I am a creature of habit and usually not the biggest fan of change. My annual visits to the salon can be numbered on one hand (maybe even half of one hand), and I never do anything drastic. However, my hair's flatness had been me getting on my nerves way more than usual upon returning from Melbourne and I decided it was finally time to take matter into my own hands; or the hands of Eugene (Gene's Work Hair Studio)

​First and only criteria however: 
I ain't changing my hair colour no more!

I like dark hair and I am an avid believer of looking as close to natural as possible. I've stayed away from eyelash extensions for the very same reason, not because I think it looks bad (it looks great on so many people); Just feel like it doesn't sit with me y'know
. 

THE JAPANESE PERM

I am twirling my hair as I write this and it's nice seeing how bouncy the ends of my hair are compared to it's flatter days. Love the way the curls looks and I don't find it particularly drying or damaging (but of course it is a little dryer than usual). Best way to describe it is like a "digital perm" once it loosens up a little, more movement, less maggie-noodle-like.

However, I'd suggest you bring a book or a laptop (or a purpose in life) because this is going to be long. LONG! Like 5 hours long, like I-could-go-to-KL-and-back-and-have-an-hour-to-have- coffee kind of long. It's worth it in the end, for good hair.

The main thing I learnt from Eugene is that when it comes to the perm, the hair cut is probably the most important and  of course the condition of your hair. Healthier hair means a nicer curl, so I had to get all my split ends trimmed off and my hair re-layered for shape. PLUS, it's really important to always go in from trims or treatments to maintain your hair's health. I feel like everyone  knows that but very few people actually do it, MYSELF INCLUDED! So this year I've made a mini resolution to take better care of my hair, since I already have so little of it. 

On a separate note, I have so much product to try for my face, there's this new cushion CC cream from The Face Shop that I got and I'm dying to try out. Just haven't had the right occasion yet. Will keep y'all updated in the next post.

WANT TO HAVE GREAT HAIR TOO?
Head over to Gene's work Hair Studio :

SEKAMA 7, Sublot 5, 2nd Floor, Lot. 197, Section 59, KTLD,
Jalan Sekama, 93300, Kuching, Sarawak.
Kuching, Malaysia 93300

Eugene
​+6014 695 2436

​xoxo
Joyce

I've spent the entire month of June bundled in a fleece in this zero-degree (slight exaggeration) weather. Although I've spent a good amount of time studying in Melbourne prior to my return to the city-where-dreams-are-made-of (read: Kuching), I never accustomed myself to the cold. I went from singlets, crops tops and sun dresses to WHERE IS MY THERMALS/HEAT TECH?! 

On that note: If you are travelling to colder climates and refuse to look like a polar bear, give the UNIQLO heat tech a try. They're fairly affordable and definitely are on par for warmth as the traditional thermals. Plus, with the heat tech, you won't be sweating or gasping for air in indoor heating. It adapts! Like an educated individual to their surrounding. 

---

Back to June 'Favourites', I compiled a list of things I really enjoyed. Some fashion, makeup, events; the whole shenanigan!
Let's begin.



​1. Flared Pants

​I thing I'm pretty late on the 'tailored-pants' wagon because I think I own like 2 in my entire closet of denim, denim and more denim. I do see the difference between fitted pants and my usual skinny jeans because it is insanely flattering, just make sure you try them on and that they fit you like a glove. The worst thing you could do with fitted pants is to buy a pair that does not fit.
COMPLETELY DISRUPTING IT'S ONE SOLE PURPOSE - TO FIT.


​2. White Jeans ( love the ruffles on the hem)

If I had to pick a favourite colour it would have to be white. I love the look of white on white, though Aaron would always ask me if we're heading to the Hamptons. I got this pair of white jeans from the TOPSHOP AU closing down sale at Emporium. It cost like 30 bucks.

STEAL! It's a harder denim so the shape holds, which I love. Photographs like a dream too, so definitely no complains.



​
3. OUAI Wave Spray

I learned about OUAI Haircare (@theOUAI)  from watching Jenn Im (Clothesencounters) /one of my personal favourite youtubers. After doing my own thorough research (forgive me I'm Asian), I found out that OUAI Haircare's founder and creator is Jen Atkin (@jenatkinhair), a celebrity Hairstylist, that does the Kardashians hair and many other A listers. 

I have really fine straight hair, so this wave spray does wonders in giving my hair some body/ volume without frizz or clumpy tangles. I will not succumb to the back-combing trend, not my thing. My sister has the OUAI hair oil that smells like roses and it's super nourishing without being overly oily. 

If you're interested to give it a try, it's available at Sephora. I'm saving up for the Texturising spray next!

​

4. LBD
​

The Little Black Dress.
Everyone needs a little black dress, I just happen to have like 5 or more. Black isn't my favourite colour and I often try my best to avoid wearing it but there's something that always lures me back. I guess with lbd(s), the cutting of the dress is the most important.

The dress above I got from an Australian brand, MOSSMAN. This trip I added another piece to the collection, from SABA. The best thing about Australian seasons is the constant end of season sale. So that's when I creep out of my room and proceed to shop.


5. Rimmel Trio Sculpting Kit x Kate Moss
​

Been on the lookout for a good contour shade that wouldn't cost an arm, I love Benefit's Hoola but I wanted to see if I could find something similar at the fraction of the price and I found it!

The contour shade in this kit is neutral enough for my skin tone, without making me look ashy of dirty. Plus the additional coral blush with some faint shimmer that makes me look like my skin is glowing even when sometimes it really isn't.

Great buy!
Hope they have this back in Malaysia or else I'm going to have to head to Priceline to restock of somemore.



6. Favourite Memory
​ ( An insane night out with community)

Church community here has really grown to become family over the years. We work through life together, through thick and thin; We ask tough life questions and help each other grow on faith. However, one of this months favourite memory was when we all decided to head out for Pris's 21st and Kel's farewell. It was the hardest I've ever partied in my life. Period.

We danced for like 3 hours, this group of Asians with unwavering energy. I can't even remember the name of the bar we went to, nor do I remember half the things we said or did. It was just 5 hours of good solid and in fact, clean, fun.

I think I'd like to shed further light on the whole partying/drinking alcohol topic. I believe that when your intentions are clear, you're not drinking to get piss drunk to do regrettable things, I believe that there really is nothing wrong. At our age, (adult-ing age), you really should be old enough to make your own decisions without people having to bark down your throat; at the same time it's good to stop doing silly things that give people a reason to bark down your throat.

Have fun, live your life.
Responsibly.



​7. Favourite costume

My younger sister turned 21 and we all threw her a huge costume surprise Party. Everyone had to dress up as something that starts with the letter P... thus the creative costume above. I tried to go as Paris Hilton but it semi-failed because I couldn't find a proper blonde wig, mine had pigtails.

Anyways, my 6 weeks in Melbourne is coming to an end and I'm honestly quite geared up to head home. This trip was a great reminder of how beautiful and meaningful life in Melbourne has been; but it also reconfirmed my love of Kuching, my home. I guess everyone finds footing at different places for different seasons.

--

"He makes all things beautiful, in His time."

​

“Your dad is a good man.”

in which I’d usually smile and nod, then awkwardly slip away.

That has been the most common statement I’d get everywhere that I’d go. So much so that at one point I dragged coming back to Kuching to work because I felt like all I ever would amount to at best, was “William Khoo’s daughter.”


What is a ‘good man’?


Dear daddy,

You are far from the richest man or top business man, neither do you go out and attend events to make connections or join any charity clubs. So how did you, the lover of herbal chicken soup, watch-er of troll youtube videos, wearer of TOPMAN slim fit coloured jeans, frequent CityOne GSC movie watcher and 24/7 architect be constantly called a good man?

I think I might have the answer, so hear me out.

Having started my own business in the last few years, I’ve always been told that I’m too nice; I’d probably get eaten alive and stepped over. Which is something, quite frankly, is true. The only difference is that I, like you, truly hold hope and believe that when we walk right before God and before men, will never end up on the losing end… because I’ve seen that in your life again and again. What men consider as failure, God has time and time again taken it as an opportunity to be used for something good, for His glory.

You’ve always taught me to see the best in people, even when I felt like I was hurting; to learn to love, to work hard and to have integrity. You’ve relentlessly pushed Pris and I to be respectful of everyone; and in all things, to set our heart first on the Lord, not material wealth.

Despite common belief, “A dog eat dog world” or “Survival of the fittest”, thank you for being unwavering in your faith and your values; no short cuts or corners cut. Through you I’ve learned that by being myself, being respectful and earning back respect (not just kissing ass), I too can learn to carry myself like that of my father.

People tell me that our family always seems so blessed, and I don’t deny it. I’ve seen God’s hand so obviously upon our family, how He’s carried us through.


“Grace and Mercy follow you all the days of your life.”
you’d say to Pris and I every morning before you go to work.


The world promises so much treasure, connections, material wealth etc. Temptation knocks on every door, “but for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” No amount of money could’ve guaranteed me the security that comes from above, for that reason I believed that God would come through for me every time because he always did for you. I grew up so loved and without lack because you taught me to find fulfilment in God; I never felt the need to search for love or attention in boys because you set such an example of a father’s love.

The way you love mummy, the way you put our family first in everything, the way you care for our church and our community despite how busy your work schedule may be.
I’ve never seen you intoxicated even once in my 23 years of life; you have no eyes for any other women (not even in movies); you never speak badly of anyone and you’ve expected us to do the same. I love you for that.


I know things aren’t always a bed of roses and I see you working so hard day in and out, even today (your birthday). I pray that God will grace you the strength to not lose your resilience, to fight through every wave of what feels like defeat and to swing at every curve ball the world throws at you.

​Know that no matter what, you have been and always will be my greatest role model, a father figure and everything else in between.


All I want to be, is the daughter of my father; that I may be known to be just like him.


Happy Birthday.

Love,
Joyce
​the daughter of a GOOD man / a GREAT father.

*you're the real MARVEL.

My new year resolution officially starts now because Chinese New Year is coming
to an end. Didn't start on the 1st of Jan; starts now because I'm chinese.
(That's basically just my excuse for writing my resolutions late.)  
Resolutions always seemed like such fluff because it's hard to keep yourself 
accountable for it, unless you decide to write an entire post about it and put it on the internet... ​Like me.

2016 was good, lots of ups and downs. I did a heck load of things I never thought i would, joined a pageant, 
trained hardcore, went to Indonesia, travelled to Korea, did a all-girls trip to Tasmania,
worked in a radio station, got into a relationship, etc. It was really memorable, I definitely went 
out of my comfort zone quite a few times.

Here are my plans for 2017.

1. Travel

Cliche, but true.
I really believe travelling opens your eyes to lots of things,
not just the typical vacation kind of travelling. The kind
of travelling where you get to meet people outside of
your day-to-day. 

Perhaps, a village thriving on edutourism; or an organic farm. 
Volunteer, or take on more social organisation projects
in parts of the world that aren't always on TV.

Myanmar, India, Rural Sarawak... 

But not forgetting to take time out to travel and enjoy
the little luxuries in life. Appreciating art, culture,
history, design. It's important to see what's out there,
a world beyond our little bubble.

_________

I thought I'd just throw this in here. I'm finally gonna watch Coldplay this year, 
so that's one thing off my bucket list. Plus, I'll be going to Armin only right after which technically
would be my first rave! I'm so excited, for the music and also the dressing up.

Big shout out to M Social singapore, looking forward to the stay!
The place looks so fancy.
​
​

.

2. Self-value

I think it's normal to sort of give and take
when you first start out (business,work etc.) ,
there's been a lot more giving especially cos I'm
still fairly young in the industry.

However, sometimes when there is
a lack of appreciation of your work, you
tend to de-value your own self worth
over time. 

Don't.

This year I aim to continuously work at self-improvement. Read more, learn
from others. Explore, write, take more photos,make more videos.
Every opportunity is another step towards improvement. 
__


There's also been a certain sense of 'I'm not good enough' thats been lingering
around. The pageant did a lot at teaching me how to properly groom myself,
dress up, apply makeup etc. I'll admit, I do feel more confident about the way I carry myself, 
the way I look; but within that industry is a whole lot of nitpicking and criticism.
You stare in the mirror and think about all the flaws you wish you could fix,
there is a lot of self-worth buried in how you look.
​ It determines if you'll get the next job, or book more clients.


​

3. Be Social (without the media)

So, not a lot of people know but over the years I became sort of an introvert.
Maybe it's my work? butI enjoy being alone, I kinda like the silence.
Not that I don't like being around people, I do; it just takes a lot more effort but
once I'm out I do enjoy myself. 

I think social media is one of the most useful tools ever, but it does have it
downside. I spend a lot of time on social media, trying to keep in touch with people
but at the end of the day... 

I'm not being 'social' sitting in a room by myself scrolling through Instagram, 
replying fb messages and DMs. I guess I want to actively take time out to catch up with people over 
coffee, enjoy a moment without scrambling to find my phone to take another picture. It
becomes a habit after awhile.

​

​

I'm just going to leave it at that.
2017 will be great, I believe every year will be. 

If you too share in some of my resolutions, I hope you find
some encouragement in this post and know that we're all in it together.


Life is a journey, it's better doing it together.


xo
​Joyce

Okay,
I'm going to be brutally honest.
Because this is where I can be real.


I feel this constant pressure of having to already piece my life together. 

Sounds easy doesn't it...
piecing things together.
It's just like putting two pieces of a puzzle together.
That's all.

Just that the piece don't fit, 
and they're not even from the same puzzle.
And my hands are trembling,
and I'm blindfolded,
and I can't breathe.
Plus there's fire.

Fire freaking everywhere.



Before you overthink anything,
nothing is going wrong and I really do love what I'm doing.
I love being able to push my creative limits and come up with crazier content,
but sometimes I can't.
I can't..
 because I feel I'm not good enough.
And though that is THE most cliche thing to say,
I really feel it.


I don't want to give up.
Not this early in the game and I know there is no reason to give up.
But I miss security.
I miss being told what to do and I'll just do it.

Here's me protecting that little flame that has been sparked.
Sometimes it's just me sitting around that flame,
praying and hoping that it'll grow.
So I'll just sit there,
like I do on Friday nights.
and I'd write down one million ideas.
Then I'll freeze because everything seems too big for a freshie like me.
I'll psych myself out and go to bed disappointed that I couldn't do it.



If you were looking for a nice ending,
I'm afraid I don't have it yet.
I'd just like to know,
do any of you feel it too?


Or am I the only one?