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A new phase of life for my firstborn

Just like every other parent I know, there are some moments in life that are just etched in your mind forever. Like that first cry your child made at the hospital which made you cry too. That moment she took her first few steps, or when she babbled those semi-incoherent words that you swore meant something. Lately, I’ve been feeling a little emotional too, as my 5+ year old is now about to leave preschool and head on to her first year in primary.


First day at preschool

It felt like just a few blinks ago when she stepped into preschool, all scared and tiny. Being a December baby, she was just 2 years and 1 month when she joined the 3 year old class in January. She blossomed from a timid girl to a confident and intelligent child. In fact, going into year 1, she is not fearful at all, but really more excited than the nervous wreck I am!


Packing up on her last day at preschool, just after her Merdeka party

I just want to cuddle her close to me, never wanting this baby to grow up. But she has, and she will continue to do so…growing more and more independent as a person. It’s hard to verbalise this feeling, so bittersweet. So proud of her, and yet this tinge of sadness that her baby years are ending faster than I am willing to acknowledge. Soon, I’ll have a teenager with acne and boyfriend problems and then the day will come when her dad will have to walk her down the aisle to the man she loves.

But for now, I’ll just cherish these memories and be brought back through time with captured moments.


Gearing up for Year 1 on orientation day

Glamour Up And Bring Out The Diva In You!


We’ve all heard of boudoir shoots… those somewhat risqué and sexy images in a bedroom or studio setting that wives take for their husbands. (They make great gifts for your spouse, by the way!) But what if you just want to keep it clean and still get some gorgeous pictures of yourself or with your girlfriends? We’d suggest a glamour shoot in this case.

Wait, what is glamour photography again? It’s all about celebrating and embracing all that makes you who you are… while having fun! The image of Marilyn Monroe laughing with abandon as she holds down her flyaway white dress comes to mind. Here’s how you can pull it off too: Continue Reading

Life’s Precious Moments

There were a lot of changes in my life over the past one month. On the 1st of May, while en-route on a company trip to Club Med, I got the news that my mom was struggling with her last breath at home. It was over WhatsApp that I said my goodbye to her. She was 81. Her death did not come as a surprise, because the month before that, my sister and I were going in and out of hospital, trying to rescue her infected toe that was turning into gangrene. Towards the last few weeks of her life, she had a lung and bladder infection, and the doctor basically just told us to be prepared.


My mum, looking very hip then! And the photo below was taken with my dad years ago when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Read a bit more about his journey here.

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Janet’s Story: Beyond Epilepsy


I first heard about Janet through her mother, Joyce, at a BNI meeting I was attending. Joyce showed one of Janet’s paintings, which was translated into a beautiful top of the same design. As I got to know Joyce, I also got to know Janet. Janet went through many challenges as she was growing up… she had uncontrollable seizures due to epilepsy and was diagnosed as intellectually and developmentally delayed.

Despite her challenges, she displayed determination to succeed in life. In 2011, she started her own business selling artwork, home baked cookies and fashion wear using her paintings as her main design. After years of hard work, Janet also graduated with a Diploma in Small Business Management in 2017.

She dreams of being financially independent by growing this business and to be recognized and accepted as one of us.

Janet’s achievement in life has really inspired me! It goes to show that all things are possible if you truly put your heart to it. (backed by an amazingly supportive and entrepreneurial mother!).

If you would like to support Janet in what she does, please visit her website to view the products she has for sale. All the best to you in your journey, Janet!

Credits:

Photographer: Grace
Hair & Make Up: Pearl Tan
Location: Stories studio

How to Prepare for Better Profile Headshots


Very often taking some professional headshots sits low on one’s to-do list. Little do people realize that a good headshot is a powerful way to market oneself. Whether you’re a model, business owner, lawyer or a fresh graduate, a professionally taken profile picture will make you look even better on your website, LinkedIn, social media pages and brochures.

Besides choosing the right photographer who suits your style and who knows how to bring out the best in you, there are a few things you can do to ensure you get the best images. Remember, first impressions count! So, spend a little time preparing for a stress-free session. You won’t regret it.


1. Hair and Makeup

Whether you’re male or female, a little grooming will not hurt. For makeup, start natural and only apply eyeshadow and lipstick just before the shoot. Try applying lip balm to keep lips soft. You may bring along some makeup for touch ups, plus a hairbrush and hair products to tame any unruly hair before the shoot. For men, shave right before you leave for the shoot so you’ll have that clean-cut look.

If you can afford it, hire a makeup artist so that your makeup and hair will be professionally coifed for that perfect headshot! Continue Reading