Finally meeting Actor Vijay :-)

If you know me long enough, you would know that I am a true Vijay Fan. All the way through intermediate, high school, uni and even today I don't fail to watch his movies. I remember watching Ninaithaen Vandhai (1998) and immediately being start struck :) He was cute and had a charming on screen personality. Over time Vijay has won the hearts of many Tamil fans around the world, and although he is a very shy person in life, he certainly doesn't show that in his acting.

Every time I have gone to India, I have tried my best to meet him, but as always he is away filming and even though I get close to meeting him (external factors have stopped me aka my mum). Finally on 5th April 2013 when I made an unplanned trip back to Sydney to see family, I found out that Vijay was there filming for his up coming movie, Thalaivaa. When I first heard about it, he had already starting shooting the weekend before my arrival and I thought surely the guy has left town by then, considering they rarely stay overseas filming for very long. I was so disappointed because there he was in my own backyard (and I was a few days too late)! But the day after I landed, my mother in law used her contacts (bless her!!) and found out that he was filming near the Sydney Convention Centre in Darling Harbour 9-5pm for 5 days!!! I was literally jumping up and down around her house :)

Straight after she finished up, I got changed and dragged Dineish out to Darling harbour (at 4pm) hoping to catch a glimpse of him before they wrapped up for the day. When we got there, it was not too crowded, maybe about 50 people and filming crew. I went and positioned myself opposite to Vijay's tent and watched/stalked him.

They were filming a dance routine with the back up dancers and Vijay only came out when the choreographer was happy to shoot. A few times Vijay noticed Dineish and I, and finally when I rucked up the courage to wave at him he smiled (that signature Vijay smile) and waved right back. Thats when the crew walked over and asked him if I could have a photo but his stupid PR said no :(

I think we were lucky to stand where we were that arvo. Because until about 5:30pm I was in very close proximity to where Vijay was filming and had the best view where he could see me (and how desperate I was to see him and take a photo).

After 5:30, the people from work and school started turning up and I was getting very anxious. The crowd suddenly grew and the chances of getting a photo was very slim! I knew he wouldn't take a photo with everyone and if I wasn't at the front it was unlucky. So close, yet so far.

Dineish and his brother (Dhilip), who came to share my excitement when to get drinks and I was left with 2 cameras to take photos with. Right at this point they finished shooting and the crowds ran towards Vijay. The crew told people to line up and my instinct was to do the opposite, I squeezed/pushed in line and tried to get my best to get as close to Vijay as possible. No way was I going to get this close and miss the opportunity. I got on the phone to Dineish who came running down and got ready to take a photo as there were only 2 little girls in front of me. I honestly thought we had it in the bag (excitement level was soaring and my heart was beating so fast!!!). He took about 10 photos with fans at this point and then OUT OF NO WHERE HE STOPPED AND STARTED WALKING AWAY!!

You don't know how I felt...I can't even explain it...even thinking about it now makes me panic for no reason, but its like winning the lottery only to find that there was a mistake in one of the numbers! You think you have it, but then you actually dont!

As he walked away, his security walk around him and Dineish told me to run behind him. Out of nowhere my confidence increased and I ran behind Vijay and shouted "Aiyo Vijay, orae oru photo please!". I am not sure why, but he stopped short of his tent walked back took a photo with me and left :) I was so lucky! Thanks to Dineish pushing me to run after him and maybe because I spoke in Tamil. Whatever it was I am so happy and can't stop looking at the photos :D

The few moments with him went buy super fast and all I think I said was thank you so much. One of the Aussie crew guys, also shouted out "Come on mate, this girl has been waiting around for you all day!". Even though that was a complete lie (and there were younger girls there who had been waiting out for a few days straight), I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to meet my favourite actor and childhood sweetheart/crush!

Here are some photos from his latest movie currently being shot in Sydney, Thalaivaa.

xS

(Vijay's no.1 fan)

Preserving Memories - Adoramapix photobook review

Dineish enjoys photography and recently made a photobook of our trip to India. After much research and reading reviews, he decided to go with Adoramapix to create our album.

Adoramapix is an online photo lab catered for not only the professional, but anyone regardless of their photographic expertise can create masterpieces. The image finish is of high quality and photobooks are made with Fuji Archive paper, not print. So not only is your album looking very stylish on the coffee table, but the images are amazing.

The cover was very thick and had a metallic sheen. 

 

The paper is of high quality. The pages were extremely thick and sturdy, and again had a nice sheen to them. There is a slight texture on the page, which can take away from the photo finish.
Some of the images were not edited to the best standard, so next time we would go back and correct and brighten before finalising.



As AdoramaPix uses real photo paper. You cannot see it here, but finger prints can be picked up on darker pages.



Spread

 

Page thickness

Crease down the middle of page and between a full page spread - image is not lost.

Photobook laying flat and spine.

Book dimensions: 10"x8", 14 pages
Software: Very easy to use. There is an option to either choose from their standard layouts or customise your own (as we did).

Paper quality: Archive paper in professional lustre finish, so these memories are forever! The pages were very thick and durable, and have a nice sheen finish (not glossy or matte). There is a slight texture, which take away from the sharpness of the image.

Print quality: Really good. I think next time I would invest a little more time in ensuring that the photos we use have been thoroughly edited to ensure that the finish is clean.
Cover quality: Very thick with a metallic sheen finish.
Prices: This book (without shipping) costs $32.95USD. Check their website for pricing, shipping, sales and delivery time (ours took a little over 2 weeks to arrive).
Overall thoughts: The book is perfect and I love flicking through the pages! Since making this album, we have bought both our families a copy to keep - it's a really great gift idea :)

Hopefully I will be making one very soon of our honeymoon!

xS

Benefit Boi-ing & Watt's Up! review

I'm starting to take my makeup skills to the next level and decided to go out and buy a concealer and highlighter to play with. After several visits to Sephora and the makeup counters at Robinsons, I narrowed down to Benefit Boi-ing concealer (shade 3) and Watt's Up! higlighter, hope you enjoy my review!

Boi-ing concealer in shade 3

I have mainly been using this to brighten my under eye area and a little to conceal any blemishes. It has a creamy consistency and is really easy to apply and blend. It builds well to cover those stubborn marks. However if you apply it a little too heavy it can look cakey. Considering that it gives really good coverage, I recommend you use a little and go over with some setting powder. I am using shade 3, which is slightly ligher than my skin tone but not too light that it looks ashy. I have tried it on several times now in the humid Singapore weather and it stays well for almost 6 hours, but I might need to blot/touch up with powder.

Concealer shade 3 which I use as a under eye highlight (sorry for the really bad lighting)

Unfortunately I am not a fan of the price at this stage, at $34SGD it isn't the cheapest concealer out there but it is the best one I've tried. I will definately be using Boi-ing for a while in the future because a small amount goes such a long way and I love how it brightens the areas where light hits the most! Hopefully I can start playing around with it a little more and get those Kim K contours!! 

 

Watt's Up! highlighter

I've been struggling to find a good highlighter that suits my skin tone and was excited to try this out when I came across it! Highlighters, in my opinion, helps accentuate your features in even the dimmest of lighting :) When you start contouring with bronzers and concealers, you need something to bring back the dimension!

Watt's Up! comes as a stick which is designed for easy application with one hand. I like it because there is no brush applicator (no dipping and wiping off the excess liquid) or powder flying everywhere, just a simple double ended stick. The packaging looks like a light bulb (hence the name 'Watt's Up!') with the highlighter at one end and a transparent plastic cap revealing the 'soft glow blender' on the other (which I haven't really used). I feel like it's smudges the foundation/concealer underneath so fingers are so much better and sometimes the best tool. 

The highlighter blends well, as the formula is creamy. The champagne color sits well with my brown skin tone and the glow/pay off isn't over the top.

 

You can also apply to wherever the light naturally hits your face. It can be worn alone or on top of makeup.

 

Again, the price was a little steep at $48SGD :( But because I have finally found a highlight that I can see on my skin, this one is a keeper!

 

If anyone can suggest another highlight, please please let me know as I am keen to try more out. In the mean time, I'm gonna tweek my highlighting and contouring skills :)

xS

Sri Lankan Shopping Haul

Dineish and I were in Sri Lanka early Feb to visit family and celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary. It was a fantastic trip, filled with so much fun, food and shopping of course!

The last time I went to SL was when I was a little over a year old on my way to New Zealand, so obviously I have no memories. I had no expectations of this trip (well maybe my benchmark was India where I have gone several times), but I was pleasantly surprised in so many ways and encourage everyone to visit when they get a chance :)

Anyway, like every trip I told Dineish I wasn't going to buy anything much. After all it's SL and how much more different is it to India (where we were only last Aug)?! But in true Shyamala fashion, I picked up a few things :P besides I need to keep up with my Mum!

This is going to be a quick blog mainly with pictures, but if you are interested to find out more drop me a message and I will be happy to reply (prices are in LKR).

In all our trips around Asia, Dineish and I pick up things that remind us of the place and some clothing if we like anything. We also got a few things for friends...

All the goodies we picked up - it was Christmas all over again!

The shops we visited (recommended by Dineish's Aunt who was my shopping parter in crime) are:

1. Odel (department store along the likes of Myers, David Jones) www.odel.lk
2. Laksala (home decor store selling authentic SL pieces) www.laksala.lk
3. Dankotuwa (SL's finest manufacturers of high quality Chinaware) www.dankotuwa.com

Odel

Both of us purchased clothing. I got some ethnic tops, beach kaftans and long skirts, whilst Dineish got SL t-shirts, cotton tunics and business shirts

Can't remember the prices, but it was so affordable!

There are a huge selection of picture frames. The sizes were limited, but so many colourful designs and finishes.
I picked random ones for around the house.
Prices ranging from LKR750 to 1,425.

Metal candle stands. I am going through a candle phase and picked these up.
Many designs and sizes available (these are 15 - 20 cm high).
Prices range from LKR1300 to 2,6500.

You can't go to SL and not buy Katta Sambal!! Love this stuff so much :-)
Price LKR680.

I had to pick up these candles, how economical are they set inside coconut shells? No mess :)
So many scented candles, shapes and sizes to choose from. And FYI they smell really really good, my comparison is Yankee Candles.
Price LKR450 each.

We always pick up a magnet where ever we go.
Traditional SL dancer (Ves dance).
Price LKR400.

So many cushions to choose from!! Cheap and great quiality
These were my favourite.
Prices range from LKR850 to 1,000.

Laksala

Highly recommend stopping by this shop if you want to pick up things for the house. If you are taking things overseas, let them know and they will package everything securely for you.

For work friends I bought handicrafts, the famous SL elephant ornaments and tea for tea lovers.
Elephant price range LKR 740 to 1,350 (inc. tusks).
Tea LKR750 (individual) to 1,800 (5 pack).

Handmade brass bowl on elephant stand.
Price LKR6,900.

Bell for our praying room.
Make sure to test the sound out before buying.
Price LKR1,450

Traditional SL masks, placed at the entrance of houses to ward off bad spirits/evil eye.
This one represents peace, harmony and happiness.
Many sizes and designs to choose from depending on what you want to signify.
Price LKR 6,900

Typical SL fisherman carving, 80cm tall.
Different sizes and wood colours to choose from. This one is the darkest and of medium height.
Price LKR17,500.

Dankotuwa

I have been looking for high quality porcelain/China tea cup and saucer set for a while now. SL is one of the manufacturers of these and very cheap purchasing from the showrooms there rather than buying it overseas.
I got a 17 piece set in the new Gold Plus range (24k gold finish) in a unique design: 6 tea cups, 6 saucers, 1 creamer, 1 sugar bowl with lid and 1 teapot with lid. I also purchased 2 more tea cups and saucers as a back up, just in case someone breaks it (hopefully the design will eliminate that).

I haven't opened the packaging, but here is a picture of the additional tea cup and saucer I got:

17 piece set cost LKR 21,925.
Additional cup and saucer set costs LRK1,422.
Many designs and combinations to choose from.

I hope this blog helped you out in case you are undecided about what to shop for in SL. They have some very unique things there and I will certainly be going back for more in my next trip!

(exchange rate 1SGD = 102LKR)

xS