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

Carlsberg's 2013 Christmas Party and Media Appreciation Dinner

Argh! It's been 2 weeks. Time flies!

I've had a busy 2 weeks. There was always something on everyday in my calendar. It also just came to my realization that Xmas is in another 2 weeks time. o_O Time to get shopping.

The other day I've attended the Carlsberg Xmas Party that took place at the brewery in Shah Alam. It was a rainy day and the traffic jam was unimaginable. Well, that's how it is here in KL whereas everyone just walks in Welly. Just really thankful that I didn't have to walk in the rain here.

The party kicked off to an interesting start by dance performance to Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas", bringing in the Xmas spirit. All eyes were on them. Bet Tim was very happy. Heh Heh.

Guests were served with a lot of good food too. I was pleasantly surprised to see pasta, roasted turkey, lamb, grilled fish and a lot of other goodies on the buffet station to go with a glass of Carlsberg. Totally makes up for the long jam and gloomy weather! 

Met Estelle that day and naturally, we got caught camwhoring. Lol

This was the picture taken in my phone.

And then with Andy Kho in between. :)

Estelle, Tim and I.

What's your poison?

I'm a Somersby kinda girl. The beauty of being in the brewery was that we got to choose from so many varieties of beer under Carlsberg, like Asahi, Kronenbourg, Somersby, Connor's, Little Creatures, and even Jagermeister (although that's not beer)!

Totally PARTAY!! 

I heard if you took more than 5 of these and you'll be teleported home..cos who needs machines for that, right? :P

Also, did you know that drinking beer from a straw gets you drunk faster? Speed kills. 

DJ Calvin Khoo did a fine job creating the party atmosphere that night. I enjoyed most of his tracks and I could tell that a dude enjoyed it so much he was dancing the entire night. Haha! I miss listening to a good mix of dance tracks, which is quite rare in the clubs in Wellington.

The Kronenbourg Eiffel Tower just outside the brewery. Too bad it was raining or else I'd go and get a better shot of it. 

Wet Grass + Mud + Heels is definitely not ideal.

Bumped into Anna! My Kill Bang Marry babe. :)

As it was one of my first events since my return, I was so happy to be reunited with Tim, Andy and the other bloggers again!

Messing around with the foam snowman with Estelle. 

Carlsberg gave us this generous basket of beer to take home as we left the party. :D I'll have a very merry Christmas, thank you Carlsberg! Heh. I see Somersby, Kronenbourg and Asahi. *pumps fist in air*

The next morning, I've made my first visit to Muar to see Mr.Lee.
It's definitely an adventure if you're stuck at a bus stop waiting for a bus that comes 5 hours late! Haha

Stick around for the next post!

xxx,

Ashley Mah.

NZ ECO Fashion Exposed - Fashion Show

TODAY IS THE BIG DAY!

Not only for myself, but many NZ designers who are gonna make their debut on the runway, the event organizers, the other models, and especially the person who started this huge event , Denise Anglesey.

Free this evening?

Then come on over to Sacred Heart College at Lower Hutt, to be a part of this exciting fashion show!

I'm so excited to be modelling and also doing what I love to do best - playing the violin on the runway for this show! Like the Stichbury Fashion Show, there's a violin interlude in the middle of the show and I will be playing! *wink*

Deisgners who will be a part of this show are

Heke Design,

 Dane Dagger, 

Senorita AweSUMO, 

Doppelganger,

 Ron Tekawa,

 Designs on You,

 Zorro Potion, 

Denise H Eco Design,

 Dear Prudence, 

Woman of Joppa. 

International Guest Designer, Karishma Design.

There are designers flying in from different parts of NZ to showcase their designs tonight.

One of these designers that I know, and will be modelling for tonight is Nora Swann, who specializes in casual designs made from upcycled fabric. I am also proud to be walking for Denise Anglesey, who has an eye for denim, and Zaria Potion, whose designs are just mind blowing!

You'd be surprised with what you can do with upcycled clothes.

I know I was!

What are upcycled clothes?

Upcycling is the process of converting useless/unwanted clothes to new clothes. 

The Aim of the New Zealand Eco Fashion Exposed is a pulling together of like-minded fashion designers in New Zealand who design and manufacture ecologically, environmentally and ethically sustainable fashion. (from the website : http://www.nzecofashionweek.com)

What started out as just a "small show" grew to be a huge fashion show showcasing more than a handful of designers instead of one, with publicity and press from all over the world! It goes without saying that Ms Denise had outdone herself, bringing everyone together and putting the pieces of the puzzle together with the help of David Duffy.

 He's not only an organizer for the event but he's also my manager. :)

This man spent plenty of time making us models almost perfect for the show - from the first modelling audition for this show, to workshops to perfect out catwalk and to designer fittings! He's also in charge of the photos.

Vinnie Anglesey will be helping out with the music and my main person who's gonna manage my violin interlude performance tonight! And also Nora Swann for styling and PR for this show.

Show some love and get your tickets from http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2013/new-zealand-eco-fashion-week/lower-hutt

NZ ECO Fashion Exposed FB Page : https://www.facebook.com/NZecofashionweek

SHWOP & STYLE FB Page : https://www.facebook.com/events/598700870158106/

See you tonight!

xxx

Ashley Mah

Throwback Event - Night Out at Chyna Black

Going through my albums and I found these pictures. It's been quite awhile since I've gone to events and such. It's a different life here in Wellington. Albeit being quite relaxed, I miss the occasional opportunity to get dolled up and prance around in my 5-inch heels.

"Why can't she do that there anyway?"
Imagine walking uphill and downhill in heels. I'd close my eyes and silently mutter a prayer while I try not to imagine rolling an ankle or tripping over when I see a chick in super high heels walk the ups downs of the Welly road (though there are some who do that, they're frikkin brave). It ain't Bukit Bintang, or malls where the ground is flat, or all we have to climb are stairs.

Pic above taken by Stoutlager.
Speaking of which, I've not worn my favorite pair of Kiss Me false eyelashes in a LONG while too.
They're the flashiest ones I own. Although elaborate, they're nice and comfy and don't make my eyelids feel like they're lifting tiny weights and make my eyes constantly look half-opened. Still in my luggage, waiting to be used. I remember wearing them during this event too.

Anyway, this was one of the last few events I made it to before starting off my new life in Welly. It was Carlsberg's York Spencer's farewell party at Chyna Black, at The Pool, Ampang. I was there with the MHB girls to celebrate the farewell of our favorite Carlsberg Marketing Director (far right in the picture above).

It was also the beginning of when I started to like wearing stripes. This striped dress is from H&M, one of my favorites! Looks like I'm not alone in this stripey affair because my babe Linora was also in a gorgeous striped dress, with roses and all that! Also sipping from a bottle of Somersby Apple Cider. Yum. #greatmindsthinkalike

Of course, a party isn't a party without some hot dancers!

Honestly don't know why I was pouting and unintentionally photo-bombing this picture.

Andy & I, one of my favorite pictures. So missing him and his awesome pictures over here!

Pretty MHB Chelsea Chil and Linora

Group pic!
What looks like the unintentional theme color being Blue & Black... and I'm stickin' out like a sore thumb.

Us with Tim Chew!

Remembered this event being one of the really fun ones. People just chilling, mingling and drinking. I made a couple of new friends here as well as meeting some others that I've not seen in a while.

Chyna Black is a little lounge located above The Pool, Ampang. It's small and quaint, with dim lights and a DJ deck, where only the stuff that really interested me were played at the end of the party. Bleh. I did like the interior decor of Chyna Black. Wish there were more pictures to show the interior (maybe the next time I visit). It's a nice place for a chilled night out for drinks with friends. A girls' night out just came to mind. 

Me and Andrea, whom I met at the event. She has super cool hair and a nose ring and a fun personality to match! We ended up dancing alot when the event was about to end... just cos the songs were better when we were just gonna leave. -_-

What'd I tell ya?
Heh heh.

Missing those white heels. I remember getting them in Singapore for a bargain price of $35.
One of my favorite easy-to-put-on shoes. (cos I'm lazy like that)
Maybe I'll get them to be shipped over to Welly so I can use them in shoots.

Till the next post, kittykats.

xxx

Ashley Mah

NZSO Lunch Date

[Upcoming Concert]

Hungry?

 

Fancy some lunch?

 

What about a lunch date?

Screw the picnics, they're too troublesome.

 Here's something for a change.

.

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NZSO brings you to a lunch date like never before.
Let the NZSO and conductor Hamish McKeich fill your appetite with an orchestral antipasto to start your noon! Bring a date, bring friends, or just bring yourself to indulge in this musical banquet!
 

MENU

 

VERDI     La Forza del Destino Overture

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 MENDELSSOHN   Symphony No.4 'Italian', Op.90

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MASCAGNI  Cavalleria Tusticana 'Intermezzo'

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RESPIGHI  The Birds : The Hen

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ROSSINI  Ii Barbiere di Siviglia Overture

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ROSSINI  William Tell Overture

 

Best part of it all ; this is a FREE CONCERT.

 

View Larger Map

 

Date : Friday 19 April

Time : 12.30-1.30pm

Venue : Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
111 Wakefield St, Wellington, 6011
 

General Admission

Free Entry
No ticket required

Doors open 12pm.

For more info, head on over to :

www.nzso.co.nz

Don't forget to "LIKE" their Facebook page and Follow them on Twitter for more updates!

www.facebook.com/newzealandsymphonyorchestra

www.twitter.com/nzso

Bon Appétit~
 

xxx

Ashley Mah

Carlsberg's CNY 2013 Promotion Launch

It was a hot and stuffy Wednesday evening, with slow traffic in Ampang, having an ice cold bottle of Carlsberg was just perfect at that moment!

I had gone to the Carlsberg Chinese New Year 2013 Promotion Launch with Tim Chew and Chelsea right after gym at Empire Shopping Gallery. The CNY national campaign was launched at the Nine Emperor Gods Temple. 

Inspired by the money tree plant which is said to bring good fortune to all who receive it, Calrsberg ushers in Lunar New Year with a unique 16 feet high 'Tree of Abundance' which symbolizes the brand's 2013 CNY theme 'May your prosperity reach new heights this Chinese New Year'.

Initially, I was surprised that the event would be held at a temple... just to arrive and be welcomed with festive Chinese decor, tents and lights which were located outside the temple. "Oh right..."

We had some Chinese snacks like "Ba Kua", crackers and roasted duck to go with our chilled Carlsberg. Mmm.

 

With MHB Nicole, Chelsea and Sarah 

YUM SENG!

 MHB Girls, with Andy Kho and Soren Ravn

 

The launch started with a Chinese Drum performance.

It was quite a pretty sight when fireworks were launched. 

 

Sarah, myself, Chelsea, Nicole and Valerie, posing with the money tree-inspired coinbox.

 Flying Lion!

  I was mesmerized by the awesome lion dance performance by the Kun Seng Keng Dragon Lion Dance Association. Their stilts were really high. Personally, lion dances are my favorite part of celebrating Chinese New Year. :)

Chelsea and I had a ball hijacking Tim's camera and camwhoring like camwhore queens. Tim's camera battery probably went down by one bar. Sorry, Tim! Hehe

 

James from Vision KL Magazine

 

Rachel and I

 

 

Took this shot with Tim's cam. 

The Carlsberg 'Tree of Abundance' will soon embark on  a road show across Peninsular Malaysia, launching its consumer promotion worth RM6.8 million in cash and other giveaways, to spread prosperity and positivity. This means consumers stand a chance to win prizes!

This road show will commence on January 11 till February 22,across Peninsular Malaysia. The road show, called the 'Golden Entourage' will feature a brightly lit Carlsberg truck, 8 Fook Gods and lion dance performance.

To participate, Carlsberg consumers will receive one crown cork per person which they will toss into a 'Wishing Fountain' at the bass of the Tree. A coin box will be released from the Tree trunk. In the coin box, there will be a CNY greeting message. 

And if you're lucky, you'd get a little extra sumthin'! *wink*

You could win any one of the following

1. CNY 1 - RM11,888 giant ang pow
2. CNY 2 -  RM 1,188 big ang pow
3. CNY 3 - Free big bottle of Carlsberg
4. CNY 4 - One deck of CNY themed playing cards available in two designs

 Visit the 'Tree of Abundance' at various locations and a county of giveaways awaits you! :)

For more information, please visit www.carlsberg.com.my.

Photo credits to Andy Kho.

 Follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/AshleyEv3 

and  Instagram http://instagram.com/ashleyev3/ for more updates and pictures!

xxx

 Ashley Mah