Bye 2016!

2016 was a really hard year for me. It was a year of growth and a lot of learning.

It was because it was so hard that I had to stop blogging again; I had to focus on myself. It was a horrible year and I'm so glad that it's over but it was also a year where I was able to learn more about myself, see where my passions, my strengths and priorities were, and to also go out of my comfort zone.

This blog was something where I wanted to have a small voice, to help and to inspire. I had to be reminded that regardless of who was listening or reading what I was writing, I should persevere and continue because that's where my passions lie.

I've also made it my mission this year to continue to let go and to put aside emotions in certain situations. My motto this year is c'est la vie so lets see what this year has in store for me.

So,  here I am. I'm looking at 2017 into the eye and I know it's going to be my year. I have a new job to look forward to (as scary as it is) and a holiday coming up at the end of March!

 I hope we can kick ass together.

Mon x

Photo by Brenda | @beaverdugong

25

Watch by Daniel Wellington | Shoes by Rubi Shoes | Hat by MissShop

When I was little, I used to get VERY excited for my birthday. I used to bother my mum days in advance and I remember tugging at her or screaming at the top of my lungs, 'MY BIRTHDAY IS IN 4 DAYS!'. 

This year is really special to me because it's a year where a lot of transitions will start to happen and I couldn't have asked for more than the love I've received this year, which is where this post comes in. 

My best friend planned a surprise picnic.

I died inside.

There aren't a lot of pictures but it was a day to be remembered. The balloons and the cake! How beautiful is the cake? It was a vanilla and strawberry cream cake. If only my mouth and stomach were bigger! 

It was quite funny as well because I had broken something in the bathroom and I had went to Bunnings and they had sausage sizzle! I was so hungry but I wasn't allowed one. I'm glad that there was cake, that definitely filled me up!

This year I was definitely spoilt: I had great company, great food and lots of laughs.
For more birthdays to come and to spend it with those you love. 

Mon x 

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 

March Baby

My birthday is kind of a day that I dread for a lot of reasons but I love the people who made it special this year and in turn made me feel very special and loved. You know who you are - I thank you and love you lots!

At the beginning of March I kept thinking of doing something but as much as I love being organised and organising things, I just didn’t have it in me and I felt like nothing could compare to last year – I think last year was the best birthday ever for me.  So what I did was spend it with two of my best friends, family and I have some photos, which I will share with you all. 

On Friday 6th I got myself 2 presents and once they’ve healed, maybe I’ll show some pictures (hint, hint). After having a mini nap, I ventured to the city to have dinner, dessert and I did not get home til 3am. I haven’t done that since my early years! 

Dinner was at Old Hong Kong and we were so upset that we couldn’t finish dinner. Normally we’re beasts! After staring at the food and having good conversation, we went to Passion Flower and oh lordly, I couldn’t finish my waffles! We specifically went there for the waffles too, except my best friend who ran for the durian ice cream. 

It was such an amazing night and she’s an amazing friend <3 

Now on my actual birthday on the 8th I had work then spent the rest of the afternoon with my beautiful E and as usual, we cause chaos with selfies and random conversation that share the people surrounding us. We had lunch locally and we ate so quickly that we couldn’t take photos! Lunch was okay but I think conversation is always the best and as always, she’s someone who will always make my days brighter. Someone who understands me when the only thing to come out of my mouth are mumbles and jumbled letters.

My overall weekend was amazing and great. I spent it with the people that I wanted to and it definitely put a smile on my face. 

Mon x

Adventure is Everywhere

Hat by Cotton On | Top by Deus | Shoes by Vans

I spent a day venturing the city on Tuesday and my perspective was very different to how it normally is – I unleashed my inner Tomboy and usually that means having a very different attitude. My quirkiness, bubbliness and personality come out by 10 and I’m sorry to my photographer; I made him laugh when he was supposed to make me laugh. 

Especially when I was trying to do the Mario jump. 

This is one of my favourite basic and simple outfits because it still has some style and comfort. My favourite pieces have to be my hat and my slides. They are both in my opinion staples and a hat is always an amazing choice as an accessory. I try not to complicate things too much or mix too many patterns but hopefully with time, I get a lot better at this and I can get out of my comfort zone. 

Overall it was fun doing this shoot; it was my first time shooting with him and from being sick with a high fever the day before from the flu I was told to take a ‘lazy day’. This meant wearing whatever I could grab with being the most comfortable.  

We searched high and low to find this brick wall in the heart of the city. We didn’t want to venture too far so on the way to walking to Darling Harbour I saw this wall and thought, let’s try it! I wanted a blank canvas and I think this was it. We did some stupid things in front of it, it was too fun that we kept going regardless of how people saw or thought of us. Could this be one of the reasons for so many similar shoots? I’m kidding of course. 

I’m always on the hunt for the next adventure. 

Mon x

Photos by Ramy 

Valentine's Day Outfit Inspiration

It is the last day of January and I know it's only the end of the month but the presence of Valentine's Day is everywhere and very present. In saying that, of course preparation is key when it comes to the most romantic day of the year. 

With the day fast approaching, my reaction and attitude towards it all is pretty much the same as last year – very chill and I have no idea what I’m doing. The only thing that is very guaranteed is that I am working on the actual day, which I’m not too fussed about. My question will always remain the same, what are your plans and can I please become your 3rd wheel? 

Being as it is the most romantic day of the year, I chose some amazing outfits, which I hope inspire you. I love each outfit and I focused on blush tones and tulle because both elements are very cute, quirky and chic. It’s something that can’t go wrong in any situation (in my opinion) and they’re outfits I think everyone can get a little inspiration from. 

I just love how each outfit can be worn at different occasions, not just Valentine's Day but then can apply throughout the entire day of it as well. I don't have a favourite, although I did try to pick just one. It was too hard but I will say that I am trying to hunt down a tulle blush midi tulle skirt! I probably won't give up. 

So for my plans this year, I do have some lined up to spend the evening with friends, nothing flash and of course, there’s going to be food involved. Preferably pizza, please! Now, although it won’t be romantic, it’s always a day where I spend it with those I love and are very thankful to have in my life. Happiness is hard to come and sometimes, we don’t know it was a happy moment til we look back and smile about it. Please don’t think about it and become sad. It can also be a day where you spoil yourself and pampering yourself is never a wrong option. 

Mon x 

Floral Wonderland

One of the most important things I had to do this year was to visit The Grounds at Alexandria. Now this may not be such a big thing but I felt like I was missing out and I was only hearing amazing things. One of the things I kept hearing was, ‘Mon! You have to go! You’ll love it!’ only made it worse. Thanks E.

I finally got the chance to go as I had planned a lunch date with a good friend of mine. The funny thing is that we both had interviews in the morning and from there we ventured to The Grounds - a good spontaneous thing! It literally blew my breath away. It’s beautiful! The flowers, the greenery and the food! I visited on a Tuesday and it was so busy. We got our table buzzer (I have no idea what they’re called) and we were initially told there was a 45 minute wait, which was fine. We walked around, we took a trillion photos at the florist, walked and sat in the shade and stared at all the adorable puppies.  

It’s an amazing place and the day was eventful. I purchased some flowers for home - the middle arrangement in my photo below and sadly it was near death on the way home but if you haven’t been, it’s a must visit. The food is delicious, the lemonade just as good and the venue itself is what draws you in because if you don’t want to sit at the restaurant to eat, you can get something from the carts or the take away eatery under the shade near the garden.

I definitely will go back and hopefully the next time I will have my trusty camera instead of my phone so I apologise for the quality of them. I tried my best editing them.

Mon x

Bring on 2015!

Bag by Zara | Shoes by ASOS | Skirt by Forcast | Denim Jacket by Topshop | Sunglasses by Portmans

Christmas is finally over and although it has passed, it just means that the end of the year is drawing closer. It’s a time where a lot of us plan New Year’s resolutions and it’s also a time where we reflect back on the year - for the better or the worst and whether we fulfilled our plans we set out for 2014 from the plans in 2013.

Alike many others I admit that I’m a part of the group who doesn’t fulfill New Year’s resolutions but unlike last year, I’ve changed them slightly. It was more about enjoying life like I’ve written before, like enjoying the little things, take more photos, write and read more, go on picnics, etc. Things where I would appreciate things more and I could reflect back and go, ‘that was an amazing day’.

Like every year, before the end of the year I spend the day with my best friend. It’s always an amazing catch up and just like every 6 months, we ask ourselves, ‘where will we be in 6 months time?’ Of course where we want to be as opposed to where we will be are two different things but it’s something that’s become a ritual now.

As we demolish our eggs benedict and venture around the garden café, we realise that we just become stronger as individuals and we learn along the way. I believe that every person changes a little by little as each year passes and we learn a lot from the year about ourselves and about the people in our lives.  Sometimes when you feel like you haven’t accomplished much in the year, that’s a good time to take a step back and think about it - most of the time I didn’t think it would be possible and I’m always surprised. 

In saying that, I’m returning back to uni next year as a part timer and it’ll be my last year so fingers crossed that everything goes well! I hope that my internships and all the ventures I try and undertake go well as well because I’m kind of staking on it.

This year has been amazing and a roller coaster! I wouldn’t have changed much about it and I can’t wait to see what next year unleashes. Hopefully it’s something good and fingers crossed that I get to go on more adventures. I know my next stop is Palm Beach with the lovely E. I can’t wait!

May your 2015 be better than this year and I’m wishing you great health and amazing opportunities. Have a great New Years Eve!

Mon x

Photos by Esra Y

Christmas Loves and Wants

L to R: Tile Print Bikini by Topshop | Daisy Dream by Marc by Marc Jacobs | Marc by Marc Jacobs Blade Watch | Taylor on Ear Headphones Rose Gold/ White by Frends | Instax Mini 90 Black by Fujifilm| Chuck Taylor All Star Leather by Converse

It’s that time of the year again where we have to put our ideas together and buy Christmas presents. It’s a daunting time for some, it’s amazing for others and for the majority, a fun occasion. As I work in retail, I started to dislike Christmas the moment November hit but it hasn't changed how I love the occasion and how it brings everyone together - spending it with those you love and cherish. 

This Christmas for me will be quite quiet as my mum is spending most of her December in Thailand – I’m jealous. I’d love to be sipping on coconuts, lying by the beach and I’m imaging all the food and fruit. She will be back before NYE but in the meantime I'll be spending my Christmas Day with my godparents and my silly little munchkin of a cousin, E. 

So, here are my little wants. I will say that some of these items I have wanted them for quite some time. One of the ones I am most excited for is Daisy Dream. When I first smelt Daisy Dream it was perfect because of the floral scent and just how light it was. It’s subtitle with its sweetness and what’s amazing is how Nicole Warne interpreted it with If Life is but a Dream. It was incredibly amazing when I saw this editorial and she continuously inspires me with every post.

Have an amazing Christmas and New Years Eve everyone!

Mon x

Summer Days

It hasn’t hit December yet but summer has definitely kick started in Sydney. It’s been a crazy couple of weeks and although it’s pretty intense with the heat, I haven’t been able to go to the beach! A place that’s on top of my list!

In the spirit of summer and beaches, here are my picks for swimwear this upcoming season. I’ve pinned it down to pastels, print and statement bolds. I’m sorry for the heavy load of Zimmerman swimwear, they’re just amazing, I can’t keep my eyes off of them!

L to R: Mint Box Pleat Bikini Top & Mint Box Pleat Pants by Topshop | Lilac Scallop Swimsuit by Topshop | Tile Print Bikini by Topshop | Lilac Frill Triangle Bikini by TopShop

L to R: Confetti Waterfall Bikini by Zimmerman | Georgia Floating Halter 1 Pc by Zimmerman | Hydra Mesh Tri Bikini by Zimmerman

L to R: Porcelain Quilted Tri Bikini by Zimmerman | Sundown Bonded Curve Bikini by Zimmerman | Georgia Bonded Halter Bikini by Zimmerman | Milly – New York Noir by Triangl

I personally love each one that I have picked and I cannot just love one. I tried and I failed miserably. I am a very indecisive person and I feel for my friends who have to put up with me but my top 3 from each category would be the Tile Print Bikini, the  Confetti Waterfall Bikini and the Porcelain Quilted Tri Bikini. Let me know which ones are your favourite and which one you definitely want this summer. There is always something extremely fun with buying new swimwear and these are no exception. The print, colour and detail in the simplest form are amazing. 

So another reason for this colourful post is that next week on 1st December is Audrey and Jasper’s 1st Birthday. It’s going to be an amazing week - I’ll be celebrating in style and with a bang! Ill be doing a reflection post and hopefully show some snaps of the night. 

I honestly didn’t think I would get this far and to come this far has been a journey which I hope continues, and just keeps getting better and better. I have always tried to make this a reflection of my style, of me and to give some insight to trends. Hopefully next year I will be able to show my geeky side into the mix as well.

Mon x