The Music Run Singapore 2015

 

Well hello people!

This post has been way long overdue. It was just sitting in my draft folder waiting to be posted and today it’s finally here!

So almost a month ago I joined this untimed 5km run-music event and I had a blast! It was my first time participating in a run event and it was so much fun.

There was a pre-run party with zumba workout that made us sweat even before we started the run haha!

SUPER HOT DAY.

There was music blasting out throughout the whole course of the run and the genre changed for every kilometre.

I gotta admit that half of the run we were just walking haha. Many people do the same thing as well. We’re not actual runners okay, don’t judge!

Welcome to the sauna club! LOL.

Although we were not actually racing, but the feeling of crossing that finish line was damn good! Proud moment right there =D

After the run, the party got real with some live performances and the DJ was playing non-stop until night time. I wanted to stay til the end but my friends from Jakarta were in town so I had to leave the party to meet them for dinner.

I think it got more fun at night, I missed out.. but it’s okay, there’s always next time!

Have you ever joined a run event or marathon before?

xo, Jo

And I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again (#TT152)

I’ve been listening to this song for the past 2 weeks ever since I watched Furious 7 and it always makes me emotional every time I watch the music video, or any videos with Paul Walker or Vin Diesel in them. Man it’s a great song! Proud of you Charlie Puth! I personally think that it’s the best F&F movie EVER. The fighting and driving scenes, and of course, the emotions that are very real. I was the edge of my seat most of the time and tearing up like a cry baby.

It's been a long day without you my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again

Damn who knew all the planes we flew
Good things we've been through
That I'll be standing right here
Talking to you about another path I
Know we loved to hit the road and laugh
But something told me that it wouldn't last
Had to switch up look at things different see the bigger picture
Those were the days hard work forever pays now I see you in a better place

How could we not talk about family when family's all that we got?
Everything I went through you were standing there by my side
And now you gonna be with me for the last ride

It's been a long day without you my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
when I see you again

First you both go out your way
And the vibe is feeling strong and what's
Small turn to a friendship, a friendship
Turn into a bond and that bond will never
Be broken and the love will never get lost
And when brotherhood come first then the line
Will never be crossed established it on our own
When that line had to be drawn and that line is what
We reach so remember me when I'm gone

How could we not talk about family when family's all that we got?
Everything I went through you were standing there by my side
And now you gonna be with me for the last ride

Let the light guide your way hold every memory
As you go and every road you take will always lead you home

It's been a long day without you my friend
And I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
We've come a long way from where we began
Oh I'll tell you all about it when I see you again
When I see you again

 

For Paul </3,
Jo

Pink Sky

You broke my walls that I've built up from my past,
yet you can't come in.
Not that I don't want you to, but you are bound by faithfulness.
Don't come any closer, I'm starting to think of the forbidden thoughts.

I'm writing this under the pink sky,
reminiscing our short yet sweet memories.
Holding myself not to cry,
as I listen to your old symphonies.

Trying to convince myself that it was nothing.
Then I thought again, perhaps it's just me.
Me and my wishful thinking.
Because in the end, it was never meant to be.

Perhaps God is just showing me
that it's possible to love again
even in the most unexpected time and place,
even when I refuse to admit.

As we waved goodbye,
there was a sadness in our eyes.
Only in that moment I realized
that this feeling is hard to compromise.

I don’t mind that you’re not mine.
Just promise that you will always remember me,
as I will always remember you.

 

xo, Jo

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

Baby let's dance. (#TT150)

Hello lovelies!

How has the first month of 2015 been? I think I'm pretty much slacking in everything. I haven't really set my goals yet and I've been eating really bad lately, not sure why but I guess it's pure laziness lol. Imma start setting some goals this weekend, I've bought a cork board to hang on my wall to put up everything I wish to achieve this year.

Here are some cool songs that I've been listening to lately! Hope you like 'em :) 

I really miss blogging and playing music. I guess I just got caught up in life and abandoned things that I love to do. Thus, CORK BOARD, yes I'll do that. 

Recently I kind of get some inspirations to write again. I remember during my emo-est days I tended to write a lot then life got boring and I stopped writing "deep" or poetic posts lol. But yes, life got more interesting again so stay tuned!

Have a wonderful weekend!

xo, Jo

2014: Year in Review

 

Happy belated Christmas!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your beloved ones and had your wishes come true.

I can’t believe this is the last day of December and even more mind-blowing that this is the last day of 2014.

Looking back, it’s been an adventurous year with all the good and not-so-good experience mashing up together.

I remember I had a rough 2013, which is why at the beginning of 2014, I told myself “you know what, I’m in charge of my happiness and I’mma start focusing on myself now.”

So that’s what I did.

Taking that first step was hard, I almost forgot how to be “selfish”. I’m not trying to brag that I’m the most selfless person on this earth, but I used to care so much for every single thing, or every single person, and most of the time, for the wrong people and forgetting about myself.

However, I find myself to be more spontaneous and carefree this year, and it feels damn good. I’ve always been a planner. I plan out everything beforehand and things should go the way I plan otherwise I’d be upset. But I managed to let go this part of me, not all though, because some things are really need to be planned, and I’ve become less rigid.

This explains the impromptu travels, blind dates (yes omg, can you believe it) and generally not giving a damn of what other people think. Some say that this is being ignorant, but hey, ignorance is a bliss.

Oh, I think I have not shared that my name is on the acknowledgement page of a book. It’s my previous boss’ book that I had been helping with earlier this year and this is one of my greatest achievements so far.

So yes, I got a new job this year. Not exactly my dream job but I get to meet a bunch (and I mean a BUNCH) of new people. I also started taking Chinese class again and joined a few interest groups. I’m happy to say that I can call some of the new people I’ve met this year good friends of mine now.

I’m still an introvert though, although I can be the most extroverted person among the introverts. I’ve been working on it and actually I have seen an improvement this year.

I’ve let go of the past that I had been holding on to for too long and I’m not taking the what-ifs and all the “we’ll see”s seriously anymore, because I know they’re just false hopes and hell no, I’m not waiting for anyone or anything to come my way anymore, ain’t nobody got time for that!

On a different note, I’m also very happy that two of my good friends from Uni have gotten married this year. Funny thing is that both of them are the ones who had very little dating experience and ended up with their first bf/gf. I’m expecting some offspring next year and I can’t wait to hold them in my hands.

Again, on a random note, I’m still keeping my hair short this year and I think I prefer it this way. You know what they say, short hur don’t currrrr.

That was my update for this whole year. Overall it’s been a good year, especially that I get to make new good friends from different places.

Main lesson from 2014 and previous years:

Don’t depend your happiness on anything or anyone, because if that thing or that person leaves, he/she/it will take the happiness from you. Be your own happiness.

I hope next year is just as good or even better. Can’t wait for the new adventures and experience in 2015!

Having said this, I wish you a very happy new year! May joy, happiness and blessings be always with you.

Have a great New Year’s Eve everyone! Stay safe and take care <3

 

xo, Jo

‘Begin Again’ Soundtrack + Fashion (#TT149)

Hello lovelies!

Have you watched the movie “Begin Again” yet? If you haven’t, GO WATCH IT. It’s like a musical 500 Days of Summer and I just love it! Keira Knightley is amazing as usual, but in this movie it’s a little more special because she sings! And it’s her real voice, I was like wow it’s so good! She has that Norah Jones kind of voice but sweeter. I watched the movie like a month ago but only recently started digging out the soundtrack list. This movie is just my favorite kind of movie!

Check out some of my favorite songs off the movie:

My favorite scene!

This song is just brilliant.

Adam Levine also has his own version below.

Both versions are equally good, but I guess I still like Keira’s better as it has a different feel and emotions to it :)

The weather is so gloomy nowadays, it rains almost every single day and I just like to listen to something soothing, lightweight and calm (if that makes sense lol). This movie soundtrack is definitely my current go-to playlist. Have I mentioned that I love Keira’s voice?

I basically fell in love with Keira’s character, Gretta. Cool personality, great talent, and also awesome fashion sense! I wish I could steal her wardrobe because I love every single outfit she wears in the movie.

Love the laidback preppy-ish style! I need a wardrobe transformation!

 

Have a lovely week ahead :)

xo, Jo

Taylor Swift’s “1989”– My Top 5 Songs

Hello lovelies!

As you may have or have not already known that our girl Tay-tay just dropped her latest album last week and I thought I would write a short review since I had pre-ordered it and started listening to it non-stop ever since it was available.

The genre of this album is obviously pop, but thank goodness it’s a good kind of pop where lyrics still matter. Many of the songs kind of sound hipster-ish and indie-influenced, which are very much reflected from the polaroid album theme.

The original album consists of 13 songs, while deluxe album has 3 bonus songs plus 3 bonus audio tracks of Taylor sharing her experience during the song writing process.

If you have listened to ‘Shake It Off’, let me tell you, the other songs sound nothing like it. I don’t mean it in a negative way, but they’re not the catchy type that you can’t get it out of your head for a couple of weeks then get sick of it after a month.

Since YouTube still pretty much restricts the original songs to be posted, I can’t post them here. However, I’ll post some of the lyrics instead.

5. How You Get The Girl

My first impression of this song is it could be a great soundtrack of a movie or TV show. The chorus is catchy enough without being too overwhelming. The lyrics is basically some advice from Taylor to guys out there on how to get the girl y’all! Guys, pay attention. I also like how she has a little twist in it.

And then you say,

I want you for worse or for better,
I would wait forever and ever,
Broke your heart, I'll put it back together.
I would wait forever and ever.
And that's how it works
It's how you get the girl, girl...

Tell her how you must have lost your mind.
And you left her all alone, and never told her why (why).
And that's how it works.
That's how you lost the girl.

4. Out of The Woods

I’ve reviewed this song in my previous post here. Unfortunately, the video is no longer working because Taylor and her label basically removed all of her “1989” songs from YouTube and Spotify. She even removed ALL of her songs from past albums off Spotify (sad face).

3. Style

I’m not a big fan of the verses, but I love the chorus. I also really like of how this song is produced, the music sounds very modern and just plain cool. On a random note, am I the only one who pictures Harry Styles here? Sorry I had to lol.

You got that James Dean day dream look in your eye
And I got that red lip classic thing that you like
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
'Cause we never go out of style
We never go out of style

You got that long hair, slicked back, white t-shirt
And I got that good girl faith and a tight little skirt
And when we go crashing down, we come back every time
'Cause we never go out of style
We never go out of style.

2. I Wish You Would

Ok, I think I just found a new trend here. Again I love LOVE the chorus but not so much on the verses. This song has a very cool set of guitar chords and I think the verses could have been done better with a more interesting tune. Every time I listen to this song, there’s a tiny little feeling inside of me saying “man I wish the verses were more interesting”. But perhaps it was purposely done to get the feel of the story behind the song. As for the lyrics, girllll I know exactly how this feels!

I wish you would come back
Wish I never hung up the phone like I did
I wish you knew that I'll never forget you as long as I live, I
Wish you were right here, right now, it's all good, I wish you would

I wish we could go back
And remember what we were fighting for
I wish you knew that I miss you too much to be mad anymore
Wish you were right here, right now, it's all good, I wish you would

1. Blank Space

OMG, OMG, first of all let me just say this. I am BEYOND excited when I found out this was a single because this song is my absolute favorite from the beginning. If you listen to the bonus audio from the deluxe album, you can hear how this song was first made acoustically and I wish there was a full track of the acoustic version because I love it. Anyways, this song was on repeat for one full week and I didn’t get bored of it at all. And now the music video is here!!! It’s a pure gem. Just watch.

 

Till next time!

xo, Jo

We were built to fall apart (#TT148)

Hello lovelies! 

Have you listened to Taylor Swift's "Out of The Woods"? It has some pretty interesting lyrics which many claim as somewhat confusing. But somehow to me personally, I can relate to the song. It's about that state in a relationship that you're not sure where it's going to. It can be scary, it can be exhausting, but it can be exciting as well. 

"Out of The Woods" is not a single. Instead, Taylor released her latest single "Welcome to New York" today. Stay tuned for next week's post!

On a different note, I find that my music playlist nowadays is a little different than usual - LOTS of catchy DJ songs. I think I just want to listen to something that makes me wanna dance and forget about the world a.k.a work, people's attitudes, judgments, struggles to fit in, and "friends". Being in my own zone and not thinking about what other people think is just awesome. SHAKE IT OFF BABY!

Below is just a taste of my current diverse playlist. So shall we dance together? :)

Have a great week ahead!

xo, Jo

Cleansing Oils: Fancl, DHC, Origins, Boscia

Hello lovelies!

It’s been a while!! I’ve been wanting to post this since forever but never really had the time to really sit down and blog.

I’m sure most of you are already familiar with cleansing oils – oils that claim to remove your makeup much better than other regular makeup removers. I’ve tried a few brands that are popular for their cleansing oils, so read more for the reviews!

First of all, when I wanted to try cleansing oil for the first time early last year, I had decided that I wouldn’t opt for the mineral oil based, e.g. Shu Uemura cleansing oils, as I’d prefer more natural products. Coincidentally, my then-colleague gave me a sample of DHC cleansing oil! The tiny bottle is so cute :3

This olive oil based cleansing oil removes my makeup pretty darn well. After cleansing, my skin feels smooth and there’s no tight feeling on the skin. However, after several uses, I find it quite drying on my skin and gives me a breakout, not a major one though, but still. I think because after using cleansing oil I still wash my face with my regular facial cleanser so it over cleanses? So yeah, if you have a dry skin, you may not want to use this every single day. One more thing is that it stings my eyes so bad! This concludes that I won’t purchase this product, sorry DHC!

Next is another sample! Haha. I visited a Fancl outlet and asked whether they had a smaller sized bottle for the cleansing oil, they said they didn’t but gave me a sample instead. This one has thinner consistency compared to DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, clear in color and does just as great job in removing my makeup. It also doesn’t sting my eyes as bad. I personally like Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil better than DHC’s. It doesn’t have scent either, while DHC one has a slight chemical scent.

While I quite liked the Fancl Mild Cleansing Oil, I decided to try other brands just for the sake of exploring different options. Fancl also closed down its stores in Singapore not long after that so I couldn’t go back to purchase. I did my research and listed a few brands. One of them was Origins Clean Energy and after trying this cleansing oil, I knew I had made a right decision!

The consistency is just nice - not too thick but not too thin either. It removes makeup well and has a slight flowery scent since it has sunflower and safflower oil in it. It stings the eyes a little if you really work the oil to remove the waterproof eye makeup. It’s free of parabens, mineral oil, synthetic fragrance and color, petrolatum and not tested on animals. Love it! The only minus point is the packaging since they don’t sell the bottle with a pump and we need to buy the pump separately. I know other countries may sell the pump packaging but not in Singapore.

Finished til the last drop!

Last but definitely not least, it’s the infamous MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil!

This one has the lightest consistency by far, I was so surprised of how watery it was at the first time. The color is greenish and has a hint of minty eucalyptus scent and it’s literally cooling on the skin. The oil is derived from various kinds of plants such as eucalyptus, olive, safflower, jojoba, eggplant, turmeric, henna, basil, rose hip, green tea, and many more! I LOVE this cleansing oil and I actually see an improvement in my skin that the whiteheads are lesser than before. I thought Origins Clean Energy was the best, but I guess I may give the title to Boscia Makeup-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil =)

I’m aware that Boscia has another newer product of cleansing oil – Tsubaki Cleansing Oil-Gel, I’m guessing that the consistency is thicker since it’s gel. By looking at online reviews, many people still prefer the MakeUp-BreakUp Cool Cleansing Oil. I’d love to try it though! Anyone tried it before?

Which is your favorite cleansing oil?

xo, Jo

Switch of Pop (#TT147)

Taylor’s new single “Shake It Off” really REALLY surprised me (not in a bad way though). I was like, “Tay..lor?”, I guess it’s time to say goodbye to fairytale country music.

But actually a shift in music genre can be expected, since her previous album “Red” is more towards pop than country. I think pop suits her, plus we get to see her “fun” side a little more through pop music and of course, her cute awkwardness =) I’m excited to hear the rest of the songs off her new album “1989”.

Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, shake it off

On the other hand, the ever sweet Hilary Duff released another single titled “All About You” which has a little country touch. Some refuse to call it pop country, but use a term “pop folk” instead. Well, to me personally there are no defined lines amongst music genres today, everything mashes up together and most of them sound great. I remember the first “mashed up” genre that I listened to was by Forever The Sickest Kids, and apparently it was called powerpop rock/punk. I LOVED IT.

I really really like this song and I can’t wait to see the official music video. It’s definitely more catchy compared to “Chasing The Sun” I shall expect different varieties of music from Hilary’s new album!

On a random note, I feel like chopping my hair off again to shoulder length, just like Hilary’s =) need to gather courage to do it though because it really takes time for my hair to grow.

Meanwhile, enjoy the new music video by Maroon 5 for their latest hit “Maps”!

Thoughts on Swift’s and Duff’s new music?

xo, Jo