Last week amidst my busy schedule, I was invited to Nong jia Nu‘s house for tea. The moment I stepped in, I didn’t want to leave. If I had the time, I’d sit in a corner and wait for ideas to come to me. Her house inspires dreams. And my dream house dream has just been inspired by her house. 
10th Jun
Join us at our 1st event this June – Every Little Thing – a new fashion market organised by the same people behind Public Garden. Discover locally designed clothes and products, as well as one-of-a-kind bags and accessories. A touch of vintage, fashion and food, all in one place. As always, we can’t wait to show you our new vintage arrivals together with a selection of handmade jewellery. Be the first to see the pretty prints, feel the fabulous fabric and try them on yourself
Date: Sat 8 – Sun 9 June
Venue: Old Hill Street Police Station (Former MICA Building)
3 mins walk from Clark Quay MRT
5 mins walk from City Hall MRT
Time: 1pm to 7pm
If you would like to try something that you saw from our website, drop us a mail on Facebook or email, damejolierocks@gmail.com and we’ll bring it down for you.
Till we meet.
7th Jun
Hello my lovelies.
You would think stress at work would be killing me, but surprisingly as things get into a better rhythm, I’m feeling less stressed. However, my personal life is taking a toll on me. Who knew. Hopefully that will pass.
In the midst of the strain, it seemed like a good idea to take a break and get away from everything and everyone. And I did.
Breathe.
3rd Jun
A lot of people always ask me what camera I use, and I feel that when I tell them I use a DSLR, they get a little disappointed because most of the time, their reaction would be “oh.. but they are so heavy.” Me, being a frequent traveller, can definitely relate to that problem and understand their unwillingness to own one. I have many a times, cursed and sworn at my DSLR which caused me both physical and mental grief – physical because of the neck and shoulder aches, and mental because I’ll be torn each day on whether I should or shouldn’t subject myself to the physical pains for the sake of taking beautiful photos.
I’ve always wanted a lighter camera that was still able to produce good quality images as a DSLR. Trust me when I’ve said I’ve tried my far share of compact cameras and with each new launch, am always feeling more and more let down by the so-called “superior” features they boast to have. So when Nikon asked me to do a review about one of their mirrorless more compact cameras, I was pretty excited but I’ll confess… I had my doubts. I had been noticing their non-DSLR cameras for awhile because of their gorgeous designs and colours, but as usual, was ready to feel slightly let down, hence got a little worried on how I would go about writing a post if their cameras didn’t live up to the hype.
Thankfully, the Nikon 1 V2 did nothing but impress me by proving that a mirrorless camera can be functional, take great photos, yet not a pain in the ass to carry around. I’ve been bringing the camera around everyday in my bag since I got it – a first for any camera I’ve own in my life so far. It’s compact, lightweight and is designed to look and feel like a SLR so you can have a better grip on it. Its design is minimalistic and it’s overall technical capabilities straightforward and not the least bit gimmicky (kinda like a DSLR – which you know by now, I personally favour). Not to mention and this is me being a girl here, it comes in my favourite colours – black and white (well technically they aren’t colours but yeah… ) But the thing that really impressed me the most, was its ability to capture pin-sharp videos. While other compact cameras put in the video function as an afterthought, the Nikon 1 V2‘s ability to capture pin-sharp videos of absolutely stunning quality has won me over completely! (Am dying to get my hands on one permanently!) Plus, it has a slow motion function to add to the fun – but we’ll get to that a little later…
First, let me share with you the photos I’ve taken the with the camera over the past 2 weeks.
Outside Penny University on a typically hot day.
Even though it’s hot outside, I need my hot cup of coffee.
? Cappuccino
That night I attended an event at the Singapore flyer and it was the most appropriate time try out the Nikon 1 V2‘s video function.
I know it was a random video, but was I not telling the truth when I told you it takes great videos! The colours, sharpness and the sound quality… surpassing way beyond any expectations of a compact camera in my opinion.
Shopping for flowers at JM for a dessert table I was setting up that evening.
The dessert table set up for baby Russel’s 1st month!
The table set up I did for Zi An and Charlene’s wedding at Raffles House at Fort Canning – which has got to be the favourite one I’ve done so far.
The bride, groom and their friends decorated the place with pretty hand-made pompoms and hanging lights. Very lovely! Gave me some ideas for my own very distant wedding.
Bokeh!
A few days later, I took a break from all the madness going on in my life to drop by the Public Garden flea at the National Museum. I had missed the previous few due to my weekend classes but was determined to make it for this… It was definitely worth the visit! Look at all the great stalls set up ….
Smitten Micro-bakery set up by a couple I had taught previously. haha Feeling a little proud of myself somehow.
Temporary Tattoos – a great way to find out if your parents are cool with you getting one. haha…
Okay, this is my favourite photo of the lot. These two guys don’t know each other (I guessed this because I came back after 5 minutes and one of them left without saying anything to the other guy) … I don’t know if anyone else noticed, but I knew I had to take a photo. hahah This sight made me giggle.
Snippet of the very talented Samantha Rui singing.
The following weekend, I joined my new friends in setting up an outdoor wedding photoshoot. Loved every moment of it…. And because I wasn’t the one behind the camera this time, I could just have fun taking random behind the scenes shots with my Nikon 1 V2
After the photoshoot, Justin and I went down to Creamier to reward ourselves with some yummilicous ice cream. I’ve never been much a fan of ice cream, but ever since I had my first mouthful of creamier’s earl grey lavender flavoured ice cream, I’ve been craving for ice cream every day. You have to try it… it’s too good!
First time making pom poms. They were relatively easy to make, but I think I need more practice to make them even prettier. Was making them for little girl Paige’s birthday party… obviously loads of pink and fru is a requirement!
Teochew mui supper with the boyfriend. I had shown the Nikon 1 V2 to him previously… but he didn’t seem mighty impressed because like me, he’s a little bit of a camera snob. However, I managed to change his opinion about the V2 when I introduced the slow-motion function to him. Please watch these videos to see what I’m talking about.
Pretty cool, huh?! The bf was so into the whole thing, he kept asking me to film him doing so many different things to a point I got annoyed cause the food was getting cold…But at least this made me feel like I’m one step closer to tempting him into the buying the camera for himself so that I may “borrow” it permanently. hehe. But seriously, the slow-motion video capturing function is pretty damn awesome. And if I’m not wrong, the professional ones are really expensive, costing at least a few grand (probably six-digits), so having this function in a mirrorless camera is quite a steal.
******
The Nikon 1 V2 is definitely at the top of my current “must have” list. If you’re looking for an upgrade from a regular compact camera, I think the V2 is worth considering, especially if you’re not comfortable with operating a DSLR. Or you could be like me, looking for something that’s compact and easy to carry around, yet is still able to take high quality photographs/videos. Then I think the Nikon 1 V2 should be at the top of your “die die must have” list too.
Thank you Nikon for proving once again to me why you’re my favourite camera brand! xx
27th May
Hello there! It has been awhile since DameJolie blogged at Sarah’s Loft, we hope everyone is well! Our lady boss, Gracie is turning 28 this Wednesday and we’re celebrating with a flash sale!
Enter 1YEAROLDER at checkout and get 20% OFF* all vintage clothing!
We also understand that some of you prefer to shop the traditional way hence we are making plans to have regular events, so you will be able to try on our specially curated vintage pieces as if its our own brick & mortar store! Our next pop-up stall is happening VERY, VERY soon. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter or join our mailing list for updates.
Till we meet again!
*Not applicable for vintage accessories, handmade jewellery and sale items. Promotion ends 23/5/13, 1159pm
22nd May
Neglected. This blog has been unfairly neglected. 
I’ve been so busy with the bakery since it’s opening… 8am – 11:30pm every day I’m there… I mean here! I finally got half a day’s break yesterday which might not seem much… but I did manage to squeeze in a good meal, a manicure, a facial session and some time with the bf who’s just returned from NY! Yay!
I think I’m doing quite well in terms of keeping sane and not over-exhausting myself. Although I think my mother and some close friends and family might tell you I look like a walking corpse. Tsk. I can’t help it if my skin is literally very thin and I’m generally a very pale skinned person! hehe.
Although it’s been really quite stressful, I love love love my job. You know, it really is true what they say about you being a million times happier when you are doing the thing you love!
For everyone who is pursuing their dream… believe in yourself, work hard and somehow, the universe will aid you in fulfilling your dream. Do not lose faith nor doubt your convictions, be the best that you can be, but at the same time, don’t forget to reflect, learn from mistakes and be a better person.
Anyways.
Even though I’m away. You know where you can find me. See you at Maple & Market.
Blueberry Hazelnut by Smitten Micro bakery who did a pop-up at M&M this past weekend.
M&M Lemon Loaf.
Overdoughs also did a pop-up this past weekend.
15th May
5th May
2nd May
25th Apr
One day in Osaka
20th Apr
