Finding the harbour

I'm probably one of very few people who can't find a harbour...
I got so lost during my first attempt that I decided to go home instead...
Finally today I found it after walking in circles.

best sign in the world when you're lost

This would've helped BEFORE I started walking around.



oops! Zoomed in a tad too much



The rules in Hong Kong

So after being here for two weeks, I have learnt a few things...

1. People Speak Cantonese, not Chinese... Don't sound like an ignorant westerner...
2. Just keep walking. People bump into you, you walk into people. If you're too polite you'll stay in the same place the whole day.
3. Bargain where you can... Don't even think of trying in places where you can't (or shouldn't)
4. No map? good luck, not everyone will help with directions.
5. It use to be a British colony, no fish and chips here, unless you make it!
6. You're fashionable if you wear something fluffy... Fluffy leg warmers are really trendy...
7. Winter isn't really winter... It's not that cold... And don't think about looking at what the people are wearing before you go outside... I died of heat the first week...
8. Wet markets are way better than the grocery store when you want fruit and veggies
9. If you're going to be impatient, stay at home, no one's in a rush.
10. and last but not least, do NOT go to Causeway Bay on a weekend!!

I have to be honest I haven't really gone exploring that much yet as the huge amount of people scare me, I've never been a fan of crowds... But as i still have two and a half months to look around... Why the rush?

What is the weather up to???

It's cold!! I miss indoor heating so much right now!
I'm not a big fan of rain in winter... It's miserable... :( especially when I need to walk around a lot...

But I'm really glad I'm not knee deep in.... snow right now!!

mmmm, now to find some good movies and make use of the weather...

A few photos...



This is what models eat... Skittles and sour jelly bears!



Very glamorous. Models waiting for the show to start. My last show in Singapore

Swarovski exhibition in Hong Kong

Some street in Causeway Bay... Lots of lights, lots of people

Buildings...Skyscrapers...

Lost...

I'm starring in my own version of Lost... Season three.
I got lost in NYC (as impossible as that seems to most), I got lost in Singapore... And I'm getting super lost here in Hong Kong.

I've been walking around in circles for most of the day, there's something wrong with my map book... Seriously... And sadly there's no male to blame for not stopping and asking directions.
I have discovered a lot of interesting places though!
The markets are awesome, fresh food is a big deal around here, it's still alive when you buy it, can't get fresher than that.

I'm staying in Causeway Bay for the next three months and I know my cash flow is going to suffer dearly, I'm surrounded by stores and stores and more stores.

Sorry no photos yet, I keep on forgetting my camera. Oops!

Hello Hong Kong

I arrived in Hong Kong last night... Rather late, much later than expected as I decided to fly with a budget airline... Sigh, delays, delays, delays... It's not often that you can see them load your bags on the plane...

Lights everywhere, too many people and very little English... This should be fun :)

Kidnap The Sandy Claws Sing Along

The sing along version... I don't have to be the only one humming about blowing Sandy Claws to pieces...

When it's almost Christmas and I get to relax, then...

I've had a few off days... good time to relax, catch up on some sleep and... Watching animations...
Awesome...

I also wanted to get all ready for Christmas, so I've been watching The Nightmare Before Christmas.
I can't remember it being so creepy, but I do love Boogie's boys and their very catchy song...
So I've been singing their warped song as my personal version of a Christmas carol...



'Kidnap the Sandy Claws lock him up real tight, throw away the key and switch off all the lights...
Kidnap the Sandy Claws, bury him for 90 years and see if he talks...'

Just a bit of this and that...



Back in the day at the age of 19 with my Ford Supermodel of the World friends




Me and my young little 17 year old roomie back stage at the vitamin water show



The view from ION sky 59 stories up

View from ION sky during the day

I don't know if it was sheer boredom that made me wonder about this, but at the ION Sky lounge they had these awesome viewers that guests could use to look at the city. Once something interesting is seen, you can zoom in for a closer look...

I wanted to know if it's possible to stalk someone using those viewers, you know, get a sneak peek into people's apartments, random things like that... Well if you were wondering if it's possible; It's not...

I probably just watched too many episodes of Friends where they spy on 'ugly naked guy'... Or maybe I'm developing a serious problem. (Five seasons of House = valid medical opinion)

The answer.

I truly discovered  Die Antwoord yesterday.
So slow on the uptake. Sorry people who had a bit more faith in me.

Strangely enough I was told about them by my hairdresser in NYC who has more tattoos than the stereotypical hell's angel and who also has a huge fascination with.... wait for it...

 South African music.

I will not be able to repeat the only Afrikaans phrase that he knows, as it's rather.. rude to put it lightly. (courtesy of Die Antwoord)

Lots of giggles later I must admit that I do like them, they remind me of home and the very awesome sense of humour we have...

What???

It's a glorious Monday.

Usually I'm never a person who loves Mondays, but today has been an interesting day so far.

I had a casting today and I got told that I'm too skinny... Mmmm, should I be disappointed of flattered?

Think I should  get an extra large chocolate milkshake, double cheeseburger and fries!

High Life editorial.........

Stylist: Angelo Villanueva
Hair and Make-up by: Cats del Rosario and Theresa Carbonel
Photographed by: Karen Kho
Location: South Forbes Golf City

The small things...

I admit, I didn't have the best week so far, it was awful to be honest... I'm not going into details, as I have sufficiently felt sorry for myself.

I have realised that yes, my week was a nightmare (according to me), but nothing in comparison to what some people need to deal with.

I do not need to live in extreme poverty, I'm not all alone, I can sleep in a bed, afford food,  
I have had the opportunity to go to school, I'm healthy and I have never faced death, just to mention as few, the list can go on and on.

And I was feeling sorry for myself over a few silly events...
Sometimes we need to be grateful for the "small" things in life, then the bigger picture does seem more bright.

Hold my hand

Hold my hand

Hold my hand when we travel on bumpy roads and slippery paths.

Hold me close during cold storms

Protect me from that which may harm me.

Catch me

Catch me when I want to fall.

Do not let me go.

Become my eyes when I cannot see what lies ahead.

Look at me

Look at me and absorb all that you see.

Gaze into my eyes and stare into my soul.

Look at me and see the pure love that I have for you.

Lead me

Lead me on this journey.

Lead me through the darkest of times.

Point out the stars in those moments of despair.

Map the heavens with the stars of hope that you carry with you.

Hold me close when I am alone.

Catch me when I fall into despair.

Lead me towards hope when I want to go astray.

Look at the stars of hope that you have given me.

　

　

Am I slave of my circumstances?

Sometimes we think that we do the right thing at the right time, but looking back at some of the things I have done I tend to wonder if I did it the right way . Hindsight is 20/20.…

Now here’s the question that I keep on asking myself.
If I act according to my circumstances, so if I decided to act in a specific manner at the time, that was the best way to handle the situation, does it make it right, even if it wasn’t the best ethical decision?
So if the answer to the question is yes then it proves that people are slaves of circumstance.

Now I don’t want to be a slave of my circumstances, because if I am stuck in a bit of a sticky spot I will get out of the situation without the consideration of others.
I also don’t need to be a slave of circumstance, there are so many people who are stuck in the worst situations and they keep on smiling (sometimes it seems nearly impossible, I take my hat off to people who are this amazing)

Good people aren’t always the ones with a perfect life, the ones who have gone through all the hardships and who have survived the storms, those are the people who have integrity.
But then I’m not saying that all people who have had very fortunate circumstances are bad, maybe just less experienced.

Okay so the whole reason why I’m thinking about this is because I’ve had a charitable week so far, Not all of it has been by choice.
My wallet got stolen a few days ago. Now this was charity without any choice, (how to sugarcoat theft)
I just hope the person who stole it used my cash wisely…

And also I have to help out with a new room mate. Usually I just help enough to not inconvenience my life too much, but this time round I decided that that’s probably the worst thing to do. Just doing enough, not always being there when someone needs me… Wow, now that’s probably the nastiest form of disappointment.

One wake up call from losing a mere wallet.

Sometimes things happen for a reason, and even if the circumstances aren’t the best, it doesn’t mean that my attitude shouldn’t be.

Today...

 I decided to go to Little India.. Little is an understatement, otherwise I missed over half of it...
Now that I think about it, I probably did.

I'm still recovering from shock, my wallet got stolen! All my cards gone and it's quite the challenge to get everything again, but I'm trying to take it in my stride as I can't really do anything else.

After strolling around and taking a few photos I decided to go back to the apartment and I got caught in one of the hugest thunderstorms. Instead of waiting around I decided to walk back in the rain, down pour, flood..
I got home sopping wet and giggling. Sometimes one just needs a big storm to wash all the your worries away.

What are people thinking???

I read a very upsetting post on facebook.
Someone would pay a vet to remove a dog's vocal chords, but not to get the dog fixed???

So now I want to know, WHY DO PEOPLE WHO EVEN CONSIDER THIS HAVE PETS?

Maybe if we can remove that person's  vocal chords, the world will be a calmer place...

If you have pets, give them hugs and kisses and spoil them.
They are defenseless against the actions of people and they cannot fend for themselves, they love their owners unconditionally and they don't always understand what they have done wrong.

We should learn to love animals, not harm and abuse them.
Help an animal shelter this festive season, by sponsoring some presents it's Christmas after all...
Go look at wet nose animal rescue centre, just one of the many in SA
wet nose animal shelter

What are models?

" It's so weird that people think that models don't eat, do they think we're robots?"

That's what my new roomie said at a job today. I found this hilarious... Sadly.
Models aren't robots... Put a plate of snacks out backstage and see how fast it disappears. Models can put most people to shame. (Surprise!)

I've actually done a show where the exit of the dressing room was close to the entrance of the kitchen.(strange setup, don't question it) The first waiter that walked out of the kitchen was attacked my about ten starving models and had to turn around and go directly back. I have never in my life seen waiters dodge people so effectively.
Waiters briefing in short: Do NOT let the models get to your trays.

So coming back to the fact that models aren't robots.
Time to rescue my feet, heels all day is murder...

the destuction of an art form

Today I went looking for shoes, but not just any shoes, 3 inch heel, white or silver, preferably sandals with NO crazy detail.
Quite specific and completely not my choice of colour and height.
Give me a good 6 inch black pump.

So grudgingly I try to find a store in Singapore that won't break the bank.(I say grudgingly as I am never going to wear them again)

I walked from store to store, get ignored at some as I apparently don't look as if I can afford the shoes there, or I probably  had quite a look of disgust on my face.
Where have all the good shoes gone?!

I found the shoes I needed.White full of sparkles and a bow. Wow, it hurt to type that.
I keep on staring at them, hoping the bow might disappear. So much for NO crazy detail.

Buying shoes should be a joyful experience! Finding the perfect pair of shoes is an art form.
One that should not be ruined by... Buying a pair of shoes that you don't really like but really need.
It makes me think of school uniform... Must stop shuddering.

Just a random addition, three is a crowd. We only have two coffee cups left in the apartment, the others all broke and only two people can drink coffee at a time. Models are elegant on the runway, but clumsy as all hell when it comes to mugs.

Irony...

I have decided to run around Singapore with a camera.
Not much of a big deal. Wrong, for me it is. I love taking photos, don’t get me wrong, but I just tend to… forget.
I realized that I’m in the generation just before the great happy snappy era.
Just go look on facebook. All those born in the 90’s have over a thousand pictures up of themselves and those who live in countries where digital cameras made their appearance first have more photos on their pages than those who had to wait a bit longer and pay considerably more for a digital camera.
So I’m going to say that this is the reason why I tend to take less photos than my peers. (That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!)
I thought that I should maybe invest in a camera that produces instant photos, like the legendary Polaroid camera. Mmmm, awesome possibilities for creativity and the super fun part is watching your picture develop right before your eyes… Awesome.
So anyway, I tried to document my average day and then I ended up wanting yet another camera…
This is becoming quite an expensive obsession or collection.

And the irony of this post... I'm not adding ANY photos today!

Oh, how I love irony.

Busy, busy, busy...

Busy day today! Casings all the way!

I just thought that this pic should be seen.



Taken at fort Canning in Singapore by Ivan Lim



You just gotta love...

A good thunderstorm on a crazy hot day, finding 20 dollars in a pocket, laughing until your sides hurt and room mates...

So I've had quite a few roomies in my life so far and I have realised that there's probably no better way to learn to be more patient.
The usual arguments of dirty dishes, loud music and bathroom hogging aside, room mates aren't all that bad.
they have good shoulders to cry on, they cheer me up when I'm down and they just let the good times roll.

Today was one of those killer hot days again in Singapore, but I braved it like a good tourist (not that I really am one) with my backpack and camera. The streets were busy and the rain stayed away just long enough for me to go to no more that seven 7 elevens to look for a local sim card... and I still don't have one.




Just walking around




Christmas decorations up already



more christmas decorations



Orchard road





It's not what you think! It's strictly for reasearch... For personal reasons...

I have a firm belief that when one lacks knowledge on a topic, you should do some research.
My blogging skills are rudimentary to say the least, so today I decided to do... research.
I've spent most of the day in the company of other blogs. Reading them ogling at the photos and then also sometimes wondering how a mommy with five kids gets it right to look after them and still have time left to devote to a pretty awesome blog.

Okay, so I need photos...With captions (Oops! I forgot that) Not any photos,
I need photos of my pets, children and husband... (I think I've been reading the mommy blogs)
Here's the first BIG problem.  All my pets are far, far away, so unless mom emails their pics, it won't reach the blog. Then children... Uh, maybe I'll just drop that topic for now.

Also I need interesting personal stories... So now, I travel and I work... I'm a gypsy...
I meet new people all the time, I work with different people on a regular basis.
(Does that make me interesting?)

Well I do have a really funny story about a nun, but that's not the topic today.

Right, I can see one positive development here! This blog will probably become a really good hobby, it's my world anyway...

Some fashion week images

Killer heel!

The First of Many

Hi all!
Welcome to my world!
Basic introductions are in order I guess.
So this isn't a blog about anyting specific, just... well, my world. So every post will have a different flavour...

I am a fashion model and I'm based in the Big Apple. Right now though, I'm travelling in Asia.
I feel like a modern day gypsy. Never in the same place for more than two months and always planning my next journey and all my belongings fit into my luminous pink luggage. (If you see a girl at the airport with pink luggage, chances are it's me)

Today is my first day back in Singapore after a rather busy fashion week in the Philippines, which was awesome, I might add.  Eleven shows and three shoots later, my feet are killing me, I'm sleep deprived, but the wonder of being part of an amazing fashion show and wearing beautiful creations made with so much care, talent and enthuisiasm makes every blister, cramp and yawn entirely worth it.
That's what this industry is about in my opinion, the appreciation of an art that is so readily expressed in our everyday lives.
 I just tend to forget that when I have a 5 AM call time... I don't do mornings...
Receiving caffeine intravenously seems like a good thing at that time of the morning too, but as that's very questionable behaviour I had to settle for starbucks.
Starbucks or no starbucks, every second was worth it.

SM DEPARTMENT STORE LADIES' WEAR SPRING/SUMMER 2011 - Gallery | StyleBible.ph

SM DEPARTMENT STORE LADIES' WEAR SPRING/SUMMER 2011 - Gallery StyleBible.ph