DIY Bookworm Set Up : Birthday For a Cause

Event Styling is always a good idea. And when a good friend asked if I'm willing to volunteer for a cause and style a specific theme for an event, I giddily said yes.

I am staunch supporter of rustic motif and minimalist with a hint of muted hues, Now,I know that's a lot to take in and you might think it's all over the place. But trust me, with the right location and elements, you can absolutely pull this off.

So when I was assigned the bookworm setup, I immediately created a Pinterest board and pinned every picnic style/reading corner pegs I could find. It was such a joy to plan every detail and scout for props. An ocular is obligatory to visualize the setup and ensure that everything will suit as planned.

It's my first ever outdoor themed set up and I had mixed feelings on how it will turn up. My head was rambling with a lot of ideas. I didn't want it too look too "overly adorned" and I didn't want it to be too bare either. A tepee and picnic mat were the core items of the set up. With the help of friends, we're able to make the pillars for the tepee. We bought the cloth at very reasonable price and even got scraps for free which we eventually used for buntings.

I wanted a relaxed look hence I figured a swing would be a good element to boost the reading corner look. The white/blue light bulbs added romance which complemented the swing. To inject rustic vibe and a hint of vintage feel, we added old wine boxes, weaved basket and pillows in hues of brown and beige. There were long stemmed flowers and piles of books in one corner along with the Polaroids scattered on the picnic blanket.
The mini bicycle added a bit of playful wit to the entire ensemble.

As soon as we're almost done with the setup and I was almost way too eager to see the final look, a roving team approached us and requested for a permit. We didn't have any as we thought we're allowed to hang things anywhere given it's a public park. We were so complacent at the thought that it's for public use and become oblivious that this is Singapore and they have strict laws and high respect for nature. We were asked to take down the Tepee, remove the buntings, light bulbs and yes, the swing. It broke my heart to see everything taken down. And as much I wanted to bawl and rant, we did the opposite. We were doing the set up for a Photo Marathon and for a good cause. We can't let a little mishap ruin everything we planned for. So instead of whining, we re-arranged everything as a picnic set up while maintaining the elements we initially thought of.


The buntings were used as a background for couples who would like to take their couple shots. The light bulbs were placed around the reading corner. We were done as soon as the guests start to come in. I smiled sheepishly as I gazed at the finished setup. It was a work of love rooted for a good cause.



There were 3 setups done for this marathon and everyone poured their heart and thoughts to ensure that the backdrop will be picture worthy. The event was indeed a success. A birthday celebration for our 2 year old Anika and surprisingly managed to raise an amount which exceeded our preset goal .

There is something poignant about the image of people coming together for a cause and this experience was an eye opener for me. I've come to an understanding that more than the monetary assistance, there are different ways by which we can bless others. We can be generous with our  skills, time, talent and resources. With the proper mindset, objective and heart; we are empowered to unselfishly give, with no serving motives. Giving is always better than receiving and though it's human nature to believe that when have more, we can give more; if you come from this mentality you never have enough of anything to give.You gain more when you give and it's something which cannot be quantified nor measured. It fills your heart and entire being. So be generous of whatever you have and be cheerful in doing it; because it is when we lose ourselves for others that we can truly find joy beyond any possessions.

Xo,
Jhesy 

Do You like You?

So you met this really cool guy or say charming girl and realized how awesome their personalities are, then light bulb comes on and you find the need to tailor fit yourself with their personalities for seamless talking points and eventually lead them to like you. Sure does hit close to home right? 

We all want to be liked. We live in this constant pursuit of gaining approval and validation. Obsessed into transforming ourselves in who we think we need to be in order for people to like us. We even go to great extent in copying what they like, how they dress up, what movies or series they been binging on or even the type of filters they use on Instagram- and for what? So it would be easier to connect and find common ground?

We're all guilty of this at one point or another. We create this version of ourselves and accord ourselves with their standards in order to fit in and be accepted. And why not? Of course we want people to like us. Case in point, life would be infinitely easier, first dates wouldn't be so awkward, a client meeting would exceedingly get a green light if you can get them to like your idea and small talks wouldn't be such a pain if you are all on the same boat. 

We live in an age where personality is measured by social metrics and it sure does put a lot of pressure to modify ourselves. Hence, people exert a whole lot of effort to be somebody they're not. But get this, if you were stripped off of all these fake ideas of who you thought you should be, if you bare yourself and be who you really are, would you even like you? If you met you, would you dare say, "Hey you're awesome and I genuinely like you"

Yes? No? And if not, why do you think so? I figured that if you let yourself have an open mind and accept the things you need to change for the better; rather than morphing yourself into someone you're not, people will genuinely like you. Wouldn't be great if people would come up to you  and you'll make a connection because of the real you? 

So, I have this #theory on how to get people to genuinely like you for the right reasons. Like and love yourself. No can ever be you. No one is you. So accept your flaws, celebrate your individuality and identify the things you need to work on for the better. Go about and do good. Let your inner light shine through by being confident in your beliefs and preferences. Lastly, be a positive force to influence others instead of pulling them down. 

So I leave you with these lines from "Try" :

Take your make up off

Let your hair down

Take a breath

Look into the mirror at yourself

Don’t you like you

Cause I like you

Xo,

Jhesy 

New Heights #2016LooksGood

Another year has ended and a new one begins. How did yours ring in? 2015 has turned out to be surprisingly good if not better than the previous one. What a year it has been! Truly, 2015 was a year of discoveries, overcoming fear and learning more about myself and the vast world around me.

I feel I have grown immensely in the most recent months, made several adult decisions, failed at some, yet stood right back up. I've met a lot of people who inspired me to discover more about my faith, passion and relationships. They say nothing happens by accident and I firmly believe that all of the events which occurred prior, no matter how challenging and at times hurtful they may be; they were tapestry of events that culminate in an exquisite, sublime plan, a life story authored by the Big Man up there. Everything seemed to have fallen into their rightful place and created a domino effect to lead me through each step towards happiness.

My biggest takeaway from last year is that you have control of over your life. Your happiness is always a personal choice and should not be dependent on anyone else. When you find your niche, even that little piece of joy, hold on to it. It all starts with attitude and keeping a positive perspective, doing things out of love and going through life in a constant forward movement.

So here we are, three days into the new year. I am grateful for the year that was. For days spent traversing on unknown paths and foreign lands. Embracing the culture and learning a thing or two from the people I met from each trip. For every shoreline, sunsets and sunrise sessions I've witnessed from the several beach escapades I have gone through. For opportunities given which helped me  to grow by tenfold. I was given a chance to discover a different side of me, to blossom in my own right ( starting this blog ) and led me closer to God. For the priceless time spent with my family and friends, though miles apart; the distance ironically pulled us closer together.

I am casting my eyes further and looking ahead, praying fervently that 2016 will take me to new heights. I am excited to see  how this year will turn out. First of is to take care of myself more by taking the time to eat healthy and try to at least exercise. I would like to be able to travel to places I've never been before. To finally learn that 3rd language with I failed to take on last year. I promised myself to brave on other things I long dreamed of and commit to writing more out of passion and heart. Do volunteer work and use whatever talent I have to participate in a ministry and serve. And lastly, if I'm brave enough, open myself to the possibility of allowing my heart to fall in love again.

Then again, life is all about taking risks, growing to be better, sowing seeds of love and kindness and taking the leap of faith. We should let go of our fears, aim/soar high and follow our bliss. Let us allow ourselves to fail, to be hurt, to face and overcome trials with a determined spirit, grace , strength and perseverance. Let's take on new adventures, fall more in love with life. Stay inspired and do more of what makes you happy.

Cheers to 2016 and don't quit that daydream.

Monday Hues

Morning was greeted with showers and cold breeze.Looks like rainy season has already started here in Singapore. Few more days and my second home will be celebrating its Jubilee year. It'll be a 4-day long weekend holiday and I'll be hitting the beach once again #eggzoited!( this will be for another blog).I am still in denial that it's already August.We are four months shy to capping the year off! To say that time flies when you're having fun is an understatement. Time does slip away without you knowing it ; more so when your post-work hours and weekends are fully booked with activities.Four months ago, you would find me locked up in my room on weekends binging on sweets and movies. But then I met a lot of people over the past couple of months and was plugged in to a community. I realized that after 3 years of living in Singapore; I haven't really given myself a chance to explore and try out new things. I was just existing and have not fully embraced the life I now have here. I told myself at the start of this year that I won't waste time and will venture on things I haven't done before. Be productive.Do more and live more - ( sounds like the tagline for Smart  ). And yes, I am finally doing it.

 "then, she began to breathe and live
  and every moment took her to a place where
  goodbyes were hard to come by.
  She was in love. But not in love with someone or something.
  She was in love with her life, and for the first time
  in a long time, everything was inspiring" - r.m drake

Starting out something new at the beginning of a year or a month seems fitting to a lot of people. There's something about new beginnings that feels monumental and remarkable. It's springs hope and builds excitement as you gear for a challenge of sustaining it on your pre-defined timeline. Existing is a far cry from living. Living is waking up in the morning excited. It is that sense of optimism on how the day or the future will turn out. To live is to take full control of your life and to  make the most of the little time we all have. 

So be excited and fearless. Take a chance and be in love with life. Appreciate the beauty and chaos that compromise it. Do things out of passion rather than obligation and routine. Because truly,there's a lot more to life than what we let ourselves see, feel and experience.

Bow Down Dress from Aldrin & Laura 

"Be fearless in  the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire"

♥♥,

Jhesy 

Night Changes

The night mimics the melancholy my heart unwillingly feels. Darkness abound as you stood there with piercing eyes but not seeing right through me. I have loved you in silence, longed for you in those moments when you are at arms reach and mesmerised by your mere existence. The poignant smell of your shirt lingers,taking me back to the first time our paths crossed. Your warm re-assuring smile is my home, my refuge making me feel safe, loved. Your face is the star against my dark skies shedding a spark of hope to my restless, calloused heart.

I might have felt the need to let go, that I have always known with your blank eyes that I can't and willl never be the one to fill the void. The pain sliced through the hope you unconsiously sprang on me. Your thoughts often wander while I was so eager to capture the littlest detail I could possibly document in my mind. You're always holding on to something, trying to keep yourself pre-occupied to refrain from being alone in your thoughts. From being alone with me.

Incessantly, I have been loving you. All of you. Your silence, your bizarre character, your lowlights, interests ( or lack there of ) and your lack of coherence which leaves me perplexed at times.

The night wind is singing a familiar song of grieve for the love I lost. In the distance, people are dancing to the beat of their hearts but mine weeps silently as it breaks into pieces. I fronted a smile to conceal the pain for you will never know and you will never let me in as someone has already took shelter to your once fragile broken heart.

I have loved you long enough in silence and I will; for the time being continue to love you til I find the reason not to.  Tonight is not an ode to you but; a soundless wail of goodbye as ours will never have an end as we have had no beginning.


"Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
Though this be the last pain that he makes me sufferand these the last verses that I write for him".  - Pablo Neruda

♥♥,

Jhesy