When-oh-When?

Dreaming....

October 23, 2010 - Carlton Hotel.

*Cam-whore Intensive Post*

Checked into Carlton hotel at around 2pm.
Thanks to Senior's corporate booking, we got upgraded to the new wing's premier room!
Some photos of the room.

This room was just above the ballroom that Yong's bro's wedding was to be held.

Save me a lot of walking that day.

First camwhore photo.

Minimum makeup since I had to wash them off before Cherry came.

This was really cute so I just had to take a photo.

Like cotton candy right?

Cherry & her assistant came to do my MIL and my makeup/hair for the evening.

She squeezed my afternoon appointment into her busy schedule.

Thank you so much babe!

Had to take a photo with this pretty mummy.

After that, I changed into another dress and headed down for their ROM.

Nothing to do when waiting for the JP so cam-whored a little.

After the solemnisation, I headed back to the room to rest since the dinner only starts around 8pm.

Cam-whore time!

I totally agree that these curls (and those in Jap magazines) can only be achieved through using thongs to curl.

My evening outfit and I pulled out the top fake lash coz I thought that it was too dramatic.

Well, this cheong sam has it's own history.

Was custom made 9 years ago to attend Yong's commissioning ball.

It was bare-backed and long with no bling.

Made at Mama & Misse's Bishan branch.

After 9 years, I went back to Nicola of Mama & Misse at IP to change the look of the cheong sam.

Finally, my mum and sisters arrived just before the start of the commencement.

Can't really blame them since they only had 1 MUA at hand.

Family shot.

Sister shot.

Family shot with fat arms.

Family shot with not so fat arms.

Cupcakes as their wedding cake.

100 pieces so everyone was grabbing.

Happy Family.

Handsome fella (the little one).

 Dinner ended around 11pm and I headed back to the room to bathe.
By the time I doze off, it was close to 2am in the morning.
Really pooped and still trying to recover from it.

Goodies from Japan.

Ma went to Tohoku for holiday last week and returned with many Jap goodies!

All the foodstuff.

And, I only requested for 1 item.

Instax mini!!

Ma also bought me extra film for it.

Surprised? There's no makeup or skincare this time round!

NAKED!

Hmm, I've been lemming for this for some time.

The last batch that arrived at Sephora was snapped up within that day due to reservations being made.

I happen to surf FB on Friday and saw the post that the new shipment has arrived.

I was ecstatic and rushed to Ion =)

I GOT IT!!!!

12 colors with 2 liners and a mini primer potion.

S$73.

Wee~ am a happy girl.

Budget Barbie.

This is something that I must post!

Entertaining to watch but also makes you think twice about buying something.

BUDGET BARBIE!

I'm also not affiliated with ClickNetwork but this is really interesting.

She's really furnie.

Go watch all her episodes.

Only 6 so far so not a lot.

Enjoy~

Preparations for Wedding.

Not for my wedding but for an immediate family member.

Congrats to Kangwei & Verene!

Well, since it is immediate family member's wedding, there was some preparations on my end.

Dress - check.

Shoes - check.

Bag - check (and double check).

Facial - check (Yong's too).

Threading & waxing - check.

Nails - check (after much hassle).

Wedding angpow - check.

Hair wash at the salon the day before - check.

Overnight bag - check.

What remains will be my makeup and hair with Cherry.

Wee~ all set!

Photos to be posted soon =)

House Call for Pedi & Mani - Terrible Experience with Oh! Nails' Alyssa.

I was pretty psyched that I found a manicurist who was willing to do house calls for myself and my MIL.

The appointment was made on Sept 9 for Oct 21!

But it was a utterly disappointing experience with NO house call being made.

On Sept 14, I replied her on the colors and she did reply.

Yay, so it was all set and I told my MIL that we will do it at my house.

Never did I guess the following to happen.

I called Alyssa the day before to check if she's alright with doing 2 more sets of mani+pedi for my sisters.

She didn't pick up the phone.

After that call, my younger sister called me back to say that they found a nail place to do.

But, I felt weird and so I messaged her to confirm the appointment next day.

No reply.

Very scary.

Next day, I messaged her in the morning again.

Still no reply.

I thought that she wanted to save on SMS so, nevermind.

I rushed home after work to get ready for the session - on the aircon, packed up the house, on the heater for warm water.

Than, I waited.

530 pm...545pm - 15 minutes passed so I decided to call her to make sure she's not lost or stuck in traffic.

No answer.

I called again 5 minutes later - still no answer.

I waited till it was 6pm, calling her now and than, I gave up.

I wasn't furious but felt really disappointed at the whole process and the un-professional method this was handled.

If she wanted to cancel, she should have let me know earlier for me to make arrangements.

Don't avoid my messages or calls!!

I also checked her blog and she posted a comment just the day before I message her on the 19th.

I'm really disappointed at this experience.

She started her blog in April and it's barely 1 year.

For those thinking of using her services, I'd advise you to think twice.

OH! Nails

For those who have been her clients may have a great experience but for me this was utterly horrible and intolerable for someone who is in the service line.

In the end, I had to make an urgent call at 6pm to my usual manicurist to get a slot at 7pm to do my mani + pedi.

Had to travel all the way back to Bishan to get my nails done last minute due to the un-professionalism of Alyssa.

Gold and simple theme since I'm not the main person of the event.

At least, it's done.

That's all that matters.

Was hoping this post to be an entry of my wonderful first-time house call mani+pedi experience but apparently it is not to be after what has happened.

Wedding Questions.

**Disclaimer: I have no affiliations with the companies/businesses mentioned below nor am I paid to put them in this post (how I wish I was.haha)**

I think it's normal to be asked questions about the 'Wedding' event after going through it.

Typical questions I get are like, 'Is it expensive?', 'What to prepare first?', 'What's the budget?' etc (the list goes on and on).

My one biggest recommendation:

Do what you dream of... but do it within your means.

And also:

The wedding is about you and your hubby...

(well maybe you still need to accomodate immediate family's views, if any.)

Well, which girl (ahem we are all girls) doesn't want their dream wedding right?

But, dream weddings do come at a cost too =)

Question is what do you want to fork out for and how much?

I've seen a particular friend and her HTB put in much effort & creativity (she had those in the first place) and her wedding was beautiful and very different.

No wedding gowns and bridal studios but 2 off the rack dresses which looks great on her.

Well, who said weddings need to have a wedding gown or engage a bridal studio?

Below are my own personal views and everyone have the right to agree or disagree.

Part 1: Dreams vs Affording the cost.

Okay, let's get real, unless you are Xiaxue or some celeb that can get heaps of sponsorships - cost is something you have to think about.

Dream weddings do come at a cost too =)

Question is what do you want to fork out for and how much?

For me, my wedding M.U.S.T have a real cake - I told Yong that.

So, I had to fork out the moolah for the cake.

My family and friends would know that I actually went to see and purchase my wedding cake before I even looked at my gowns.

Yeap, I was dead serious about having a real Wedding cake.

Ever since young, going to weddings and looking at the fake cake (some with dust on them) made me very sure that a REAL cake was a must at my wedding.

But I have to admit it was not my dream 5-tier fondant covered designer wedding cake but it was good enough.

This was fresh cream with real red roses and acrylic stand to built on it's 3-tier height made by Pine's Garden.

To some, this might be a splurge but it was important to me.

So, list out what is important to you (and your HTB - who would probably have alcohol on his mind) and discuss.

There are also many other ideas that can help make a wedding special.

For instance, wedding favors are part of the hotel package but since I'd like to give something personalised.

Wanted to bake cookies but I gave that idea up as it was too much work to bake and ice 300 pieces!

So, I went to Sticky and custom-made sweets with the words "Yong ♥ Ivy" in the middle.

Instead of paying extra for packaging, my sisters offered to painstakingly help me packed them into small plastic bags and twist-tied them.  

I never believed in non-edible wedding favors cause they usually gets chucked aside when we reach home (admit it!)

Food's the way to go! hahaha....

Part 2: Cutting corners.

Okay, this might sound bad right?

But trust me, it's not.

Great example, wedding cards.

Fine, those offered by the printer for free are usually fugly stuff.

They are F.R.E.E.

Who keeps them after recieving them or after the wedding?

One point to note, if you want to do a themed wedding with cards, please do it for everyone attending and not only your friends.

Aren't everyone attending your wedding?

Or is it a different wedding that they are attending?

Corsages for sisters are like the most pretty things.

But these are usually only used for the morning and evening during reception.

I wanted something that my sisters could bring home and re-use instead of throwing it away.

I realise a lot of stuff at weddings are thrown or chucked aside after the event (e.g: cards, corsages, ang pow box etc).

I got the flower clip from F21 online store and shipped it to SG.

Ribbons from SKP to tie around the wrist and viola - my corsage for sisters.

Many of them used it after the wedding too =)

Part 3: What to do first & Biggest Budgets.

After he proposes (the impt word here is 'AFTER'), what to do?

Erhm, for us, it was to get Yong to have a sense of urgency. Haha.

Well, he did and that eased up a lot of tension for me.

NO BRIDE-ZILLA!! WOOHOO~

I would say 3 important things and not in order:

• Date (visit the Feng Shui master ASAP)
• Location (important to know what you want)
• Bridal Studio (if you are heading that direction for gowns)

Theme, colors, favors, sisters, helpers and all the other nitty gritty stuff can come later.

Ladies, please don't go planning all these before he proposes.

You'll only put yourself in distress if he doesn't!

No point forcing him to propose if he doesn't want to.

And, men are different creatures from women - tell him subtly or in-the-face (whichever that works) that asking if we should buy a HDB is a lousy way to propose! =)

I did tell Mr Look that and we only bought the HDB after he proposed.

Getting a HDB first means a proposal on the way - that's like 'duh,' expecting it already right?

Biggest budgets for me, I'd have to say were the banquet, studio and Famous Amos (my photographer for outdoor and actual day).

These were the ones in the thousands.

For my studio, I picked a neighbourhood one.

Ya, people will be like 'huh, how come lei?'.

For me, I had a great qipao from Nicola for my reception and another great qipao from my MIL for the end of the wedding. The last qipao had great sentimental value.

Indoor shoot wasn't something I enjoy (meaning we didn't spend a single cent on extra photos).

Gowns to me were pretty, nice and once in a lifetime but trust me when I say they are a tad bit uncomfortable.

There were much more flexibility with these neighbourhood studios too =) one great point to note.

I went with seletar broadway as my bridal studio and only spent less then 3k.

To each it's own, what's important and what's not.

For me, I want as little trouble from the studio as possible.

Their gowns are from Taiwan and quite up-to-date.

One thing to beware, off-the-rack gowns might come in more than 1 piece, so do ask =)

For location, hotels are what most people go for.

Restuarants are great sometimes too.

For us, food was important so we went to Tung Lok's Club Chinois which was previously at Orchard Parade Hotel.

Hotel location but not-so-grand ballroom, great food but at close to restuarant prices.

What more can we ask for?

Part 4: Mentality.

1. It was simple for me - be grateful to those who have helped and offered help.

Friends, families, acquaintances - EVERYONE.

Trust me when I say a lot of help is needed to pull off a wedding.

People like Nicola, Cherry, Amos, my sisters and both our friends who made the wedding possible are people that I'm always having on my mind to thank (too many to mention).

Be nice to them.

Remember - they don't owe you anything.

I don't believe in one person holding on to total control of the wedding.

I had great help from my HTB (groom-zilla) and my 2 wonderful sisters who did everything with me every step of the way.

2. Be gracious and accept comments

Erhm, things will always mess-up no matter how much planning.

You might think that doing it this way is the best but not others.

Just be gracious and accept the comments (technique of one ear in & one ear out works).

I think it's important to let go (i'm still learning) when people say things not to your liking.

No point harping on it but sometimes you will need to find a balance point to juggle stuff.

Especially when it concerns both sides of immediate family.

3. Know what you want but be flexible with it.

Like I mentioned, there are many things I wanted but just have to be flexible.

Not everything can be done.

4. Look Pretty lor

Also, the most important thing (for me) is to look pretty on the day itself and not running around to settle stuff.

That to me is the important part of the wedding.

It's about me and my husband.

Everyone else is there to share the joy and we should ALL be enjoying it.

Don't worry too much =)

It's always great to have a lot but sometimes simplicity does the trick too.

FOTD with Guerlain Meteorites.

Broke into the mini set that was bought at the airport. *yay*

Opened up 02 - Pink Fresh =)

Love the balls =P

But the whole packaging was made of cardboard so doesn't really give you the 'luxurious' feeling.

Nonetheless, I love the color combination in this & the whimsical design on the cover~!

There's the smell of it too, a sweet scent and not overpowering.

FOTD with the meteorite color on my cheeks.

Other stuff on my face includes Laneige sunscreen, Bourjois foundation, CG loose powder, Maybelline Angelfit concealer in 02, Canmake Brown Eyeshadow Palette, Dollywink eyeliner *loves*, lip balm and Geo contact lenses in grey.

PS: No mascara used recently as it stings my eyes real bad.

It's been some time since I took FOTD due to untidy brows, small moustache and loads of blemishes.

This was after my wonderous threading and facial. -_-"

Full face.

Photos were taken with my iPhone =P

Was at Nicola's shop trying my outfit for Sat's important dinner.

Will definitely have more photos on that soon.

*I forgot to take a photo with her.*

明知我爱你 - 龚芝怡 Serene Koong

So, I accidently stumbled on this song watching Xiaxue's Guide To Life about Singing.

Ok, I went to look for the actual version of the song after watching it.

For those who don't know who Serene Koong is (well, I don't but I took the effort to google -_-"), she's a Singaporean singer-songwriter.

She had a few songs used in some CH8 dramas and this was one of it.

She released her first album in May this year.

Enjoy the song.

Simple lyrics but I think it brings across what it means.

告诉你 瞒着你 只不过是个决定
放弃你 忘记你 只怕我无法前进
不知到为什么会如此莫名紧张你
我越了解你 越靠近你 越犹豫

明知道我爱你 却不敢告诉你
我害怕失去你 宁愿沉默不语
该如何整理 幸福在手里
我恨自己 无能为力

明知道我爱你 却不敢靠近你
我假装不在意 反而痛了自己
多痛都可以 不能没有你
只想永远永远爱你 你知不知道
 我也没关系

告诉你 瞒着你 只不过是个决定
但为何 到如今 我依然无法前进
不知到为什么会如此莫名紧张你
我越了解你 越靠近你 越犹豫

明知道我爱你 却不敢告诉你
我害怕失去你 宁愿沉默不语
该如何整理 幸福在手里
我恨自己 无能为力

明知道我爱你 却不敢靠近你
我假装不在意 反而痛了自己
多痛都可以 不能没有你
只想永远永远爱你
你知不知道 我也没关系

明知道我爱你 假装不在意
多痛都可以 不能没有你
只想永远永远爱你
你知不知道 真的没关系

Haul: Bags Galore!

Went on a little spree on the weekend.

Bought some bags.

Well, Yong bought 1 for me and I bought 1 for myself.

Guess which one is bought by Yong?

LV Sunset Boulevard =)

Wanted to get this in amarante (dark purple) but it was out of stock world wide so we ended up getting rouge fauviste (grape purple).

I saw my colleague carrying the Roxbury Drive.

It was real pretty but there was no color available at Ion except a red hue and I know I can't carry that off.

Very pretty piece.

Love this loads!!

Will definitely be using this very soon.

 

2nd buy of the day - Gucci tote bag.

Instead of the usual brown, I took the beige/ebony print.

There was a gorgeous white but since this is for daily use I decided not to risk it.

1 last buy, not a bag, but the Laneige Snow Crystal Dual Foundation.

Got someone to help purchase this from Korea =)

Used it once, the coverage wasn't that bad but I won't say it's as good as the Lancome one.

I've got 4-5 more foundations to use before I can buy the Lancome though.