*this daisy

beauty favourites

2011-12-04T00:06:00.008+10:00

I'm a minimalist when it comes to a lot of things, and make-up is no different (oh, Mascara, how I hate thee. Thou art so tedious to remove!). Still, there are a few beauty products that I've loved loved loved for years and would rage against the beauty gods should any of these get discontinued (Here's looking at you, Escada Rockin' Rio.). A few highlights:

Escada Sunset Heat eau de parfum After I mourned the discontinuation* of Rockin' Rio and had a brief fling with Moon Sparkle, I found new love in Sunset Heat in all its fruity scented glory.

Benetint by Benefit Best. Cheek and lip stain. Ever. It's so easy to apply and gives your cheeks a very natural rosy glow.

High Beam by Benefit I must admit, I had this pretty illuminator tucked away for about two years before I actually started using it. I usually blend this with Benetint to highlight the apples of my cheeks. Again, effortless and natural!

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lip Balm This tiny little tube thing (a real beauty expert, I am) works wonders for your lips. It's an instant moisturiser for dry lips and stays on for a very long time. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a basic but excellent lip balm.

Shu Uemura eyelash curler The world continually raves about this eyelash curler, and I myself cannot say enough good things about this classic beauty tool. I've tried a few other curlers before but Shu Uemura still takes the cake. It curls your eyelashes beautifully, which lasts for ages compared to others. I have two, including one from the birthstone collection by Taisu with garnet coloured Swarovski crystals. Pretty!

How about you, sweets? What are some of your beauty favourites?

ღJulia

*a sad time in my life during which I may or may not have wept. Out loud.

mermaids and fishtail braids

2011-11-05T14:54:00.013+10:00

Product of my poem portfolio procrastination:

fishtail braids.

Just having a bit of fun with my straight hair before I get it curled again next month. Have a lovely weekend, sweets!

ღJulia

i've been away...

2011-10-26T10:24:00.002+10:00

...petting adorable farm animals ♥ spending midnights in the library ♥ falling in love with OPI Avojuice Ginger Lily ♥ discovering new cafes in the city ♥ writing fortnightly columns for Girl With a Satchel ♥ making chicken with basil and sun-dried tomatoes pastry rolls ♥ crying during The Lion King in 3D ♥ pigging out on doughnuts ♥ slogging over assignments ♥ writing haiku ♥ spending time with lovely friends over dinner ♥ planning holidays ♥ and missing all of you...

just a minute in... september | 2011

2011-09-19T12:40:00.011+10:00

Packing... for Melbourne! Looking forward to hitting the Great Ocean Road, spending time with the best friend, and eating together like there's no tomorrow. We've already made reservations made for Fenix 'cos we're kind of Masterchef crazy. Hee!

Having... a slight obsession over Hawaii Five-0. David and I have been having a nightly marathon and are both so excited to find out what will happen at the end of the season. Well, okay, he's excited; I'm absolutely dying to know. David has banned me from Wiki-ing the show lest I spoil the ending for myself. Pfft.

Compiling... my very first digital report for Girl With a Satchel this week. So excited!

Trading... in jackets, leggings, and boots for cute frocks, shorts, and flip flops. Goodbye, coldest-winter-Brisbane-has-had-in-a-very-long-time; hello, spring!

ღJulia

blue valentine

2011-08-28T12:16:00.008+10:00

"I feel like men are more romantic than women. When we get married we marry, like, one girl, 'cause we're resistant the whole way until we meet one girl and we think I'd be an idiot if I didn't marry this girl she's so great. But it seems like girls get to a place where they just kinda pick the best option... 'Oh he's got a good job.' I mean they spend their whole life looking for Prince Charming and then they marry the guy who's got a good job and is gonna stick around."

♥ ♥ ♥

Last night, I had a little me-time and it was relaxing. I curled up with my laptop on my bed at 1am and put Blue Valentine on. I'd been meaning to watch this film for a while now so it was nice to finally get 'round to it. It was a two hour movie, and I must say, I loved it. I'm a bit wary when it comes to indie films, because while some of them can turn out to be real gems (most of you know my love for (500) Days of Summer), others can be a little dull, emotional just for the sake of being emotional, and sometimes even pointless (indie purists can now scoff at me for not "getting it".). I liked Once, but I liked the soundtrack even better, and I probably wouldn't go out of my way to watch it again.

Blue Valentine is everything your average indie film is: heartbreaking, emotional, and speaks a lot of truth about life. But it is also everything a fantastic indie film is: raw, honest, painfully bittersweet, desperate, true. Truth be told, what really sold this film for me was Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams's portrayal of Dean and Cindy-- they were absolutely phenomenal.

My favourite scenes were the first two screen caps I took above. There and then, I fell in love with Dean as he held Cindy who wanted to but couldn't go through with an abortion. Then again as Dean held Cindy on the bus ever so tightly, when he told her he wanted to be a family with her. That he'd do it. That he'd father a child that wasn't his, but Cindy's former boyfriend's. He never complained. He just supported her. He just loved her. But it still wasn't enough. When is love ever enough?

ღJulia

petals in autumn

2011-08-13T14:10:00.001+10:00

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

♥ ♥ ♥

This verse holds so much truth and has brought me through many seasons of life. It's perfect for a worry-wart like me! I don't think I could ever go through life without God's peace or hope that has just proven incredibly real countless of times. I've been so very busy but am also just really enjoying His happy presence as He guides me through a new season in my life.

I promised myself that I'd go out and try heaps of different things this semester, while continuing to fight for (and not just follow) my dreams...

ღJulia

photo story: this was part of a little surprise Boyfriend

had left for me when I arrived back in Brisbane this earlier

this autumn. Rose petals, because he knows how much I love them.

mischief managed

2011-08-04T00:50:00.005+10:00

Dear Me,

Never forget how much you love being twenty-one, how much you love Brisbane, and how much you love your friends. Don't forget that hilariously fun night you had last Saturday; the night you discovered that your tolerance level is, in fact, not eleven shots, and that Jessica's is not ten. Don't forget the night your childhood friend relished this very rare moment of yours and wiped your vomit-splattered heels (That's gross. You owe her for life); the night your darling boyfriend drove down to take you and your friends home, scooping you up from the bench like a hero because you literally weren't strong enough to stand; the night your sweetheart of a housemate sat beside you on the floor next to the toilet bowl to make sure you didn't fall asleep while trying to vomit (Turns out, I can sleep anywhere. Also, again, that's gross. You owe her for life as well.), after which she sweetly helped remove your make-up.

Like I said, it was a hilarious night, and you and Jess will probably never hear the end of it. Ha! But I know you won't let that happen again. You're twenty-one. You're young, you're still experiencing new things every day. Have fun, make mistakes, but most importantly, learn. You're living life. And I know you're loving life.

You know how some people like to look back at fond memories and say, "those were the best years of my life"?

You're living it.

ღJulia

paper chemistry

2011-07-31T14:25:00.002+10:00

W riting is so important to me. It doesn't necessarily have to be the most eloquent or structured of pieces. Write as you feel -- in giddy, joyful throws of imperfection made perfect by emotion. It is in writing that I allow my innermost insecurities and wishful thinking flow through the ink of my black pen and onto the ivory pages of my perfect bound notebook. Onto paper these thoughts go, and I am lighter. It is both a peculiar and beautiful phenomenon, this reaction between pen and paper; that a few scratches between each other are able to encapsulate a memory ever so vividly, bringing you back to that one particular moment again and again.

ღJulia

oh comely

2011-07-13T22:01:00.017+10:00

Yesterday, a few girlfriends and I were catching up, and, as usual, we spent some time at Borders because no trip to the mall would be complete without visiting a bookstore. To my delight, I discovered a very pretty and witty magazine, Oh Comely. I fell in love with it at first sight, and going through the beautiful pages felt much like gravity with its irresistible pull.

At first, Oh, Comely reminded me of a UK version Frankie. But if Frankie is a laid-back hipster, then Oh Comely is her dreamy yet down-to-earth sister, albeit both are equally witty and cool.

I wouldn't mind snuggling up to Oh Comely with a cup of tea in hand, no I wouldn't mind indeed. I'm already looking for a subscription. Consider me smitten!

all tomorrow's parties

2011-07-01T01:55:00.000+10:00

"Too much of anything is bad,

but too much champagne is just right."

F. Scott Fitzgerald

to the sea

2011-06-16T15:05:00.001+10:00

absolutely smitten by peonies and David Austin roses.

♥ ♥ ♥

Hi, lovelies!

It's been a busy two weeks, what with final assignments due and the exam period looming over us. It's been such an amazing semester for me, full of fun but also loads of hard work. God has been so faithful and gracious throughout, I definitely couldn't have gone through the past (tough) three months without Him. I managed to complete five courses and sixteen assignments this semester; that's crazy talk in my standards! But thankfully I was blessed with amazing lecturers (particularly for my Fundamentals of Writing, Screenwriting, and Mass Media and Society courses) who made the subjects engaging, educational, and memorable.

I now have one more paper left before I head back to KL for my sister's wedding. I'm really excited! Her best friends and I have a great bachelorette party planned for her. She wanted something mellow and quiet, so we are going to have dinner at a French fine dining restaurant, Lafite; but not before we get ourselves pampered silly with a manicure and pedicure! Of course, we've also got a few other things up our sleeves for the bride so, hee! It's gonna be such girly fun, I can't wait!

Hope everyone's having a wonderful June. Can't believe we're already halfway through 2011! Intense. Have a blessed day, sweets!

colour my life with the chaos of (trouble)

2011-05-26T14:55:00.008+10:00

Hi lovelies! How are you? I hope life has been treating you with well. As for me, I've been very busy with uni, as I imagine all Australian uni students are at this time of the semester. I'd been looking forward to trying my hand at baking rainbow-coloured confectioneries for a while now, and finally found some time before and between classes to bake and frost these sweet treats a few days ago. I made rainbow vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting and butterfly sprinkles. This was my first time trying it, so I decided to use only four colours and they turned out pastel coloured instead of having deeper hues. It was all good though because the gentle colours looked so sweet! They complemented the light and fluffy vanilla cupcakes really well. Unfortunately I didn't have enough time to make the chocolate frosting from scratch (I turned up late for lecture and smelling like a bakery. Ha!) so I used Nutella and Betty Crocker's frosting instead.

On a different note, I broke the F key on my laptop keyboard, so it's been really insensitive and a nuisance trying to type the letter F in anything! I broke it when I was trying to remove the dust trapped underneath my keyboard... with my strong, manly fingers. Don't try it at home, folks. Also, my washing machine has been stretching all my clothes, it's driving me insane. Going shopping with David and Belle this Sunday to look for new denim shorts because my two existing pairs have be stretched to high heavens. In the meantime, I'll be working on my final two assignments so I can start studying for my exams.

FFFFFFF. Darn it, I must've pressed the 'F' key 20 times and it only appeared six times. Rawrrr! Need to get that ~~ixed~~ fixed (!!! HULK SMASH!!!) soon. Thank goodness I didn't break a vowel key... Only, when I get angry with trying to type F and end up spamming my F key (as above), it sounds like I'm being rude. Le sigh.

Have a happy week, sweets! ♥

xx

to write love on her arms

2011-05-25T16:10:00.002+10:00

Forever New handbag; Vogue Italia; Zu peep-toes

I believe in cuddles. Cuddles cure everything.
The world would be better if we stopped judging people by their appearances and stopped being so hard on ourselves. Life is short; do what you love and laugh until your back hurts.
Someday I am going to go to Paris! For all the delicious food.
I'm not very good at first impressions.
I love love.
When I need a break I read a glossy, take a nap, or unwind in front of the telly with my beau. These days it's when we're watching Masterchef! Exciting stuff - I love it!
I am most happy when I'm surrounded by food loved ones. Hee. And knowing God is always with me.
It bothers me when I stress and get anxious over things I cannot control.
I never thought I could cross off so many things on my Pryncess List (bucket list) so soon. Praise God for His love and blessings!

xx

Fill in the Blanks meme as seen here.

To Write Love On Her Arms is a beautiful organisation.

we are stars

2011-05-17T01:31:00.002+10:00

We are islands,

Excuses to remain alone,
We are moons,

Throw ourselves around each other,

We are oceans,

Being controlled by the pull of another.

We are dreamers...

We Are Stars, The Pierces

just a minute in... may | 2011

2011-05-05T18:36:00.007+10:00

these Ladurée macarons were everything everyone said it would be and more.

Absolutely delightful. (And I got to pick the box!) How I wish they had a store here.

Photo taken in London.

♥ ♥ ♥

Hunting... for fruit tarts. I tried one from the Toowong French Patisserie last week and it wasn't fantastic. So I became sad. The hunt for yummy fruit tarts in Brissy continues! #FruitTartSnob

Daydreaming... about the time we lay under the stars at Mt Coot-tha four nights ago and saw my very first shooting star. It was a lovely moment, and we kept giggling as we tried to scan the sky for more. Arthur saw three, David and Belle saw two, while Brian and I only saw one. Still, I was ecstatic, and I didn't know they were so common until my friends from the countryside told me. They see shooting stars all the time. Beautiful.

Balancing... my fluctuating emotions. The past few days have been really stressful for me. I've been feeling discouraged and yesterday I felt like my heart was going to beat out of my chest in anxiety. The funny thing is that there are heaps more positive things happening in my life than there are negative. The problem is, even if I succeed in ten things, but fail at just one thing, I get extremely disheartened and start to obsess over that single negative thing in my life. Seriously, I should stop being such a worry-wart!

Going... for a jog while the boys do their leg workouts, though the weather is getting too cold for me to run outside at night. I think I'll sign up for a gym membership soon.

Loving... One Tree Hill so much! The eighth season is coming to a close, and I dread the day the series ends for good. A little part of me died when Friends ended (my heart still aches when I watch The Last One), but One Tree Hill will definitely leave a gaping hole in my heart. I can't believe it's been eight years. Oh, how far we've come. Nathan Scott still gives me the tingles. Hee hee!

xx

this is the sound (of a heartbeat)

2011-04-26T16:40:00.019+10:00

Switchfoot live in Toowoomba, Queensland

♥ ♥ ♥

Which are the moments that make you feel most alive?

I've never really thought about it before, but I think there are many, many answers to that question. I think my most recent memory of feeling most alive was on Saturday, 23rd April 2011. I felt most alive because I felt I was going to die under the cold, pouring rain and strong winds. Hee, I exaggerate not! My friends and I had driven all the way to Toowoomba to attend Easterfest and catch Switchfoot live. The afternoon started off bright and sunny, and I'd have never expected what was going to come next. From discovering the place where Switchfoot were sound checking to actually talking to them... I thought my day was made. That is, until I met Erica Bartle, also known as Girl With a Satchel and glossy media pro.

I'd been so busy with uni that I'd been putting off looking for new internships, work experience, and e-mailing Erica to ask if I could contribute to her website because one, I was nervous, and two, I still didn't think I was good enough, even though God has shown me countless times that He makes me good enough. As most of you know, I spent my teen years reading every single issue of Girlfriend, the magazine Erica was once the deputy editor of. Erica has been my glossy writing role model for years now, and her faith continues to inspire me until today. When I bumped into her at Easterfest, I was starstruck. Our conversation that turned into the possibility of me contributing to her website had me amazed at how good God is, as well as how sincere and lovely Erica is, as already expected! I really felt God reminding me through this unexpected encounter that I needn't worry about my future because He takes care of my tomorrows, always. He knows the desires of our heart and just loves making us glad. And meeting Erica made me glad! I was a nervous bubbling fangirl, I tell ya! She's such a wonderful person.

Despite the sunny weather in the afternoon, it start pouring an hour before Switchfoot were scheduled to come on at 8pm. We were watching Newworldson perform just as it started raining, and we started shivering like crazy. The winds were mad, and so was the rain. And this was Toowoomba. In autumn. Uh oh. After an hour, the rain still didn't let on and Switchfoot had to be pushed back another thirty minutes. We were freezing so bad we almost gave up waiting, but we stayed huddle together and pushed through the cold. I'm glad we did, because in the end, it was more than worth it.

Switchfoot was amazing. I'd waited years to listen to them play live, and the flash flood didn't stop any of us from rocking out to Mess of Me or any of their old favourites like Meant To Live together. We moshed in muddy water almost up to our calves, and I was near tears when they played the beautiful Your Love Is A Song.

Jon Foreman (Switchfoot's front-man) told us that night that he would never ever forget this moment as they performed under the rain. Neither will I. The day I spoke a few words to Switchfoot, met the lovely Erica Bartle, and rocked out to an epic gig under flash floods, celebrating Easter together. These little reminders that despite my sometimes wavering faith (yup, it happens!), God is real and He is moving.

That's when I feel most alive.

oh the wonderful cross

2011-04-24T16:16:00.006+10:00

A very happy and blessed Easter to you, sweets!

From Good Friday to Easter Sunday, this has been the most significant weekend (spent at home in Brissy and also at Easterfest '11) for me in a long time. Not only because we are remembering and celebrating Jesus' death and resurrection, but because God has been sending little reminders of love to me. Joy! Even though He has all the right in the world to make our lives about Him alone, He never forgets the things that make us crazy-happy, and sets up amazing experiences and opportunities to remind you that He, God, is watching over you while taking care of your needs and desires, every single day. The things that happened this weekend just reminded me of that, and it totally blew me away. It's been fantastic!

Hopefully I'll be able to elaborate more over the next few posts, but until then, I'll be celebrating our amazing Saviour with my City Life family tonight and a little sleepover with my girls.

Hallelujah, Jesus is risen! He paid the price on the cross, that we may have life and life abundantly. Eternally. He loves YOU!

p/s: I hope I'm not the only one who took this opportunity to load up on chocolates. Hey, it's Easter! No guilt. Heck, when it comes to food any time of the year I feel no guilt whatsoever. Om nom nom. Besides, Maltesers and Pods were on sale. It would've be unwise not to buy them. Right? Right!

the adorablest photo above
was found in Catching Fire

sydney | daytime at circular quay

2011-04-21T14:57:00.003+10:00

Boyfriend and I in front of the Sydney Harbour bridge.

♥ ♥ ♥

Our little weekend getaway in Sydney was wonderful.

We saw dugongs (!!), walked by the beautiful harbour, shopped at the city centre, ate the yummiest food (except we were quite grumpy when we didn't get a chance to eat German pork knuckles! Hmph.), visited the seafood market, and most importantly, had great fun spending quality, couply time together. Which included doing work and assignments during the night time, 'cos that's just how we roll. Okay, that's a lie. It's just that we were both swamped with work that needed to be completed after we got back from Sydney. Still, all work and no play makes us angry bunnies so we made up for it by eating and shopping heaps during the day. *beams*

Speaking of, I can't get this fantastic fruit tart I had out of my mind. I've never been a huge fan of fruit tarts, but by George that was the yummiest I'd ever tasted! Homg. I'm going to Southbank soon to see if Brisbane as an equivalent.

What's your favourite dessert, lovelies? ♥

cupcake calamities

2011-04-14T13:32:00.012+10:00

Hey beautifuls! How have you been? It's been such a hectic, hectic April thus far and it will continue until this semester ends in June, after which I'll be flying home for a short three weeks for my darling sister's wedding! (I am going to just bawl my eyes out watching her walk down the aisle, I tell ya) In the meantime, writing my Maid of Honour toast and planning my sister's Bachelorette Party will have to wait because honestly, my back-to-back assignments are going to be the end of me. Every day is a struggle to fight through the difficulties and to just trust God that with Him, the battle has already been won. That's the key to having peace in my heart and mind, I believe, trusting God. And um, eating good food. Always food. Yumm.

That aside, I call this month the month of gigs because I have three gigs to attend, three weeks in a row. I went for Jimmy Eat World last week, am going to catch the Final Fantasy orchestra at the Sydney Opera House this weekend, and then rock out to Switchfoot at Easterfest the following Saturday. I am stoked as! Music is so beautiful; listening to a particular song at a particular moment often works as a pensive memory keeper. You needn't write those emotions down; they're all encapsulated in the melody and words of a song. And that's beauty to me.

I'm flying to Sydney with Boyfriend for a little weekend getaway tonight, so I'll see you when I'm back, lovely noodle of cuddles you! Yes, you.

xx

crash course in birdcage bombing

2011-04-07T15:13:00.006+10:00

I've traveled half the world to say, 'you are my muse'.

Yesterday, as I was walking to uni for my Screenwriting class, there was one particular line from the lyrics of a song that kept popping up in my head. It was from Muse's very (rare) playful song called I Belong To You (+Mon Cœur S'ouvre à Ta Voix), and I decided heck, I'll write it on my shoe. So I did, and it brightened my evening.

I love little bursts of whims and fancies.

antithesis

2011-04-06T01:56:00.006+10:00

"When you get a choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance."

-Le Ann Womack

-lovely photo of Dom (!!) and a dancer (I am green with envy --

who gets to wrap her leg around Dom?! WHO?!) as posted by him in Muse's twitter

la boite questions

2011-04-01T15:59:00.005+10:00

an adorable 'interview' with Jesse Eisenberg,
Justin Timberlake and Andrew Garfield - dawwwwww.

The Social Network was definitely my favourite movie of 2010. I mean, Inception was great and everything, but somehow The Social Network had a more lasting effect on me. It was intense yet funny at all the right bits; wonderful execution on the scriptwriter and director's end. The actors did well, too. It's a pleasure seeing how Andrew Garfield's acting career has expanded ever since The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. His performance in Never Let Me Go was beautiful, and now he is taking on the role of my favourite superhero, Spider-man. Heehee. Well, okay, I'm a bit skeptical about the Spidey reboot, but I think we all know I'll be one of those excited fan girls who'll be the first in line to buy tickets on the day the movie premieres anyway. Ha!

xx

polaroid lightmixer 630 SL

2011-03-31T15:27:00.000+10:00

Finally mine. So happy!

xx

housekeeping

2011-03-24T15:01:00.014+10:00

Hi lovelies! Please the sporadic layout changes here and there.
I'm in the midst of working on a fresh new look for *thisdaisy whilst doing a
little housekeeping. Thanks for your patience!

formspring #4

2011-03-06T15:24:00.016+10:00

your life seems so perfect. how do you stay so happy and optimistic?

Hi beautifuls! I received this question in my Formspring a couple of weeks ago, and I thought I'd answer it in a separate post by itself. Thanks so much to whoever who asked it, it's a lovely question that really made me sit back and reflect once again on how beautiful life in general is. I truly thank God for the blessings He has showered upon my life (family, being able to travel, pursuing what I love) that is mostly full of joy and I'm so happy that some of you sweethearts think my blog reflects that. That said, I think my life is far from perfect. I don't think anyone's life can be perfect in this world, but I really believe what we can have is perfect Love and perfect Joy in our crazy, hectic, fast-paced reality. And that's found in Jesus. Or at least, that's my own personal belief and testimony.

I've been through my share of heartaches, and constantly have to fight to jump over the difficult hurdles that come my way until today. More often than not, I get upset, I sometimes cry, and I blame God for a lot of things even though it's obvious I am the problem. Of course, I recognize that my troubles are completely frivolous compared to the suffering the rest of the world faces (famine, abuse, and diseases are but a few), but we who have it slightly better off than the people in oppressed, under-developed countries do have our own fair share of issues. Relationships, friendships, school/university/working life, family conflict, and so on. At the risk of sounding cliche, it's a dog-eat-dog world out there.

Anyway, I guess what I'm trying to get at is that while I do have my bad days, sad days, angry days, confused days, I thankfully never have to stay down for long because of my amazing support system that is God, my family, and friends. Honestly! Sometimes I feel I have it too good, like I don't deserve their love and their friendship. Because I really don't. But they love me anyway because they like doing their bit for charity. Or maybe 'cos I'm secretly awesome. Ha! Nahh, they're my bestest friends and family in the world. And the best part is, no one loves me like my own Creator does. God has pulled me through so much crap in life and helped me emerge victorious - or at the very least, truly content and happy.

"The eternal God is your refuge,

and underneath are the everlasting arms..."

-Deuteronomy 33:27

That's one of the verses from the Bible that I keep close to my heart. Sometimes, being happy and optimistic is not the actual thing I'm feeling - what I really am holding on to is hope. Hope in God that He will help me conquer the mountain that is my studies, hope in Jesus that He will heal my heart... and it is that Hope that keeps me and comforts me. It is that hope in God that keeps me optimistic. He is my true Joy.

I know, I know. This sounds so unreal, so... irritating in a sense that it may sound too happy or faux self-deprecating. Plus it is so much easier to praise God when life's going swell, but I don't know how else to put it, because this is my life, and I'm geuinely living it with all its highs and lows just like everyone else. It's not perfect, but it is most certainly darn lovely - I can't deny that. I won't deny that. Still, I know that at some point in life certain parts of it will crumble and continue to face tough challenges, because life can suck and will suck, but at least I will have an amazing God and wonderful friends to do life with. That I'll always be thankful for.

xx

p/s: Jesus loves you, and He only wants the best for you, too!

england | souvenirs;

2011-02-22T19:05:00.004+10:00

photo taken in the town of Canterbury.

♥

No fancy postcards, but yummy English tea for my besties.

england | castles in canterbury;

2011-02-22T17:00:00.001+10:00

photo taken in Canterbury where I was visiting my best friend Alya.
it was a beautiful three days spent with her.

♥

As anyone who goes on a holiday to England would say,
a photo with the iconic red telephone box is very much necessary. ;)

xx

okfine...

2011-02-17T03:41:00.008+10:00

I'll admit! On the night of Valentine's Day, we played Dance Dance Revolution! And it reminded me of how much I love it. T_T And kind of owned the first stage in such a way that my usual DDR partner Ernie who is currently studying in New York would be proud. Yes, that night Krys and I expanded our Asian horizons beyond our usual Rock Fever. I also tried out the Para-Para Sakura game (the other seafood dancing game using your hands).

Dance Dance Revolution Tips:

1.) Ernie taught me this. Hold the handle bar behind you so you get more balance as you prance around trying to step on the right buttons at the right time. Once you get the momentum going, don't stop.

2.) There will be some people who will cock-stare you, but others will laugh at how hilarious/phail you look attempting to play. I love that. It's really fun to make fun of yourself sometimes. 8)

3.) You will sweat.

4.) You'll prolly want to leave all forms of dignity aside before you step onto the DDR machine.

5.) Be prepared, for your Malaysian friends may disown you. Or they may take 1001 photos that will eventually turn into a video to embarrass you further. Those type of friends are keepers. Unless they post the video for the world to see and then disown you.

xx

bright red star

2011-02-16T00:36:00.008+10:00

Hi, lovebugs!

Happy Valentine's Day! *throws heartshapes everywhere* Well okay, it was yesterday. But still. How was it for you? Filled with all kinds of lovely things, I hope! I'd love to hear all about it if you're willing to share. As for me, I had a wonderful one. The laydees and I had two back-to-back sleepovers in which we ate 4 rounds of nasi lemak and garlic cheese naan, amongst other stuff like kuih, 2 tubes of Oreos and half a packet of Freddo's, all in less then 12 hours. That, in addition to laughter so crazy only hyenas would understand, prompted us to buy Strepsils to soothe our burning throats. Ahhh, bestie bliss. We also visited I-City just for kicks and played boardgames before calling it a night. Oh oh! When I came home for a bit during the day, I was happily surprised with a package addressed to me, and later on a bouquet of roses was delivered at my doorstop. Works of the sweetly cunning boyfriend, no less! *beams* He sure knows how to make a girl feel special, even when in different countries! Can't wait to be with him again soon.

Besides the eventful past few days, I've been busying myself with my inspiration journal (as pictured above), family time and so on. Also, today I found time to answer some of the pending questions on Formspring. I love responding to all of you amazing people. I'll post a few here:

♥ i love your blog. tell me ur opinion about Indonesia? what do you know about Indonesia?
Thank you! I haven't been to Indonesia so not much, sadly. I wish I did, though! All I know is that the islands and beaches are absolutely beautiful and the Christians there are really passionate about Jesus. It's wonderful to know that we have brothers and sisters in Christ in all parts of the world.

I'm also really good friends with a half-Indonesian and he and his family are absolutely lovely. A kooky bunch - my kind of people! ;) Also, one of my favourite bands - Dashboard Confessional - had a gig there (and not Malaysia!) so I was really envious of you guys! Hehe.

♥ Why do you blog so little!
Tallulah Bankhead once said, "it's the good girls who have diaries; the bad girls never have the time." ;)

♥ how would you describe your dressing style?
Definitely girly and feminine. I love high-waisted skirts, ruffles, pretty florals (I always get slack for buying so much floral stuff, hee), lace, dresses, and ethereal colours. But most of the time I'm a bit lazy so I just throw on a pair of denim shorts or a plaid skirt with a top and pair that with a more elaborate handbag or accessories instead. I'm a minimalist when it comes to a lot of things, style included.

♥ where is your favourite place (boutique) to shop back home? :)
Miss Selfridge/Topshop for clothes, La Senza for lingerie. Surprisingly I didn't buy any new clothes back here in Malaysia this time around, though. 'Cos I spent waaayy too much shopping in Australia. Hehe. Dotti and Forever New are my weakness.

♥ will u vote? since u're 21 already
Yup, I will! :) Will be registering as a voter before I go back to the land down under next week.

Answers to other questions can be found here. :)

All righty, sister duty calls. Time to work on the photos for my sister's wedding slideshow! Good night, darlings!

xx

formspring #3

2011-01-07T00:24:00.007+10:00

happy 21st birthday in advance! what's your favourite part about birthdays?

Thank you, lovely! Ooh I just love birthdays so much. (: I love celebrating it with loved ones and I always love taking the opportunity to be a kid again. When I turned 16 we played hide n' seek at my party haha! It was the best! Then when I turned 20 the theme was all things kiddy and rainbow coloured. Had helium balloons everywhere and everything. I think my favourite part about it, though, is feeling special. Being the birthday pryncess for a day. I love reading the cards I get.

Silver or gold?

White gold! ;) Hee.

But if I had to choose between silver or gold, hmmm. It really depends what it is. Jewellery? Balloon colours? I like both colours but only certain shades of gold... So I guess silver.

What is the best part of being in Aussie?

Oh, so many lovely things to choose from! The best part about being in Brisbane would be attending the University of Queensland, I believe. I love my campus. It's so beautiful and I feel overwhelmed with pride every time I'm there. It feels really surreal to be able to be a part of UQ and it makes me so happy!

A close second would be how easy it is to get around - I love the City Cat (ferry on the Brisbane river)! I also like how fresh everything feels. I don't know why, but I feel like anything is possible there.

And of course, my church. I love my church and my spiritual family there. They're just such a fun bunch to be with and I'm looking forward to growing with them even more when I return next month!

HOWS DAVIDDDDDD HEHEH??

HAHAHA love the "heheh??" part, whoever you are. Makes you sound darn pervy! *grin* David's good. If it weren't for Rozie he'd be my eating soulmate. Haha! So glad my bestie and my boyfie love food as much as I do. Long live food.

photo found here

just a minute in... january | 2011

2011-01-05T21:00:00.005+10:00

Catching... up with all my novels. Never Let Me Go (Kazuo Ishiguro), Nineteen Eighty Four (George Orwell) and Catcher in the Rye (J.D. Salinger) being the top three on my reading list.

Bracing... myself for England's wintery cold. Back when it was winter in Aussie, I was basically freezing to death when it was 8 degrees at night (mainly 'cos I don't have a heater in my house haha). Now in London it's 8 degrees in the afternoon and goes all the way to negative at night. I love the cold, but... help.

Willing... myself to quickly recover from the flu so I won't die from the cold (as above). Praise God my high fever has already gone down completely. Woot!

Celebrating... my twenty-first birthday in London! My parents' present to me - I'm so incredibly grateful and excited! Will be spending two weeks there. Mostly, I just cannot believe I'm turning 21. Oh my. I still remember how I used to think this birthday was so far away.

Feeling... nostalgic and sentimental as we gear up to send Eka off this Friday. He's heading to New Jersey, USA to pursue his dreams of becoming an architect - and I know he'll be an amazing one. But this is what I dislike most about growing up, parting ways until we meet again.

Loving... all the little dates and time I've been spending with the Boyfriend. We always say we're actually one of those nauseating lovey dovey couples that we love to take the mickey out off! Hee. For example, I used to roll my eyes at couples who sit next to each other as opposed to opposite each other when dining outside. I mean, can't you sit apart for just the span of one meal?! But just the other day when the Boyfriend slid into the booth next to me just so we could be close, we both went, "Oh noez, we're one of those couples now." Hahaha guilty as charged. We understand now. It's hard to keep us apart when you're so in love! ;)

Hope you've been having a fantastic 2011 so far!
xx

adorable photo found here

the twenty ten wrap up

2010-12-31T21:19:00.017+10:00

Five hours left until we usher in the new year! Eeep! I'm really excited for it but at the same time trying to grasp the last few fleeting moments of two thousand and ten. This year really proved to be a spectacular one for me and I'm so, so thankful to God for just being with me throughout!

This was the year I:

♥ celebrated my twentieth birthday ♥ sent Ernest of at the airport ♥ couldn't decide which country to further my studies in ♥ conquered heartache ♥ got even closer to my best friends ♥ finished an obstacle course that was eight storeys high ♥ lost a beloved friend ♥ went on a holiday to China to visit the World Expo ♥ got my hair permanently curled twice in three days because after the first day it went back straight! and now half a year later I've gotten bored and had my locks chopped. I'm always doing something to my hair, sometimes to my own detriment, haha! I love it, though. ♥ hosted my very first Mixtape Swap ♥ celebrated Spain's World Cup glory and basically cried when England got booted out earlier ♥ played a hilarious game of Kings with the gang ♥ went to Australia to attend the University of Queensland ♥ fretted over my subjects ♥ worked hard ♥ by God's grace got my Journalism media dossier picked as one of the exemplar assignments in the course (insane, this never happens to me! I ain't no smarty pants and I still am not. Perhaps my lecturer was being charitable, hee.) ♥ by God's even gracier grace achieved a Dean's Commendation (I still can't quite believe it, and I don't think I will until I hold the certificate in my hands) ♥ enrolled for dance classes so I wouldn't get rusty ♥ had wicked fun in most classes but nearly died in Samba and the more expert hip hop levels ♥ learned burlesque ♥ visited all 5 major amusement parks (Dreamworld, SeaWorld, MovieWorld, White Water World, Wet N' Wild) ♥ fell in love with an amazing guy who makes my world go round ♥ played putt-putt golf ♥ made new lovely friends ♥ visited Mellie near Toowoomba (beautiful farm - they used to produce wheat for Kellogg's! So cool.) ♥ did two silly dance videos with mah kooky girls ♥ watched The Social Network three times in the cinema (love. it.) ♥ caught Kris Allen and Muse live (and I've got my tix for Jimmy Eat World in April next year! the joy!) ♥ held baby Jet for the first time until he fell asleep in my arms. He is the most precious thing evurr ♥ bought my very first copy of Lula in March, and just recently received a year's subscription because the darling Boyfriend loves surprising and inspiring me ♥ cooked new dishes ♥ baked my first apple crumble ♥ and so much more.

2010, you did me good. Thank you. And thank YOU Jesus for Your hand over everything! All these things would be meaningless without You.

And finally, happy and blessed new year, darling readers and friends! Thanks for an amazing year and for making the blogosphere such a lovely place to be at. Here's to 2011, may it be an exciting adventure for all of us!

Love and rainbow kisses,
Julia x

joy to the world

2010-12-25T03:12:00.002+10:00

‎"I have loved you with an everlasting love..."

-Jeremiah 33:1

And You have loved us indeed. Thanks, God, for Your perfect gift of peace, joy, and salvation - the Son of God, the reason for Christmas: Jesus! ♥

To my darling readers, followers & friends,

have a merry, happy and blessed Christmas!
Jesus loves you.

photo found in Nothing But Words

formspring #2

2010-12-22T15:22:00.006+10:00

Round 2 of Formspring questions! (: I answered a few back when I was still in Australia (I'm now back home in Malaysia for the summer holidays), so some of the answers may relate to that. Here we go!

♥ What's your favourite fashion magazine, and do you save your mags. Fashionkath

Hi, Kath!

Hmmm, my favourite fashion magazine... definitely Lula! It's full of whimsical, ethereal daydreams and just lovely to read if not to just gaze at. Personally, I've always found Vogue rather suffocating and nose-up-in-the-air stuffy, albeit I think British Vogue conducts fantastic shoots. So most of the time I prefer sticking to indie/lifestyle glossies like Frankie, Glamour and Nylon.

And yup, I most definitely keep all the glossies I buy! Hehe. I could never ever throw them away. They're so precious to me and I keep them in mint condition. Though I really should start picking and choosing the ones I keep because my shelves have caved under the weight of all my magazines and now they can't fit into the bottom drawer either. Eeep! How about you, love? Do you keep all of them? xx

♥ do you love muse? do you LOVE muse? DO YOU LOVE MUSE!!!!!

I LOVE MUSE TILL DEATH DO US PARRRTTT!!!

♥ If you were going to have a themed family photoshoot, what theme(s) would you consider? :)

I'd love to see a family at a whimsical carnival / circus spread, 'cos colours are always lovely to oogle at, plus that's where family fun happens, or at least, my earliest memory of a circus/carnival was when my parents took me and my siblings. We loved it! Another theme I'd consider would probably a family in a park? The possibilities of pretty shoots are endless when in a park! hehe.

♥ I love you..

and I love you, Boyfriend. (:

♥ hey darling!! Seems like your blog is also on a holiday?? hahaha Any suggestions to spend an awesome holiday? ... in KL... =P

hee, hi pozie!

see? i've been updating! and am looking into switching layouts soon. seeing as we have very little time (Nik's uni, sigh) and can't go very far, i vote Bukit Tinggi for the old people we are! hahaha. as we discussed the other day kan. bunny farm! *happy dance* and mini little road trips to I-City (Nik will scold) and uh.. I don't know. maybe we can go play paintball or rock climbing since you missed it the last time. or skytrex again. HA. all I know is that every spare minute we have will be spent together. WOOT can't wait. see you in 7 days, bestfriend! x (I replied this while I was still in Australia - it's good to be home, bestfriend! hahaha)

♥ Is the timestamp on your blog posts Malaysian or Australian? Do you bother switching them? :)

Hehe well it was set to Malaysian time aggeess ago and I forgot to switch it when I arrived here in Australia! I kinda assumed it would automatically change it for me, I don't know why. Haha! I'll be heading back to Malaysia in a week's time so I'll switch my timestamp to Aussie timing the next time I'm back here in Brisbane in two months. Two hours difference! (:

That's all for now, will answer more soon! Thanks again for all your lovely comments and questions, darlings, it's such a blast responding to them. Keep 'em coming aite. And now I'm off to Christmas shop! Blessed Wednesday!

rest of the photo set here

overture | love and break ups

2010-12-18T16:43:00.040+10:00

Hi, beautifuls!

There is approximately two weeks left before two thousand and ten closes on us and the year twenty eleven begins. I can't even begin to describe how quickly this year has passed me by, nor how wonderfully exhilarating it has been. I think everyone grows a little ever year, and I feel that this time isn't any different. So much has changed in the past twelve months. The memories of how my year started (from New Year's Eve to January 1st itself) still remain vivid in my mind; I may not think about it, but sometimes I reflect upon and marvel at how things can turn out for the better, happier.

I remember how fun it was to have spent New Years with my then-boyfriend along with his friends and their girlfriends. But I also remember how toxic it quickly became, from the first couple breaking up a few weeks later, to them blaming the other girls, to my then-boyfriend and I arguing like there's no tomorrow, to the second couple breaking up two weeks after (a domino effect - the guys were your typical chauvinistic males), to my then-boyfriend and I trying to hard not to let external circumstances hinder our steady relationship, to a lot of tears on my end and then-boyfriend's frustration (and his tears, too) thanks to all the ridiculous, unnecessary drama caused by external sources, and finally, to us reaching the breaking point and, well, breaking up. Sounds complicated? It was. And it was also something that happened totally out of the blue - it really gutted me. As much as it surprised everyone else, I think it surprised me the most. We did try to work things out again but I suppose sometimes love isn't enough. At that time I didn't understand it. I've always been a hopeless romantic; I never really understood why or how people can come to a conclusion that love can't bring people through the toughest of times. Or how things can change overnight. Nevertheless, I've always known that love takes a lot of work. It's not just airy fairy, love-sick butterflies but commitment, understanding, patience, and sacrifice, all bound together by love. For love. Because of love.

I always thought we had that. And I'm sure we did throughout most of our relationship. Whenever we would argue, I never had a doubt that we would resolve it because we loved each other very much. We always agreed that both of us would give and take when it comes to certain things. I know he tried. And I know I tried. I gave our relationship my all, and I know he did, too. But we each had our own shortcomings. I could sit here and list out everything what each of us did to wrong each other, but of what good would that be? Still, at that time, I could not imagine ever forgiving his friends for what they did (despite my trying to be the bigger person by apologising even though I didn't feel I needed to - at all) nor could I forget how he let himself get manipulated by those immature MCPs he called friends. And I guess he hated the fact that I pushed him too hard on certain things as well. But, like I said, I'd love to blame either one of us but I truly believe that all this happened because we were two people who just weren't right for each other, trying to force each other into our mould. We should've seen it coming from the very beginning of our relationship, but because we were blinded by love, we fought through it. We had a happy relationship, and we constantly spoke of our future together, but in the end, love just wasn't enough. We were very different people and wanted different things. I understand now.

What I learned from this wasn't that birds of a feather flock together or that opposites attract, because I believe whole-heartedly that it can be either (or even both). Personally though, I think relationships will only work if both parties have the same fundamental values. It's so important to have a solid foundation to build a relationship upon, and I believe it is these values that build that foundation, whatever those values may be. It could be faith, it could be what each wants out of life or a relationship, or anything of the sort - to each his own.

It's been almost a year since it all began, so it's easy to say all these things now because I've already triumphed over the heartbreak and had ample time to reflect, but let me just say, it wasn't easy. Yes, I bounced back from it quicker than others (I really don't believe in moping around over a guy for too long a time. Also, Friends and How I Met Your Mother marathons help a lot), but my gosh, the tears and the pain during the process... it never felt so real, so raw. Plus, there was a lot of hatred for what they did. I may be over it now but I still believe respect has to be earned. I used to ask my best friends (who were all superbly supportive) whether I'd ever get over the unbearable pain of the break up, and they'd reply, "give it time... one day you'll wake up and it won't hurt anymore." And they really took care of me throughout my pain. They were right, though. One day, you'll wake up to a world full of sunshine, and you'll realise how healing has stealthily crept up on you. And on that day you will realise that, my goodness, you've been released from the dead weight, and that's reason to celebrate. Because, by george, life in front of you is so beautiful; any thing and every thing is possible.

I wondered for a while, how you just know when you've fallen in love. But how do you know when you've fallen out of love? I don't think there's an on and off switch for love, so how do you know when you've finally stopped loving someone? When you're nursing a broken heart, it doesn't mean you're still in love with the person, right? You're just dealing with the aftermath. I guess. I don't know for sure. Some people say, it takes half the time of your relationship to get over the person, while others say one week for every month you were together, or 10, 000 drinks, however long that takes (yes, I'm referencing How I Met Your Mother - it's a fantastic show, go watch it! hehe). Personally, I don't think you can put a time on it. That said, I did give myself a maximum of one month to mourn, and promised to pick myself back up after that. I remember crying for three days straight, stopped for the next couple of days, then started again once or twice, then stopped again. The very last time I cried about it was three weeks after the break up. It wasn't loud, they were just soft tears. Sad tears, but healing tears. I never cried about it anymore after that. And the pain finally went away after another month or so.

So, how do you know when you've fallen out of love? ~~When you don't wish s/he would get hit by a bus anymore~~ I think love stops when you stop feeling for that someone. You can still care for him/her, but you just don't have those deep feelings you once had. I wish I could be more specific than that, but I think everyone has their own experiences and signs that are sometimes ineffable.

While I can't ever imagine dating someone like him again, I don't regret that relationship one bit. It was lovely at that time, at that age, but it eventually ran its course. I don't regret the pain it caused either, because I gained so much out of it. My very wise bestie told me that if she had to go through the pain of her previous relationship all over again (and hers was ten times worse than mine), she'd do it because it was that experience that led her to this new, happier one. She couldn't have arrived at this point in her life without first crossing the previous road block. I agree. After the very difficult first quarter of my year, 2010, life just went uphill after that. It was my overture. I've never been this content, this happy before. I got rid of all the toxic things (and people) in my life, and I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of besties - I love them all. Studying in Australia has been an amazing blessing (thanks to God and my darling family), and so has falling in love with a wonderful guy. I know I keep saying this, but I'm constantly being reminded of how true it is: God is faithful.

Ahh, look at me. I intended for this post to be one listing out the best of twenty ten, but ended up rambling on about relationships and love. Sincere apologies if this post sounds a little all over the place, as my thoughts are. I kept this relationship stuff on the down low throughout the year on my blog because I never felt the need to make it public, but I think there's no harm in talking about it now. We learn, and we grow - what better way to do so than through learning from experience? Exhilarating!

Happy weekend, sweethearts! ♥

photo source unknown

supermassive black hole

2010-12-16T21:23:00.015+10:00

5th December 2010 made my life. Really.

MUSE's gig at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre as part of The Resistance Tour wasn't just any other concert - it was friggin' EPIC.

I don't know how else to put it, nor do I know what else to say, except that Matt, Dom, and Chris are utterly PHENOMENAL. I exaggerate not. There's a reason why Muse has been dubbed one of the world's best live bands, and that night, Lauranne, Christine and I (plus thousands of other fans) experienced it first hand. While the circular, revolving and rising stage (each of them stood on podiums that brought them up 5ft in the air whilst playing their instruments) along with the amazing strobe lights and slick visuals got us crazy excited, it was the band's live performance that just Blew. Our. Minds. Seriously, their vocals, their guitar / keytar / harmonica / drumming / bass / percussion/ keyboarding skills are just... ergh! Sheer talent. Plus, their riffs and jams were awe-inducing as well.

The night was kicked off with Uprising, which made the crowd go wild.

No one rocks a flashy suit like Matt does. He owns. No, scratch that--
MUSE owns.

Chris and Dom (!!!) owning the Helsinki Jam.

all this while they were on a revolving and rising podium. Epic.

during Time Is Running Out, one of my favourite Muse songs!

giant Big Brother balloons (as part of their The Resistance theme ala the novel 1984) were released during Plug In Baby. They wouldn't come back on stage for their encore until all the balloons were popped.

my throat was so sore by the end of the the gig, but Laur and I really

regretted not buying another ticket for their second show the next night.

Muse is a band you could watch over, and over again, what with their seriously amazing tracks. Just ask Debbie. She's hardcore. ;)

While I basically adore all songs by Muse, if I had to pick my favourites, it would include Hysteria, Supermassive Black Hole (of course! and haha it's been my phone's ringtone ever since I can remember), Showbiz, Stockholm Syndrome, Knights of Cydonia, Unnatural Selection, and all three parts of the Exogenesis Symphony (I also think I Belong To You is adorable, hee). They played all of those and more except Unnatural Selection and two parts of Exogenesis. 'Tis okay, 'twas still phenomenal gig, no doubt. I mean, the audio, the visuals... they just really delivered. And needless to say, Laur and Christine made amazing gig buddies as well! Our hearts were thumping like mad in anticipation and we jumped and screamed like little fan girls, as we should. Ha! Love them.

Seriously suffering from post-Muse syndrome right now.

blackbird, fly.

2010-11-26T21:59:00.018+10:00

Things I've learned from my time here in Australia thus far:

♥ When you go for a late night jog and suddenly hear + see something with wings sweep over you, it is not a 'majestic' bird. It is a freaking huge bat. Run faster.

♥ Honey Murcotts are the best thing that can happen to you. It's like Chinese New Year all year round! I love you, mandarin oranges.

♥ Australia constantly brings in amazing artists/bands/musicals and hosts funtastic music festivals that you'd love to be a part of. West Side Story, The Nutcracker, Muse, Ingrid Michaelson, Splendour in the Grass (The Strokes were here omg cry), and so much more. Love. It.

♥ No matter how tempting that frozen packet of lin yong pau (Chinese Lotus bun) looks at the grocery store, do not buy it, because even after following preparation instructions, it will STILL be as hard as a rock. No joke. I could've thrown it at a window and the glass would've cracked a little. The only upside to buying this is that it will give you and your housemate the best laugh and feel thankful that you guys did not buy two packets.

♥ The pastors of the church you attend are wonderfully down-to-earth and fun to hang out with. Ditto for the church's members. So blessed to have been planted in City Life Church.

♥ Aussies are so friendly, they'll put a bounce in your step and a smile on your face whenever you talk to one (boutique assistants, cashiers, Blockbuster workers, etc.). There are one or two exceptions, of course, but it's rare.

♥ Do not hold a heavy ceramic bowl when your hands are wet. It will slip from your hands and crash-land on your big toe, causing you inexplicable pain and a blood clot under your nail for the next five months. The impact will be so hard that even the ceramic bowl will crack. Again, the upside to this is that you will laugh after crying and your then to-be boyfriend will give you lotsa lovin'.

♥ Everytime you look at the Brisbane river and ride on the City Cat (ferry) as often as you take the bus, you will feel so blessed to be living in this lovely, refreshing city. And the stars at night are beautiful.

♥ The weekend markets are fantastic! Shopping for groceries have never been this cultured and fun. Think laying on the grass and eating yummy food during your grocery run, indie arts and crafts to oogle at, and more.

♥ You will miss your best friends back home, but you guys will get even closer because of that (if that's even possible! we're already tight as), and it's amazing. And if you have besties as lovely as Rozie and Nik, they will also send you random postcards and Body Shop body butters in the scent you love from home. Haha.

♥ You'll be reminded that even when you are faithless, God remains faithful. He loves you and will hold your hand every step of the way. Happy!

♥ And finally, you will make wonderful, wonderful friends in university and in church. They're the ones who will make your Australian adventure So. Darn. Memorable.

To wit:

gorgeous roses from the Boyfriend.

my favourite song; Melody and me! ;)

shopping at DFO; at the JACS Ball

funsies at Pancake Manor!

one of Vid's serenading sessions. yes, even though we live 10 minutesaway from each other and constantly hang out, we sometimes Skype at night. haha! issues. ♥

when Yenny came over from Adelaide for a visit;

Laur and I at Surfer's Paradise when we went with Ian and Belle. ♥

the first thing Travis and I did after our last paper was Hit Southbank to watch the Social Network. Finally! Hehe.

Peace the polar bear and Tails the bat ray! (:
the little pink thing on Peace's chest is one of the many little heart-shaped Post-It love notes the Boyfriend secretly planted around my room for me to find. (see the first photo for the ones I've found already and stuck on my wall)

spent a lovely afternoon with Gracie. she is the sweetest and the best shopping partner. Hee.

assignment space.

Dani's cheesy grin. Hehehe I just love this girl. I spent the night at her place and she showed me around Redcliffe. Beautiful place full of beaches and dugong signboards on the road! Must go see them dugongs once I'm back from my summer hols.

Redcliffe

whilst on a nice stroll with Dani

Hahahaha love this! It got us soooo dizzy.
This was, and I quote the signboard there, "A Playground for Adults."

Yup, I kind of love it here. I really thank God for everything. Oh and by the way, Daft Punk's latest single for the Tron: Legacy soundtrack, Derezzed, is so good it makes me want to weep. Have a blessed weekend, every buddy!

formspring #1

2010-11-24T10:57:00.117+10:00

Hi beautifuls!

How are you? Praise God, what a fantastic November it has been for me thus far, but more on that later. Hee. It has been so fun reading and responding to all your lovely questions and comments via my formspring. Because I still have a coupla more to respond to, I've decided to post the formspring Q&As over a couple of posts, so here's the first batch:

what was your favourite book as a child?

Ooh, so many! I grew up loving, collecting, and reading Enid Blyton books (sheepish fact: I always thought 'Enid' was a boy) as well as the Sweet Valley and Two of a Kind series. Oh and Nancy Drew and Archie comics as well! Then the Harry Potter craze began. Reading has always been my joy. ♥

HP 7 Juuuuuuuu! Ahhh! <3

hehehe YEZZAHH, HP7! By the way, my friend from uni thinks HP7 sounds like a virus or disease. Yes, I gave him a look. No, he's not a fan. iloveronweasleyiloveronweasley.

What's a formspring?

Formspring is where people can ask you questions and you answer them. (: It's pretty cool 'cos you can connect it with Facebook, Twitter, your blog, etc.

at what age did you first started blogging? :)

I was around 12-years-old when I started playing around with HTML codes and Adobe Dreamweaver (my brother, then a graphic design student, was a huge influence), and it was then when I started creating my own websites in which I'd use as a "diary/blog".

From there it extended into Harry Potter fansites (haha, i know right?) and it was just the best 'cos I met so many amazing people during that time. Then I stopped using Dreamweaver altogether (computer complications) and signed up for a Blogdrive account.

I was 14 then, but a year later I decided to try out Blogger and I've never looked back since. Well, I did dabble with Wordpress for a bit, and I do have a Tumblr as well, but Blogger has seen me through a lot of URL changes, fun posts, deleted entries of memories I wanted to erase from my mind, and so much more. It's been a great journey. Ahh, look at me answer this question in my typical long-winded way. Ha!

What is your favourite alcoholic beverage?

Cocktails, please. I'd be more specific but as long as it's sweet, it's good. (:

hey julss,i have nothing to ask, but i may have said this a 100times but yet again i've got to say u're an awesome writer and i love reading ur post again n again *my lil secret* <3 u -reshma-

Awww Resh! Naw, I write okay, it's just that you're really sweet! Hehe. Thank you so much! ♥ It means so, so much to me, really. Thanks for always being so encouraging. Much love!

cheer bear to love bear over!

roger that. love-a-lot bear misses her cheer bear, do you copy? over. ♥

That's all for now, darlings, more to come soon. Thanks for all the lovely questions and comments! Please feel free to continue to tell me anything; your favourite food, shops, colour... anything at all. Or if you prefer, ask me something. Just to put it out there, you dearies truly such a wonderful bunch, you know? You make my world go round. (:

just a minute in... november

2010-11-06T17:04:00.018+10:00

Working... on my final Literature assignment for the semester. So difficult! I need my writing mojo back.

Feeling... oh-so-happy with my tickets for the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 premiere on IMAX. But what's even better is that my bestie Alya could actually stalk the actors in the London premiere if she wanted to. Oh, the pleasures of studying in the UK! (p/s:iloverupertgrint)

Thanking... God for creating bees, because me-oh-my, I love honey. On toast, pancakes, with butter, whatever. LOVE.

Listening... to Muse's full discography with joy because I've been blessed with new speakers, thanks to David. Yayy! Plus I am oozing with insane excitement for Muse live in Brisbane next month. Heck, I got my tickets to this upcoming concert even before I bought my tickets to Australia back in May/June, man. Haha!

♥ ♥ ♥

Happy November, lovelies! I hope all of you are fine and dandy. I can't wait for Summer holidays because that means I'll be able to get around your blogs more often and finally host *thisdaisy's first giveaway. Not to mention, partying it up in Brizzy before I head home for the holidays in December. Hee.

Also, I've just started up a formspring for this blog, which you will be able to find on your right. Just thought I'd try it out for a month or so in hopes of getting to know each other better, so please feel free to ask or tell me anything if you'd like, sweets. I'll then compile the submissions and respond to them in a blog post. Funsies!

Anyway, I best be off as I need to get back to my assignment. Not before I watch the latest episode of Grey's Anatomy whilst eating toast with honey, though. Heehee. I hope your last two months of 2010 will be filled with all kinds of wonderful. ♥

xx

image of the adorable ~~Rupert~~ HP cast found here

lace

2010-10-28T02:57:00.019+10:00

"Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living."

-Anais Nin

photo source unknown

gimme five!

2010-10-27T18:46:00.016+10:00

Lipton Tea drinkers by day;

Comic-book-heroes-with-disguised-identities by night.

What does one do before the last class of the semester? Discover that there is an Ideas Centre in the School of Journalism building, relax on orange coloured beanbags, and watch TV. And then muck around with Travis' Mac.

I'm both a Journalism and Writing major and though I've been in the EMSAH (English, Media Studies & Art History) building heaps of times, I've only just discovered where the School of Journalism building is. On the last day of the semester. I know, I am an amazing student.

vaudeville mannor

2010-10-26T18:17:00.002+10:00

joooliaaa, nicoliolio, lottie lam and kimmie.

Mad Dancers & Scounderelles

The RagTaGgettes.

risqué business

2010-10-22T17:47:00.025+10:00

The alluring corset has been laced, a darling hair piece has been chosen,
and thigh-high stockings have been laid out beside a pair of 4-inch heels.

What are the RaGTaGgettes are up to tomorrow night at the Tribal Theater, Brisbane?

Why, risqué business of course.

We call it - burlesque.

photo found here

simplicity

2010-10-08T18:00:00.009+10:00

If there's one thing I learned this year, it's that life is short and incredibly complicated. So now I try not to make it anymore complex than it already is by reducing my stressing and fretting. This has been said far
too often, but only 'cos it's true:

keep it simple. ♥

Enjoy the little things with the people you love. Life is short.

near life experience

2010-10-06T18:43:00.019+10:00

Hi, my dearests! How has October been treating you so far? With lots of candy coloured happiness, I hope. As for me, I've been busy, busy, busy as a bee. I truly wish I could come around your beautiful blogs more often. I miss you all. If it's not assignments, it's life that's hectic. The past few weeks have been filled with endless highlarious fun with friends who came over for a visit from different parts of Australia, numerous trips to every World (Dreamworld, White Water World, Movie World, Sea World - check, check, check and check!), relaxing on the beach at Surfers Paradise, partying it up at on a Saturday night at the Valley, indulging in amazing desserts (Freestyle, Max Brenner... you two make my life), and reading.

I also enrolled for dance classes a few weeks back and it's been so tiring but fun! It's been ages since I last danced so I figured I should do something to improve and get a little more active. I'm doing mainly Girly Hip Hop, Burlesque and Samba Fitness, all of which are uber tough. Let's just say I need to warm up for a warm up. Hahaha. But 'tis all so worth it, 'cos it's so enjoyable! Love it.

But I only allowed myself this much fun (we had a mid-sem holiday last week, hence the insane amounts of trips to Gold Coast) because I'd been working pretty hard the entire semester and I figured a good break was needed from all the stress and fretting. Honestly it's been really tough but by God's grace and amazing support from family and friends, I've slowly gotten the hang of things. My results thus far have been pretty pleasing, all thanks to Jesus! But it's not how you start - it's how you finish. And God doesn't do half-baked work, so I know He'll see me through all the way, good or bad. I only have about 5 weeks of classes left before one final paper and I'm done for the year!

I can't believe how fast my first semester in UQ has gone by, just like that. Majoring in both Writing and Journalism has proven to be both very challenging and rewarding at the same time. Writing involves a lot of creativity and is mostly based around Literature while Journalism requires a more succinct, concise execution. Needless to say, there's a lot of writing involved in both and I get burned out sometimes. Turns out, one can be fresh out of words. I always live by the saying I write to see what I think, but apparently that only works when I'm not bogged down with heaps of essays and short responses to write. When that happens, jumbled thoughts = jumbled writing. That's when you have to actually sit back and go enjoy the little things before continuing work. Also, that's when revising and editing comes in. So at least jumbled writing helps you see how jumbled it is and thus begin to organize thought. (I believe I'm rambling) Thank God for lovely friends who take time out of their day to help me proof read and edit my work when I'm just too blur and tired to go on.

And I guess I've to stop here because I've gotta wash up and get ready for Lounge Group (it's Biscuits Night whilst studying the book of Habakkuk, woo!) before coming home to finish yet another assignment. LIFE, YOU ARE BITTERSWEET.

Have a wonderful week, beautifuls! You are loved.

xx

thanks, Mr. Anonymous for getting me the

lovely Frankie daily journal for next year! I love it.

he exists

2010-09-15T18:36:00.015+10:00

Nathan: You feeling okay, baby?

Feeling less of that weight, that darkness?

Haley: Yeah... I feel like me. And I feel like yours.

-Asleep at Heaven's Gates,

Episode 1, Season 8, One Tree Hill

wild young hearts

2010-08-30T21:58:00.008+10:00

Hi, every buddy!

How have you beeennn, lovelies? Life's been sunshiney indeed. I honestly cannot believe we're just two sleeps away from September. Seriously. Whaaaa-? It's as if time runs faster with every single year that goes by. It has for me this year, anyway. Eight months since January, and I can't even begin to tell you about how much I've learned, experienced, laughed, cried, grown, and laughed some more. Eight months that have been filled with hello and goodbyes. I love how God always works for the good of His children! (Romans 8:28) Even through the hardest times, if we would just have faith and stay faithful, He will always, always come through for us.

In other news, I've been so incredibly busy with back-to-back assignments and quizzes, I'm this close to ripping all my hair out. It's rewarding, but why does uni have to be so difficult? Le siiigh. But I'm ploughing through! Working hard and playing hard. Tee hee. Anyhoo, here's a glimpse of what I've been up to over the past few weeks:

chow time at The Three Monkeys after Inception

Lauranne and Liz! (:

yours truly with Belle at EKKA;

with Danielle having lunch at the Great Court

EKKA!

lookie! horsies at the Royal Queensland Show! wuju.

my favourite part from our Saturday:

when Oscar gave me a kish!

a lovely BBQ around a campfire during winter. sooper syok!

mah homies.

the two Jules with Erin! ;)

apparently 'David' rhymes with 'rabbit'. bahaha what on earth.

one of the huge and yummy strawberry macarons Vid got me

while I was in hermit-mode thanks to assignments. nom! (:

I finally got the (500) Days of Summer DVD zomg the happiness!;

Belle and I at Joseph's crib.

Aaaannddd that's a wrap! For now anyway. Sleep beckons. Here's to a great week, sweets! I hope you will get as much sleep as you like. Because sleep is important. Sleep is gooood. Yes, it is. Hee. Nanite!

first time in an elevator

2010-08-20T16:31:00.018+10:00

Vivian:

I would have stayed for two thousand.

Edward:

I would have paid four.

Vivian:

Baby, I'm gonna treat you so nice you're never gonna wanna let me go.

Edward:

Three thousand, for six days, and Vivian, I will let you go.

He didn't. ♥

there is a reason why Pretty Woman is still talked about

until today... and why our mums are madly in love with Richard Gere.

how to become a flower*

2010-08-15T03:32:00.011+10:00

So the other night my new friend Joel

taught me how to "become a flower".

All it takes is three simple steps:

Tadaaa! Floweerrrrr!

Bahahaha.

xx

mixtape swap round-up!

2010-08-10T19:15:00.011+10:00

Hi, sweets!

It's been around three months since Bree and I first announced the Mixtape Swap, and we just want to thank you so much for making this Swap a sweet success! We were so excited when so many of you signed up, and even more delighted when participants received their mixtapes. It's so wonderful to see how creative all of you are, the photos say it all.

When I received the package from my Swap partner, Joanna, I was absolutely ecstatic. Her letter was absolutely lovely to read, the cover art was gorgeous and her selection of songs? Fantastic. I loved every single song she included. I took so many photos of the cover art, it's mad. But I'm really frustrated with myself because I accidentally deleted the photos (including photos of my own CD to her) when I was clearing some files in my laptop before I left for Australia. So when I was compiling photos for this post, all I could find was one photo of Joanna's envelope, before I opened the mixtape. Sighh. And I didn't bring my CD collection with me to Ozzie (although I've already put her songs into my iPod! hee) so I couldn't take another photo of it. But trust me when I say that her handiwork was gorgeous!

thank you so, so much, Joanna! ♥

So, without further ado, here are some of the mixtapes you guys have sent out and received from your Swap partners! Thank you lovelies for sharing these photos.

+++

Camila's sweet mixtape to Bree:

+++

Bree's artsy-pretty mixtape to Camila:

+++

Nik's adorable mixtape to Esther

+++

Esther's lady-like lovely mixtape to Nik:

+++

Gracie's dreamy mixtape to Jamila:

+++

Bree's old-school mixtape to Bytor:

+++

These are all the photos I have for now. Pretty, yes? :D If you have received your mixtape and would like to share a photo of it with us, please do e-mail me at joooliaaa(at)gmail[(dot)com. I'd love to add it to the collection here.

On the flipside, I also heard that some of you did not receive your packages, and we sincerely apologise for that. Bree and I did everything we could to ensure that all of you who took part had partners who were just as serious in sending out their mixtapes, but some things were out of our control (mixtapes getting lost in the mail, swappers did not respond to e-mails, etc.) despite our best efforts. For that, we're really sorry and hope that you weren't too disappointed! :(

Finally, I'd just like to say that you guys are truly such an amazing, creative, music-loving bunch! Thank you, thank you, thank you once again for taking part in this Swap! We hope that you enjoyed yourselves and loved the music and songs that were shared from all over the globe.

Much, much love! ♥

winter splendour

2010-08-06T15:09:00.010+10:00

some of the things I bought over the past few weeks

Hello, dearest! As I mentioned in my previous post, I went shopping with Gracie yesterday and it was such girly fun. We have very similar tastes when it comes to all things pretty, so we ended up buying the same things! Hee. I was especially happy because I finally bought the sweet, pink and white bustier dress I'd been eying ever since I stepped foot in Dotti for the first time three weeks ago. 'Twas love at first sight! *happy*

And of course, I was delighted to be able to spend another afternoon with Gracie. It's amazing how we can meet up so easily now, after talking about it for ages back when I was still in Malaysia. We first became friends after discovering each other's blogs, and she is such a beautiful person inside and out! Really. And she has such a sweet voice, too.

Gracie and me

But my journey back from our shopping trip at Carindale was a seriously phail moment for me. I was supposed to take the usual bus back to my uni, but because I was heading over to a friend's place, I took another bus that was said to be passing there. Mistake. What was supposed to be a 20-minute journey became a TWO HOUR LONG one. We went through every little nook and cranny of Brisbane before I arrived at my destination, seriously. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I mostly laughed. And then whined. And then laughed. I mean, I seriously should've known, because after one hour had passed and I still hadn't reached my destination, I went up to double confirm with the bus driver: "Excuse me, does this bus go to Toowong?" His reply?

"Eventually."

Hahaha! I guess that should've said it all. Because yes, I did eventually arrive at Toowong. Two hours later - after the sun had set and my iPod was almost out of battery. Comical! But all in good fun, because my day was good and my night, even better.

just a minute in... august

2010-08-04T21:53:00.006+10:00

Gazing... at the night sky because the stars here are aplenty and absolutely beautiful.

Munching... on a lot of caramel popcorn a friend of mine bought from the West End market. Hee.

Enjoying... my Contemporary Literature classes. Reading heaps of novels as part of my degree? Eeee, the happy-ness!

Loving... how God never ceases to amaze me with His love! He always pulls through. (:

Going... shopping with Gracie again tomorrow. Can't wait!

And so the eighth month of 2010 has begun, and I have this wonky smile on my face because I finally understand. I finally understand (or more like, am reminded) that the old things have to go before the new can come. And me oh my, does it bring joy. Tried and tested. Just take the leap. Have a blessed August, beautifuls!

scatter

2010-07-25T02:23:00.004+10:00

lovely image found in Amour

over the hills and far away

2010-07-23T18:25:00.008+10:00

Twas such a relaxing day today. I woke up feeling warm and snuggly in the very cool weather, took a shower, and made myself a quick brunch before curling up in my comfy chair with a magazine propped against my thighs. Then, I decided to make myself a hot cup of green tea and have some of my yummy Daim cake (I bought the entire cake from Ikea the other day, hee). Yes, just like eating ice cream straight from the tub, eating cake right off the cake board exudes a similar happy-girl/fatboi effect. *beams*

And now, it's time to tune into MasterChef! Oh, the happy-ness! Heehee. It's really such a great cooking competition/show to watch; I've been following the latest episodes on the telly and catching up with the ones I've missed on their website. I'm hooked!

I hope all of you will have a wonderful weekend ahead! Oh, and give Strawberry Swing by Coldplay a listen, won't you? It comes with such a dinky video, too. Just adorable and quirky. Happy Friday, beautifuls! ♥

photo found in Here Comes the Sun

princess

2010-07-21T23:21:00.021+10:00

"The stars smiled down on me,

God answered in silent reverie.

I said a prayer and fell asleep."

Dream, Priscilla Ahn

beautiful song x

sweet photo found here

the wind that blew my heart away

2010-07-17T21:09:00.029+10:00

I need a fireplace, stat.

Haha helloooo, sweets! Yes, it's winter time in Brissy and I love it! Back in Malaysia it's always sooo hot so it's a nice change to be here. Still, I didn't expect it to be this cold because they always say the temperature in Melbourne and all is much lower, which is true, but it can get pretty cold here as well. To me, anyway. Hee. Belle (my housemate and high school friend) and I have been freezing our pants off during the night (daytime is sunny but cool); Belle even more so than me. Yes, she's been wearing gloves! Hahaha. Last night, we got home from Ablaze service and supper at like 11pm and we were shivering. Our newfound Aussie friends were laughing at us because they found it funny. No, they said they didn't feel cold because they're used to the weather (and we will too! just you wait! hee). Belle and I were so grateful when we had to sleep on the same bed (other housemates have yet to move out) because that meant more warmth. Hahaha. My fingers are constantly cold, which makes typing/writing/sending texts that much harder and slower. But I ain't complaining, I love it here!

Yours truly, Lauranne (my darling friend who lives

in Oz and who showed us the ropes), and Isabel, my housemate.

I visited my campus, and oh my gosh, I was just BLOWN AWAY. The University of Queensland is BEAUTIFUL. No words can describe how huge and gorgeous it is, and photos will never be able to do it justice either (I didn't take a lot of photos, anyway hee. Not yet!). You simply have to be here and see for yourself. There are like 11 libraries, an animal clinic, cafes, lakes, banks (yes, BANKS), an olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis court, gym, etc. all over the campus. It's so big it has its own postcode. And we have turkeys, wild geese, and all running around the grounds randomly. Sho kyute! I feel so blessed to be able to study here. To be honest I'm a little intimidated by it all, but I'm up for the challenge!

in UQ - on the way to the Great Court

the Biological Sciences library

the UQ lakes (we have fountains at some places as well)

walking around campus

The city is really near to where we live, so it's great. We spent the last few days exploring the city as well as South Bank, woot! The variety of stuff here is really awesome. The only thing is that we're still not used to everything closing at 5.30pm! And how it gets really, really dark by 6pm. Since Belle and I sleep till like 11am every morning, it leaves us with very little time to shop. Malaysian night life still trumps all! Haha.

in the city

Card & Caboodle

We visited Kikki K. today and I was giddy with excitement. But that was nothing, because when we stepped into Card & Caboodle, we felt like we died and went to pretty-stationery heaven. Seriously! I looooveeed itttt. Can't wait to go to Smiggle as well. Oh, oh! We also spotted a coupla knitted stuff around the city, which is part of the I Knit Brisbane project that Gracie had mentioned. Such an adorable project!

I Knit Brisbane

Queen Street, where we spent most of our time in the city
(I've been spending so much money on Mrs. Fields, it's mad. I don't shop, I eat.)

we tried Churros at South Bank

taken tonight, when we were waiting for the City Cat
(yup, we can travel by ferry as well! yayy Brisbane river) to arrive.

So there you have it! My first four nights in Brisbane; it's been really fantastic! After reading my previous post, I can't believe I'm finally here! The stars at night are ample and so beautiful. Really thankful to God and my parents for giving me this opportunity. Surprisingly, I haven't been feeling homesick, albeit I really do miss my family and friends. But the lovely scrapbook they made comforts me and the Magic-8-Ball Beka gave me reminds me of the rest. Hee yeah, he bought a Magic-8-Ball for a Magic-8-Ball (they call me that, don't ask why hahaha).

A huge and heartfelt thank you to those who came all the way to the airport to see me off. I appreciate it so, so much. And to those who took the time to text and call as well.

All right, I'm off! I hope you're well, sweets, and that life has been treating you with all kinds of wonderful. ♥

can't stop this thing we started

2010-07-13T02:05:00.011+10:00

old letters, diaries, planners, etc.

my new diary, pretty in pink.

name tags and badges from primary school as well as high school

(the keychain was a gift from Debbie when we were in National Service)

Hi, lovelies, how are you?

Spain won the FIFA World Cup 2010, woooohoooo! It has made my month, really. I was this close to having a heart attack during the match! Haha. The Dutch were playing pretty dirty, which was terribly irksome, but I tell you, Iker Casillas is a class act! Gotta love him. They truly deserved this win - I'm more than happy. :D

That aside, I have so much to update you on but I'm keeping this really simple because I have less then 36 hours before I fly off to Australia, and I'm still not done packing. Well, okay, I'm more or less done, but I'm still double checking everything! I spent the last week cleaning up my room and putting everything away, and I had quite a lovely time reminiscing as I went through my stuff. I wanted to read all my diaries before leaving; it took me a coupla days to finish (there was a lot to read), and now that I'm done, I've moved all of 'em from their original spot (my bedside table) and have kept it away. The only one I'm bringing along with me is my new pink diary, which is waiting to be filled with new memories and exciting adventures. For those of you who don't already know, I'll be attending the University of Queensland to complete the last two years of my degree in Writing.

My friends have been absolutely lovely throughout. I feel incredibly blessed to have each and every one of them. So many have taken the time to give me a ring or text, visit me, pray for me, as well as take me out for yummy farewell breakfasts, brunches, lunches, and dinners. I'm so blessed by their thoughtfulness. So, so very sweet of them. The laydees even came over to help me pack. It was when we started stuffing clothes into my luggage bag and clearing my room that my heart began to feel heavy. Something I feel every time I watch my sister pack before she leaves for Ireland again and again. This time, I'm in her shoes, but the feeling of missing loved ones is still the same. Even so, I'm really looking forward to this new chapter in my life.

A lot of people have asked me if I'm ready to leave, and honestly, I could not be more ready. Although I must admit, every time I think about it, my heart thumps a little faster and my tummy, a little flip flop. Nervous, yet excited, I've been telling them. But now that the day has come, and I'm well and truly leaving, I think the nervousness has subsided (or maybe I'm just trying to tell myself that, ha!); I'm ready to take the plunge!

Although Australia isn't so far away, and I'll be back pretty often for holidays, I'm sure the time spent in Brisbane will be both challenging and fun, as it always is when it comes to venturing into something new. So yes, I guess this will be my last post in KL until I get settled down in Brissy! Will try and update as soon as I can. (:

Take care, darlings! Have a sunshiney rest of the week!

God bless and keep youu. ♥

there's a snake in my boooot

2010-06-26T19:59:00.027+10:00

Hola, amigos!

Just a little under three weeks to go before I leave to the land down under, yayy! This week was spent renewing my passport, getting my student visa and medical check up done, and finalising accommodation plans. I feel relieved to have gotten everything settled! It took me ages to find a good place to stay in Australia, but after much searching and with help from really lovely people I got to know through mutual friends, I finally found an apartment that has everything I hoped for (reasonably priced, with a personal bathroom haha!). God is good. I can really see His hand upon my every move so far, and I'm excited to see what else He has up His sleeve for the next two years of my university life in Oz.

And now, on to Toy Story 3. Pleaassee tell me you've watched this fantastic film already? If you haven't, stop reading this and goooo! Then come back so we can discuss the movie's awesomeness. Haha. If you've been a fan of Toy Story since the first movie was released, this 3rd installment won't let you down. I watched it with two of my besties, Rozie and Krys (Nik couldn't make it, boo), after we got my passport done in the morning, and they made it all the more enjoyable. Watching movies with them is always ten times more fun because our reactions are always the same. We feel exactly how each other feels, laugh (out LOUD) at the same random lines that only we find highlarious, have the same thoughts, and... oh, I don't know, we're really just birds of a feather. But okay I'm going off topic. Back to the film.

What can I say about it, except that Disney/Pixar really outdid themselves once again? Toy Story 3 was clever, funny, and moving all at the same time. We laughed so much at their jokes (some subtle, some not-so) and were totally amazed at the writers' creativity and imagination. As weird as it sounds, when we saw Woody and gang on screen, it really felt like they were old friends. And while I know that Andy is only a animated character, when we saw him all 'grown up', we felt warm and fuzzy inside, like we all grew up with him. And, to a certain extent, I think we all did. I can't believe it has been 15 years since the first Toy Story premiered.

The ending really got to me because of how much sense it made, and how it applied to real life as well. Ideally, I wish Andy could play with his toys forever, but that isn't how life is, is it? Things change, and at some point we all have to grow up and move on, despite how difficult it is. I cried like a baby towards the end, when Andy introduced the toys to Bonnie one by one, and played with them one last time. So sad! *sniff sniff* I'm a very sentimental person and I really dislike goodbyes (knowing that this, too, was the final installment of the Toy Story trilogy). And Woody's loyalty throughout... it really tugged on my heartstrings. But, I felt that it was a fitting end to the great Toy Story franchise. It gave us fans the closure we needed, albeit bittersweet.

Oh, and, one of my favourite lines from the film? "I'm not a girl's toy! I'm not! Why do you keep saying that? *sadface*" Hahahaha oh, Ken.

Anyhoo, I best be off. Do forgive me if this post seems a little all over the place. Good night, lovelies! Hope you are well.

xx

p/s: Random, but I've always had thing for Liam Neeson. Heehee! I don't care if he's old. Hey, if people can go gaga over Harrison Ford or Brad Pitt (he's almost 50, thanks very much), I can certainly have an affinity for Liam. kthnxbai.

always be

2010-06-16T20:58:00.007+10:00

I'm home, I'm alive, I'm living.

Happy. ♥

xx

photo randomly taken in Shanghai

boomerang

2010-05-29T01:29:00.010+10:00

Hey, beautifuls!

How are you? I really do miss all of you, and this little blog of mine! I've just been so, so busy spending time with my family (my sis and Richard went back to Ireland yesterday. sighh.), doing part-time stints at events for some extra moolah, and catching up with friends. Life has been like a bullet train for the past month, but I'm enjoying it!

I'll be flying off to Shanghai in a coupla hours' time for a holiday (mainly to attend the World Expo), and will only be back late next week. I've just finished packing, charged my iPod, chosen a novel to bring along (The Gift by Cecelia Ahern, I wanted something light for holiday reading), and made sure my camera has enough battery.

Have a wonderful end-of-May, won't you, sweets? And oh! I've love to know, what is the one thing you can't travel without? Mine would be, my hoodie! Haha yes, I never go traveling without my trusty ol' hoodie that never fails to keep me warm on the bus or plane. And of course, my Bible. Spending time with God always comforts me, even if it's a quick 5 or 10 minutes before I fall asleep on the comfy hotel bed.

What about you, sweets? What is your one thing?
(I know, I cheated. I stated two. Hee.)

Au revoir!

photo found in Beauty in Everything

let the swapping begin!

2010-05-21T03:28:00.014+10:00

To all Mixtape Swap participants, it's the 21st of May today! (: I've seen some of your cover art and it's amazing how creative you guys are! So this is just a friendly reminder to please send out your mixtape (via post/mail) to your partners real soon if you haven't already. It's been such a blast corresponding with all of you through e-mail, but receiving each others' mixtapes via snail mail is going to be even more special! ♥

Happy Swapping, beautifuls!

note: though an e-mail containing your swap partner's details was sent to you last week, if by any chance you didn't receive it and still don't know who your partner is, please let me know as soon as possible! sorry for the trouble and thanks, lovelies.

breakfast at tiffany's

2010-05-21T03:13:00.006+10:00

I don't turn 21 for another eight months, but Sissy decided to give me an uber-early birthday present because she won't be around in January next year. She surprised me with the classic Tiffany bow pendant necklace that I so adore. It's so dainty and simple, I never want to take it off. Especially since I've been feeling super weepy about how things are changing, this will remind me of her even when we're in different countries. Plus, you know how I am when it comes to bows and ribbons. I love, I love! It's a little surreal for me to have my very own blue box.

She is the sweetest.

the wonder years

2010-05-19T13:55:00.005+10:00

Sissy & I aged 13 and 6; 12 and 5; 19 and 12;

24 and 17; 18 and 25; 20 and 27

I've mentioned my sister a few times on my blog before, but anyone who truly knows me knows just how incredibly close I am to my darling sister, Candice (I call her 'che che', which is Cantonese for 'big sister'). Being seven years older than me (technically, six. I'm a January baby and she, December), she has always, always looked out for me since I was little - whilst bullying me in the process, of course. ;)

I cried so much when she left for Ireland to pursue Medicine. We share a room together, and she's the live wire of the family, so it felt really empty and quiet without her around to cause some racket. But she was always there for me, even though we were so far away from each other. I still felt as close to her as ever. Fast forward seven years since that day, and now she is a full-fledged doctor in Ireland, cutting people up for a living and engaged to the love of her life. She came back for a 10 day holiday starting this week just to see me before I fly off to Australia in eight weeks' time.

I'm feeling all sorts of things. Giddy from laughing (read: cackling) like mad with my sis, full from all the yummy food we've been scoffing down, and also a tinge of sadness. Whenever she comes back home, we have a blast, but then I really dread when we have to say goodbye again. I guess this time it has hit me harder because the next time I see her will be on the week of her wedding, next year. My dad will of course be giving her away, but I feel like I'm the one who has to let her go. Don't get me wrong, I really looove my soon-to-be brother-in-law Richard (he's her Irish fiance hehe) and I know she's in excellent hands, but it's just the sentimental sister thing, I suppose.

We both agree it's like the end of an era, because once I leave for Australia, I'll prolly go through the same process my sister did. Only coming home for holidays, and eventually work in another country (God-willing), get married to someone amazing God has chosen for me. We'll hardly ever get the opportunity to share the same room again, where we used to stay up till the wee hours of morning just talking and laughing and squealing (till my dad had to knock on our door to tell us to go to sleep! haha). My sis used to tickle me until I fell off the bed and that annoyed me to death back when I was a kid. But it is these little things that I'll miss the most.

I suppose this is all part of growing up. Imagine how my parents must feel, they will have an empty nest soon, when I leave. But I guess that's why they say blood is thicker than water. Things change, people change, but family bonds only grow stronger. Some consider close friends as family, and that's just as good. Because family are the ones who truly love you. I'm really blessed to have such a dysfunctional (wait till you hear us argue haha) yet beautiful one.

just a minute in... may

2010-05-06T14:42:00.007+10:00

Happy Thursday, every buddy! This is what I've been or will be up to in the month of May. How has your month been so far?

♥ Sleeping... over at Rozie's place tonight (where I'm writing this post) after our yummy dinner at Murni's with Nik. Girls' Night In! Wooot.

♥ Twirling... my hair around my fingers. I just got it curled again and I love it!

♥ Feeling... sweetly appreciated.

♥ Compiling... my instant photos into a little journal and writing in a new pink diary.

♥ Making... calls and sending texts from my brand new phone! I'm so happy with my Nokia E72. It's my new baby! Haha.

♥ Thanking... God for yet another beautiful month, and for continuing to be my Guide and Best Friend.

This month is already packed with plans, especially since Sissy and her fiance (a.k.a. my future brother-in-law) are coming back home for a holiday. We'll prolly spend a lot of time going through their wedding plans, etc. It's so exciting! First my brother, and now my sister is getting married. Yayy!

Also, the Mixtape Swap is now closed! We have a total of 36 people who signed up, which means we have 38 participants, including Bree and myself, the swap hosts. Thank you so, so much for your interest in this swap and for your lovely e-mails and comments of encouragement! We are in the midst of randomly drawing your mixtape swap partners, and all participants will be receiving an e-mail from either me and Bree sometime this weekend, so keep a look out for that. Thanks again, darlings!

All right, it's time for our Girls' Night In to commence. Gotta run! Have a wonderful weekend, darlings! Remember, cupcakes are your friends. Until they're gobbled up, anyway. Om nom nom.

photo found in Be Your Own Alice

toothpaste kisses

2010-04-29T17:16:00.015+10:00

Hey sweets!

How are you this week? I'm so happy, it's mad. First, my finals ended on Tuesday, and it feels so liberating! I'd never been this calm during an exam period before, so I'm just thankful to God for giving me peace throughout, even as I studied and sat for my papers. I'm proud to say that this time around, I studied way earlier and was prepared (except maybe for my Public Speaking paper. I was a bit lazy for that. I mean, who has a written paper on public speaking?).

So yup! It's only Day 2 of my holidays and it's already been very productive. So far, I've spent time with an old friend, best friends, college friends, eaten like I've never eaten before, slept like I've never slept before, watched Kick-Ass (very violent and crude, but I'm so proud of Chloe Moretz a.k.a. Hit Girl's acting chops. Call it a (500) Days bias, but her talent can't be denied!), baked, and had a mini Friends marathon. Tonight, I'll be attending the first night of a four-day church conference on the book of Revelation. Awesome stuff.

I also just wanna say THANK YOU to you, my darling readers, followers, blogger friends, and the list goes on. You guys truly make my days brighter, and I love that I've gotten to know so many of you personally. If you ever want a chat, get in touch or exchange snail mail, feel free to contact me at joooliaaa@gmail.com - I'd be delighted to get to know you better!

Also, the Mixtape Swap now has 24 participants so far, and still counting! Thank you so much for your encouragement and support! Everyone is really excited and I can't wait till the swapping begins. For those who would like to be a part the fun, you can read more about it here.

Anyway, this is me just checking in with everyone. I hope your week has been swell, and if not, don't fret! The weekend is almost here. Woot! God bless and keep you safe always, sweets!

xx

p/s: my favourite TV series are One Tree Hill, Friends and How I Met Your Mother. What is/are yours?

here with me

2010-04-23T01:34:00.006+10:00

"It is the passion that is in a kiss that gives to it its sweetness;

it is the affection in a kiss that sanctifies it." -Christian Nestell Bovee, author

photo: The Notebook movie still

mixtape swap

2010-04-21T18:40:00.020+10:00

Hi, lovelies! Thanks for your feedback in my previous post;

The Mixtape* Swap is officially on!

It's going to be simple, and most importantly, fun! Here's the lowdown:

♥ Each mixtape or CD should have a minimum of 12 songs.
You can add more if you like but not less.

♥ You can send more than one mixtape to your swap partner if you're feeling giggly and generous!

♥ Each mixtape should include a track list, be it handwritten or printed. Anything goes, so let's get creative!

♥ The songs you choose to compile into the CD is entirely up to you, whether you want to base it around a theme or otherwise.

♥ Mail it to your swap partner via post / snail mail / air mail / happy mail (as long as it gets to your swap partner's home, it's all good. hee)

♥ Receive warm and solid piece of love from someone across the world!

To take part in this swap, simply leave your e-mail address in the comments page of this post by Wednesday, 5th May 2010, which is the closing date of this swap.

Once that's done, you will receive an e-mail from either me or Bree (the sweetheart I'm collaborating with for this project!) to inform you of your swap partner and her/his address. Your mixtape should be sent out by the 20th of May 2010. Please sign up only if you're serious about it, because we don't want any swap partners not receiving their mixed CDs. :(

If you have any questions, please e-mail me or Bree at joooliaaa@gmail.com and brianalovesbanana@hotmail.com respectively. Yayy, this is going to be fun!

Here's some pretty mixtape cover inspiration:

found here, here, here, and here

Happy compiling, lovelies! Don't forget to tell your friends about it! ♥
xx

songs in my pocket

2010-04-21T04:29:00.017+10:00

Good morning, sunshine!

It was great finding out what music you've been listening to lately in my previous post. Thank you so much for sharing! I'm definitely gonna give all your songs a listen. It's really very lovely to know that a lot of you like mixtapes as well. In fact, one reader, Baby Bree, left a comment suggesting that we all have a mixtape swap! Sounds like a good idea, yes?

Think compiling your favourite songs, burning them into a CD and snail mailing 'em to another person who's taking part. It's always fun to discover new music, and it would be great to listen to what others are into. So waddya say, sweets? If you're up for it, just leave a comment and we'll see if this can turn this into something fun for everyone to join. I'll post up an official post announcing the Mixtape Swap based on your responses. Thanks again to Bree for this wonderful idea!

xx

p/s: When I say "mixtape" I am referring to both cassettes and CDs alike, whichever is more convenient for you to compile. The sad truth is that no one really listens to or buys cassettes these days. I mean, of course some people still do, but rarely. Remember when we were younger, and there were no such thing as iTunes or burning CDs? We had to (or at least, my sis and I had to) sit around the radio waiting for our favourite song to be played on the air and quickly press "Play" + "Rec" the moment we hear it on radio, so it would be recorded into the empty cassette. Old school! And that was really fun. Hee. Okay getting off my soapbox now... Remember to leave your comments, loves! :)

photo found here

lingering still

2010-04-17T01:46:00.022+10:00

MY WEEKEND PLAYLIST ♥

1. Always - Switchfoot

2. Hands Down - Dashboard Confessional

3. Here Comes Your Man - Pixies

4. I Shall Believe - Sheryl Crow

5. For You I Will (Confidence) - Teddy Geiger

6. Come Around - Rosi Golan

7. Mixtape - Butch Walker

8. It's Tricky - Run DMC

9. Escape Me - Tiesto feat. Cc Sheffield

10. I Can Make You Feel It - Home Video

11. Come Home Running - Chris Tomlin

12. 23 - Jimmy Eat World

13. The Good Kind - The Wreckers

14. Change is Hard - She & Him
15. Babe I'm Gonna Leave You - Led Zeppelin

I love making mixtapes. I have compiled so many to pop into my CD player (and last time, cassettes!) and I love coming up with silly names for 'em. 'Air Guitar' is for songs that are for going a little crazy, while 'Princess Patrol' is for when I'm feeling mellow and want to relax. I also have a party playlist for when I'm getting made-up and dressed for a night out, and of course, my work out playlist. Today I decided to list a few songs that I can't get enough of. There's no specific theme for it this time, just a mixture of some of my favourite tunes in no particular order or arrangement.

What are some of your favourite songs, sweets? Sharing is caring. ;)

I hope your weekend will be filled with sunshine and relaxation!

adorable photo found in My Little Ice Cream

smoke and mirrors

2010-04-12T16:03:00.012+10:00

Hello and hello, sweets!

A very happy and blessed April to you. Thank you so much for all your wonderful visits and sweet comments, always. I've been so very busy and will be even more so in the next two weeks thanks to my finals! This will prayerfully be my final sem in college (it will be if I don't fail anything) and after that, it'll be less work, more fun! Although... most of my time these days have been spent having fun and going out with friends and family anyway! Think dancing car rides, tons of birthday celebrations, and sports. Of course now I have to rush to meet my assignment deadlines, etc., but it's all worth it!

And, just a quick update about my studies. As I mentioned in a previous post, I received my offer letter from the University of Queensland (UQ) and I've finally made my decision! Yes, after half a year of fretting, deliberating, praying, and deciding which country and university to transfer to to complete the last two years of my Journalism degree, it seemed like everything was pointing towards UQ. So yup, Brisbane here I come! My flight ticket has been purchased, and a date has already been set. Just another thirteen weeks to go. Eeeep! I'm nervous, but excited. I know God will be with me throughout, so no worries there! Thanks so much for sticking around and listening me go on and on about my uni dilemma since last year. Hahaha. You guys are the best.

Ahh, and now, after a really giggly weekend out and about, my textbooks beckon. Le sigh. Have a great week, every buddy! Do share your most recent dream, your weekend, what you've been up to, anything. ♥

xx

p/: Ruche has some very pretty desktop wallpapers. I loike!

in the mystery

2010-03-30T19:48:00.017+10:00

♥ "They may talk of a comet, or a burning mountain,
or some such bagatelle; but, to me, a modest woman, dressed out

in all her finery, is the most tremendous object of the whole creation."

-Oliver Goldsmith

unstoppable

2010-03-28T17:38:00.013+10:00

The birthday girl with her Moody Bear; Nik and Krys

Two days ago, we celebrated Rozie's 20th birthday. We've known each other since we were wee 13-year-old girls, and I count it all joy to have been able to walk through our entire teenhood together! From cheerleading to sports practices, assam laksa and Metro buses - when I look back at how all of us ended up this close, I giggle because it's amazing how different yet similar we are. And now as we all step into our twenties (:O), I can say with full confidence that these are the friends that will still be around even at our own kids' weddings and beyond. Which is another way of saying, we'll be there for each other for life.

me and my not-so-onz skills. twas' tired after the first million arrows la! :p

Just yesterday we decided to channel our inner Legolas and shoot some arrows. It reminded me so much of my all-time favourite scene in LOTR: The Two Towers - when Aragorn shouted to my favourite Elf, "Bring him down, Legolas! Kill him! Kill him!" and shortly after where Legolas slid down the stairs shooting his arrows at the enemies. Um, can someone say, swwoooooonnnn? Hee hee hee! Urm but yeah the fangirl-ness ends there. I wasn't too much of a Lord of the Rings fan.

Anyway. I guess we can safely conclude that while Nik and I are awesome at rock climbing and obstacle courses suspended 22 metres up in the air (we kinda kicked butt at Skytrex last week hehe), Rozie's a true star at archery. We've already almost forgotten how she got tangled in the pipes at Skytrex 'til someone had to rescue her. ;)

thieves

2010-03-24T21:40:00.009+10:00

There’s thieves among us, painting the wall
With all kinds of lies,
the lies I never told at all
What’s in my pocket? You never knew...

-Thieves, She & Him
xx

She & Him Volume Two is sheer delight
photo found in Paper Tissue

endless summer nights

2010-03-22T06:53:00.030+10:00

Happy Monday, lovelies!

How did the weekend treat you? Mine was packed to the brim - I've not been this exhausted in a while but it was all in the name of fun! I survived the crazy weekend kick-starting with only four hours of sleep. Starting from Friday, I:

♥ baked chocolate banana muffins

♥ took part in a Hotlink focus group (and got paid - woot!)

♥ celebrated bestie Nik's birthday (hence the muffins)

♥ had a sleepover with my laydees with almost zero sleep

♥ conquered the Extreme Trail at Skytrex (think obstacle courses 22 feet high up in the air) with the aforementioned laydees, and upon completing it wished we had slept earlier the night before because now we felt like zombies

♥ went to Somerset apartments in KL to celebrate Vic's twentieth!

♥ checked-in, played Wii, had a fancy dinner at Michaelangelo's

♥ played Indian poker, I Never, and shared heaps of laughter the entire night (albeit I was so tired out from Skytrex, I mostly talked with my eyes closed haha)

♥ checked out the next morning, had lunch and hoped that one day we will all be able to spend quality time like this again as a group (most of us are going overseas to continue our studies)

♥ camped out to watch the Manchester United vs Liverpool match in high definition! It. Was. So. Clear. I could see the freckles on Torres' face. Teehee. Unfortunately we lost and MU fans aren't making it any easier to forget. Sigh, Mascherano. Whyyyy.

Of course, there were a lot of other things in between but in short, it was a hectic but memorable week spent with the people I love. These are moments to be treasured, because it's only four months to go before I leave for Australia. Received my offer letter from the University of Queensland last week, though I've not accepted it yet as I'm also considering the University of Technology, Sydney. But I can't seem to get America out of my mind as well so I'm still praying about it. We shall see! Either way, less than four months to go. Eeep!

Have a darling week, sweets! What are your plans? I hope it will be filled with all kinds of wonderful.

xx

bobble

2010-03-15T23:13:00.011+10:00

heart-shaped bubbles trump chocolate tarts. ♥

xx

spark by irreplaceable spark

2010-03-11T18:16:00.021+10:00

Wandering along an enchanted street
brings me to this place
where ghosts of the past and present disappear
and all that's left is quiescence.

A delectable spread of rainbow delights await,
the fragrant scent of roses linger graciously in the air
But a bittersweet recollection
is found entwined, entangled, in melancholic whispers.

Yet, there are a thousand wishes
against the dark clouds that hover over almost-perfection
A thousand excuses
you never quite comprehend.

These broken promises
and that ray of sunlight. ♥

xx

just a minute in... march

2010-03-03T04:45:00.006+10:00

Good morning my darlings! How have you been? I'd love to know. As for myself, this is what I've been up to so far:

Watching... Seasons 7-10 of Friends on DVD again because this TV series rocks my socks! (besides One Tree Hill, of course! that goes without saying) "Actually, it's Miss Chanandeler Bong." Bwahaha.

Painting... my nails. It's really nice to be able to kick back and relax after handing in my 2000 word essay on the U.S. national government and politics yesterday.

Telling... myself that I should stop sleeping so late 'cos I get sooo hungry, especially when it's way past midnight! My tummy is never satisfied. Hee.

Feeling... really happy about purchasing my very first issue of Lula! I can't wait 'till it arrives in my mail. It's a UK glossy, but I'm getting it shipped from Australia.

Gearing... up for some rock climbing with the laydees this weekend. Arms, don't fail me now.

Rejoicing... at the fact that my days are sooper blessed! God is good.

Hope you are all feeling right as rain! Smile at a stranger today, won't you? Have a happy March! ♥

xx

movie still from Marie Antoinette

your love is a song

2010-02-26T20:41:00.019+10:00

Last night I pampered myself by buying the lovely nude leather handbag with gold trimmings from Topshop I'd been eyeing for quite some time. Today I was once again surrounded by the people I love, and it was wonderfully uplifting.

that's sa, krys, nik & sandy, and that's me in the middle. darling rozie captured this candid.
See what I mean? I'm literally surrounded by the awesomest friends.
We laugh so hard and so much, it scares me sometimes. ;)

Ahh, I could use more days like these. Have a blessed weekend, sweets!

♥ ♥ ♥

Your Love is a Song by Switchfoot