Fabulous February Music (#TT151)

Hello beautiful people! Hope y’all are doing great. I just came back from my short trip back home for Chinese New Year. I swear that I ate WAY more than I should. I didn’t actually gain weight yet I notice a difference with my now round-er face. It’s really round!! Lol. When I look myself in pictures, I’d be like “omg is that me? Yes, it’s really me, what the heck..”

I’ve been hell busy this month because of work and other bits and bobs in life and I was super tired before CNY as I came back home pretty late almost every day I felt like dying lol. Glad that this month is coming to an end!

Anyways, enough about me. Let’s listen to some songs, shall we?

I watched Taylor’s “Style” video within the first 15mins after its release and I wasn’t even waiting for it! I guess I really watch too much YouTube videos.

It’s sad to hear that Fun. is “taking a break”, but not to worry because Nate Ruess is going solo and you can always listen to that fantastic unique voice.

I don’t really care about the rumoured romance between Zedd and Selena, but I was pretty looking forward to the collab song. However, I have to say that this is not the best piece from Zedd, it’s quite repetitive and predictable. Wait, let me correct that: It’s VERY repetitive and predictable. Come on Zedd, you can do better than this!

On the other hand, fellow DJ superstar, Calvin Harris, proves that he’s still well in the game through this catchy yet not overly-autotuned piece featuring the HAIM ladies!

Imagine. Dragons. Do I need to explain further?

An okay song that fits into karaoke playlist. Her voice is still great though. But I really think the video is quite cheesy.

On another note, did you watch the Oscars? If you didn’t, I’m sorry that I’m gonna spoil it for you because I’m so SO PROUD of Eddie Redmayne!!!

I became a fan after watching him in Les Miserables and I was thrilled when I found out that he got such an important role in Theory of Everything. This dude can act. Even when he speaks off screen during interviews, I can tell he has a classical play/broadway background – very expressive. Not to mention that he’s a Brit (always a plus!) and very very cute xD. Watch out Brad Pitt, Eddie Redmayne is coming through!

The other highlights of the show were performances by Maroon 5 – Adam Levine singing “Lost Stars” from Begin Again and Sound of Music tribute by Lady Gaga. Boy, who knew Gaga could sing like that! Even Julie Andrews was proud.

That’s all for now peeps! Til next time!

xo, Jo

Party Month (#TT132)

Hello lovelies! 

It's December!! Can you believe it? Christmas is coming real soon and it's time to party! Some of you may have or have not known that I'm not so much of an electro music fan. It's catchy and gets me in the mood but it's not something that I can listen to for the whole day (may get sick of it :x). 

But! I've been into indie pop lately and I guess this would be the kind of music that I can dance to all night long! It kind of reminds me of one episode in Lizzie Mcguire where the whole school becomes a fan of Frank Sinatra and the school dance just gets really awesome with the 70's/80's style (ref: picture above).

Here are the two bands that I've been listening to lately, plus Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Cool? Awesome? You're welcome.

Below are the types of dresses that I'd like to invest in for parties this Christmas and New Year. Not vintage, but it's feminine with an edge! Inspired by my favorite looks from the recent AMA. Cutouts FTW!

Taylor Swift in Julien Macdonald

Kendall Jenner wearing Keepsake top and skirt

Have a blessed week!

xo, Jo

VMA 2013 (#TT122)

Although I did not watch the VMA 2013 live, I've watched most of the important moments of the show from various sources and yes, I was fangirling so much over 'N Sync being reunited (and still suffering from 'N Sync hangover); yes, I cringed while watching Miley's performance; yes, I'm happy that Macklemore brought home 3 moonmen; and YES, I'm still having 'N Sync hangover (have I already said that?).

Isn't it a little unusual that Gaga's performance was not the hype this time? Can't believe Miley would beat Gaga in the over-the-topness genre. Still need to give her points for that Ariel costume though.

And these priceless expressions by the Smith family are the best!! Many think that these are the reactions to Miley's performance but these were actually to Gaga's. So yay for that! When I watched the actual footage, both Will and Willow were actually munching chewing gum, thus in stills it looks like their jaws dropped to the ground. Jaden's got the million-dollar expression though haha love it!

The focus of the night: Justin Timberlake!!

I'm really really happy for Justin, he deserved all the awards that he received. Besides taking home the Video of The Year Award, he was also honored to receive the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, which is also known as the Lifetime Achievement Award, that is "given to musicians who have made a profound effect on the MTV culture." Oh yes, he definitely did. In his speech, JT thanked and shared the once-in-a-lifetime award with his boys, “Half of the moonmen that I’ve ever won, I won with these four men right there. So above all else, we can keep it at my house — but I’m going to share this award with them. This is truly an honor. Thank you so much.”

Full list of VMA 2013 winners:

Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award:
Justin Timberlake

Video of the Year:
Justin Timberlake – “Mirrors”

Best Hip-Hop Video:
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton – “Can’t Hold Us”

Best Male Video:
Bruno Mars – “Locked Out of Heaven”

Best Female Video:
Taylor Swift – “I Knew You Were Trouble”

Best Pop Video:
Selena Gomez – “Come and Get It”

Artist to Watch:
Austin Mahone – “What About Love”

Best Collaboration:
P!nk feat. Nate Ruess – “Just Give Me a Reason”

Best Video with a Social Message:
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – “Same Love”

Best Rock Video:
Thirty Seconds to Mars – “Up in the Air”

Best Art Direction:
Janelle Monae feat. Erykah Badu – “Q.U.E.E.N”

Best Song Of the Summer:
One Direction – “Best Song Ever”

Best Choreography:
Bruno Mars – “Treasure”

Best Cinematography:
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton – “Can’t Hold Us”

Best Direction:
Justin Timberlake feat. Jay-Z – “Suit & Tie”

Best Editing:
Justin Timberlake – “Mirrors”

Best Visual Effects:
Capital Cities – “Safe and Sound”

I'm very proud of Macklemore! It's nice to see independent artists getting success that they deserve. This point brings me to the Artist to Watch Award that Austin Mahone managed to bring home.

I've mentioned before in one of my TT posts that Austin might be the next Bieber, which some of us are not so excited about. But this could be the underlying reason of him getting the award. It's hard to deny that his fan base is not identical or the same as that of Bieber, by which all of us know they could be pretty hardcore.

I'm not saying that he didn't deserve the award, I'm happy for every single artist that have been nominated and won this award because I know it's not easy for them to be where they are right now. What I'm trying to say is that it would be nice to see musicians with new sounds that can expand people's music horizons win this award. I would have been more than satisfied if Twenty One Pilots won this award :)

Overall, this year's VMA was all about JT (yes, I've said his name million times by now). His next album, which is a sequel of The 20/20 Experience drops September 30th!

Let's end off this post by re-watching the golden reunion 'N Sync performance! You're welcome :)

Get More: 2013 VMA, Artists.MTV, Music, Justin Timberlake

Did you watch the VMAs? Thoughts?

xo, Jo

Lady Gaga vs Katy Perry (#TT120)

Hello lovelies!

There's a handful of new singles being released officially recently, by which two of them are from our pop princesses, Lady Gaga and Katy Perry! Which one is better? You tell me!

We definitely can't wait for the official music videos, right? It will be another battle!

Other songs under my current playlist:

PLL's Keegan Allen and Cody Simpson at Teen Choice Awards 2013 (via Keegan's instagram)

Yes, I just feel the need to post this, because FINALLY they took a picture together! I've noticed their resemblance for forever so THANK GOD for this picture lol.   

Oh, and Pretty Little Liars won 7 awards at the Teen Choice Awards 2013!!! Whooooo!! #proudfan

Have a good week everybody!

xo, Jo

Awake and Alive (#TT62)

This song is my anti-despair pill.

 

I'm at war with the world and they
Try to pull me into the dark
I struggle to find my faith
As I'm slippin' from your arms

It's getting harder to stay awake
And my strength is fading fast
You breathe into me at last

I'm awake I'm alive
Now I know what I believe inside
Now it's my time
I'll do what I want 'cause this is my life
here, right now
I'll stand my ground and never back down
I know what I believe inside
I'm awake and I'm alive

I'm at war with the world cause I
Ain't never gonna sell my soul
I've already made up my mind
No matter what I can't be bought or sold

When my faith is getting weak
And I feel like giving in
You breathe into me again

Waking up waking up
In the dark
I can feel you in my sleep
In your arms I feel you breathe into me
Forever hold this heart that I will give to you
Forever I will live for you

I’m so stressing out for exams! And this shall last for another month. This week I’m gonna have my music theory exam and there’s so much to memorize. Wish me luck!

In the middle of my “blah” situation, this totally cheered me up! Thanks, Bree! ;)

 

Also, Halloween is just around the corner!! What are you gonna be?

I’m gonna be….. nah, I’ll leave that for the next post! ;)

Have a great week!

xo, Jo

Thanks for being so inspiring!

So few days ago I got this award from the lovely Bree and it made my day! Make sure to check her blog out because it’s amazing. Thanks again girl! ;)

As the rules say, I have to list 3 things/people that inspire me so here we go. ;)

1. My parents.

These 2 persons are the ones that inspire me the most. I don’t want them to be replaced because they are the best role models in my life. They’re always there giving the best for me and I can’t wait to repay them one day!

 

2. Music.

I just can’t live without music! I’d feel that a day is lacking if I haven’t listened to any songs. It’s funny how I always have a melody playing inside my head even when I’m not listening to anything. Music makes good times even better and is a remedy through bad times. I wish my life was a movie that has a different soundtrack for every moment everyday! :P

 

3. Teachers.

Not all, but many of them have been my inspirations that lead the life I’m going through right now. Most of the teachers that normally inspire me are the ones who teach music, English and business. It’s not easy to be a teacher that’s why I appreciate them a lot ;)

 

Not to mention that all bloggers are very inspirational to me as well! Therefore I’ll pass this award to each one of you because each blog is just inspiring!

Hope all of you had a good weekend!

xo, Jo

Strap It

Hey, beautiful people! How’s your weekend going?? I hope it’s great coz mine is pretty awesome! ;)

So here is another piece of clothing that had the similar story with the pants I reformed. I found a defect on its neckline and it frustrated me quite much! I tried to accessorize every time I wore it but I never got fully satisfied.

Sooo, I found these bra straps (lol) that I don’t remember why I bought them. I cut the adjustment clips (or whatever it’s called) so they became just like normal elastic strips. I sewed them along the neckline to ensure that the defect would be perfectly invisible and tied them together into a bow!

 

I’ll probably wear it tomorrow on the Degree orientation day! :)

Thanks a lot to Jennifer for passing me this award! :D

I felt pretty bad accepting this award since I don’t do outfit posts lately but I promise I’ll catch up! It’s just that I like to post more DIYs these days heehee.

Later!

xo, Jo

Muchas gracias!

I’m loving the weather lately, it’s a bit chilly and windy (sleepy weather) because it rains pretty much everyday. The only thing that I’m not really comfortable with is that the kind of weather like this makes me dilemma of outfits I’m wearing. It could rain so heavily in the morning but later on it could be so sunny and warm, vice versa.

 

plaid shirt – random, cami – mom’s, leggings – Colorbox, necklace & belt – F21, pumps – Carlo Rino

I got my first blogger award! Weeee! Thanks a bunch to Letters for Jenni! Girl you made my day ;)

I’m sharing this award with other 7 lovely bloggers:

• Nana in Wonderland
• I love my wardrobe
• I know, right?
• Style Nirvana
• clothed much
• My Cherry Gum
• Nadiye Is Not My Name

As the rules say to share 7 random things about myself, so here we go :)

• I’m in love with penguins and would love to have one as a pet :P
• I heart music and have been playing organ/electone since I was like 6.
• I fell in love with Spanish language in primary school as I could memorize one song in Spanish in a day without having any knowledge of the language itself yet. So I started self-studying since then (as I didn’t have enough time for extra courses) and only started taking proper classes one and a half year ago. I think it’s one of the most beautiful languages ever. 
• I’m a Chinese-descent with a very limited ability of speaking Chinese. Been trying to learn it many times since I was very young but my heart is just not into it. (Sorry, my dear ancestors!)
• I have a very sensitive skin. Itchiness and redness have become parts of my daily issues.
• If I were a flower, I’d be cherry blossom.
• When I got to know new people, so far never anyone has guessed the right nationality of mine till I told them the right one. (My look can be deceiving, LOL)   

I had a video chat with Belinda today! She ‘premiered’ her new album to her fans and I can’t wait to hold the album on my hands! :D

xo, Jo