Still alive

Just a simple post to show that I am still alive and kicking. I have just been really busy 

working for my Dad and my Aunt. Other then that, I am pretty much enjoying my summer break - recently travelled to Japan (IT WAS SO AMAZINGGGG!!! DYING TO GO BCK SOON!)

I will be travelling to Bangkok at the end of this month so I will probably update this space when I get bck from Bkk(: 

For now, here is a picture of a set of 3d nail art which I had done for me 3 weeks ago (more about it next time!)

Back from Berlin.

I got back from Berlin a couple of days ago and since then have been busy packing to move from Exeter to London. And for the first time, I missed the train and had to pay 39quid for a new ticket. I am still pretty irritated about it as it wasn't my fault for missing the train. The ticket machine refused to dispense the ticket and claimed that I didn't purchase when I clearly did!!

But anyhow, I am currently in London, living with my brother. I seriously can't wait to go back to Singapore as his place is really dirty (inconsiderate housemates) and we are sharing a bed that is only slightly bigger than a single >=( 

I will post up pictures from my trip to Berlin soon! I really enjoyed myself there and seriously can't wait to show you guys a little something I bought from Berlin :D 

Bye UK, hello Berlin!

Sorry for not completing my 14days nail art challenge. I was lacking in inspiration and didn't have much materials left. Anyway, I will not be posting anything till the 14th as I am going to Berlin tomorrow till 13th June!!!! Will share some nice pictures with you guys when I am back!

PS: I have been eating a lot since my brother came to visit me on the 6th! He helped me move my stuff into storage and celebrated my birthday with me :DDD
I am now 21 years old(:

失落沙洲 - 徐佳莹

我不是一定要你回来只是当独自走入人海除了你之外的依赖还有谁能教我勇敢 ... 

Body Image? Confidence?

If you know me personally, you would know that I have a lot of issues with my body. I am not thin but neither am I obese. I am sort of in the middle? Maybe? Just quite meaty but definitely not obese. But my guy friends would always make fun of me and say stuff like I should consider slimming down (or they might drop hints every now and then).

I do not have a lot of confidence in myself and I am also not happy about my body. I am one of those girls who stares at pictures of other really skinny girls and wish I could be as thin as them. However, I have never took drastic measures to slim down. Just because I really love my food! But starting this year, I got really affected by such comments, and am taking tiny steps to achieving my ideal weight and size.

I am sick and tired of hearing others comment about my body or how fat I am compared to the other singaporean girls around. So I have started exercising (sort of) and watching what I eat and I hope I would stop gaining weight.

Since I am talking about my issues with my body, I thought I would just share something I read with you guys. Not too long ago, I read Fashionpirates' post on how she changed herself because what she saw in the mirror wasn't what she imagined herself to be and I admire her courage to do so. She made herself different because she didn't like the idea of normal because normal is really being an average person that does not take any chances, etc.

So what does this have to do with body image?
Well though I admire her courage to change, to take chances; and to a certain extent wish I could be like her, I still want to try to achieve that ideal body weight that I have in my head.

I do not want to be like some skinny bitch. I mean come on lets get real here; I love my food and I am not very sporty. but I would at least want to be less meaty than I am now, to increase my self-confidence. I want to be able to feel confident of myself and I don't think I can do that if I am not confident of my body.



Sorry, if any of this doesn't make sense to you. It might be me ranting but I am trying to make sense of what I want myself to be like.

Day 6 and 7 of Nail Art Challenge; #13 #14

Another attempt at leopard print nails. Not very sure how I feel about this but I think the previous multicolored leopard nails is prettier. 

This set of nails is for today. Its a really simple design, green polka dots on a grey base and the shape of mickey mouse head on my fourth finger. I am running out of ideas which explains this really simple design. Really got to crack my head for tomorrow's design. 

Day 5 of Nail Art Challenge; #12 Something Quirky?

Really sorry for the late post! I did do one set of nail art yesterday but was really dissatisfied with it. Thus, I didn't take a picture of it. This set that I did today is to replace yesterday's. The black strips aren't very neat but its the best I can do for now (till I get proper brushes). Do let me know what you think of this set!

Day 4 of Nail Art Challenge; #11 French Manicure with Polka Dots

Today's nail art is featuring a french manicure with polka dots on it and 2 flowers on the index and middle finger! I have to say, this is definitely not one of my finest work. This is my third time giving myself a french manicure and am still not getting the hang of it =( I do hope to be able to do perfect it soon. 

PS: I initially wanted to do a manicure base on the color black but I screwed it up big time. Lets hope I can come up with something less sweet soon!

Day 3 of Nail Art Challenge; #10 Too cool for your ordinary leopard print

First of all, lets assume today is Saturday and not Sunday. I went out till late and didn't have time to paint a new set of nail art. Anyway, this is my second time painting leopard prints on my nails and it turned out better than expected (though i still kind of hate it). I am not really into leopard print nails but I really wanted to try something different than my usual cutesy or simple nail art. Do let me know what you think! I have to say though leopard print nails are not for everyone. 

But hey, though I dislike leopard print nails, I really love Alexander Wang's leopard print clutch(: 

PS: I will definitely be doing another set later today, probably something simpler and not as loud. 

Day 2 of Nail Art Challenge; #9 All things colorful

I AM SO HAPPY WITH TODAY'S NAIL ART! It is so freaking cute! (pardon my over enthusiasm.)
But seriously, I really love this set of nail art! I was going for something different for my index and middle finger but it didn't turn out well. Thus, I decided to change it and did a french tip with summer fruits on it.

This is probably my most colorful set of nail art and I am so happy with it! Do leave me comments on what you think. You can say you hate it; different people like different kind of nail art perhaps cute is not your thing.

PS: I really can't bare to clean this off and do a third set tomorrow! (this is way too cute to only have on for a couple of hours)  ='(

Day 1 of Nail Art Challenge; #8

Today is day one of the Nail Art Challenge and I tried a new technique of painting my nails called water marble. This is my second attempt at water marbling the first attempt was a complete failure! It was kinda hideous. Anyway, it took me 4 hours to complete both hands, which I guess is normal for a first timer? I have watched a couple of videos before trying this out and it took others less than 30mins to get it done. So I guess practice makes perfect. 

I am not too sure if I am going to use this technique again. Firstly, because it is so troublesome and requires a lot of patience. Second because I am kinda bad at twirling the nail varnish to get a nice design before dipping my finger into the water. 

Oh well, you never know, I might try it again, but definitely not anytime soon. 

PS: feel free to give me suggestions on what kinda nail art you would like me to try(: 

PS/PS: I am kinda excited about this 14 days challenge!!

Back!

=DDDDDD

Exams are officially over! 

My second year in uni has been really though, and my exams did not go as well as I wanted it to. I think the worse part of my second year was finding out that I failed my individual project. I got 33 marks for it. I have no idea what went wrong but right now, I am crossing my fingers and praying that I will pass all my modules to get to third year. 

My uni has this policy that does not allow us to repeat a year so, I have to pass all my modules or else I will be kicked out. I really hope everything goes well! 

Anyway, it's all done. All I can do now is wait for my results to come out and pray that everything goes well(:

Because I am going to Berlin with a couple of friends from 9-14 June and afterwhich, I will be living with my brother for a bit, I won't be able to blog as often. Thus, to make up for that, I am going to challenge myself to paint a different set of nail art on my nails everyday. And to ensure that I am not cheating or whatsoever, I am going to post the design I have attempted everyday, before 12midnight (uk time). 

Oh and feel free to suggest any designs. I have a limited amount of creativity so I would really love it if you guys can give me some suggestions(: 

PS: I just came back from the gym and I feel really good after a workout. I am having issues with my weight now so I am hoping I can lose some of it before going back to Singapore. Tired of being the only fat singaporean girl around in my uni. 

Nail Art Time! #7

A very simple design I did yet again, during one of my sleepless nights. I used Topshop's Green room as a base and blue glitter power. It looks like I used silver glitter instead of blue at some angles, which is what I wanted. Also because I wanted something to remind me of the sea.

My first paper is tomorrow - a killer paper, followed by another killer paper on tuesday. Wish me luck/pray for me!

Nail Art Time! #6

Couldn't fall asleep last night thus I decided to paint my nails while waiting for myself to tire out. This is actually my second time trying this design. My first attempt went horribly wrong as my hands kept shaking and it was really messy. I am pretty happy with how well it turned out this time. 

Credits to The Dailynail, where I got the design from(: 

Royal Wedding

Did you guys watch the Royal Wedding? Initially I didn't want to but it so happen that the annual food festival in Exeter was on the same day as the wedding. As such, my friends and I went to the food festival, where there was a big screen for us to view the wedding while enjoying the lovely weather and food that the festival has to offer.

I really love Kate's dress(designed by Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen) and Prince William looked really charming in his uniform. Its just sad that he is balding at such a young age. But despite that, the couple still look incredibly good together(:

Anyhow, more on the food festival. My friends and I ate a lot of food! We shared a couple of burgers just so we can try more food. We shared 3 burgers, a pie and 2 servings of mussels. I also ate 2 raw oysters (THEY TASTED SO GOOD!!!!), frozen yoghurt and mint ice cream(:

Below are some polaroids we took during the festival.

Love this photo! The festival was held at Exeter Castle and this shot shows how beautiful the surroundings is. Sorry for the brightness of the photo. I already changed the settings to take into account of how bright it was outside but the picture still turned out like that =/

Anyway, to also make this my first outfit post in this blog, I will just list where I got my clothes from. 

Stripe knit dress - Black Clover

Studded Belt - Uniqlo 

Green clutch - Zara 

Black Leggings - Topshop

A shot of the big screen with Prince William and Kate exchanging wedding vows. 

Nail Art Time! #2 #3 #4 #5

Really sorry but because I am preparing for my exams, I have no time to post a proper post.
but for now I thought it would be good to do a recap on the nail art I have tried so far(:

As you might have notice by now, I typically love to put shiny rhinestones or hearts/stars or my nails!

Five Things to Combat "Monday" Blues

1) Brightly Colored Jeans 

  Lovely Pepa                         

 

Meek n Mild

The Style Manual

 Fiction Living

I have been obsessing with brightly colored jeans, after seeing Zara's latest collection of jeans. They are in pretty shades of colors and are affordably priced too! I may or may not get a pair, depending on the fit. I personally dislike wearing jeans and think that I look short and fat in them. I really like Lovely Pepa's pair of bright green jeans and in fact, her entire outfit. I have been reading her blog and am officially a loyal reader of hers.

Anyway, I like this season's trend of incorporating one loud color in an outfit and I will try it out, when I have found a nice colored item. I might just start by buying this. 


Are you guys moving towards this trend too? 


2) Knit 

Fade to Black

 Cats and Rocking Chairs

forgot where I got this image from. let me know if you guys know the link!

Adam Gallagher

Ok I know winter is months away and summer has just started but I can't stop thinking about knits! I think they can be worn both in summer and winter. Its just we have to take note how thick the knit is and what kinda knit clothing it is. The knit top in the first photo is obviously for autumn/winter and the following 2 are just perfect for summer. The knit scarf in the last photo, is in my opinion the best scarf anyone can own during winter! Firstly, it is because I like how it hangs around a person's neck, secondly it keeps me really warm during winter! 

Sidetracking a little, you guys should really follow Adam Gallagher's blog. I am sort of a loyal reader of his blog because I love how clearly his inspirations are related to his outfit. I hate it when people mention their inspirations but I can't relate to it to their outfit, making me feel like an idiot. Plus, he dresses well and is good looking. Thus, you should really check out his blog! (: 

3) Galactic

Again, I forgot where I got this from! sorry! 

Alicia Kuczman

Astrodynamics

Astronet

Nothing much to say other than, really pretty. I don't mind owning a galactic print top similar to that in the first picture. 

4) Dreamy Photos 

City of Northern Lights 

Girly Pics

 Secretly Hoping

x

I like looking at dreamy photos, especially when I think the world is ugly or on days I dream about how beautiful could be. 

5) Owl 

City of Northern Lights

 Zina

again, I forgot where this image is from! 

My obsession with owls started after I watched the movie: Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'hoole. Some of the owls featured were too adorable to be true! They are portrayed as little birds with huge innocent-looking eyes. Too cute! Not long ago, I went back to Singapore for 2 weeks and I saw the owl necklace (seen in the last photo) on sale. From the moment, I saw it, I knew I had to buy it. Its just too cute to ignore! I did not bring it with me to UK. I can't wait to start wearing it out! 

PS: sorry for the late post! 

Nail Art Time! #1

I really love trying out new things, especially DIYs and to me the easiest thing to DIY is nail art. I try to paint my nails on a regular basis (have stopped for 2-3 months now because my nails were getting brittle).

I have came across videos on Konad stamps on youtube and was very intrigued by it because its nail art made easy. However, I didn't purchase their products to try.

So the other day when I was at Far East Plaza, I came across a shop called Konad and I immediately thought of Konad stamps. I was super excited when I bought the products (items selling at a very affordable price) and couldn't wait to try it out. However, I waited for 2 days before trying it as I was waiting for the nail polish on my nails to chip.

Above is the final product of my first try at using Konad stamps. It is a pretty simple design. It is supposed to be a french tip with a single bow however, the design on the french tip kinda got smudged when I applied the top coat (i used a rly light nail polish for the tip).

My thoughts on Konad stamps:
It is very easy to use and does not require any skills! It might get a bit messy during your first try but it is definitely worth purchasing especially if you want to paint your own nails without having to go get a manicure or are horrible at drawing (like me).

Note that Konad recommended using their own special nail polish for stamping but I think using your own nail polish is fine too, as long as it is thick enough.

Here is a video teaching you how to use Konad stamps:     Konad

PS: After this, there should be lesser people complaining about having not enough time/patience to do their own nail art on their nails!

PS PS: the image stamped on your finger dries REALLY quickly, super convenient of impatient people!

xoxo,
j

Five Things to Combat Monday Blues

1) Cherry Blossoms

x

x

 x

Really sorry but I forgot where I got this image from!

x

I have never seen a place filled with cherry blossom trees before, just individual ones in Exeter/London However, I always found them beautiful.

The Tsunami in Japan, constant earthquakes and meltdown of the nuclear powerplant has taken the lives of many. In the past, during this time of the year, millions would be out celebrating the start of spring. Parks would be filled with fully bloomed cherry blossom trees. However, due to the disaster, such parks has been destroyed and all celebrations has been cancelled.

Mother nature is scary and unpredictable but I hope Japan will recover soon and I will be doing my part by donating to red cross (and I hope you would to).

I know posting this sort of thing is kind of contradictory, seeing that the title is 'Five Thing to Combat Monday Blues'. But I thought it would be insensitive to talk about how beautiful cherry blossoms without mentioning about the situation in Japan.

2) Cath Kidston

 x

I absolutely adore Cath Kidston items. It is a UK based brand, named after the designer herself. Her items are really adorable and in my opinion, suit anyone between the ages 7-30. I particularly love her keyrings, iphone cases, purses and wallets! Some of her items are a bit overpriced but I think for the quality, I am willing to pay that amount. 

I bought for myself a passport clutch (first picture on the left), keyring and a cosmetic pouch from them. I also bought a couple of items for my friends, as gifts from UK and they are really in love with it(: 

Seriously, if you are looking for cute yet durable items, you should head on over to Cath Kidtson! 

3) Trousers

x

x

x

x

I really envy people who can wear trousers. I have been wanting to create an outfit featuring a pair of trousers but I just look short and fat in them *CRIES*. 

I am really in love with Wendy of Blackcoffeecrumbs' outfit (first picture) ! It is so clean, simple and chic! I like how it look so effortless. Do hop on over to her blog and style-stalk her! 

4) White Lace

mine

x

x

x

My obsession with white lace has got to do with the fact that spring is here! Also because I have been searching for the perfect perfect lace waist coat.

I love everyone's outfits, especially Ane's (second picture)! She looks really pretty and innocent in her outfit! Do check out her blog (it's filled with sweetness - something that will really brighten up your day!). Anyway, I like how everyone worked their lace garment. They all give different vibe, not just sweetness.

5) Paris 

All photos taken from: x

My brother and I are planning to take a trip to Paris during our summer holidays. I am hoping that he keeps to his word and not break the promise because he overspent! I can totally imagine myself going from one cafe to another, enjoying the delicious pastries and macarons that Paris has to offer! 

Anyhow, I hope you enjoyed this week's 'Five Things to Combat Monday Blues' and I will try to do this regularly! 

xoxo, 

j