Nuffnang Blog Awards, Here I Come

Once again, Nuffnang Asia- Pacific Blog Awards 2011 is upon us. Basically, the Awards are a way to honour bloggers across the Asia- Pacific region. After nominations, voting and what not, the final end, the awards ceremony will be held in Malaysia , kind of like the Asia Pacific version of the Oscars!

And the night doesn't end there, there will be an after party at a secret location in KL! Oooh... intrigue much? Well, I am!

You get to nominate your favourite blogger or one you deemed has influenced you much!

The first Award Ceremony was held in Singapore about two years ago and based on the photos floating about cyberspace, one can only conclude that it is a 'MUST ATTEND' event. Well, at least ONCE a lifetime to walk the red carpet and brush shoulders with some famous people and about-to-be well known bloggers after the grand night.

I definitely regretted not making more effort then, in competitions and events organised by Nuffnang. But life's too short for regrets, right? So, here's my chance to try and see if I can attend this award!

Kenny Sia with Joanne Peh taken from Kenny Sia's blog.

The problem is, you can't buy tickets to this event like how you would go about purchasing tickets to the movies or to concerts. Just like everything else in the world whereby nothing comes easy, you'll have to earn a spot and there are only 500 spots available for both local Malaysian bloggers and foreign ones! Dang!

But fret not. There are ways to win invites to this event. One can either blog about ones journey with Nuffnang or one could simply just state the top 3 reasons why one MUST attend the Awards!

As I haven't actually been better acquainted with the Nuffnang blogging community much nor join in their events etc except winning a couple of free movie tickets and cashing out two cheques, I wouldn't say I've had much of a Nuffnang journey to talk about. Hence, I opt to state my top 3 reasons.

REASON #1

Hmmm... What would compel me to attend this event especially on the eve of my wedding??! Well, like I said, I've yet to know the blogging community in Nuffnang Malaysia in person. More or less, I have been following and reading their blogs, not religiously, but enough to know about them and what they let on in their blogs. Some of the bloggers do inspire me. Some with their wit, cutesieness and total human-ness.

If you really know me, I am an introverted talkative person. I am a pretty shy person (though most wouldn't believe it) and despite actually coming across FourFeetNine and her partner, TimothyTiah, I never had the guts to say 'hi' and ask for pictures with them.

So, it would be nice for a chance to meet them in person, take photos with them like a groupie would though I wouldn't call myself a hardcore fan and well, overcome this awkward shyness that overtakes me when I actually do happen across any of the well known bloggers or people I know, in general. ;p

Besides that, it'll be nice to meet some Melbourne bloggers and who knows, get to know them better back where we live, in Melbourne! :)

Beautiful blue cocktail dress

REASON #2

Guess where this prestigious event is to be held at??? None other than the Grand Ballroom of Putrajaya Marriott! Marriott is a well known hotel and I am sure the food served will be top notched and so will the ceremony awards be! And if you know me, I have this thing for hotels. My mum usually will proceed to inform me that hotels are not the cleanest nor most hygienic place which won't sway me one bit!

If the entertainment of what the night will ensue is not enough, what's more, I am sure you'll get to eye many good looking chaps decked out in their suits whilst the ladies dress to kill in cocktail dresses as dress code for the evening is 'Formal'.

Evening dresses by Vera Wang

Dressed up ladies...

Men in suits cut a dashing figure

REASON #3

I was on Nuffnang Malaysia for the past few years but now that I've moved permanently to Melbourne, it was only fitting to migrate account to Nuffnang Australia. Besides, I will be back in Malaysia for my wedding then and this would make an awesome wedding present! ;p

As a foreign blogger (which I assume I should qualify since I am under Nuffnang Australia), if I win, I would be entitled to one free invite, a 3D2N stay at Putrajaya Marriott (have I mentioned that I LOVE staying in hotels and haven't had much opportunity to do??!) and an invite to an exclusive after party! So, tell me, if it was you, wouldn't you want such an opportunity?

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I just realised after typing out this blog post that IF I win, I am only entitled ONE invite and not a pair! To go alone might not be as fun as having a friend, or most importantly, Mr. C! Now, I am torn. Let's just decide if I do win! Who knows, the organisers might be kind enough to give me a pair so that I can have a magnificent night before my wedding day! :)

No harm wishing and hoping eh.

周杰倫 - 你好嗎 (2011新歌)

Jay has always brought me back to a time before now. You know how when you listen to certain songs, it brings you back to a certain time, a certain period of your life where you were going through certain issues/ phases and every time you hear that song, it brings you down a certain memory lane?

For me, it's the same. The only thing is that, it's not just a song but Jay.

Every time I listen to any of Jay's songs, it brings me back to a certain year. A certain year where it all began. A year where someone first introduced him to me. I still remember listening to 可愛女人 and 星晴 and especially 黑色幽默 as if it was just yesterday.

Somehow, despite listening to Wang Lee Hom or any other singers, Jay will always be my first 'Chinese song' singer love.

And for that, you also hold a special place in my heart. :)

Lyrics extracted from HERE.

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作詞：李汪哲
作曲：周杰倫

牆上靜止的鐘是為誰停留
是不是和我一樣賴著不走
你說故事已經結束 很久
我忘了　向前走

我努力假裝現在過得很好
現在的你看來已不需要我
也許在不同的時空
還牽著　你的手

想知道你真的過得好嗎
没有我也许是種解脫
將思念穿梭在宇宙數千光年
悄悄到　你身邊
現在我試著習慣一個人過
也許你已經開始新的生活
陪著我的叫做寂寞
陪你的　是誰呢？

想知道你真的過得好嗎
沒有我也许是種解脫
將思念穿梭在宇宙數千光年
悄悄到　你身邊

現在我試著習慣一個人過
也許你已經開始新的生活
陪著我的叫做寂寞
陪你的　是誰呢？

也許在不同的時空
還牽著　你的手

Sneak Preview :: KC and Chik ::

Last Sunday, I helped with some pre-wedding shots for Mr. C's colleague, Chik and his lovely fiance, KC. The skies were pretty much gloomy and threatened to pour. Based on weather forecast, sunny skies were promising from 1pm-3pm.

In the morning, Chik and KC had their more formal pre-wedding shoot at Carlton Gardens and Royal Exhibition Centre taken by a professional photographer recommended by their make up artiste. Then, they had their lunch.

After lunch, I met up with them and another two friend of theirs, the designated photographers of the day who were equipped with their DSLRs. My self-appointed role was to assist with the props and to take some photos, if I could as I really wanted to practice photo taking and utilise whatever skills I learnt from my Street Photography tour that I participated in, one month ago.

The location was at Melbourne Uni as the couple pursued their different degrees in this beautiful, filled with heritage building. At first, it was tough taking pictures as we were all sort of noobs.

I, then resorted to browsing at wedding photographers' portfolio's like Jenny Sun, Stories, Lighted Pixel and Axioo, that I had saved on my hand phone for such an occasion, for inspiration.

As I didn't ask the couple for permission to post this pictures and most couples wouldn't want their pre-wedding photos up before their BIG day, I am only sneaking in pictures that you can't really see their faces.

I don't even know if they will use my photos but apparently, they were pretty happy with my work. :) Yea!

Here are some personal tips for your own pre-wedding or any shoot, for the matter.

Photo taking tips #1

Props are not necessarily everything but they are still important. It adds to the character and story of the photos taken. Try to get props that tells us your story, your history which other.

If you met in high school or college/uni years, you can take it in a library or a school/uni set up with books, geeky specs and outfit. If you're a doctor and he/she's an engineer or accountant, for example, bring along a stethoscope and calculators with rulers. If you both love to cook, have the photo shoot in a classy looking kitchen, could be yours, could be a friends or some where quaint.

Other props couples love to use are balloons, teddy bears, pinic baskets etc.

Photo taking tips #2

Make up and hairdo are plus points and so does dressing up for a shoot even if it is a casual one. Vibrant dress/outfits for the ladies makes them pop and stand out from the background. Guys clothing will be picked to match the girls outfit.

Photo taking tips #3

Bring your winning smile. Practice your poses and smiles before hand to get a rough idea on angles that showcase you in a better light. Perhaps your right side features better than your right. Bending your shoulders forward a bit makes your arms look slimmer and lends a sexier look to the pose.

Where you put your hands and how you stand or point your feet matters. Attention to detail matters even the smallest details show. The height you hold your flowers, the angle of your gaze, all makes a difference between a crappy photo to a mediocre one and even a great photo!

Photo taking tips #4

Research, research, research! Make sure to do some homework before hand on what kind of photos you would like. Do you like the touchy feely kind? The 'I stare at you, you stare at me, let's smell each other' kind? Let's gaze off into the sunset?

If your have parents or relatives that frown upon kissing or too much contact photos, you could always do cheeky ones. Instead of a photo showing you both smooching, you could 'kiss' behind balloons or an umbrella with your silhouette showing through.

Photo taking tips #5

It's good to have a couple of friends along to help you carry the props and setting it up for each scene. I was going crazy running around setting the props, blowing bubbles and trying to take some photos in between but I felt, my main job for the day was prop lady first, photographer last.

In Melbourne, the weather might have been gloomy that day but boy was it cold. We had to rush to the bride-to-be and drape her with her jacket whenever the photographer was taking a break. Poor lady. You could see her goosebumps!

In Malaysia, with the heat and humidity, make sure you bring LOTS of tissues or even better, bring towels along. Mr. C and I forgot to bring towels and we ran out of tissues within half hour into the shoot and we didn't have any friends along, hence, we had to lug our props about ourselves.

I hope this was a helpful post to all couples preparing for their pre-wedding shoot and also for photographer wannabes.

Shopping makes me happy

Most girls will agree that a dose of retail therapy cheers them up when they're down or upset and what not.

Me? Stress or no stress, upset or not, shopping makes me a happy camper! :)

Ever since coming back to Malaysia for wedding planning and what not, I've bought two bags and six pairs of shoes!!

BAGS : One from Jusco (the above picture) at a discounted price and another cutesy looking bag in Penang's Prangin Mall for half the price of the bag above.

SHOES : Two pairs from Vincci that was going off at half priced! It cost me about RM20 for each pair; Bought a white strapped wedge and a grey peep toe. In Penang's Prangin Mall, I bought a pink unique front flats, three peep toe heels; black, greyish blue and champagne!

I know that's crazy!! In my defense, they were all going at half price and was approx AUD10 per pair and for this price, I wouldn't be able to find back similar cut and style in Australia. Australia's fad tends to be really heavy shoes with super high heels.

So, definitely a good bargain! I can wear it out or I can wear it to work. So, WIN WIN! :)

Really liked this pair from Shoe Point in Penang but price was over RM130 without discount! :(

And another sexy looking heels that was just out of my budget despite me loving the style and colour oh-so-very-much!

Rows and rows of shoes of all styles and colours!!

Even wedding ones!!

So, ever in Penang and want to buy reasonable priced shoes, head to Prangin Mall in town. It's opposite Komtar Walk. I reckon it feels like Sg Wang. A brighter lit and more spacious Sg. Wang! There are just level after level of clothes, shoes, bag and what not! We only made it on one floor and we had to leave to head back to Petaling Jaya.

Lols.

Even my sister who is NOT into shopping but several pairs of feminine looking flats and a pretty pink bag! See, even shopping did make her feel happy that day!

Love Learn and Live

Of late, 'wise words' and 'love quotes' as below have been assailing my FB wall. I joined the bandwagon and shared most of the below as I believe many can identify with what's been said. Funnily, a few friends have messaged asking me if I was alright and if everything was okay with my love life. LOL.

Everyone has been hurt and disappointed being in a relationship and coming out from one. Many go through more than once in their lifetime. Some learn from their mistakes, their past and some don't. Sometimes, it is straightforward and easy to walk away. But often times, leaving is never an option despite the misery one is in.

Being with that person, no matter how bad they can be for you, they make you whole, they complete you. They make you feel, you. You can love and yet, at times you also hate. That person you're with can mean the world to you and yet be your doom. And you wonder why do you subject yourself to such misery, why can't you leave and walk away.

No one should be allowed so much power over another person's wellbeing. Too much of something never serves well for anyone. With too much power leaves room for abuse. It is always the case to lose something precious only to realise one's lost. But by then, your lost could very well be another person's gain.

For those who have been taken forgranted, you give your all, your everything but sadly, all you're left with is a broken heart. A heart that has cracked many times and finds it hard to heal. Fret not, all is not lost. For now, you may feel it is the end of the world, your world. But life goes on. Never stop believing. Never stop hoping.

When you're looking for that something, you tend not to find it BUT when you stop looking, it appears right before your very eyes. And sometimes, you don't have to look far. Look around you and for all you know, that very person is just right next to you all along, all these while.

Falling in and out of love is inevitable. No relationship is perfect. Never compare yours with anothers. No two people are the same. When both goes into a relationship, both often are of different genders and with that, different mindsets. Not only does that matter, so does both your personalities and character. If that wasn't enough, both your family upbringing can affect your relationship!

All the above matters but it does not define the outcome of your relationship. It does not mean that you're doom to fail even before your relationship has even started, or given a chance to bloom. What matters is how you deal with the differences, the issues and what not.

We are always taught to study hard, obtain a good job, find a nice partner and have a home etc but we are rarely taught how to deal with issues, the mature way to resolving conflicts in a calm and rational manner. Instead, the message broadcast in Hollywood and portrayed in the movies, seeping into society is that if your relationship or marriage doesn't work out, let's cheat, let's have affairs, let's break up and find someone new.

But over and over again, you see Hollywood stars hoping from one partner's bed to another, looking for love in one person's arms and the following week, another. Not just that, look at our friends and family, they too, are searching for love, the right one.

And sometimes, that itself is the problem. We're always looking for something better when good could be enough. There will always be some one better out there; someone smarter, someone better looking, someone funnier, someone wittier but when will enough be enough?

Mr. C and I come from different family upbringing and we have oppossing personalities and characters. We had an informal marriage counselling last year and did a personality test. Based on a series of questions that we both had to fill up to generate the end results, we had zero compatibility and similarities.

Of course, that is a cause for concern with our counselor. He said it is usual to get low percentage but rarely to get ZERO. Despite it, it doesn't mean that Mr. C and I are bound to fail and head for Splitsville but it just means that we will have more issues to handle and sort out as opposed to a couple with more similarities and similar wavelength.

We have been in a relationship to each other for the past 11 years. It wasn't smooth sailing and problem argument free but we have had our good moments too. It's learning to overcome each others weaknesses and rising above it all.

I know that in this past two years, more couples are straying. It is hard to stay faithful to one's partner especially in our society that promotes promiscuity. Virginity is no longer a prized possession and sex talks are not as taboo as they were in our parents' and their parents' time.

People say, one should be open minded and it's best to 'test' each others compatibility in the bedroom before committing each other's forever exclusively to one another. And see how well that has turned out for the majority?

Instead, many have had their hearts torn apart. Lies are told over and over again and trust is taken forgranted. Sleeping about isn't just such a simple act. Infidelity isn't something that just happens despite what people says. It usually starts harmlessly at the beginning with hanging out sessions and teasing leading to flirtations and ends disastrously for one party, if not both. Not factoring in the scorned girlfriend or boyfriend.

And it eats into your being and affects your emotional health and wellbeing. It affects your judgment and thoughts. You'll do things you never thought you'd do. The worst thing is you know you should stop, you want to stop but somehow, you can't and you don't know why you can't. And it goes on till it finally ends. At the end of it, someone always gets hurt; the perpetrator, the fling or either person's partner.

People fall in and out love for a reason and for a season. People stray, cheat and have affairs. Some intentional, some somehow just did. Whatever the reason, it's never justifiable. A clean cut and a clean break is always the best for all parties concerned. Naturally, someone is bound to get hurt but everyone deserves an answer and respect.

Someone I know just broke up with his girlfriend of 9 years. Few months back, a friend broke up with his girlfriend of 6 years. They both cited that they just didn't have feelings anymore. In a relationship that has lasted so long, feelings might fade or rather, sometimes, we just forget why we fell in love in the first place.

Of course, some just aren't meant to be and when it's time to walk, it is the best for both in the long run. Mr. C and I have had our share of ups and definitely down times. We even almost parted ways for good but we decided that 10 years have got to count for something. That 'we' meant something to each other. And we were willing to let bygones be bygones or rather, give each other another chance and look where we are, in love like we were 16 again.

Sure, we do squabbles and some days, I just want to clobber him and him, wishing I'll get off his case. But that's life. Just accept, embrace and make the best of the now to have a better tomorrow.

Our experiences do make us stronger and wiser or at least, it should. We learn from our past, live for the now so that we can have the future. At the end of the day, you can choose to react negatively and lament how life dealt you a lousy hand or take the shittiness and turn it into something good, if not bearable.

Awesomeness don't just happens. You can choose that you want it and make it happen. It's been said,'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade'. What doesn't kill you just makes you stronger and every cloud has a silver lining.

Your choice, the glass is half empty or half full.

9 Deadly words used by women

I read this from Miss Cheerio's blog and just had to share.

Definitely agree with #1, #3 and #8 when one has repeatedly argue over the same matter, #5 which Mr. C hates! but it's better that than me starting a litany of tirade especially when it's not a new argument or it is best to just #5 and agree to disagree, #7 is so true 'cos Mr. C does say 'welcome' back at times probably just to grate my nerves further and it does, pissing me off even further!

How about you?