Watercolouriminlove Watercolour Class for Adults

Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life. – Pablo Picasso

In simple and clear words, Pablo Picasso couldn't have said it even better. 

Last weekend 6 September, while little Suryanh was at his weekend school with his pops, I ventured out to learn something too! After giving Anna her last feed, I bid farewell to my little lady of 4 months and rushed off as she looked at me with her beady eyes. I was headed to 11, Jalan Senangin, Bangsar or fondly known as 'sebelas' (sebelas is a pop up living co-working space) to 'Watercolouriminlove' - a watercolour class for adults by 'Weekendiminlove'.

Honestly, I didn't know what to expect. All I was told to bring was watercolour and an open mind, owh and an empty stomach as there would be some good grub organized for us. Like really gooood grub!

Finding the place was easy thanks to Google Maps tho I think Waze would get you there all the same. It was located in a housing area with a lot of parking spaces.

At the entrance, I was welcomed by the founder of 'Weekendiminlove' and 'Watercolouriminlove' workshop guru, Ms. Atie Jaafar. After completing her first degree in Fine Arts Majoring in Painting, Ms. Atie first set foot in the industry as a graphic designer. 6 years later she became a lecturer and then completed her Master in Contemporary Art & Design both in LUCT (Limkokwing University of Creative Technology). Whilst Ms. Atie still teaches design and art subjects in LUCT, she does a myriad of freelance art and design related projects. So there - she has 15 years of experience, you know you are in good hands!

Grub by RootCellar and table set up by The Table Project

Eager beavers waiting for the class to start - Who knows..you may run in to a celebrity or two

As I walked in the entrance I noticed the artfully rustic food set up at the entrance and the full house class of eager beavers.

Water for drinking and for painting

Our art teacher The Artie Atie, started by asking in general what we want to take away from this class. I find out later in the class the answer to this question. She also showed us different watercolours, suitable brushes and paper types.

Doing the Graded Wash Tehnique

After doing the graded wash, just add salt. It will give some texture once you shake it off. My mom asked me if my 3 year old son did this -_-

There are many techniques in painting with watercolour but we learnt two techniques for a start. The first technique is called 'wet on wet' and the second is called graded wash. Once we were done with practicing we broke for 'makan' by Root Cellar KL.

Some of the unique eats by Root Cellar KL

So rustic the table setting by The Table Project

According to their Facebook page, 'Root Cellar KL is a project by chef and all round nice person, Basira Yeusuff in collaboration with a bunch of people who are also not too shabby'. Ain't that cute? The scrumptious food was laid out so appetizingly by The Table Project. I tried to mingle as much as I could but food got into my way or should I say mouth hehe. 

Ms. Atie & Ms. Basira - I love their artistic and quirky personality

The best part of joining events for me is the social aspect of it. Do you know that according to Health Magazine, having a robust social network that includes relatives, friends, and other relationships is one of the best kept secrets to a long and healthy life!

We stole a snap shot after lunch. (See how I dressed up my casual Sunday garb with red shoes and a statement necklace?)

Then we were back to business. Ms. Atie did a demo of how to apply the techniques she thought us earlier and told us that we are tasked to create our own masterpiece. 

Yasmin Hani and other participants look on as Ms. Atie is shows us how she creates a flower wreath.

Flower wreath in creation. Here is a fun fact - you don't have to wash your pallet, just add water to use the colour again!

Tada..done in a few minutes

We got to practice first before we started on the final copy. Thank god for that as I messed up my first trial. I added too heavy a colour when the paint was still wet causing it to look very muddy. 

The practice piece that I destroyed. 

Ms. Atie also advised us to relax and let it flow as watercolour is all about spontaneity. In real life I think this translates to "you will learn how not to be so uptight and anal about everything". Like seriously, just chill ... think of the bigger picture and let your mind and body motor skills? take you there. 

My subconscious inspiration

My painting was a tree. On hindsight, I remember being really mesmerized by a tree I spotted on the highway last week and snapping a picture of it. There must be something my subconscious knew and made a connection..I don't know, but I was indeed satisfied with my work. 

A more advanced student

Did you know that watercolour painting is a form of therapy? In the words of Ms. Atie, "Watercolour teaches you too be spontaneous, let loose, express & challenge yourself with every brush stroke. Just go with the flow, what ever will be will be. Mistakes are inevitable but that's okay..Just like life, you need to just do your best and be happy with it. C'est la vie..."

My Masterpiece - not too shabby :) 

During the duration of the class I found out from different people why they took the class...

1. Can do own designs without having to commission it out

2. To learn some formal things about an informal hobby 

3. Learn a new skill 

and the sweetest ... 

4. to design their wedding card together (ngawww =x) 

This sweet couple are going to design and paint their own Wedding Invitation

The day ended with photo op and everyone receiving a goody bag. Everything from the venue, menu and delivery of this class left nothing to complain about. In fact, I was telling a friend that it was very hispter without even trying to be. There was art in everything. I left feeling very satisfied and accomplished.

We are all proud of our masterpieces

Sounds exciting?

- Checkout Weekendiminlove's Facebook and Instagram page, drop them an email at weekendiminlove@gmail.com to join a class. 

- The class is priced at RM150. This fee includes palette, acid free paper, goody bag and the designer food you will be enjoying. All you need to do is bring your choice of watercolor and paintbrushes. Just make sure they are watercolour paintbrushes yea.

If you have any questions for me please leave them in the comments below and I will get back to you :)

Educated Housewife? HEARTS may be for you.

'I feel being a housewife is one of the most noble and toughest jobs in the world. However, I didn't go to school to just do the dishes, laundry. be a chauffeur and whatever all my life. Maybe I enjoyed it for awhile ..... suddenly there was this void. I asked myself... would my kids grow up and say "I'm proud of you mom?" Or the question should be would I want my daughter to be like me?' 

'My kids have grown up and I don't feel like I have a purpose anymore...'

'After my husband passed away, I am the sole breadwinner and also have to take care of my children'

'I want to work from home but don't know how and where to start'

'In my free time I bake cakes for friends, I wish I could expand it further and make some decent money from it. It would be nice if I could make some extra income so that the whole family can go on holiday'

Sound familiar? Then the HEARTS programme maybe your answer...

What is HEARTS?

Housewives Enhancement And Reactivate Talent Scheme

As the name suggests, this program by HRDF (Human Resource Development Fund) aims to train educated housewives to enable them to work from home or under flexible working arrangements.

What is HRDF?

It is an agency under the Ministry of Human Resources, Malaysia

So... why is HRDF giving free training?

1. To promote active participation in the economic growth while maintaining status quo as housewife / homemaker

2. Upgrade housewife / homemaker knowledge and skills to be self-employed and work from home

3. Assist in increasing the percentage of employable women participation in the labour market from 46% to 55%

How Do I benefit from this training?

1. You can still maintain your status as a housewife / SAHM and work at your own pace

2. You get value added skills should you return to employment

3. Extra income for you and your family

Cool! So.. How Do I know if I am eligible?

1. Married / single mother

2. Not in active employment

3. Tertiary education - at least Diploma Level
4. Age between 25-60
5. Malaysian Citizen
There... easy right? 

What Programmes are offered?

1. Translation & Editing 

2. Train the Trainer

3. Web Development

4. Graphic Design

5. Social Media Management

6, Simplified Internet Marketing

7. Green Islamic Cleaning

8. Halal Assurance Quality Level

From the briefing I attended, it was mentioned that the first 2 programmes mentioned above are the most popular. Option 3,4 and 5 would be suitable for those who are already doing small home businesses like baking or selling clothes online. Option 7 and 8 are good as they are relatively new fields with small competition though I reckon you would need to be a Muslim to choose those.

All programmes consists of 2 modules. You have to finish Module 1 which is preparatory for Module 2 and it is mandatory. Let me tell you a secret... It is most definitely not your boring ol motivasi sekolah =p It will blow your mind!

Oh, just in case you are thinking that as a SAHM you have no time for one more headache, here is some motivation. I met this phenomenal lady who is a SAHM mom and blogger. She runs her home without a maid, with 4 kids (2 are twins and 1 was sickly but due to her positive and fighting spirit he is better now ) and her husband works out of town! She told me it's her passion that fuels her... she packs them all up and brings them to events since she has no help to care for them and writes at night when the kids are asleep. She is one superwoman and I bet we all can be! (if we want to). Here is her blog if you are curious.

SO If you are interested or know of anyone who could benefit from this training, just fill up the form in this link and they will get back to you.

If you have any questions for me please feel free to ask away in the comments section.

How Do I Look? Asia

 

Sazzy Falak & Jeannie Mai. I heart her pant skirt thing!

One of  my favourite shows on TV has got to be How Do I Look? So when I heard about How Do I Look? Asia I was ecstatic. Dubbed as "Asia's ultimate fashion fix", How Do I Look? Asia will debut on 31 August 2015 at 8PM on DIVA Universal, ASTRO Channel 702. How Do I Look? Asia is hosted by Malaysia's Sweetheart - Sazzy Falak a fashionista in her own right.

Me and other Clozette Bloggers

I was privileged to be invited by Clozette to How Do I Look? Asia Launch in Publika. The original host Jeannie Mai, a petite lady with a firecracker personality along with our homegrown Sazzy Falak were there. The highlight of the event were the makeover booths. It was like a one stop fashion fix. There were free threading, hairdos by Panasonic, Manicures, Zalora accessories and Make-Up. Once you got all dolled up, professional photographers were at hand to capture the glamorous new you! 

Getting a hair make-over at the Panasonic Beauty booth

Threading makes me cry.

At the Zalora accessories booth

Getting some fashion advice from Zalora

Playing dress up at the Zalora booth

So.. How Do I Look?

There was even an on the spot makeover. The host Patricia Knudsen identified a guy in the audience that was above average looking but could use some help in the styling department. Sazzy and Jeannie broke down his fashion crimes in front of everyone but complimented him on his handsome face and fit physique that he was hiding under his outfits. He was also wearing sandals which according to them is a big fashion no-no. Jeannie goes on to say that sandals are only okay for the beach and we were clearly not at a beach! 

The great reveal of the fashion makeover

The event ended with a performance by the energetic all girl group De Fam who were actually entertaining the crowd right from the start of the event, the great reveal of the makeover, a group photo session with the hosts and individual meet and greets.

De Fam entertaining the crowd

For the first season of How Do I Look? Asia, there are 8 contestants to watch:

• onesie-addict/ blogger Apple (Philippines)
• indie rock guitarist Ariana (Malaysia)
• mismatch, mishap/ watercolor artist Choc (Taiwan)
• sales executive, and literally “plain” Jane (Philippines/Australia)
• overachieving, yet outdated, Lavinya (Malaysia)
• rebel teacher Lianni (Philippines)
• romantically-insecure Maisarah (Singapore)
• uninspiringly-dressed motivational speaker Yessinta (Indonesia)

Clozette is the Official Fashion Social Network of  How Do I Look? Asia which is filmed at an NBC Universal International studio set built in Solaire Resort & Casino, Manila. It is presented to you by Zalora and in Malaysia it is also brought to you by Marigold Yogurt Drink and Panasonic Beauty. 

Sazzy Falak, Jaishana Logan & Jeannie Mai

For those of you who have never watched the show, let me give you some background.....Each episode features a fashion challenged individual (whom we shall refer to as 'the victim'). The host accompanied by two of the victim's 'peoples' ie. concerned family member, relative or co-worker and a professional stylist tear-down the victims unforgiving fashion sense. The worst of the victim's outfits will be sucked up by the 'eww-tube' because it's just too eww! 

The premise of the makeover is that the victim's style is often hindering them from being their greatest self. 

I remember watching one episode where the victim was hell bent on not wanting to change her style as she thought people should not judge her. Her colleague however felt that the way she dressed caused them to lose some business deals as clients could not take the victim seriously. To prove a point, the host showed her 5 ladies (i think it was just 5) in different outfits and asked the victim to label them as 'dog walker', 'finance consultant', and I can't remember the rest but let's say 'student', 'lawyer' and 'ceo'. From this little exercise, the victim actually mislabeled them all based on how they dressed ie. the real financial consultant as the dog walker and so on.

Usually during one on one time with the host, the victim will open up and share a background story of how they ended up being fashion challenged. The makeover's aim is not to belittle the victim's fashion sense but to empower and elevate these women. All this is done in a very fun entertaining way. The lucky victim gets to choose one new wardrobe and one hairdo picked out by one of the 3 accomplices.

Piqued your curiosity yet? #HDILasia on social media for more and join in the conversation.

STRIP - Exposes Dirty Little Secrets [Are You Being Cheated On?]

The Bad Guys : The Cheating Razor, Exposed Hand and Two Timing Towel

15 August 2015 - I attended an exclusive event at STRIP Mid Valley. I was intrigued by the invitation as it promised to 'Expose Dirty Little Secrets' and went on to ask the question 'Are You Being Cheated On?' 

Warm Welcome at the Reception

I was welcomed at the counter by the warm STRIP staff who then registered me and offered me a complimentary STRIP waxing session where we got the STRIP experience. It is safe to say 'STRIP will never cheat on you!'. The wax girl (I'm so sorry I don't remember your name hun), took me in to the treatment room as per usual. However before the procedure started this time, she opened a large packet that looked like a Condom only like larger..like a horse size haha. 

The Complimentary Treatments of the day and the Hygiene Pack

The XL Condom packet is actually a cheeky way of packaging the tools needed for each treatment. Depending on what treatment you do the contents may vary a bit such as disposable wooden spatulas, a disposable razor cartridge, a pair of disposable latex gloves, wet wipes, cotton pads, cotton buds etc.. This Hygiene Pack concept is to reinforce the fact that hygiene is paramount at STRIP and that they always believe in Playing It Safe. 

To read more on waxing please click here. However, note that STRIP Sunway has updated is look as well.

With the bubbly hostess Joanne Kam

I then went out to mingle with the hostess Joanne Kam and other guests while I enjoyed the light refreshments. I didn't look like someone on a diet as a walloped about half a dozen cupcakes (shhh....). 

Working the Photo booth

The PR people were also on hand to tell us more about STRIP and the way they do hair removal.

Mini Cupcakes from 12 Cupcakes - I like the Caramel Chocolate one

I noticed our very first representative to Asia's Next Top Model arrive. I was wondering how to strike up a conversation with her and not sound lame. But to my surprise she gravitated towards me and told me that I look familiar. Yes me. She asked me if she knew me to which I laughed and said 'I don't think so but I know you."

With ASNTM Cycle 1 contestant Melissa Th'ng

The highlight of the event was the Expose! It was delivered by the very animated Joanne Kam. She started out by showing us the contents of the Hygiene Pack (that colourful giant condom packet). Here is what I learned from her:

Joanne Kam holding the Hygiene Pack and delivering the Expose

1. The second most dirtiest thing / place after the toilet is the Handphone. So can you imagine the hands touching the handphone touching ... eyuwww. That's why at STRIP they always put on new latex gloves for each customer.

2. Each IPL (that is laser hair removal) customer receives a brand new razor 

3. Each customer will receives a fresh towel, regardless where the hair removal is (even if it is eyebrows)

4. Absolutely 'No Double Dipping'. Which means the ice cream stick used to scoop the wax and apply on the customer will never be used more than once. This sounds like a no-brainer but believe it or not many establishment do 'double dipping' or even worse they use the same old ice-cream stick on all customers!

5. Especially when doing Brazillian waxing, all these hygiene steps should not be missed as it may lead to bacterial infections.

With fellow bloggers, celebrities and members of the media

The event officially ends with a group picture. Through this event STRIP wants to get the word out that every customer deserves the right to safe and hygienic hair removal. So join STRIP in saying ‘NO’ to hair removal salons that harbour dirty little secrets.

Checkout the cute campaign posters!

To find out more about STRIP’s Dirty Little Secrets Exposed campaign and hygienic hair removal practices, visit www.dirtylittlesecretsexposed.com.       

(Read & WIN Lancome Products!) The Blogger Babes Asia Launch by Clozette

8 August 2015 - I'm thankful I managed to get dressed and leave the house on time while having to direct latch my 3 month old and entertain my soon to be 3 year old while he picked curiously at my make up. He 'helped' put some eye shadow on my elbow too. He pulls out all the different colours and inists I use them all. He can't get over his head why amma is only using the dull brown tones. I finally manage to say good bye to them and head to Qliq Hotel, Damansara. It was a good 1 and a half hour drive on a Saturday afternoon.

I arrive at the hotel which is connected to the Empire Damansara mall. It's pretty new, about 5 months I hear and I swear I can still smell the paint. I park outside on the main road (promising myself that I won't get a summons) and stride in to the event area at sharp 3pm. 

Many people are already there and mingling. Since I am a noob I scan around for familiar faces and detect two faces looking square at me but I don't know them. However, they exude some extremely good vibes. So, I walk around the lobby just to calm my nerves and take picture at the feature wall before I join the two happy faces.

The two happy faces are Jane and Reia. We quickly and easily get a long to talking and are ushered in to the event room not long after. We sit right in front like good old nerds do. hehe. Reia then tells me sheepishly tells me "Can I tell you something embarrassing? I actually thought You were 'The Ambitionista'. Tall dark and beautiful..what can I say, not wrong for her to get all confused ey? eheh. Well throughout the talk we share laughs on this.

Reia & Mary Jane

The Ambitionista, Heidi Nazarudin is a Fashion / Lifestyle blogger based in New York who is a fellow Malaysian. She has over 200k followers in her social media and is the President of BloggerBabes - LA, NYC & KL. 

Heidi all in her element

I thoroughly enjoyed her sharing session on how to become a great blogger. She touched on areas from branding to knowing your audience. She was very animated and driven as well as being very approachable. As I focus intently in to each and every word that Heidi saus, I am suddenly distracted by a gigantic camera lens to the right side at me. Fuwah! Yes. Mary-Jane  who is a Clozette Ambassador and rightfully so proves that she is indeed a professional blogger! 

(Picture Credit to Official Clozette.Co Event Photography. Taken from FB page)

During the networking session I got to meet a few others like Stephanie Lim-Miss Malaysia World 2012, Jenny Ma-a teacher by day, Jeann who remembered me from Mifa8, Kancana, Tamanna - beauty blogger with gorgeous features, street fashion blogger sisters Blessed & Dressed and perhaps many more. 

(Picture Credit to Official Clozette.Co Event Photography. Taken from FB page)

To add sweetness to the lovely event, Clozette did an amazing job with getting some great sponsors who were nothing less then generous with their gifts namely Lancome, Nivea, Melvita, Xixili, Melinda Looi, Zalora, Wedding.com.my and Blackmores. But wait that is not all, there was a lucky draw too. The prize that was in the eyes of all was the Lancome Gift Box. 

Lucky Me!
(Picture Credit to Official Clozette.Co Event Photography. Taken from FB page)

As I joked about my luck to Mary-Jane and Reina I suddenly here what seemed to be my name being called. "Oh my god!", "Thats me! Looks like my lucks about to change", I blurt (shout) out!

You can see my finger print on the blue :p

The Gift Box consists of :

-LANCOME Hypnose Palette; Doll Eyes 5 Colour Palette

-L'ABSOLU ROUGE; Advanced Replenishing & Reshaping Lpcolour

- GRANDIOSE SMUDGEPROOF; Wide Angle Fan Effect Mascara 24 Hour Hold

- La Vie est Belle; L'eau De Parfum

WOW right? Just Wow! And guess what? I'm so stoked about winning I decided to share my vibes with you by doing a Giveaway! Yes. These cute little products below can all be yours with a few simple steps.

WIN THIS!

Products For You :

1. Hypnose Star Waterpoof Mascara

2. Advance Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate

3. La Vie est Belle, L'eau De Parfum

4. A beautiful pink Lancome flower

HOW to WIN?

Step 1

Follow me on Instagram 'themodelmom' and tag three friends and like the giveaway picture like the one above on Instagram. Make sure your Instagram is public so that I can view you and the tag.

Step 2

Leave a comment on this post that you have done Step 1 To double your chances become a member / follow my blog.

Step 3

Chill out and wait, get more friends to participate. I will contact you to send the sweetness to you!

Winner will be announced on 30 August 2015.

Thank you and cheerios =)