Lessons from my father

Like my mother, my father has had an extraordinary impact on my life and has taught me more valuable lessons than I can possibly count. Many of which I have blatantly ignore (Wear sensible shoes, save money, jangan boros), some were my first life skills (how to read a book), and others remain my most vivid early memories of fond moments spent with him (learning to play golf until I cried my eyes out because I was really horrible at it, playing kaki tiga with my little siblings). 

He has lived a remarkable life (with amazing children ehem) and is a downright genius, but it is the most basic of his lessons which have left the most lasting impression on me. And because I think fatherly wisdom should be shared amongst everyone, here are my few favourite lessons from my own babah:

1. Above all, pursue intellectual enrichment. By filling your mind with knowledge, you have a thirst for life and a constant craving to learn new things.


2. You can not substitute money and material things for tenderness. Do not get caught up with meaningless consumerism that don't make us truly happy. Many people go through life just looking for material goods that will never fill the hole that loneliness creates. 

3. Explore. Wander often, and when you do, really see each new places with an open mind. Learn about other cultures and different perspectives on living. I was extremely fortunate to spend the last 4 years travelling to the most exotic countries, and each trip taught me more about humanity than an entire semester in class. 

4. Be kind, generous and charitable towards others. I struggle to think of many people more charitable than my own father. And while 'charity' in today's society mean a self rewarding act i.e. to feel good about yourself, it is far more rewarding to do good deeds simply to help others.

5. Act as you wish to be treated. The energy and behaviour you put out will be returned to you many times over.

6. Family comes first. Never distance yourself from the ones you love.

What did your father teach you?

I love you so much babah ♡
love,

Room tour in pictures

love,

Gastronomic Bliss

Because last week's persistent tutorial works and case readings have thwarted myself to partake of proper meals I thought it would be most appropriate to indulge myself with good food over the weekend. By good food I mean home-cooked Italian dinner (this tastebud of mine is missing Fratinis) on a Saturday evening and a not-so-impromptu trip to London for a lobster fix with Amal Raemi the very next day. You can not condone our love for good food, the lobster was worth the value for money!

I had put on my new black hat and trench coat for a good measure and slipped on my Zara studded slippers. It is almost impossible to frown when you have rubies on your feet. Such an outfit seemed to call for making silly jokes over tea (or Bubble tea hehe) and strolling down Portobello Road. Touristy it may be, but it seems almost fitting to wander along the great lengths of Portobello Road window shopping since the weather decided to be extra lovely last Sunday.

Have a lovely weekend! 
xx,

Pearls of wisdom... or something like that

First Year of Uni is substantially different to my A Level days. For one thing I have a lot of free time in my hands which corollary to it results in more procrastination being done rather than real work. OF COURSE I do my work or at least I try not to be underprepared for tutorials and exams. Granted this year's modules are supposedly less cumbersome than next year's but there are a few straggler modules that I have to take to graduate i.e. Tort and Contract!

While most of my fellow course mates will spend the next few weeks determinedly draining accumulated facts, statutes and legal arguments from their minds, I’m pondering some of the useful lessons I’ve learnt at law school so far:

1) As soon as your tutor knows your name do not immediately think you can get away with the tutorials easily. Do not even bother of showing up in tutorials if you haven't done your readings! 

2) Keep your mouth shut if you haven't read the cases. (I still haven't read the Donoghue v Stevenson case and it's already week 16)

3) If you are in any way a self proclaimed slacker Law School will destroy you!

5) Sometimes less is more. After having done multiple problem solving questions, I realised that sophisticated language does not equate to dismantling the thesaurus with neologisms. The key is simplicity; a trait that I’ve just learnt to appreciate.

xx

Get ready for Uni with me

                                       

Here is a peek of what products have been under heavy rotation:

On my face: L'Occitane organic Angelica water face toner, Naked 2, Bobbi Brown Espresso for the eyebrows, Sephora orange punchy sunbaked blush, Maybelline Master Precise eyeliner and Bobbi Brown Mauve lipstick.

I can't say enough good things of Urban Decay's Naked 2, they're just a dream to work and blend with!

Scarf from Zara, Printed blouse and blazer are both from H&M, F21 jeans and Kate Spade bag.

xx,

Here's to a sparklier year

One of the dictionaries I've used defines charm as 'a trait that fascinates or delights'. To live a charmed life is to live a personally fulfilling life where all of the senses are stimulated and appreciation flows freely to and from you. I for one am firmly committed to the art of living life through rosy tinted sunnies with the sounds of French pop in my ears. Of course I don't pretend nasty things do not happen albeit, I do wish I could control every element of my life, but I do find that by making the simplest tweaks everyday, life feels a lot better.. and charming.

In 2013, I resolve to view the world in pink as Edith Piaf puts it, to find joy in small pleasures, and to be a better version of myself. Here are a few of my favourite ways to infuse more charm in my life:

1. Don't save your jewels for a special occasion. Life is the special occasion :) Treat everyday like a party and wear a tangle of your favourite necklaces.

2. Be kind to your body. Meditate for a few minutes every morning and get enough sleep! (This is something I've always been neglecting)

3. Practice random acts of kindness. Tell the Asian cutie in your lecture that he smells nice..... ok maybe not.

4. Always buy flowers for your home. They don't need to be expensive. The loveliness that they add to your home will belie their cost.

                 

5. Do not let the grey skies let you down. Treat it as an excuse to wear bright coloured lipsticks and perhaps a shot of pastel in your outfit.

                            

                 

6. Tweak your everyday routines to make the rituals extra special. Can’t function without your morning tea or coffee? Have it in your prettiest mug or china. You’ll feel as though you’re having a tea party every single morning :)

                 

La tahzan, 

Winter Diary 1

The first snow has fallen just last week and Leicester is currently resting beneath a powdery blanket of snow, and I am officially in a wintery mode. So I am constantly in pursuit of discovering new small treats (or returning to my favourites). 

Although my default mode this winter is to spend more time indoors hibernating but I do occasionally peel myself away for various dates with friends and trips to the cosiest cafes. After having spent long hours playing in the snow last week, me and the girls had hot beverages at Oasis. Now I try not to advocate the practice of forgoing proper food in favour of sugar as a general rule, but sometimes it's more fun to have desserts for lunch.

Not to beat a dead horse or anything, but I'm still a bit challenged when it comes to weather appropriate dressing. I try. Really. I just don't like being told what to do by mother nature. 

Hope you all had a good winter break :) 

Good night moon