10 Highlights of 2020

 This year has been... different... to say the very least. 

When the first lockdown happened back in Mar/Apr, I was certain that nothing good would come out the year anymore. I was already having a very tough time dealing with everything that was happening around me and lockdown didn't make things easier. 

Like everyone and everywhere in the world, I was forced to spend more time with myself. I was forced to be in isolation. I was forced to live life very differently. My routine and my life changed immensely. I didn't know how to adapt to things that quickly. I didn't know how to appreciate my extra time off. I was forced to learn all these new things. 

While all of that sounds scary, it was also an adventure. 2020 has been a roller coaster for everyone. However, in such difficult times, I am grateful that I still have my amazing jobs. I am thankful that my friends and family and myself are safe. A lot of people say that 2020 is bad news. While it is quite true, but there are some good things that came out of this. 

Our earth was taking time to heal from all sorts of pollution. Some are fortunate enough to spend more time with loved ones. Some are fortunate enough to work from the comfort of their own homes.

On the not so fortunate note, some lost their jobs. Some lost their businesses. Some lost their families/loved ones. It's a heartbreaking year, I'm not going to lie. I've lost people too this year.

However, as I was pondering on all the events that took place for the past 12 months, I've managed to think of 10 highlights for this year. 

1. I was fortunate enough to appear on TV twice

2. I conducted and assisted my first ever NLP course back in September

3. At this age, I was certain that it would be more difficult to make new friends but I've managed to meet 2 amazing people

4. I got to nurture my current friendships 

5. I managed to cut off toxic people, people who claim that I am their girl friend, babe, best friend, etc...

6. I know this is probably an awful thing to say but I got out of a turbulent relationship. Don't get me wrong, no love was lost there. No hate whatsoever. It was just time. And in a weird way, I feel like I've gotten a part of myself back

7. After months of consideration, I finally accepted that I was the problem of my financial status. Because ever since lockdown, I've managed to save money and live comfortably for the rest of the year

8. One great thing about lockdown is I've finally taken my workout seriously and so, managed to lose some weight and build muscles

9. I got to see my family twice this year which was amazing because normally, it's once a year. And because of the pandemic, we communicate on FaceTime more often. I love that

10. In a very long time, I've finally put me first. No relationships, nothing. It's just me. I took time off to read, learn new recipes, glow up for myself, not for anyone else

In other words, I've managed to learn more about myself this year. I've gone through tough times mostly alone. I came out of the situations stronger. So, no matter what happens in the next year, tough times don't last forever. You'll get through this. We will all get through this together. 

Happy New Year, everyone! Stay safe x

10 FAVOURITE HOLIDAY PICTURES

"A picture is worth a thousand words"

Something I've only come to realize in my early twenties. Because that was when I actually found my passion for writing and art. 

Recently, I took a little vacay to Langkawi and Koh Lipe. Here are 10 of my favourite pictures.

-FOOD-

-SCENERIES-

-RANDOM FAVS-

Comment down below which is your favourite pic :) x

2018 New Year's Resolutions

17 days into 2018 and I've finally come up with a list of things I'd like to accomplish this year.

But first of all, HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE! 

Sorry for being MIA. I was off visiting my hometown for the past 9 days or so and I decided to enjoy every moment I could, which meant that I was off social media for a few days. But anyway, I'm back now and I ain't going nowhere.

Well, no matter how tacky and cheesy New Year's Resolution sounds, it's still quite interesting to read and know what people would like to achieve in the year. And no matter how much I tell myself and others that I don't like making a list of things I'd like to achieve throughout the year - because lets face it, we're either going to forget halfway into the year or we add more and more things onto the list - I still make one every year. It gives me a sense of security and a guideline to follow, I suppose.

Yes, I'm weird like that but I know I'm not the only one, or maybe I am? :P 

I've thought about this long and hard because I do take NY Resolution rather seriously. And after 17 days of thinking, here's my list:


1. Publish my book (novel) by the end of the year

This is my biggest resolution for 2018. Something I've been wanting to share with all of you in a long time too. Hence why, a lot of hiatus on my blog but that's not at all a good reason. But more on this book later on.


2. Stop being afraid of travelling

I can actually see that I'll be travelling a lot throughout 2018. And I shouldn't let anxiety and fear of flying stop me from planning more trips with my loved ones.


3. Take my health more seriously 

I have something to share with all of you but that comes a bit later too - Oops, sorry for being so secretive. 


4. Take my job more seriously too 

Not just as a radio announcer and a producer, but as an entrepreneur, writer and the director of my own life too.


5. Step out of my comfort zone a little more each day 

I've done so many things I'd never thought I'd do in 2017 and I'm not stopping this year.

6. Drink less coffee

Yes, I needed 6 cups of black coffee to function everyday but I've lowered it down to 3 this month. It was no easy task, let me tell you. But the aim this year is one cup a day or one cup a week. Let's see how this goes.


7. Surround myself with positive vibes 

Meaning more positive people, friends, vibes and spreading more positivity in return as well.


8. Read more books this year 

Well, I will have you know that 17 days into 2018, I've already finished 2 books (proud moment right here because I couldn't even read 2 books last year).


9. Swear less and say less bad words 

This seems like an almost impossible task for me (for those of you who actually know me, you would think that too), but I'm not just doing this for my spiritual well-being, I don't want my kid's first word to be "f*ck". And no, I'm not pregnant and I'm not having a kid yet.


10. Live more on routines 

See, I've been all over the place for the past couple of months, just taking life as it comes - and trust me, that's great SOMEtimes, but not all the time. I've just started my morning routine this month which I will share soon. And I'm in the process of planning my night and exercise routines.

I've written all of this down and stuck this on my bedroom wall so that each morning, I'll follow these "guidelines". Anyway, I hope January has been treating all of you well. If you are still writing your NY Resolution list, please share some with me in the comments :) 

GLAMPING : BEST WEEKEND #2

Back in September, I started this little mini series called "Best weekends series". So, here I am with my 2nd one.


If you haven't read some of my previous posts, I mentioned that I went on a weekend retreat getaway a couple of weeks ago and it was just absolutely perfect.


Today, one of my colleagues actually asked me where the pictures were taken. And I told her Sekeping Serendah (Malaysia) - it is just a couple of hours drive out of the city. She was amazed. I told her to definitely try it out sometime.

But hey, glamping (glamorous camping). It was my first time too and I think I'm getting kind of obsessed. If I'm being completely honest, I loved it so much so that I even planned another one a week from now. Oops.



Here are some of the things I did over that weekend:


1) Reconnect with nature 

2) Glamped 

3) Outdoor activities: hiked, cooked, swam.....etc.

I vlogged the whole thing. The video is down below if you want to watch what happened on that weekend :) Hopefully this will help some of you who are planning a weekend getaway or just planning what to do on your weekends :) 

#DayOfTheGirl

If I'm being completely honest with you, I didn't know such a day existed. And personally, I think people should create more awareness on this particular day.

Yesterday, I saw celebrities like Beyonce, Lady GaGa, etc. supporting the day and that's when I found out about #DayoftheGirl 

I'm a very neutral person, I support all kinds of days - international women's day, international men's day, international parents' day - you name it.

Anyway, if you are like me - completely new to this day (concept) - the first Day of the Girl was officially declared by the United Nations back in October 11th, 2012.

So here are a couple of my own personal opinions on #DayofTheGirl :



1. I think girls should be given a choice to follow their dreams instead of being married off once they turn a certain age. Everyone should be entitled to make their own decisions. 

However, if they want to marry young, great, good for them, wonderful. But if they want to make it on their own, they should be given this opportunity and freedom - it's only fair. 




2. Girls should be taught at a young age not to rely on just males, but rely on themselves more. There are so many working girls out there trying to make it on their own and I completely respect that. I am one of them. 

Nowadays, there are so many single moms who are doing perfectly fine without a husband or a man or a partner, there are so many female entrepreneurs who are incredibly successful and doing well on their own. Every girl should be given a chance to experience that. 




3. I was fortunate enough to grow up in an environment that pushes me to study hard and work hard and that everyone is equal. However, girls, it all depends on yourselves too. Remember, you always have a choice! There are no rights and wrongs in life. Just good and bad lessons. 

So parents, if your daughters want to be independent and live on their own, please give them all the freedom and support (for the right reasons, of course). 

Girls are not meant to be married off at a young age and reproduce when they are not ready. Please let them have a say in it. Life is short. Let them be happy. 

Happy International Day of the Girl Child 2017 x 

Beautiful York

My trip to the UK was definitely a successful one. It was THE most amazing 2 weeks I've had this year. Although I did want to visit longer, work was calling my name.

Wait. What exactly does this mean? Am I a workaholic now? *jokes*

Anyway, if you've been to the UK or if you're staying there, you'd probably know that York is famous for their Yorkshire pudding as well as their afternoon teas.

I was only there for ONE full day so I didn't manage to visit all of the places. However, I can tell you this. York is probably one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen in my entire life. It's little, but it's amazing.

Afternoon teas are a MUST, obviously

Beautiful York Minster 

Amazing views

If you're ever in York, don't ever miss a chance for afternoon tea :)

Total Disconnection: Retreat Edition

As I mentioned in one of my previous posts, I recently went on a weekend getaway to a retreat where there were NO Wi-Fi and NO internet service.

And yes. It is possible - 

- for someone like me who's constantly on my phone, on social media, checking emails, texting, posting pictures (basically, obsessed with my mobile and Wi-Fi and internet) -  

- to disconnect for 36 hours. 

And the results? 

1. Instantly relaxed 

It was so refreshing not to have my mobile constantly beeping and ringing, to not look at my laptop. Basically, the only digital thing I had was my camera for taking pictures and vlogging. And it felt gooooood. 

2. Calmed

I admit, I do get impatient sometimes when people are not doing things as quickly as I am or as quickly as I expect them to. It's because most of us are so used to the fast-paced environment. But just sitting down and listening to the crickets and feeling the wind in my hair - that took me to a whole new level of calm. 

3. Creative

If you don't know/didn't realize, I've been having writer's (or in this case, blogger's) block for about a month now - hence, the lack of blogposts. But when I was chilling by the pool - surrounded by trees and plants, my mind instantly went on a creative spree. That's when I wrote down all my ideas and that's when I decided to do blogtober. 

4. Happier

Something about being in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nature - there's just something exciting about that. And I noticed that I felt happier not knowing anything except for knowing how to have fun and have deep, meaningful conversations and relax.  

5. Self-love

How often do you check in with yourself? How often do you ask yourself how you are? My answer, I have no idea when was the last time I actually asked myself "how are you today?". And I just realized how important self-love is. Once you learn how to love yourself, you know what to feed your mind and soul.

I think it's such an important thing to disconnect from the digital world once in a while. EASIER SAID THAN DONE! Trust me. I was feeling frustrated the first few hours, but after that, everything just felt amazing. 

However, I'm gonna be totally honest with you and say this right here right now. A little bit more than 36 hours and I probably couldn't handle it. So, 36 hours is the perfect amount of time :) 

If you have a few minutes to spare, here's the vlog of my fun weekend: 

My Playlist for Monday

With the kind of job I have, you may think that after 8-9 hours of non-stop music, I would prefer to go back to a quiet home.

Nope, not me. 

To me, one of the best things about being a radio announcer is I get to go through all kinds of music - whether it's brand new or ancient. I do like all kinds of genres but because of my background as a dancer, I do stick to hip hop, pop, and EDM a TEENIE bit more.

Anyway, Mondays are always a drag even though I love what I do. That's why I make sure to create the perfect playlist on Sunday night so that when Monday comes, I'm so ready to take on the day. 

If you don't believe me, try it. Music helps make Mondays a little bit more bearable. You can definitely trust me on this. 

So, I just decided to share 5 songs that are in my playlist for today. 

1. Silence

2. What Lovers Do 

3. Just A Memory

4. Stay With You 

5. Bite My Tongue 

P/S: You may notice that I go with the more underrated music. But I hope you guys enjoy it x

Some of My Favourite Pictures From Holiday

I don't know whether it's just me, but whenever I see bloggers post something about their holidays, I always get so intrigued.

Some of you may know that I've recently visited the U.K. I was there for a good 15 days and I absolutely had the time of my life. I mentioned in my September highlights post that I got to visit my good friends and family over there. It was just amazing. 

So, I just wanted to share some of my favourite pictures from the trip.

-Architectures and random bits-

-Amazing food and people- 

P/S: I did vlog throughout my stay in the U.K. So, feel free to check my vlogs here.