DSLR Camera Simulator

I thought, I'd share this awesome SLR Camera Simulator I found online!

You can play around with it, adjusting the light setting, ISO and etc. An awesome way to practice. I'm sure Mr. Wonderful would be visiting this website often. Heh.

Let's talk punctuation marks.

Okay this may be crazy but I kinda have a thing for words, letters, fonts, punctuation marks.

In short. Typography turns me on!

Insane.

But for now let's talk punctuation marks because out of the list my favorite are punctuation marks. It drives me nuts to see the wrong usage of punctuation or most commonly lack of.

Can you imagine a sentence that just rambles rambles rambles rambles and rambles on without the benefit of a comma to break it up and provide a breathing space or even better yet a full stop or period to break up a really really long sentence like this or worse the abuse of using punctuation marks which I must admit I'm guilty of committing like using question marks and explanation marks inappropriately!

But this post isn't a lecture on the proper usage of punctuation marks.

 (Vintage Typewriter Key Punctuation Mark - Compass Rose Design)

This post is tell you that I'm actually insane enough to have  favorite punctuation marks, not because I use a lot when I write but just because I think they're awesome.

First up and first on my list would be the Ampersand. Its not a punctuation mark "per se". Its a type of ligature, a form of typography.

 (Ampersand bag - Alphabet Bag via iknowitwheniseeit)

I love it because its a lot cooler than typing "and" altho I just realised I rarely use it when I write. Lol! I guess I just love that its used to link. 

Note that I quoted and italicized the words "per se" because its how the ampersand got its name. It was originally use when reciting alphabets which can be used on its own, like "A" and "I".

So its something like "A and per se and B and etc." So over time the phrase "and per se and" got slurred and you have the word Ampersand!

Oh and I would love to get an ampersand tattoo just like Helga from Ditz Revolution!

Okay enough but ampersands. Next is the semicolon.

(I guess I'm not the only one who loves these two punctuation marks! Image from xcarex)

I do hate the word semicolon but I love the symbol. I guess its because the first image that comes to mind fo me would not be the symbol but a morbid photo of an actual semi colons. As in the human organ.

(At this point Mr Wonderful will be like, "You're so weird")

I love this punctuation mark because not many people use it or know how to use it.

And I can proudly say yes I know how to use it! Haha! Here are examples of how you can use it.

• Waking Up Famous has readers from: Johor Bahru, Malaysia; Jakarta; Indonesia; Bangkok Thailand and Singapore.
• Jan loves meringues; she bakes them often

(So far both marks are symbols of linking or connecting; I think I'm beginning to see a pattern here and yes the semicolon was intended)

The next would be the irony punctuation mark to denote sarcasm or irony because not many can detect tirony or sarcasm when it its written; the reason why bloggers recieve slamming when a number of people don't understand that certain things are said in irony!

This issue irritates the hell out of me. I'm quite surprised that this punctuation mark did not catch on because clearly sarcasm and irony is very easy to detect 

And yes that sentence was said with sarcasm and if you have not realised it, the mirrored question mark above is the irony punctuation mark. I guess its not popular because why put down that mark when you can italicize the sentence to denote sarcasm.

I don't want to ramble on as this is turning out to be a long post but I would love to know what's your favorite punctuation mark?

Weekend Links!

Time again for some awesome links for the weekend!

I have a love-hate relationship with long hair. This is one is for the love moments.

I hope you don't think I'm indifferent to situation in Japan as I've not blogged about it but I have helped in my own way and I hope you can too this weekend. Do check out Red Cross Society on how you can donate.

Also if you do plan to go out next weekend, Sinema Old School is having a movie screening on 2nd April and proceeds will go towards Japan Earthquake Relief efforts.

On a lighter and fashionable note, as you avid fashion-hungry crowd know, the zippered-clutch is the in thing right now but if you're unable to afford them but of a crafty temperament, check out this wonderful DIY.

So for now have an awesome weekend!

Online Zines Love

I am a huge fan of indie magazines be it printed or digital.

So I'm dedicating this post to the wonderful magazines I read. Strangely most of them are free. Hmm.

First is Catalog Magazine.

(Image: Catalog)

Its published in Singapore monthly and focuses on shopping & fashion for both ladies AND gentlemen. Best part is its available for free! But limited to 30,00 copies so getting my hands on this is quite a task. I usually hunt for this at The Cathay cos some of the stores there distribute them. But if hunting for them is too much of a hassle, you can always subscribe or settle for the digital version available on their website.

I also hear they have an iPad app version. 

As for me. I hunt for them, I prefer the printed word and the covers are a work of art!

Also another Singapore indie magazine is Juice Singapore

As I've mentioned before, a monthly publication focusing mostly on music and cool social scenes. Hunting this one is hard too but they have digital versions to console myself with.

Next up is Rue Magazine.

(Image: Rue)

I read this in digital cos its an American publication. My absolutely favourite digital mag. Its inspirational, beautiful and makes me want to pop a bottle of pink champagne. They're a lifestyle magazine and feautures lots of indie artisans and businesses. Their website also has cool downloads! Its bi-monthly but so worth the wait and I adore their videos. Also available in the iPad. (seriously with this much reads, I'm so tempted to put the iPad on my, "I-Want-To-Buy-But-I'm-Broke" List)

Matchbook magazine is another beautiful magazine to browse. All digital and free online. It is slightly more tailored to an older crowd and more elegance than fun. They also focus on indie lifestyle and I've also posted about them. Issue 2 is out by the way!

So what bout you? What are your favourites?

Excuse me now while I go and read these mags.

A tribute to Elizabeth Taylor.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor died today at the age of 79.

A film legend has passed on.

I don't really know her work but I've always admired her glamorous look. Let's not talk about the scandals and failed marriages that litter her illustrious past.

Let's instead remember her, immortalize her and celebrate her life and the contributions she brought to film.

Weekend Links

This is actually scheduled, so if you're reading this, either I'm passed out on the bed after the dinner or frolicking at the beach in Sentosa. Whichever comes first.

Oh and a little intro, on this feature. I love blog reading! I love exploring too and as much as I want to blog all my amazing finds (online and offline), I think I'll be flooding this blog and be known as the girl who single handedly (is this a word??) crashed blogger's server.

Also, I want to introduce you, my readers to these awesome blogs that inspires and influences me!

Image: Una Bella Vita

1. So first of all, I think all the girls should read this! A little perspective on the ideal image of beauty being shoved down our throat by the media. How is it that Marilyn Monroe's size back in the 50s is sexy and is now considered fat today? (It kinda began with Kate Moss if you know fashion history)

2.  This is such a cute screen saver to download for your computer if you're into old school!

3. Are a francophile?? Then you'll wan't to find out how to shop like a french girl.

4. For girls who has planned their wedding ever since you watched Disney's Cinderella, A Tiffany's diamond engagement ring is nothing compared this ring, carved and handmade by the guy.

So I guess that's all for now, Have a fun weekend!

Putting in some face time

I think its been awhile since anyone has seen my face on this blog. So here are two not-so flattering photos of me.

 

I have not been feeling well hence the less than stellar photos which I tried to cover up by using the Lomolomo app in the iphone. Sadly, it did not help at all.

PS, I am addicted to the iphone. Its only on loan tho till I can afford to get my own phone and I don't think I'll get for myself one. Too broke.

I've taken to wearing side braids and have recently learn how to do fish tail braids. :D I don't know why I never grew my hair long till now! I'm kind of having fun browsing through different hairstyles but I still need to grow my hair out more to achieve anything really nice. And I'm giving bangs another go. Not yet tho.

Oh and I've been wearing glasses lately. 

So glasses + braids = nerdy chic.

Mr. Wonderful loves the look.

PS. my glasses are prescription ones and the frames are brown in colour.

Its gives a more softer than black geek specs out there.

I have sinking feeling if I get bangs again, I'll look like Ugly Betty with my hair down.

A new pair of suede shoes

Did I mention I went shopping over the weekend? I spent a bomb and I'm feeling guilty. not really haha!

I bought a stilettos from Charles and Keith. It's platform tho not so high I'll bumble about. And guess what? 

Its suede again.

I am obsessed with that finish! Its just gives a soft but unfinished look and yea, no scuff marks! Not visible at least compared to patent leather finishes.

Well I needed a pair of stilettos for my Graduation D&D, I actually saw it a few weeks back and it was a Sales item so I knew there's a high chance they may no longer have it when my big shopping trip comes around but yes,
 there's a Shoe God!
(Blasphemousof me when Lent is just round the corner!)

They not only have it but they have it in my size. I wear a Charles and Keith size 28 by the way.
(Just in case a Shoe Fairy exists :P)

Oh its strappy. But chunky strappy. Delicate strappy shoes scares me. I've had a bad experience and let's just say, I walked home barefooted one night.

No photos for now. I'm too lazy and I'm not at my semi-working laptop writing this. But I promise it'll be up! If not you'll see it in my end look for the Dinner!

Pretty Woman Week: What's Your Name?

Edward Lewis: What's your name?
Vivian: What do you want it to be?

(PS. I know this post is completely unrelated to the movie Pretty Woman but the quote got me thinking)

Dear Readers, do you give your other half an endearing name?

I call mine, Mr. Wonderful.

He used to be called St Kevin. He is my first boyfriend you see and being in my first relationship I really was quite skittish and he had to put up with my hot and cold attitudes and my idiosyncrasies and I told him one day,

"You should be sainted for putting up with me.  
St Kevin, the patron saint of suffering boyfriend"

Then somehow it evolved to Mr. Wondeful.

If you must know why he was reading this book, we actually bought it for my sister's birthday in March. He was quite curious about it you see. He confessed to me that his childhood wasn't as exciting as mine was. (Think climbing coconut trees, "borrowing" sampan to row out to sea, stealing my great grandma's rolled up cigarette to try etc)

He actually wanted to the "The Dangerous Book for Heroes" for himself cos he thinks the book I got for him for his 21st was too small. Boys.

I digress, I originally want to name him Mr. Darcy, my favourite male protagonist from Jane Austen's books, Pride and Prejudice, but he really was more of a Mr. Charles Bingley than anything else, so it was a no. You can't have Lizzie and Mr. Bingley together! (Oh the horror! and yes I tend to see myself as a Lizzie Bennet, call me delusional if you must)

I had a brief thought of calling him "the man" then immediately discarded it. 
His chest is wide enough but I can already imagining it puffing up more from the ego boost he'll get for getting that nickname. Surely you ladies can understand why.

So that's why I stuck with Mr. Wonderful. Cos he is in essence the meaning of it.

So what bout you? What's your pet name for your other halve or what would you like to call your other half for those who've yet to find him?

Make a difference

(via: lovelivfe)

I came across this video on Ruiting's blog and I watched it because of the title of the video.
"The Girl who silenced the UN for 5 Minutes"

She made a strong case, she saw what we were doing then was harmful that only now people are sitting up and noticing that yes, the earth is dying, that yes, we must do soemthing about it.

19 years later after her speech the question is,

Have we done anything to make changes?

I'm not sure.
People can pull out all the scientific datas to make a claim that yes we have or no we haven't but one thing I'm sure is that we, you and I play a part.

But you're probably asking, how?

I've been doing my part as best as I could altho I've not publicly told anyone of my efforts which is a shame really.

But I started off by joining the 10:10 organisation which was started in 2008 in-line with the documentary, "Age of Stupid"

Their aim was to encourage people to cut their carbon emmission by 10% by 2010.
Altho they've achieved that, it doesn't mean we should stop.

They have a wealth of resources for individuals and organizations on how to cut-down and its a good place to start to make a difference.

Psst! Have you heard?

Oh Yay! JUICE Singapore launched their Digital Magazine!

If you don't know Juice,  you need to get out from under the rock you've been hiding in.

Juice is one of the awesome-st magazines to haven been published on Singapore's shore. The best part is of course its free!

Hence the reason why I get into cat fights once a month to grab the last copy of Juice at my favourite haunts.

Well no more risking my eyeballs and growing nails because I can now go online and read up. It won't stop me from hunting down the magazines tho as I still prefer the printed word. (I could subscribe but I'm cheap like that) but I'll be more magnanimous this time round (I'm keeping my long nails just in case).

Anyway, Lady with the Kate Spade (I'd call her by another name but she carries a Kate Spade), you're safe for this month cos I already got my copy of February's issue. :P

------------------------------------------------------------------------

In a bigger geographical location but still within the small confines of the World Wide Web, a new Online Magazine has been launched after a long wait.

Yes I'm talking about Matchbook Magazine.

THE matchbook girl...

VIEWS THE WORLD THROUGH ROSE COLORED GLASSES • LOVES TO THROW DINNER PARTIES, BUT HAS BEEN KNOWN TO BURN THE ROAST • VALUES ECCENTRICITY OVER CONVENTION • IS THE FIRST TO LAUGH AT HER OWN BAD JOKES • KNOWS THE CHA-CHA, THE CHARLESTON, AND THE TANGO • PAINTS HER NAILS BRIGHT CORAL WHEN SHE'S FEELING BLUE • IS INFINITELY CURIOUS • COULD HAPPILY LIVE OFF OF RED VELVET CAKE • PENS HAND WRITTEN NOTES TO HER GRANDMOTHER • HAS A SIGNATURE SHADE OF LIPSTICK • SECRETLY THINKS SHE MAY BE BABE PALEY REINCARNATED • RECEIVED AN iPAD FOR HER BIRTHDAY, BUT WILL NEVER GIVE UP HER LIBRARY CARD • HAS A BUCKET LIST A MILE LONG AND DREAMS A DIME A DOZEN • IS SMART, BUT NEVER A SHOW-OFF • LISTENS TO THE DAY'S FORECAST, BUT TRUSTS HER OWN INTUITION • NEVER SAYS NO TO A SUNDAY MATINEE AT THE THEATER • IS QUICK TO BLUSH, BUT NEVER SHORT OF A WITTY REPLY • HAS A SKIP IN HER STEP AND A TWINKLE IN HER EYE •ALWAYS SHARES HER LAST PIECE OF GUM

I don't want to ramble on but I'm pretty sure you'll be checking these two awesome publications.

The Standstill Challenge

I am a horrible blogger.

There I've said it. And I know alot of you out there will agree. What blogger leaves her blog stale for two weeks??

I've been to caught up in real life, mostly school work.

This semester being the final hurdle. I'm inundated by presentations, report and making time for a hundred and million things that I neglect Waking Up Famous.

I am not giving up tho.

Having a semi-working laptop is a pain and with no means to repair, makes me shockingly feel so disabled.

and not so surprisingly, I realised I am horribly reliant on my laptop.

(if there is a laptop God, I would be so grateful to receive a new one)

But the MONTHS(okay I exaggerated here but it feels like it) without having a laptop is strangely liberating.

Sure I've suffered from withdrawal symptoms (nausea, shivering hands and insecurity) in the first week but after a while, I suddenly found the time to jog (I signed up for Sundown Marathon this year), read for leisure and be more active in church.

So my challenge from me to you is to live without your computer/iphone/laptop/ipad for a week and see what happens.

(PS: I really do need a to repair mine or my blog postings will be sporadic  at best.)

For now enjoy this beautiful video I came across.


Adam & Eve from dolly on Vimeo.

Merry Christmas everyone!