and ridiculous. Music festivals are magnified concerts filled with not only fellow music lovers but pretentious hipsters who try super hard not to fit in while fitting in. It may seem okay for a lot of people but for an ambivert or an outgoing introvert like me, it's a pretty big thing.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>The issue with me is I am, in fact, a very shy person. I am outgoing and have my moments of crazy. I am totally okay posting my collection of Dubsmash videoes online for people on my Facebook list to see. I can be loud and gregarious within familiar environments but to be thrown into a social situation where I have to introduce myself to a bunch of strangers? I get all anxious and awkward. No thank you.<br />
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Fast forward to 2015. When <a href="http://www.neonlights.sg/">Neon Lights</a> was announced, I was very excited. I've gone to three Laneways and a bunch of one-hit wonder festivals here in Singapore but have not heard of a two-day family-oriented Arts and Music festival. I was interested to see how a festival was going to pan out.
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As usual, I announced the event among my circle of friends. I have a few friends who are my usual concert buddies to these events and they seemed to be very keen, but at the same time apprehensive of the price. Festivals are known for their ridiculously overpriced tickets, not to mention ridiculously overpriced food, beverage and merch.<br />
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I decided to take action and get myself early bird tickets. They were $189 for two days. Way cheaper than regular $240. Meanwhile some friends promised to buy their tickets on their pay day. As the days passed, people who mentioned they'd be interested to go decided to pass up on attending the festival. I thought about selling my ticket and not going. I have never been to a festival on my own and never really intended to be on my own.
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<h4 style="text-align: center;">
Solo selfie</h4>
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To be alone is scary and makes you feel incredibly vulnerable. But I decided to push through anyway because I love it. I love the music. I love seeing the artist perform the songs I only hear on my phone while I'm in transit. It makes me feel like I'm hearing it for the very first time. I love how the music makes me feel. I love it so much that it doesn't matter whether I am by myself and vulnerable.
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If you google "attending music festivals alone" you'll be given a plethora of articles and reasons why you should attend one. Among the reasons given was that you'll meet new friends. While that is ideal, that never happened to me. Sure, occasionally, I found myself turning my head to my left or right to acknowledge whoever was beside me, to apologize most of the time for bumping or elbowing them. And I helped a bunch of people when they needed to get their photo taken but for the most part, I kept to myself. I was wallflower idly wandering around Fort Canning Park in between sets. You may or may not make new friends... and that's okay. Life does not end when you spend time on your own--unless you're a spineless idiot who relies on other people to survive.
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Being on my own gave me the freedom to make my own decisions. Festivals need a lot of mental planning and strategizing whether which acts to see and which ones to let go of, where to position myself to get the best view. I had no other person to think about and it was liberating.<br />
Would I ever attend a music festival on my own again? Absolutely, because music above all else always prevails.
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Oh hey, I Snapchatted my Neon Lights experience!<br />
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Find Happiness:<br /><a href="mailto:happydiscosadness@gmail.com" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/email-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/Happydiscosadness"><img alt="RSS" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/rss-1.png" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" /></a> <a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/happydiscosadness-2291432" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Instagram" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/heart.png" height="32" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://instagram.com/chedj" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"><img alt="Instagram" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/instagram-1.png" style="font-size: 100%;" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/chedj/" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"><img alt="Pinterest" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/pinterest-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://toasterpastry.tumblr.com/" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Tumblr" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/tumblr-2.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://twitter.com/happydiscoche" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Twitter" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/twitter-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://vimeo.com/user9525317" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Vimeo" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/vimeo-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/cheeedj?feature=watch" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Youtube" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/youtube.png" /></a></center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1992556238708365368.post-89393335299140047982016-01-01T17:46:00.000+08:002016-01-12T16:24:53.097+08:00An Intro<iframe frameborder="no" height="300" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/5435762&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe><br />
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Welcome to an all new Happydiscosadness!</div>
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To my regulars, hello! It has been a while since I have written anything substantial. I have decided to start anew. I felt like the Che back in 2011 when I started Happydiscosadness no longer reflected who I am today. I have grown up since I came to Singapore. I met loads of new people and experienced so many new things. And though I have tried, I couldn't go back to the way things were. For one, I no longer have a 28-inch waistline. And I haven't been inspired to go out and spend all my money on clothes. I am still passionate about all things art and that is why this blog is still alive. </div>
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I am excited to start fresh. I want to write about my new discoveries whether it's new music, hole in the wall cafes, a brand I am incredibly obsessed with. I want to write about my experiences--films, festivals, concerts and even travel. Anything that gets me going and inspires my creative juices to flow, I'll put them all down here.</div>
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If you've been here before, hello there. If you're new, welcome! I hope you guys stick around. </div>
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Find Happiness:<br /><a href="mailto:happydiscosadness@gmail.com" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/email-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://instagram.com/chedj"><img alt="Instagram" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/instagram-1.png" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/happydiscosadness-2291432" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Instagram" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/4ff673f0-72aa-40a8-a5a7-f0f75e50f585.png" height="32" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://pinterest.com/chedj/" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"><img alt="Pinterest" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/pinterest-1.png" /></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/Happydiscosadness" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="RSS" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/rss-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://toasterpastry.tumblr.com/" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Tumblr" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/tumblr-2.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://twitter.com/happydiscoche" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Twitter" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/twitter-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://vimeo.com/user9525317" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Vimeo" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/vimeo-1.png" /></a><span style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;"> </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/cheeedj?feature=watch" style="font-size: 100%; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="Youtube" border="0" src="http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z108/cheeedj/youtube.png" /></a></center>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com