Putting on a new face

I am not outgoing by nature. But after 6 years in a comms job, I've learnt how to appear sociable even if I feel like smacking you silly. And I've found that putting on make-up and certain clothes are a big help here. Itz like creating a different character. Kinda like a clown.

So, for the biggest ever PR event in our lives, Big & I decided we had to go put on our clown make-up.

THE haircut

Big is one of those boys who have always had their hair cut at an old-school Malay barber shop. Unfortunately that also means he is always amazed at the amount of money I spend on my hair and the time I spend in the saloon. So, it was my turn to be amazed when he said he wanted to get his hair done at the saloon I go to, and by my stylist (who also happens to be my nephew, twice removed). A mere (discounted) $35 later, this unfamiliar fellow strode out with me.

Big bought a tub of the strongest hair wax he could find, in attempts to style his very stubborn hair after the inital cut & style. Success has been kinda elusive. It seems the wax is not strong enough to straighten out his curls (or ducktails).

Trial bridal make-up session

The trial bridal make-up session was just that, a trial. I wear make-up 5 days a week for work, and on occasion, on weekends as well, but I still think itz a bloody botheration.

We've all seen people getting seriously transformed after a professional make-up session, and sometimes itz not for the better, speaking from a personal experience here, by the way. Yes, I know bridal make-up needs to be more elaborate than your everyday look, but I also don't want to look at my wedding pictures 5 years down the road and wonder who the girl in the gown was.

Anyway the make-up artist that Blu Mesh works with is Joanne Lau, who also works with Silhouette. Our photographer Kelvin has also worked with her. Which says a lot for her credibility since Kel's clients are all pretty put-together.

I think Joanne was pretty amused by the way I was perched very gingerly and upright on the chair. Here's how it went:

Joanne doing up my eyes. I had never worn eye make-up til about maybe 4 years ago AFTER I got rid of the specs. Altho I wear very basic eye make-up daily now, I'm not good at application. I really liked what Joanne did though. She promised no blues or greens - that is such a dated look =S

The other thing I was seriously worried about was the hairdo. Most brides wear theirs up. But I have a smaller-than-average face, which is why my stylist always makes sure I have some bangs. Joanne styled it such that I could wear my hair up, but still have some framing my face. The other thing we agreed on was NO tiaras. Joanne suggested flowers instead, and that's fine.

Here's me with make-up and hair done. Of cos this is just an idea of how the actual thing would go. But Joanne did assure me she wasn't about to do a wayang or drama-mama look. And looking her own make-up, she's definitely got good taste. PHEW.

Contacts:

Ivan Lim, Supercuts, Far East Plaza

Joanne Lau, make-up artist

Pumpkin Patch kids

Other than the Transformers who moved into their new home even before we did, there are a couple of other "babies" who have made a permanent home at the Pumpkin Patch.

Transformers

Sometimes, the 'bots get friends visiting them. Do note that these are a mere fraction of Big's (ever growing)collection.

Big-Mo

Domo, also known as Big-Mo or E-Mo (becos he watched Star Wars and thought he was an Ewok) was one of the 1st to move in permanently. On weekends when we are around, he can be found on the couch or sometimes waiting for food at the dining table. On weekdays, he lives in Big's cupboard. Big-Mo's a favourite becos he's so huggable.

The other Domo-Kuns

Big-Mo's smaller counterparts are Halloween exclusives from Target, specially shipped in to Singapore. They are Dracu-Mo, Pumpkin-Mo and Frank-Mo. Frank-Mo is mine. The pretty little black-haired girl next to the assorted Domos is Amy. She was an unexpected find in Wanchai, Hong Kong. Amy's pet Spooky is to her right.

Elvis

This baby snow leopard was adopted on 2 Jan 2o10. He is named for the King becos he's horribly vain, and loves to preen. Elvis is best friends with Big-Mo whom he uses as a perch most times. When he's not looking out of the window or chewing on Big-Mo's head, he likes to chew on his other best friend Mew.

Big's harem of Japanese girls

The 'weekend' girls cos he only sees them when we stay over at the Patch. The rest of the harem are still in his own room at home.

Tiny's Zoo

This is my tiny zoo. I am trying NOT to start another collection. But this is what happens when the zoo is too far off to work or volunteer at, and when you're deprived of a pet for the last 30 years... There are a couple more pets at home which I haven't brought over, like my 3 geckos...