To Bangkok to Bangkok

I woke up at 5am this morning to catch the 7.15am flight to Bangkok. However, Soap, who arrived at Changi Airport earlier couldn't find our flight on the departure board!!! Guess what? Our flight was changed to 7 AT NIGHT! And we got up so early and my poor Soap spent like $30 on the taxi for nothing. Sigh. I think we're both too blur!!

But anyways, I'm glad I have the whole day to stay at home and you know, just be around the house, which I haven't done in a very very long while. Its a blessing in disguise and my mom's pleased. I even got to buy her and my sis breakfast from Macs!

So anyways, I won't be able to update this blog till after the 7th of January when I'll be back. Till then, live the rest of the 2008 meaningfully, think through your New Year resolutions carefully and have a great holiday! Love ya! Happy New Year and may you always be happy and healthy.

xoxo
Serene/Stan

Look what its done for elephants. LOL.

Taken from The Travels of Lady "Bulldog" Burton by Sandi Toksvig..

Mrs Wright had been advised to eat only raw vegetables. The noise of her vast molars sinking down on a carrot is one that will live with me forever. She seemed to time this masticulation to coincide with any remark of interest made by a guest at the table, and her booming crunch was inevitably followed by dear Dr. Young bellowing, "Did someone speak?", while the nervous Miss Wright appeared to play the "Moonlight Sonata" with her knife and fork...Miss Dennell was most forthright about this business.

"Must you eay only vegetables, Mrs Wright?" she enquired one particularly tiresome evening.

Mrs Wright managed to nod and spray small pieces of apple at the same time. "It's for the weight, you see. It will make me thinner."

Miss Dennell shook her head. "I doubt it. Look what it's done for elephants."

I saw and fell...

Enjoy.

(smoothdude)

(Yoshiko)

And I just had to post this again. Just because.

Merry Christmas!!

This year, I received a deluge of Christmas sms-es and no Christmas cards. The number of Christmas cards I've gotten has been dwindling little by little over the years and when I received none in my mailbox this year, I was struck by a sudden yearning for those Christmas cards I used to get.

I remember one year, the trend was an inbuilt recording of a Christmas carol that would automatically play every time you opened the card. Do you remember those type of cards? I would always open the card and then quickly close it, just for fun. Ha! Those times are now long gone, just like many others, for example the sending of letters, even wedding cards today are just sms-es (i've gotten a few wedding invites via sms....so weird you know?)

It is too late to send out Christmas cards now, so you know what? I'm going collect Christmas cards the whole of 2009, as well as the addresses of you people and you're going to find a card in your mailbox from yours truly next Christmas! Yaay! :D

Back from Solo and Jogja

I'm back after spending 8 days in Indonesia. It was really fun and luckily my body waited till I got back to fall sick. So i'm now stuck at home. Will post more photos soon. I'm going to sleep now...

MAAD market

Headbangers Brigade was at MAAD this past weekend. Crowd turnout was ok though with alot of eye candy (read: pretty girls) around! ~heh. One pretty gal bought my cream vintage linen rosette and we asked her to pose for us! Can't wait for photos to be developed because dear Liz brought her bling bling pink old-school camera to take pictures! Ha!

Oh and dear Cheryl came by and got the polka dot resette which looked so cute on!!!

(grabbed this from her!)

However, I was disappointed by the lack of enthusiasm some shoppers sold for the items on sale (not only mine but items from other stores). When one is at a bazaar known for supporting designers, handmade stuff and new labels, don't expect to find bargain stuff! Go to a pasar malam then! I hate it when people come up to me and ask how much and then go, "Oh, so expensive!" This is how much I think the item is worth after pouring my blood and sweat into it. Don't be so rude and insensitive. Grrr...the nerve of some people.

On the plus side, I met a lot of new people, and advertised for Hepburn and Humphrey's house party this weekend (13th and 14th Dec)! Come if you can!

Free Frolic Fun Part One

People always tell me that Singapore is such a boring place and that its only good for eating and shopping. I do not deny that Singapore is an eating and shopping haven. On occasion, I've even had that boring Singapore thought pass through my mind.

So I was wondering today how to change a Singaporean's perception of boring Singapore (after all, it seems like we're staying in this country for good). I decided to go check out what events were happening around our island. These events/places had to be very affordable or even better, free admission. Its recession lah, can't be helped :) So here's the first in my series of posts titled "Free Frolic Fun".

Esplanade is always a safe bet as there are always free performances by the waterfront stage or in the concourse area. This week, catch Nightsound on Thursday at the outdoor theatre (waterfront) from 7.30pm, or Philsax on Thursday and Friday at the concourse. For your weekend, relax with my favourite Babes Conde at the waterfront.

On Fridays, check out the wonderful photo collection at the "Neither East nor West" exhibition at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM), Empress Place. The exhibition is on till 1 February 2009. Admission is free on Fridays from 7-9pm.


For some unique shopping, join Philo's, Suite Stuff, My Little Happy Shop, The Headbangers Brigade and Doinky Doodles at a House Party. Held at a house, visitors are encouraged to come down, browse through the varied items on sale in a non-pressuring environment and be part of the House-Party movement! Entrance is free. In case you might like to get christmas gifts or something for your self, sales are cash terms only.

If you like the outdoors, bring a bottle of wine or beer to your nearest park/beach after dinner and have post-dinner drinks under the stars. You'll be surprised at how much you enjoy your companion's company without the distractions of the constant chatter and music at wining and dining venues.

These are my picks this week. Try them! Who says you can't have fun for free!

Heaven Scent...

I just bought this Kiwi and Cucumber fragrance diffuser from the wonderful Ashleigh & Burwood. I love unconventional fragrances and this is definitely ranked up there!

To use it, one just needs to put the reeds provided into the bottle (using less reeds for a subtler scent and more for a stronger scent) and voila! You have a continuous infusion of the scent in your room without having to burn essential oils! Definitely a plus point for convenience!

The salesgirl also told me that this is good for the skin. How true is that I don't know but its happy where its sitting now in my room!

Christmas Comes Early!

darling Liz just sent me the black organizer I was blogging about last month. Thanks dear!!! Love you!

I must describe it to you! It has ample space for daily inputs as well as weekly ones, there is even a free pack of stickers to mark out either the months or special pages. I'm so anxious to start using it!!! Can't wait for January 2009!

Speaking of January, I'll be spending the New Year in Bangkok! Was supposed to fly on Tuesday but the airport was still closed on Monday. We managed to change everything to the end of December - Jetstar kindly allowed us to change our flight there FOC but AirAsia still wanted us to top up $80 for the change in flight back to Singapore. Do they think they are actually going to be able to fly us back on time? I doubt so! I'm now a loyal fan of Jetstar! Ha!

I so need a break. I can almost feel my brain shutting down bit by bit. Going to teach everyday is getting harder day by day!

But some good news to brighten up my day! I just received an email from Helen of Cat Socrates that I've just made one sale! I'm so excited! Hee~

Secondly, the Headbangers Brigade will be at MAAD market at Red Dot this weekend, so do come down and lepak(hangout/chillout) with me k? Love ya!

What is your sign?

I saw this today...and even though it was in Japanese, I understood it. This video touched me, I hope it does the same to you :)

Dreams come true _ a・I・shi・te・ru no sign _ PV
Uploaded by sek0001

Headbangers is off and ready to go!

I'm so excited! The Headbangers Brigade is now stocked at Cat Socrates - a fabulous gorgeous gem of a lifestyle concept shop at Bras Basah Complex! I know its way off the beaten track, but you guys know me, I've always loved the weird, off stuff! The owner is a Chinese gal, very sweet and unassuming. She has put in a small space for reading of books and even serves drinks and coffee! Free wireless for those who wanna surf the net even! Which is how I wanted Suite Stuff to evolve eventually, but due to space constraints, was unable to do.

Anyways, I'm thankful that Helen was willing to stock my headbands. I hope they sell well! Please cross your fingers for me!!

heh. laters!

xx
Serene

P.s: Damn pissed off too! I just paid like 45 bucks for one durian. ONE!! grrrr....

Wordle

I have recently discovered Wordle - an online free program that turns this poem by Philip Larkin:

Is it for now or for always,
The world hangs on a stalk?
Is it a trick or trysting-place,
The woods we have found to walk?

Is it a mirage or miracle?
Your lips that lift at mine:
And the suns like a juggler's juggling-balls,
Are they a sham or a sign?

Shine out, my sudden angel,
Break fear with breast and brow,
I take you now and for always,
For always is always now.

into these:


I like how the different layouts bring out different facets of the poem. I'd love to frame them up - they would make for a cool centerpiece/wall art.

D-I-Y

I love creativity and all the inspiration one derives from it.

This cubicle wall display is made from vintage ribbon spools. So cute!

Oh Happy Day

Finally finally I get a break! No teaching, no rehearsals, no performances. A break for one day!

So what do I do? I go to the gym, after a much-too-long hiatus. I meet Soap for lunch and then we go collect my HEADBANGERS stickers from some block in the middle of Ang Mo Kio Industrial Park! They look beautiful! I can't wait to paste them on my packaging for the headbands *actually I've done about 15 already! Couldn't wait!*

We then head to Republic Poly to discuss what we'll do for the full day cultural immersion programme this Saturday at Victoria School. We'll be teaching our future leaders of Singapore. Apparently, pupils in this programme (they take Melayu or Bahasa Indonesia as a third language) are being groomed to take on various positions in the government in the future. Its all hush-hush and the pupils are approached separately. Hmmm...lets see what mettle they're made of.

And then and then!!!!! We go to JB!!! I get to eat the mango snow ice i've been craving for for the longest time, I buy an absolutely gorgeous pair of shoes in grey with a suede layer pictured below (although i've to sun one half of it as they're of different shades of grey, sigh long story...)

AND we get to eat a delicious seafood meal at Tebrau Market for only SGD10 per person!

I'm a contented woman! Now, if only I could get my hands on this or this for my planner next year!

The Wedding Dress

I stumbled across this webpage on the history of the wedding dress while searching for any history at all on the sweetheart neckline (nothing definitive I can find so far! How weird is that?).

Ok we all know that the choice of color for wedding dresses were white and its variations right? But blue was also a favourite colour.
a) blue is a colour associated with Mother Mary, therefore another symbol of purity
b) blue traditionally symbolised fidelity and and everlasting love (hence the popularity of sapphires in engagement rings!)

This phrase below is a wedding customary phrase and it refers to what the bride must have on her on her wedding day.


"Something old, something new

Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe."

I now know why its "something blue" and not pink or yellow! Brides would wear blue or something blue on their person to ensure the fidelity of their husband as was the superstition of the day.

Now, what colours were forbidden or frowned upon?

Pink: "marry in pink and your fortunes will sink"
Red: in Victorian times, this colour was associated with prostitutes and slatterns. Also for guests, this was considered rather taboo - if invited to attend a wedding, a widow in mourning would throw off her customary black and wear red to the wedding. Thus, red was further viewed as a bridal mourning colour.
Green: considered the colour of fairies and was generally thought bad luck to call the attention of the magical folk to oneself during the wedding. Also, green is connected to Nature and to wear the colour might induce rain to dampen the wedding day.
Brown: rustic. "marry in brown and you'll live out of town" - with the implication that one would always be a hick and a countrymouse.
Yellow: Trendy for a while but considered to be a heathen colour and unholy, therefore forbidden to be worn in church!

Thats a lot of colours the bride/guests can't wear to a wedding! We're fortunate to be in the modern times. Nowadays, brides and guests get to choose whatever they want. I've seen lots of black in recent years!

They might not care, or they might be ill-informed. However it is, it is always good to do your research before you attend a wedding as a kind of respect to the couple getting married.

Laurie's getting married on the 30th of November! I think I'll wear blue. Heh.

Lethargy...

is creeping in. I have so much to do, but I can't put my hands around it. Sigh. I wonder why this period of ineptness always happens to me! I know I just have to tell myself to just go and do it, but I just feel like resting and resting!! :( okay, must go do more headbands after this!!!

Road Bully

Today after Hong Kah Secondary School's workshops at Republic Polytechic's Cultural Centre, a ravenous bunch of ladies (and guys in another car) set off for Causeway Point in Emily's car for some afternoon chow.

Emily is driving down this road and there's a green light. So she cuts from the second lane to the turning lane in preparation to turn into the shopping centre's multi-storey carpark and ALMOST bangs into this white car TURNING OUT from the carpark. She jams the brakes with almost a scant second to spare, and flashes the middle finger at the driver. The driver signalled that he was sorry and reversed his car.

I sadly report that if that were the case, then I wouldn't have needed to write this post.

As matters would have it, that idiot driver climbs out of his car in an ill-fitting singlet on his too-thin body and that ah-bengish tattoo on his upper arm. He swaggers towards our car with 5 raging females in it. Emily winds down the window and tells him to reverse - it was green light, she had the right of the way. He instead asks if she flashed the finger at him. Like DUH! Is he blind? Hello?!?!?! of course she did. She almost got involved in an accident with you, you bumbling twit! And then he says, oh, its a yellow box and he's got right of the way. Like hell! I'm no driver and even I know that the yellow box comes into play during red light situations unless its a yellow box at the white line (which in this case certainly wasn't). Eh, don't drive if you don't know the rules!!!

He obviously knows he's in the wrong, but then you know, has to prove that he's the alpha male (in front of the other two males in his car) and so falls back on the finger situation - "i'm sorry, did you just flash the finger at me" again. "I'm sorry?" Why apologize for asking whether she flashed the finger at you and apologize instead for almost causing an accident due to your stupidity!

Grrr....guys. I hate stupid Ah Bengs. That's why they're always on the lowest rung of society.

okay, rant over.

And I'm back!

Sorry for the tremendous lapse in blogging. Am in the process of wrapping up stuff in the shop. In case you don't know, Suite Stuff is closing its doors on Haji Lane. Our last day of business will be on Deepavali, so come on down and say bye to the place, especially if you've spent some time there the past three years.

Alot of people ask me if I feel sad. Of course I do, but not so much yet. Probably because it hasn't sunk in? But on the positive side, Suite Stuff will still be around - online and we hope to make a showing at the many flea markets and bazaars that now seem to be popping up every weekend!

I'm also excited to announce that the Headbangers Brigade has officially been launched! Its a site where I sell accessories for hair, all handmade of course. There are hair posies (hair pins) and headbands and more coming! Do support me and be one of the followers of the blog!

See ya!

------

I'm so disappointed in you. After all these years of hoping that you'd change. All my hoping that you'd earn my respect. All these years. And now my respect for you is at an all-time low.

I'm sick and tired of your excuses. I'm tired of making excuses for you. I'm tired of being sensitive to your needs when I know the same conversation will occur again. I'm tired of repeating that no, you're loved and you're appreciated. I'm tired of hearing you complain that no one loves you. You're blind to all that is around you except yourself.

Know this. Without you, life still goes on. Don't push us or we'll push you back. I've said all I need to say, done all I need to do. Enough is enough. It stops here. Grow up.

Facebook tagging

Its interesting, this Facebook thing about tagging. We can tag ourselves and our friends in photos. Others can request to tag your photo if their friends are in a group photo with you. I think its pretty cool. Recently, a friend of mine requested to tag a photo of mine that included her friend (whom I didn't know). Apparently, we were at Xin's wedding dinner together.

But then again, sometimes this tagging thing can be hilarious, especially if your friend becomes a darabuka (read: middle-eastern drum that accompanies bellydancing). Yes, you read right. Julia Sim became a darabuka. And I was at the particular photo hunting high and low for her! You know how the tagging is done by placing a square around the person's body part/object? Julia Sim was the square around the drum! Want to know something stupid? I thought she was hiding behind the drum so I was searching very carefully for signs of Julia behind the drum. Aiyo. See the photo here. But please sign in first! Facebook that is!

Where to go this weekend...

I think the Bangkok-ians are incredibly gifted and creative. They use what little they have to improve their surroundings. I've been to shops that are little more than grills and concrete flooring but with a bit of draping here and there, add to that some run-down furniture with a fresh coat of paint, and everything is bright and sassy. The same can be said for their clothes, handmade, and home wares. Its simple, yet hey, why didn't I think of doing that?!

So, I'll be there. Checking out the scene. And looking for inspiration.

Parisienne Flair

I like the French. They are a hoity-toity, nose up in the air bunch. But they possess a certain quality, that i-don't-care attitude that I really, really wish we could see more of in Singapore.

Here's my two-cents take:

Old Lace

A friend of mine enlightened me to the use of this term: "Old Lace". It means spinster, which is an unmarried woman of mature years or who has passed the standard marriageable age and is still unmarried. Oh well, you get my point. However, this post today is not about spinsters and their ways, although I definitely have a lot to say on that point. But that is for another post altogether.

Today's post is on old lace. Literally, old or vintage lace. I came across these and they were so lovely I had to share it with you.


1. Vintage pillowcases that are simply too beautiful from customhouselinen
2. Vintage lace necklaces from dejarnette
3. Gorgeous lace lamp shades by Caitlin Holcomb
4. Lovely vintage lace shrug by Holly Stalder

Beanie and I

Soap and I had a great time at Wei's on Saturday, together with her husband Tim, daughter Beanie, Wei's cousin Jasmine and her other Norwegian half, Stian.

We had a bbq IN the house, with dear Soap cooking the food. And then we all watched the movie Spiderwick, during which Beanie kept asking numerous adult-like questions that tickled me and almost drove Jasmine crazy. So cute lah.

Little Beanie thought Soap's name was "eh, dear", coz I kept calling him "eh, dear" and she went round piping "eh, dear" whenever she wanted his attention. It was so funny!

Jasmine (whom I had the fortune to bump into after so many years,
at the tai-tai function in April)

Stian, Tim and Wei

Beanie and her "eh, dear"

Darling Beanie...I love her!!

I saw Victor Wooten!!

Its raining bass players I swear. I saw Corey McCormick, Eric Ingram and Casey at the DrumFest over the weekend. And then today, I saw Victor Wooten! Woot!!!! Argh! I'm in high heaven! We took a picture but i'm still waiting on Sherri to send it over. Hurry up gal!

I think he looks like a teddy bear. He's not that tall, but he has arms the size of tree trunks. Imagine all that power going into playing the bass. OMG. I can't wait for tomorrow.


Tomorrow is the night of the SMV. The night where three bass greats come together to rock the Esplanade stage - Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten! Yahooo!!

Okay i think i'm high on red bull. I had vodka redbull at Harry's this afternoon (i think drinking in the day is such a luxury) and then more vodka redbull at Supperclub where Joyce, Soap and I met up with Stevie to talk about performing there. I drool at the thought of Supperclub, I love the decor, the space, the toilet (yes the toilet where you can see out and others can't see in. You've gotta be there to see it!) and best of all, the events room! I can totally see the Gamma Rays album launch there! Can't wait for the negotiations to start!

Mmmmm...i'm too tired to post more pics so I'll just plead procrastination and upload them tomorrow!!! wheeeee.....

Get on the Chungking Express

No, its not the movie starring Tony Leung Chiu Wai, but rather a Brit trip-hop outfit calling themselves Chungking. I'm totally in love with their sound, their vocal harmonies and well, they're really easy listening :)

This song is called "Following". I first heard it on the Nip/Tuck soundtrack. Very nice.
This youtube video however is a montage of shots from Grey's Anatomy.



Another favourite song of mine from Chungking is "Come with Me". I really love the vocals on this one, especially the backups.



Okay I know this is so out of point but I MUST share this with you! I recently bought the Ice Flower Aqua Water Drop Pack from The Face Shop. Its a face mask that you can put on just before you go to sleep. It rehydrates your skin throughout the night and you can wash it off the next morning.



So I tried it the very day I bought it and guess what? The next morning after I washed it off with my regular cleanser, my skin felt plumped! I'm not exaggerating. Its like wow!! And it only costs $25.90!! And don't you just love the term Ice Flower?! Okay okay, i'm getting too hyped up over this mask, but if you're looking for a rehydration mask, this does it!

The Yellow Ribbon Concert is officially over. I won't miss the constant waiting for the prison gates to open, for the prison officers to come get me etc. But I will definitely miss my girls. I couldn't divulge any personal information to them but I told them to google Gamelan Asmaradana when they get out, and try and get my contact. I really wish you girls all the best!

where did the time go

I just got back from Jon's farewell party at the Swissotel Stamford. There were like twenty people in that hotel room with loads of ice-cream, donuts, chips and of course, not forgetting the alcohol. Phew! I'm knackered. Because of the long wait at the Singapore Expo for the Yellow Ribbon concert from early evening on. I was there at 5pm and only managed to leave after 10pm. Sigh. Have I ever mentioned that I hate waiting?! However, as a result, I managed to spend more time with my batucada girls. Which, on hindsight was great. I just think its sad that I can't follow up with them after the end of the concert.

I think I'll miss them. I can't help thinking what they'll do when they get out of prison next time. Sigh. All this melancholic thinking just means its time for bed...BUT!! Before I go off to slumberland, this quirky jewellery designer goes by the name of Elizaveta, and her pieces are just way off the charts. Specially for those who love big and chunky accessories.

Mid-Week madness

Its the week of the Yellow Ribbon Concert. For those who didn't read the last blog entry on it, its this Saturday, held at Hall 10 at the Singapore Expo.

I just had a rehearsal with the girls today. They have come a long way. Its only been three weeks with a grand total of 5 rehearsals and you should hear them. They sound pretty darn good. I'm so proud! Its very touching to see how much enthusiasm they have. They rehearse in the mornings on their own and I didn't even need to tell them to rehearse! How I wish all my other students were like that!

My post wouldn't be complete today without uploading some stuff I found while trawling the net. I like these ideas for coat or clothes stands. They're so cute and pretty. Won't mind all of them in my house one day!







I also like these photos from the Sartorialist and garance-dore. One has such a lovely smile and the other such a delightful colour on!



And these umbrellas hanging overhead would make a great centerpiece at any party instead of boring old garlands and coloured paper with fairy lights.


Bringing back memories of my childhood are these pictures by Laurie Kang. I love my dad very much and these pics are so apt, for me.



I've recently created a new photo album on Facebook, called "I Heart". Collected in it are all the pictures that have touched and inspired me. Hope you go look at it and tell me what you think!
Facebook facebook. I can't believe I'm still hooked on that thing. By the way, I can't stand those people who randomly add me. OMG, can you imagine people with names like PRAWN TAN??!!! WTH!! I mean, is that even your real name?



At least you had the decency to add a photo of your face, not some nice cute fluffy animal. Did those people really think that nice fluffy animals would increase their chances of getting more friends?!?! Heaven forbid!

Biking Around and a great exhibition to go to

I came across these bike racks by David Byrne which are placed in New York. So colourful and unconventional, they'll guarantee a perk-up to any city.


On the subject of bike racks, here's another one. And guess where? At West Coast Park in Singapore! Its called the Elevacion designed by local industrial design graduate Adeline Thong.


On the subject of local work, a few days ago I uploaded the photography work of commercial fashion photographer Zhang Jingna in my Facebook (I Heart) photo album. Her Forgotten Fairytales theme caught my eye.



For those who want to see more, she'll be having an exhibition of her works at the Arts House from the 12th to the 23rd of September. Details here.

Dolls and Man

I just updated the "This Caught My Eye" box (which you can find at the bottom right-hand corner of my blog) with Karl Lagerfield and his new look-alike(?) bear. And then, I find myself looking at these photos from foto-decadent. Oh of dolls and man...



Creepy right? But strangely compelling.

Its time to D-I-Y: Display Boards

Soap and I went down to the shop yesterday after a gruelling two hours after running from Prints at Raffles City to Bras Besah Complex to get art materials. I went in and out of Art Friend several times, each time buying something because I didn't think of it before. Ha! The fourth time I paid for my purchases, the cashier looked at me kind of funny. He must have been wondering what this girl was doing running in and out of the store and why doesn't she buy everything she needs at one go.

Well, after that we worked at Suite Stuff for more than 4 hours on the two display boards and the cute mini wooden pegs I bought. And finally it was done! Definitely a major contrast from the previous fluffy display I made.

Michelle Chia

I thought I'd add a local celebrity to my babespread. Michelle Chia has been in the entertainment scene for over 20 years now and I've always thought that she was simply gorgeous, no matter what she wore. Pictures say a thousand words, so here you go.