Tuesday, April 30, 2013

With hands held together


Picture from Valentines Day 2012



"The central idea of love is not even a relationship commitment, the first thing is a personal commitment to be the best version of yourself with or without that person that you’re with."


Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith have one of the most celebrated marriages in Hollywood. The couple has been together for 17 years, and seem to have navigated the murky waters of marriage and fame masterfully. They seem to be each other’s best friend, and have raised two talented and ambitious children in their son, rapper-actor Jaden and daughter, singer-actress Willow. But in a recent interview with NecoleBitchie, Will discussed just how much work is required for he and his wife to make things work. He opened up about insecurity and how it can derail a relationship–and also shared just how much loving Jada has helped him be the best man he can be.

“I think a lot of people think that when you have money, that everything gets really easy–Hell Naw!” he says. “Jada and I have been together for 17 years. If you look at it like a sports record, we are probably like 15 and 2. When we got started, we both truly connected on wanting to be better. That’s where it all started. There were other people that we were dating and other people that we were attracted to but there was a commitment to constantly be better that was what we connected on. Our whole world and relationship was that, “Hey, I know that I may not be all of that today but what I’m not going to do is lay around and not keep working to be better to deserve you.”

“I would say that concept is very central to having any success in this game of love at all. The central idea of love is not even a relationship commitment, the first thing is a personal commitment to be the best version of yourself with or without that person that you’re with. You have to every single day, mind, body, and spirit, wake up with a commitment to be better. Don’t make that same mistake tomorrow that you made today.”

“When you look around at the six people that you spend the most time with, that’s who you are. I think that in making those decisions in who you are going to be married to, who your friends are going to be, those are really huge, critical, life decisions. Who gets to talk to you everyday, is almost like the food that you eat. It is a very huge critical situation to choose who the people are that you are spending your life with, spending your time with and who you are choosing to give your love and everything to.”

“The idea is that you are two people together but in that process, the marriage cannot be a prison. There has to be a freedom that allows a person to grow. A person has to be allowed to make mistakes and a person has to be allowed to become and grow without the threat of punishment. I think that in the concept of our marriages because of our own insecurities, we lay it out in a way like, “Hey, that’s a deal breaker.” I hear people talk about the concept of the deal breakers and it’s really in conflict with truly loving somebody.”

“As soon as you put yourself in a relationship, you’ve got to check your insecurities when it comes to love. When you love somebody and you feel yourself slipping, you will fight, scratch, and claw, not be in that uncomfortable space. You have traumas that happen with your mother and father, or an old girlfriend, or an old boyfriend, that you’ve got to address personally if you want to truly be able to love somebody. Our traumas keep us away from being able to truly love someone unconditionally.”

“In this world, there are difficulties with just getting out of the bed everyday. Trying to love on top of that is excruciating. It is absolutely not something to be taken lightly or easy when you say you’re going to marry somebody, you have to be willing to go through hell. You have to be willing to collide with the weakest parts of yourself. You have to look at the things about you on a higher spiritual plane. You have to look at the things about you that are cowardly, that are angry or mean, resentful. You have to be able to look at those things about yourself that are not spiritually healthy parts. Love truly is when you change yourself for a better love with someone.”

“Jada has made me a better person than anyone on earth could have ever done. There is nobody on earth at this point that in my life and in my career with the successes and the things that I’ve done, there is nobody on Earth that I would still try to be better for. Jada is a beast. Just her passion, power, and relentless unwillingness to let me lay down at night when I’ve only done 92 percent of what I was supposed to do that day, holds me to a higher standard.”



Truly touching and inspiring words from Will Smith that can be applied into making ourselves better people, better lovers, better people to love. I'm going to work at that :)

x


Friday, April 26, 2013

My first Vlog & Singapore Yacht Show 2013

Introducing, my first vlog on my make-up haul from the Estee Lauder Companies Private Sale! :D Teehee. I hope this is fine, and kinda sad that the quality I see on my laptop isn't translated online!! Booo. But oh well, I hope you like it anyway! :)



Singapore Yacht Show

Honestly, working for events truly enrich myself as a person, filling myself up with experiences and talking to people from all walks of lives opens my eyes to a world beyond my own. I'm really excited to work for the same client that I did so 2 - 3 years ago (albeit some really annoying parts which I shall omit here) because it's only through Boat Asia (the one I did 2 / 3 years ago for them), and Singapore Yacht Show 2013 that I find myself throughly enjoying talking to people, learning about the boats, and  having them share with me insights that I might never get, considering the (fashion) industry that I'm in. 

I'm not sure if I'm putting into words my exact sentiments, but it's probably one of the only events I enjoy doing, is most meaningful, and I had great friends as colleagues to work together with.


Capturing a $890,000 boat from a $2,000,000 boat. Hahahah.


Welcome, to the $2 million dollar boat that feels like a hotel suite on water.




I can't fully capture how spacious and luxurious the boat really is. OMGGG! I wish this could be my playground. I'd have so much fun! Of course there are other larger boats on display, and some are probably 10x more luxurious than the ones I'm working for. Ah, life of the rich & famous...


Here are the smaller boats indoors. Perfect for beginner boaters who don't want to splurge so much on their first boats. Still pretty nice, but once you step on the bigger boats, there's no turning back!!!! For me at least :P



Times when I can take a break, I whip out my trusty phone ;)


A perk-me-up drink some kind guy at the Leopard Catamaran boats got for Sharon & I while we were at their counters manning the crowds. So sweet! I don't know if it's culture or just plain individual chivalry, but I feel that Caucasians are more inclined to be more generous, less gek-gao (hokkien slang for stingy) than Asians. Of course there are still the few select Asian men who are really gentlemanly. Please guys, stay that way. You give (Asian men) hope!!


A view from the fly bridge of the Fairline boat. I loveeee the fly bridge. It's an upper deck, and in my particular boat, there's a BBQ pit and a huge sitting area to chillout. #thatsthelife


After a crazy busy Saturday, G brought me to have my breakfast-lunch-dinner-supper at Chomps. I didn't have time to have food and hurriedly gobbled down a chocolate bar during work cos I was almost fainting from fatigue and getting a little sick from the constant rocking of the boat against my hunger. Look at the humungous cup of sugar cane. Haha, I really do look small in comparison!


Sadly, the famous Hokkien Mee was a little disappointing that night. It felt really overcooked and dry. :( The satay was well marinated though - love!



Got up not so bright and early for an outdoor shoot on Monday morning. I'm in love with my Lace & Ebony Off-Shoulder dress in White! It's my new favourite outfit. It's super comfortable and the polyester-chiffon material feels really luxe. Available in Black & White this Sunday on Lace & Ebony. 

And no one realised I dyed my hair, ahahahha. I dyed it while working for the Yacht show and no one noticed anything :P Well that's also because I chose a similar color and just wanted to cover the ugly black roots. Geez... I guess it wasn't that obvious but it was irking me.



Favourite kind of architecture. 


A preview shot I got from my dearest Fiona. Who bore through the hot sun together with me to painstakingly capture the beautiful shots <3


The preview for the collection is up!!

I'll post more previews and the gorgeous gorgeous lookbook pictures soon ;)
It's almost the weekends, TGIF everyone! <3


Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Shipwrecked



Chanced upon this beautiful sight of the boats at nightfall and it made me reflect. The boats are really a sight to behold. Luxuries that might be bordering a little on the extravagance. This reminded me of how choked up we can be sometimes. Surrounding us are man-made sceneries. The Singapore Skyline can be a beautiful sight to capture, but I feel like we've lost so much of nature, our natural state. Staring out into these man-made buildings is only a reflection of the people that we need to be, to be part of Singapore's society. The rat race that is integral in our society. Restraining ourselves to follow suit to pursue a comfortable standard of living. Doesn't it feel like it chokes you up at times? 

In Spain, G brought me to the beach at Barcelona at night. Well we didn't exactly plan that trip out cos the beach isn't as ideal at night than in the day. But we had some time to spare and nothing much to do, so why not? We explored a little and stop at this little viewing port beside the W hotel which had huge steps / seats overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. We stopped and looked out into the sea. It was vast, and completely, completely empty. Everything was pitch black and I felt like I was staring into nothingness. You'd never get that back in Singapore. After looking ahead, we looked up into the night sky and the view entirely took me by surprise. The night sky was so enchanting. Stars filled up every inch of the night canvas. The last time I stared into a night sky so beautiful, was when I was 5, and yes, I remembered it vividly. Despite the light pollution, stars in Barcelona seemed to not be deterred and continued to shine their brillance out for all to see. Absolutely beautiful... <3


These little things truly make life a little more beautiful, 
and I'm thankful to be able to share these moments with you :)

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Lace & Ebony at Chic Fashionista Flea!

I'm back to blog about the Chic Fashionista Flea that happened last Saturday! So happy I'm keeping up with my posts, teehee! Except the Europe trip... oh gosh too many photos :'( Plus I've been yearning for a holiday after seeing so many people on Instagram travelling recently/at the moment. Sigh #needabreak

Really happy that the flea happened really late in the afternoon, so I had time to prepare and chill. I don't like how rushed things are sometimes, but this time round I had the luxury to sit down and stoned before the flea because I packed most of the things the night before. BUTTT despite feeling all prepped up and ready, upon reaching the flea, I realised that I forgot to bring my banner!!! Ughhh, epic fail me :( :( :( 

The mister helped me with the set-up. I'm really thankful to have his help despite him having an exam later in the night. Most amazing man ever. Almost on par with my Dad :P While setting up, I heard about the crazy queue outside. Felt really worried then because the shop house isn't exactly the most spacious. Plus, with the crowds, the heat is going to be turned up tenfolds with no help from the air-con. Uh-oh. 





We're selling more of these floral headbands online! They are SUPERRR PRETTY! Had so many people asking about them at the flea! :)


Lace & Ebony is my heartbeat.





This dear girl came down and helped me throughout the flea! Imagine being stuck in a stuffy shophouse with dozens of girls squeezing in a narrow passageway, with no comfortable environment, for 5 hours. I don't think anyone (except G) would do it without complains! Such an angel, really <3 Thank you Keline!!


The crazy crowds. The structure of the shophouse on the 2nd level is REALLY BAD and majorly obstructing the shoppers. Sigh. Plus, it's really warm! What bad conditions to shop. If I'm a shopper, I'd be quite annoyed :/


Hahaha, is this how silly I look sometimes?!?!


Me looking for a picture of the apparels being worn on my phone. Lol. Not obsessively texting k.

Thank you G for the wonderful photos. He's really cute. I asked for some images of the stall and such and he kept going at it despite the heat, crowds, etc. Dedication of this talented man to the max. <3

Thanks to the customers who made it down, took the time and patience to queue and who came and shopped at our booth! You really made my day and I had fun interacting with you girls! :) I hope you girls enjoy your shopping loots!!

Plusssss, I secured a sponsorship from one of the shops I've been eyeing to buy from. Sneak pictures on my Instagram soon. This is not to be missed, really. Besides the sponsorship items, I grabbed 2 other items for myself too (paid for, of course). This is how much I like their items. Stay tuned while I reveal who!! ;)

This week is going to be yet another busy week because of the Singapore Yacht Show. No expectations for this year though I've worked for the clients for 2 years for this event, and returning for a 3rd this time round. NO EXPECTATIONS = NO DISAPPOINTMENTS. (I don't want to say it's an easy job, and later have them bombard us with crazy things to do, haha!) Just hope to gain more experience and exposure with this event! :) 

I wish I could show you the newly co-manufactured items, but they'll have to wait till next week :( Keep a close watch on Lace & Ebony's Facebook next week, or add me on @littlemissann on Instagram okay? Have a great week ahead! 

Friday, April 12, 2013

Busy bee!

So much up my sleeves this week but taking some time off to update, and breathe a little :) My health has also taken a toll with the many physical tasks I was up to this week. The crucial day is SATURDAY, cos that's when the Chic Fashionista Flea would happen. I mean, it might seem silly that I'm really taking a lot of effort to do up collaterals, plus I don't know if it's because I'm handling everything single-handedly, that even simple menial tasks seem to take so long. I've yet to complete half of what I'm supposed to do >.<

But yes, reminding myself that I love such challenges and obstacles to prove to myself that I'm a super woman. I AM SUPER WOMAN! ;) Okay, so while I like to throw myself into tasks and situations like these, my physical being will always suffer. Not strong enough to handle what my mind wants it to!!

Anyway, I'll be down tomorrow at the Chic Fashionista Flea! Come by and say HI (: My dear boy is only staying for the set up before scooting off, but a couple of my sweet girl friends are coming by for company. Can't be more grateful for such awesome friends who's willing to come by to be my company, even if for a while. <3





1/3 of the color fabrics and prints of the New Arrivals that will be available at the flea. SEE YA! :)


Monday, April 8, 2013

In your arms, I'll be



On a super rare weekday that we get to have the car, we chose to go somewhere pretty obscure and hard-to-get considering that we stay in the East. Sooo... Turf City it is! Though it's not thaaaat inaccessible, it's just quite far from wherever we stay, and I really wanted to try Omakase Burger as well. I've heard so much about it and grabbed the first chance to head down!

Now, for the review of whether Omakase Burger is really worth the hype? I would say YES!! Of course different people have varying opinions, and might harbour some qualms about the hefty price for such small portions. I, personally would pay for good food. And this, is absolutely gooood! 

I chose the classic Omakase Cheeseburger, while G went for the Deluxe Cheeseburger (Deluxe = additional ingredients of onions & mushrooms). We topped it up to Truffle Fries and regretted not up-sizing our fries cos we couldn't have enough of it! :P Sinful meal, but worth every bit, really. 



Gleefully opening up my April Trove and guess what I found inside...


Lace & Ebony's feature on Vanity Mag. Thank you VanityTrove and Hui Shan for making this happen! So happy seeing myself on magazines, teehee. 



A casual OOTD: Lace & Ebony's Deince Peplum Top in Blue.
I kept it in Blue & Coral and LOVED IT SO MUCH! All size S are sold out by the way :(


As a "last supper" for G, before his crazy 1 month long exam period, we indulged in a little of our favourites at Koh Grill & Sushi Bar


Out of the entire menu, I really think that the Shiok, Shiok 2, Crappy Maki, and some other select Makis are really worth it. Oh, and the Sashimi too. Other than that... it's just average. This is our favourite Sashimi platter to order that we found that really justified the price.


Pitan Tofu


Foie Gras! Nice, but... normal I guess? Just to satisfy a craving.


Love love love Salmon!! <3


Crappy Maki which really is the opposite of its name, Crappy. It's anything but that! YUM.


FAMOUS SHIOK THAT IS SHIOK TO THE MAX :D :D
I don't know what sorcery they used to made this so yummy... ahhh! A MUST order if you're there!


Happy me with my happy food. I am such a glutton, really :(



OOTD: Love Bonito Lydia Top in Cream x Lace & Ebony Kayline Skater Skirt in Nude (upcoming)




I love the Maybelline WaterShine lipstick series. I have four of these now and really love the formula which helps to create shine and doesn't dry out my lips. It's really awful to see crack lips under matte lipsticks so I prefer sticking to one that helps to make it look more lustrous. This is my latest buy in CR31. It's a subtle and very very wearable fuchsia color. Having it in a color that I can wear for shoots, or dates out is a plus point. Who wants a lipstick color that's too crazy and hardly wearable right?




And if you've heard, Lace & Ebony will be participating in Chic Fashionista Flea! Very very excited about this event. There will be a fashion show of your favourite bloggers and models, a lucky draw, and lots and lots of good deals around! Not forgetting that we're having a special new arrivals showcase that is exclusively available at the flea. Here's your chance to grab it before it's all gone!
I'm giving away 3 VIP passes and 4 EXPRESS passes to 7 lucky girls who can bring a maximum of 2 other friends. Here's your doorway to a shopping extravaganza! More details here: Lace & Ebony Facebook Page.

I'll be there alone, managing everything. Signed up for it despite knowing that G has his exams on that day (Which idiot plans for a stay home exam on Saturday night? Better fess up now!! >:( ) because this is a good opportunity to interact with people and showcase what I've got, what my brand's got. I believe in Lace & Ebony and I hope to show everyone L&E's potential :) So come support if you're in the area, come by and say Hi. You will really really make my day :)


Here's the preview for the coming collection launch on Wednesday. See you there? :)



Have a great week ahead!