Looking back on 2011.

Its almost the end of 2011. Most people use this time to reflect on the past year and to plan for 2012, and i'm no different. 

I'm really thankful for what i faced this year, although unbeknownst to me, it was going to be a challenging one in aspects i would have never anticipated. But i guess, you can't be prepared for everything! And its the unexpected that really test us. I realized i was being pretty ignorant of what was happening around me for all those years. And when i finally did, i was a little beaten down. But after some soul searching i realized how strong i've become because of it. 

I am thankful for people who came into my life and made it so much better, for people who i've maybe drifted apart from (but i wish them well always), for people who were not very nice (thank you for teaching me patience) and of course, my family whom i love and cherish.

Next year is going to be a big year for me. To be more specific, I will be turning twenty one, reporting back for National Service, entering the job market...and the rest, well, i hope to be surprised with more challenges that  will help me to grow as an individual. I am undoubtedly a little scared but ready to take on everything with stride. 

Here's wishing you a splendid New Year. Make it want you want it to be.

Great Ocean Road Dec 2011

Christmas 2011.

Had a little fun with my Xmas gifts this year. Simple and economical :D
but full of love! The smiles on the faces of the recipients is just priceless.

Lots of love from Australia (for the mean time).

My WishList

With Christmas around the corner, i'm sure most of us have some things we would like to tick off our wishlist. Here's a peek at mine !

(Starting clockwise from 12o'clock) 

 1.Ipod Touch 4 in White ...because i love listening to music and having entertainment on the go. (and i have an ipod dock but no ipod, lol)

2. Canon Ixus 230 in Purple...because i believe my current 6 year old camera needs an upgrade (and the colors are gorgeous, don't you think?!)

3. Rayban ClubMaster...because this style compliments my face best and i like the design alot. (anyone know where to get cheap knock-offs?)

4. Converse AllStar Chuck Taylor Hightops in Bordeaux...i've always wanted a pair, better wear them while i'm at a time of my life where i still can pull them off :D

5. Basket of Fruits...because i lovvveee juicing-up nowadays! 

6. Universal Studios (Singapore) tickets...because i love theme parks and this one is the newest and nearest.

7. Stationary...because i never get tired of colorful pens, notebooks and journals.

8. Denim Shirt...because shirts are my wardrobe malfunction saviour and denim is so versatile.

9. A Book...because i've recently taken up reading more, and this book just spoke to me! (Juicing books as well :D).

I believe coming up with a reason for each of my desires makes them more justified :D

Anyhows, i'll be spending Christmas a little differently this year. It's my first ever Christmas out of Malaysia and away from my parents and brother ): But, it should be interesting and thank goodness for Skype. Flying solo tomorrow for the 2nd time, too! I feel so grown up :D #maybenot

Will be scheduling a post on Christmas/the eve.
Stay tuned (:

Collage application courtesy of POLYVORE 

My Christmas Playlist {Part 1}

Christmas isn't complete without christmas songs like these (:

PoP #7

Credits : Tumblr

Something I...

...made

...watched

...ate

...admired

...received

...am currently listening to

Snaps : Remembering November 2011 (I)

PoP #6

Source : Tumblr 

If i had this as a backyard, i would die happy. 

Listening to : Without You

Any collabs that David Guetta does can do no wrong.
Usher sounds good in this song too.

Refreshing

Sometimes, all it takes is a break from your normal daily routine to open your eyes to the world around you. The experience shows you that there is so much of the world to explore and the little things you normally see as important is just trivial. 

Basically i had a short (and much needed) getaway that helped me put things into perspective.
Can't wait to share some photos in this space.

Snaps : During my exam period

1. Got my green tea latte from the new Monash Sunway Starbucks. The guy wrote my name on my takeaway cup! (Reads : Nicole, not Wicole).And as you can see, i took a very 'strategic' shot of my name and the disclaimer*grin* 

This cup sits idly on my dresser. Not because of my name, but because it was my first time taking away from Starbucks :D 

2. Music was(and will always be) my stress reliever.

3. Basically what i see in front of me (tilt my head up a little) when i study. 

Eiffel tower post card | Random dessert with my favorite fruit = strawberries | Purple (:

Hopefully will find more inspiring things to pin up! 

4. Spongebob memo pad gifted from a close friend.

I always write motivational words on it. 

5. Two things i love : Tagging my book & drinking hot tea. 

(and ps. this was me taking a break from studying for my last exam of my university life!)

An exciting weekend beckons!

Have lovely days ahead readers,

Its a wrap

I'm referring to my exams. The last (fingers and toes crossed) set of exams for my undergraduate degree. 

Glad that its over (the stress) and looking forward to ticking things off my to-do-list before the year ends! And before i turn the big Two One!

Can't believe its almost the end of the year and who knows what i'll be doing this time next year. Exciting and fulfilling things i hope!

Definitely going to chronicle my daily mischief in this blog more often.

For now, i just want to chill and relax = do nothing. Just for a few days (:

Holiday mood is so on.

PoP #5

Credits : weheartit

What i totally need right now. 

Exams are taking a toll on my well being ):

Listening to : Every Teardrop is a Waterfall

Another justification that ColdPlay is one of the greatest bands to date.
The lyrics are poetry and i love the whole video concept too much!

PoP #4

Source : Tumblr

3 years

Source : Tumblr

Statement necklaces.

Dug this gem of a necklace from my mom's jewellery box. Apparently its from Hawaii and its made out of authentic shells. Either way, its so pretty!  I'm having a serious fetish for bright colored bead-ish/statement necklaces at the moment. I'm a full time sucker for accessories, though. Don't get me started... :D *light-bulb idea for potential blog post* haha!

Ps. I've added some navigating links below my header. Check out "The Author", i'm wearing a statement necklace there too ;D


On a separate note, I can't believe that its my last academic week in Monash, already! Tomorrow will be my very last day *mixed feelings*


Don't let study life pass you by in vain, dear readers.

PoP #3

Butterflies are so delicate.

Making changes.

Having dealt with failure before has helped me pick myself up from any disappointments that come my way. The journey was a personal struggle, but i learnt - instead of making excuses, make changes instead. I may have made mistakes but i'm more than ever, willing to learn from them.

I'm glad that i've achieved this personal growth.

Have a great weekend,

Tiffany &Co. Necklace.

Is it just me, or do you feel just excited as i am when you read the title above?

Firsts.

For the Monash Ball this (my senior) year, i wanted the theme of my dress to be elegant. A long, flowy dress would epitomize that. And actually, I  really wanted to get myself a maxi dress for the longest time! I just couldn't find a suitable and pretty one. If you hadn't already noticed, maxi dresses are so trendy right now and are effortless fashionable pieces on their own! My ideal color pallet for my Ball dress was of course, any shade of purple. If a color makes you feel confident, then by all means! :D However, i also didn't want to buy a dress that i was going to maybe wear once or twice.I thought, a dress that is affordable given the quality, wearable for other occasions and is a shade of purple...its going to be tough! 

I started to hunt for my dress online around a month before the Ball (due to my looming crazy hectic schedule during September)  and one blogshop came to my rescue! :

As a student who is on a budget, i make an effort to purchase versatile clothing items that i can mix and match. I don't know whether it was fate or stroke of luck, but i instantly found the dress i was looking for! The color and design (maxi!) met my expectations and most importantly the price (:

I could envision myself wearing the dress i spotted in Whitesoot for the Ball. This was much due to the clever accessorizing with a bold necklace (huge trend now!) and simple clutch that was used to complete the outfit. I also appreciate the fact that effort was taken to explain the details about the clothing and to present it in clear images. True to the real item of clothing i would say! Certainly helpful when you do online purchasing! My mom certainly approved of the dress i chose, in terms of both quality and price. That stamp of approval is tres importante :D

Anyways, view my finished look by clicking the link below (;

PoP #2

Credits : weheartit

To commemorate Blink 182's new album release - "Neighbourhoods" after 8 years!

Release date : 27/9/11 (GO BUY IT! :D)

The Last Soiree.

PoP #1

I've decided come up with blog posts i dub "P.o.P" (which is the abbreviation of my blog domain address). Twice a month (on a sunday), i'll feature a picture of anything and everything under the sun that is in my favorite shade - purple. It'll mostly be pictures i find here and there on the net but i'll definitely feature something i personally took picture of if i find anything interesting (: 

credits : weheartit

I love these kinds of drawings! 

A week from today.

Moves Like Jagger(Acoustic Cover)//Katy McAllister& Tyler Ward

Exactly 1 week from today, i'll be attending my last Monash Ball as an undergraduate.

The necessary preps have been taken care of.

I'll be sashaying through the Marriot ballroom in my very first long dress.
 And fyi, Tried, Tested, Boogie-Proof.



Meanwhile, what is separating me and the Monash Ball (other than time) right now, is 2  assignments *the horror*

You know the drill,
Suffer now, Party later. 

Toodles,

Letting go.

If there's one thing i don't do well, its letting go after i've invested so much energy into something. Be it work or love. A few years back, i got hurt badly - emotionally. And it took me a few years (yes, years) to recover. I was the epitome of an emotional wreck. I always put really heart-broken related statuses on my chatting status. I found every quote that was depressing about love. I shied away from socializing with the opposite sex. I was just too beaten down to put myself out there. And the worst part, i didn't really open myself up to anyone about it. I guess, all the things i mentioned above was a desperate cry for help. 

And now, when i see people that go through the same thing, i can say ' I understand' and really mean it, not saying it as a kind gesture. I see similarities in the way we cope with such events in our lives. And i do make an effort to try to reach out to them, because i knew if i were that person, i'd appreciate it. Not many people may really know what we are going through, and its difficult to explain to them. I'm not gonna bluff, there's a tinge of shame that i had about what had happened to me. Vulnerability is not something people like to show. At least for me it is. I'm not going to feel hurt/offended if that person refuses to share his/her experience with me. I know i've done my part to try and help. If their not willing to accept it, there's really nothing more that i can do. Yeah, we need a little push to get out of ruts in our life, but it all boils down to us, helping ourselves in the end.

When i think back, i think of what a mess i was. And actually, i now realize that it was me who was in my own way of happiness. I am happy, but i could be happier. I'm trying to find happiness in everyday, which is a very nice way to welcome each day.

Lets all be optimistic. About work, life and love (: 

With ♥,

Reminds me.

How long it has been.

How a song can trigger that particular memory.

\\Last Train Home | Lost Prophets

How the simple things count the most.

My humble little garden. 20 years of greenery
 that i might have just taken for granted... 

Rediscovered

Richard Marx//Now & Forever

Is it me, or do love songs these days don't seem to be as good as they were back then?
Probably less cheesy? But you gotta love the melody.

I partly blame romantic love songs like this for my 'hopeless romantic' nature .___.

I wonder if men nowadays can personify this song...

Love is like a butterfly,

...Beautiful, but fleeting.

Now Listening | Switchfoot

When i feel stressed, i turn to music as one of my sources of solace.

Been listening to alot of Switchfoot songs again, as of late. Something about Jon Foreman's voice that touches and calms my tortured (assignment-anxiety ridden) soul. 

I've been listening to their acoustics which are nothing short of fantastic. Give it a listen (:

\\Stars


\\Your Love is a Song


\\Dare You to Move

And...its already almost the end of Week 5. 

Life's pretty much been day-to-day uni work, assignments and a pinch of volunteer work. Anyhow i'm thoroughly looking forward to Monash' annual social event of the year - *Monash Ball*. I'll be finishing up 4 assignments before that...Sweet.

Make it happen.

Faith is the belief that something will happen.

But it takes Courage to make it happen.

An old favorite. Enjoy (:

All you need.

Cue the confetti.

As i retreat to my books at the thought of the mountainous pile of work ahead of me, I could not help but recall an epic night out i had during my holidays.

I just only managed to transfer the photos and one in particular caught my eye...

This photo could well sum up how i felt that night and the overall experience.

Confetti makes everyone happy, in my opinion :3

Belief.

Ever felt so pumped up that you feel you can do anything?

I have that feeling right now (: Maybe i shouldn't get too ahead of myself, but i'm feeling very optimistic about this semester. I just need a game plan and i'm all set!

I believe, involving myself in the little extras will inspire me to work harder.

Have a great week ahead ,I'm going to make sure i will (;