Red and Yee Sang

 Photo by @jam35w

Chinese New Year was something I never grew up celebrating. I always celebrated Lao New Year so when I heard I was going to celebrate Chinese New Year, I got a bit excited. I finally got to celebrate the occasion this year with  a beautiful family and traditions with red pockets - my first ever! 

From the short period, I learnt that Chinese New Year is a 15 day celebration or as some would say, 'longest 15 days of my life' which is filled with family, love and lots of food! The dish that stood out to me was Yee Sang; it is a dish many Malaysian Chinese families have during the occasion and I knew what it was right away! The colourful salad is filled with prosperous ingredients such as salmon, pomelo, shredded radish and ginger, and crispy noodles, etc. 

The tradition is also what's important. The tradition is that everyone must have a pair of chopsticks to mix the salad together - the higher you toss the salad, the more luck that will come in the new year. You also have to make wishes while tossing the salad together, just slipping them here and there. It does get a bit messy but there were a lot of laughs. My wishes will be a secret, shhh. 

It was a Chinese New Year that I'll remember for a very long time. My first one and it was so welcoming! I got my first ever red pockets, I felt like a little kid on Christmas morning or like it was my birthday! I loved the designs on the envelopes and the different styles, and I'm so disappointed that I didn't buy any in Hong Kong before I came back! I'm definitely getting some next time! For more celebrations in the years to come! 

Gung Hay Fat Choy | Best wishes and congratulations. Have a prosperous and good year 

Mon x 

Return

Tank by Topshop | Bag by Zara | Shoes by Rubi Shoes

Mon in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

It has been a long couple of months, I think a hello is in order. HELLO! I'M STILL ALIVE!

Although I've been missing here, I've been really busy and I think it was all worth the hard work and dedication. What does that mean? Well, it means my volunteer marketing coordinator position is extending to 2016 AND I'm finally graduating university, yay!

With graduating and more adulthood responsibilities kicking in, I'll be turning 25 in March - quarter of a century. 

I'll be updating this blog twice a month and please watch this space to see my Singapore and Hong Kong travel diary, my first ever Chinese New Year celebration, and more fashion loves.

Have an amazing year beautiful people and with Valentine's Day coming to an end, I hope you've had an amazing day whether you've spent it with your partner or loved ones.



Mon x


Photo by Jayne | @tomototan 

The Motivation Struggle

Since March has begun I have been very busy and how one of my favourite people would put it, I’m busy ‘hustling’. I kind of consider myself nearly as busy as Margaret Zhang. Just a tiny bit. 

From all the chaos of having 3 jobs and one unit at uni with deadlines and schedules, one of the hardest things for me was maintaining my motivation and keeping on top of my game. What I learnt was that focus and consistency is everything, and that inspiration is everywhere. 

I’m constantly on the go - checking emails, replying to emails and thinking of new things to write for this blog and for my future projects. It’s a lot; so this post is dedicated to quotes that have helped me keep motivated and inspired, Hopefully they will do the same to you. 

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop – Confucius

In order to succeed, we must first believe that we can – Nikos Kazantzakis 

Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence – Helen Keller 

If you are not willing to risk the usual you will have to settle for the ordinary – Jim Rohn 

The struggle is definitely real but life is something to be lived at it’s fullest. Experience new things and go out of your comfort zone, to learn more about yourself as well as other people and the world around you. I have always wanted to be better and that’s what I’m striving for. Of course, you have to believe you can achieve anything, that you can achieve your dreams – as little or big as you dare to dream! It all starts with you and for you to take that leap of faith. 

Mon x

Photo by Esra