Crazy ass shoot!!

It was 8 degrees, 8 a.m., on a winter morning.

Windy too, if you didn't know Wellington's insane wind conditions.

This had to go down on the list of crazy stuff that I've done!

Jim from CarrollVisual Photography and I collaborated on these "Washed up on shore" themed photoshoot at Owhiro Bay. My makeup was done by Emma Sophia, she was amazing, doing my makeup at 7a.m. on a Saturday.

Being drenched in the wind and wearing a wet shirt sticking to my body was a real challenge, but I was determined to keep a straight face until we wrapped it up. Jim was quick and planned his photo taking wisely, Doug was there giving me moral support and helping out despite the cold weather and I had desperately tried to keep a straight face.

These are what we came up with. 

Jim has some arse kicking skills at capturing the waves and colour scheme. The photo is not even really photoshopped. I was quite pleased when I got his email of the pictures!

Owhiro Bay would look very pretty in summer.

I love upside down shots. They're my favourite.

After this shoot, I threw this damned shirt away. It was one of the most annoying pieces of clothing I owned because the bottom had strings attached to it and it looked unbalanced all the time. I got it from Asian Avenue 4 years ago, one random day at Sunway Pyramid for RM25, so you can imagine the quality. Lol

My nailpolish is courtesy of Yuan, who has extremely good taste. I love the colour against my skin, it stands out nicely. Gonna buy this exact colour next time. 

Achieving this sort of pained look in this shot - pretty much depicts how I felt while shooting. Haha! I had to say, it was quite fun!

Jim's FB Page https://www.facebook.com/carrollvisual

Emma Sophia's FB Page https://www.facebook.com/emmasophiamakeup

xxx,

Ashley M.

The Student Life

Hi world,

This post is a reminder that I'm alive and kicking except that I'm all effed up from exams, assessments, performances, essays, you name it. It is the life I chose and embracing challenges isn't really my most favourite thing in the world. Nonetheless, I'll be OK after Monday. Not GREAT but OK.

C'mon Ashley. 

For the first time... In my entire life, that I've spent 7 hours writing an essay.. of 1,400 words. Yeah. I wasn't even talking to anyone while I sat in my living room, just grinding my brains and typing away about the Assumptions of Degenerate Music during the Third Reich through the case studies of Krasa and Hindemith as an essay for my Music History paper. I am so gonna remember that forever. Yay me. Also, I think I've lost a part of my brains in the process.

I've literally got only 1 week to do this essay before the deadline, as my essay question was constructed then. Today's breakthrough is finishing my draft for 2696 words! *throws confetti* Sometimes, no, not sometimes, but EVERY TIME I think about it, I really hate Msian Education System man. Why the hell do you not teach students to write proper essays? Bloody hell. Most of my teachers in primary school and secondary school taught me squat!! More often that or that I should skip school and study stuff by myself at home... or rely on tuition out of school. Which was how I got by. God, I never even bothered studying for my English exams then! -_- If it wasn't for A Levels, my writing skills would be even more screwed than it already is, as much as I hate to admit it. 

Rant over. Nope, not quite. Anticipating Monday, my essay is due then, together with a Music History journal, and also it's the day of String Tech Exam! Weehee. Just hope I don't mess it up like last year and ran home crying. Lol

Ok, the most exciting thing that happened this week was purchasing this baby. Cooking brown rice now is fuss free and it doesn't bubble all over the table! Yay!

I love brown rice. So much better than white rice! Chewy too. 

Recently did a shoot with British photographer Andrew Gibson and it was one of those portrait shoots. Nothing experimental or crazy, a rather nice and laid back shoot on a cloudy day in the Wellington Botanical Gardens. 

As you can see, it is autumn now. My favourite season! Not too cold and not too warm. Oh, and also I'm dressed in my everyday uni gear. Haha definitely had no stress in picking out wardrobe for this shoot.

I had one of the best times shooting with Andrew. Didn't feel like my pictures made my face look fat for once, he captured my angles quite nicely and the natural light certainly helped too! My pet-peeve is photographers when they take photos with flashes, washing out all my makeup and making my face look 2D.

Ugh ugh ugh. JUST NO. Finally, one that doesn't do that. :) 

Here's a special one he took of Doug and myself. <3 My favourite photo of us so far! ..which is not a selfie. Haha. Hard not to laugh though when we were, uh, posing. It's just not.... what we do. Posing like couples. Heck, even some people think we are siblings (wth?)!!

Anyway, it is one of those fabulous photos, taken during a candid moment even.

The next two weeks will be assessments and exams! After which is the winter break, which means I get to play Guildwars2 for the entire day again. :')

Throwback : Redbull event in 2013

2012 - Gotta love Oktoberfest!

2012 - with the girls at a Hennessy V.S.O.P Bottle Launch

In contrast to the posts that I used to write, it is pretty clear that my blog is going through a diary-fying process. Lesser events, lesser parties, alcohol, high heels (it's Wellington, what are you gonna?) and glamorous photos at happening places. I miss all of those. Nonetheless, I'm going down this different road, learning more about music and getting closer to my future. So... Life's still good! Though, I'll try to update as often as I can, since this is one of the things I do to keep my sanity. hehe

I'm living the student life!!

xxx,

Ashley M

Maxim Swimwear Model of the Year Grand Finals & Pastry Brunching at Pandoro Patisserie

First of all, I'd like to take a second, exhale, and say I'm really glad that this month is going to be over. March was a pretty tough month. Not just for myself, but especially for the family members of the people in flight MH370. While conspiracy theories seem to be growing like mushrooms on the net, I just pray that the family members will find peace and strength, as it could have happened to anyone.

I hope things will be better in April, and hopefully I'm less accident prone. Seriously, my first month back and pop goes my kneecap. What are the chances? Anyway, it's healing up slowly together with my rotator cuff injury on my right shoulder with the help of an amazing acupuncturist. I love acupuncture. It does wonders!

Having a hectic schedule these few weeks have been driving me bonkers. Also, I've just survived my first uni orchestra performance with a healing arm. Thank God I didn't have any recurring pain after the 2 hour long program, plus a 2.5 hour rehearsal before that! :) 

My current favourite coat! It's so comfy and warm. Though not quite helpful when it's raining. Lol

Went out last weekend to town for brunch with Doug & Shu Run to check out Pandoro Patisserie on Allen St. I absolutely loved the place! It was like... heaven. It was a perfect day to be there because I had cravings for sweet stuff and baked goods. Besides, I've been good the whole week and cycling my carbs. ;)

Chocolate Danish. 

Very yummy, but too sweet for my liking. (wth is wrong with me)

Now this, I liked. 

Blue Cheese and Bacon Scroll.

Not an avid fan of cheese, but this level of cheesiness in this one is just right. The mushrooms inside are an added bonus!

Shu Run's mega impressive Chicken Sandwich.

It was Crumbed Chicken Schnitzel on Turkish bread. The bread from Pandoro itself. The helping was so huge she needed help to finish this. Haha

Another winner - Doug's Mediterranean Lamb Burger.

The meat is heavily spiced and it's beautifully accompanied by coulis, cheese and beetroot. Also a very big portion. 

Needless to say that we were full for the entire day.

One highlight of the week for me this week is the Maxim Swimwear Model of the Year Grand Finals. 

(Kinda funny how I'm blogging about food and about to write about bikini models.. lol)

It was still kinda blurry to me that I made it to the finals in a bikini contest in another country. 

Was it scary? Yes, but it was exciting. It was quite an experience to be the only tiny Asian girl competing with the tall Angmoh beauties in their bikinis. Haha! It definitely drove me to be more disciplined with my diet and workouts though.

The pictures are quite crappy because they were taken by my phone in a really dark venue with irregular lighting. Bah.

It was quite nice to meet the other girls! They were really friendly.

Thanks Doug for this picture! <3

 It was really hard to take a good usable picture.

 So, I was introduced as a model featured in FHM Malaysia. (2012 Jan issue, hehe) 

While I was going backstage to change, some dude hollered at me "Eh Malaysia, kick ass ah!" in a very Malaysian sounding accent I was pretty stunned. Lol. That's a first.

All the finalists for the New Zealand round in bikinis. 

The winner gets to go to Gold Coast and represent NZ in the Australasia round. Can you guess who won? Hehe.

Tadaah!

Congratulations ladies. You all deserved it :)

Make us proud in Aussie, Sarah babe!

Group photos.

 Looks shitty but thats about as much as my phone and editing skills can do. T_T At times like these, a good camera is handy. Unlike my stupid Samsung PL120 -____-

Although I didn't get a sash, I'm really glad to be a part of this competition despite it being just my 1st month back in Wellington. Also, it's another tiny title to put under my belt. :) It was a nice experience! My 2nd swimsuit competition, aside from the Roxy one in 2012. 

One of the best parts of this competition was to be escorted to the entrance of the stage by bouncers and bodyguards!! This is so that we don't get harrassed by drunks or just hamsup people in general. :P 

I felt so special and safe. 

We should have this in KL!

Oh yeah, I've managed to do this to my hair that night.

 Updo with short hair. Nailed it. Also gave a crap to pin flowers into my hair.

April, I'm ready for you!

xxx,

Ashley Mah.

NZ ECO Fashion Show

One of this year's highlights in Wellington had to be this ; the NZ Eco Fashion Exposed show, about 2 months ago. 

I was lucky enough to have met the person behind this show, Denise Anglesey, who had me performing on the electric violin during a music interlude in the middle of the fashion show. Other than that, I had walked for 3 designers that day. So, I had more than one hat to wear that day.

I had gone there hours earlier for a round of rehearsals and soundcheck with the girls. Was quite pleased with the sound system at the venue and Jack, the sound guy who was so cooperative and helpful. :)

The show opened with the Kapa Haka, a Maori performance. They looked so colourful! At this point in time, all the models and deisgners were scrambling backstage to get everyone ready. 

A few designs from local designers.

The first designer that I've walked for is Nora Swann. 

Her creations are done with upcycled T-shirts!

Can you spot me? Heh.

Taken during mid-walk. 

Took this backstage. I loved the colour! <3 

The next designer that I walked for is Dane Dagger. So happy when he chose me to open for his collections! :)

Everything passed so quickly for me once the show had started. Before I knew it, I was already playing the ending of 'Laughing Buddha', by Vanessa Mae. Time really flies when you're busy!

My outfit was designed specifically for me by Denise herself! :) Thank you for the lovely outfit!

Oh yeah, I probably haven't mentioned why I had those crazy brows. Part of the look that night was BOLD brows and high ponies, which  looked something like this up close. Even Doug had to take some time to get used to my new look! I kinda liked it. Lol! Fierrrce.

The show almost came to a close a little after the last designer I walked and opened for, Zorro Potion. I absolutely loved her designs! They were glamorous and memorable. People even cheered for her when she came out on the runway! 

My outfit was called Show Pony. 

It was glam, steampunk and cute wrapped in one outfit!!

There was even a bustle on my, uh, behind. Haha

The details on her dresses and outfits were so intricate. Me like!

The first time I put on this outfit for a fitting session, I was breathless. 

Not only did it fit like a glove, I have never worn such a unique design before. She was sweet enough to come to mine to do a fitting, I was super duper excited and honoured when a designer requested to do a fitting at my place! *paiseh* 

She even chose me to open for her collection and walk alongside her for the finale! *more paiseh* 

That's myself with Zorro and another gorgeous model Kendell, looking like bombshells in sparkly gold dresses!

Thank you, Zorro Potion! I was so happy to be a part of Ghost Train!

(Can you see my bustle now? <3)

Denise Angelsey & I. 

After the show, I literally ran around to grab shots with the designers before they disappeared. The show was a hit!

Zorro & I. 

The details of her designs are clearer here!

 Lace, sparkle, feathers, chains to make the perfect outfit. 

I've made a few friends that day as well. The girls were really friendly and we chatted a lot while doing hair and makeup, and also waiting backstage. One of the friendliest was Sarah, who is Miss Humanity International New Zealand 2013. Glad to have met her. She plays the clarinet too! Haha

That's her and Miss Sustainable Style Model, Hannah. :) They rocked it in Nora Swann's designs!

Dane Dagger, myself and Zorro Potion.

Had such a long day that day at the Hutt. I really couldn't have done it without the help and support of my partner-in-crime/personal photographer. ;) Thanks for being there for me the whole day, bibs!

It was quite an experience, this is my 2nd fashion show here in New Zealand - and this was a big one! I totally did not expect to model as much here but I really thank God for everything that I've been blessed with here, like contract with a modelling agency. :D Yes, I've upgraded to an official model now and not self-proclaimed or anything like that. Hehe

Many thanks to Denise, the designers, David and the team. I enjoyed modelling and performing for the NZ crowd too! On runways, twice this year. 

One of the models was kind enough to give Doug and I a lift back! She's such a sweetheart. 

My face probably had like 3 - 4 layers of makeup and my hair numerous rounds of hairspray.

So this is what I look like after a long day.

Pretty anot? Lol.

On Facebook, people are calling me Crayon Shin Chan cos of my brows. :P 

You meanies! Haha 

After a week, NZ Eco Fashion Exposed came out on Wainuiomata News and there's a picture of me in it! Woohoo!

Took the paper to my lecturer as the paper mentioned me playing the violin and that I am a student from NZSM. He was surprised, the good kind. Haha

Here's the link to the newspaper: http://issuu.com/the.star/docs/213268wn

For more information and pictures, visit NZ Eco Fashion Exposed's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NZecofashionweek

Pictures from the official Facebook page & Doug. He's gained some pretty decent photography skills to take good, post-worthy pictures with just an iPod, I must add. :) 

Be back in KL soon!

xxx

Ashley Mah.