Seasons Greetings and published work

Hope every had a lovely Christmas!  I was in for a lot of eating like every other previous years, and definitely don't look forward to realising/admitting how much weight I have gained.

Just wanted to share some work from a photoshoot that was recently published and I'm still waiting for my printed copy of the magazine.  I have actually forgotten about this shoot, it was mainly just beauty shots so makeup was shown well.

Story. Magazine - Issue 1 - December 2013

Title: Colour Infusion 
HMUA: Mandy To 
Models: Rhiannon and Sophia @ XLR8 Models 
Nail Technician: Stacey-Dee
Jewellery: Mel Candish @ Unique Dezignz
Photographer: Alice Chapman


The first four are the ones that were selected for the magazine and the rest are extra with a few behind the scenes photos that I had found on my old phone.

Love.Life. Just the Way It Is

No life is 100% perfect and I wouldn't ever want a perfect life either.  How easy and boring would that perfect life be.  There will be no surprise, obstacles, challenges or goals that needs to be completed.

As busy as life gets, as hard and tough as things may be we should all accept things the way they are and face them rather than running away.

I love my jobs, my career and I'm happy I've made my makeup artistry world come true.  It wasn't easy and it definitely wasn't something I had much support in when it came to my parents.  They disapproved, opposed, worried, nagged, scolded and so much more.  It was very disheartening and very tough time while I was studying.  I felt like I couldn't make it happen, or I didn't have the talent or the will power to earn an income as a full time makeup artist.

I turned away from my parents, avoided their conversations, ran away from any confrontations and pretended everything was alright.  It wasn't alright and things won't go away and so I talked and I expressed what I felt and why I wanted to do what I wanted to do.  I wasn't young any longer and I'm behind a lot of other people who are a lot younger than me.  It was now or never and it was better now than late.

My parents are still worried and they still don't really approve, but they are slowly accepting the fact this was it.  I wasn't changing my mind and I don't plan on going back to being an accountant.

My brother gave me hope, talked to me like normal and even suggested certain things that would help me grow my business.  I was also blessed with some wonderful close friends who understood me and knew my passion and life was to truly become a professional makeup artist who works actively in the industry.

Thank you for everything I was given, for all the opportunities I gained in life and even for all the hardships I had to experience.  They taught me lessons and made me more mature and I definitely grew up in a better way.

For someone who is older now, 27 and nearly 28 in a couple of months time.  I realised many things I probably didn't know about when I was in my teens or even in the early 20s.  I know who my true friends are, those who are close and dear to me.  You don't choose your parents and they work hard to raise you, so it is always a wonderful thing to have time set aside just for them.  Enjoy life and stop restricting yourself so much, sometimes you just should treat yourself to something nice, pamper and relax even if it's a massage or a lazy day all to yourself.

For those who reads my blog, I thank you for your support, comments and encouraging words.  It makes a difference and I'm happy to be able to share a part of the journey in my life.

Have a great week everyone!

My latest obsession!  Sneakers and Wedge Sneakers.  Believe it or not I have 3 pairs on their way, but probably get them in a month's time since that's how long it takes for something to get to Australia from the US.

My Love... Food

As busy as I get and as crazy as wedding season is for a full time makeup artist who freelances.  I can't ever turn my back to my true love.  Food.  There is always time for me to go out and enjoy a good breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee and cake and even dinner.  Being a child who grew up with parents as chefs, it's hard to not get fatten up and enjoy the rainbows of food that my lucky taste buds are always  experiencing.

For the past weeks I've been missing, I'm back to share with you what I've been eating and some new purchases and some hair work as well.  That's right hair is becoming a big part of my career as a makeup artist.  There are days I only have hair styling work and nothing to do with makeup at all.  To think I never really enjoyed doing hair, but I'm finding a new love for it and I'm just glad how much more confident and easier hair styling is becoming for me.

This client is actually a very close highschool friend who got married in October and this was just here admiring her makeup whereas I was busy taking photos of her hair.

Recent Photo Shoot

I did a photo shoot not too long ago and I'm in love with the photos.  They turned out so well and even though I was really run down and exhausted I'm so glad I jumped in and did the hair and makeup for it.  It was a great experience and I had a great team to work with.

I loved the photograher's work and I just could say no when he had contacted me in collaborating and working with a Perth Chadwick's model.

Credits/ Team Members
Photographer:  Thomas Wawrzyniak  http://www.thomaswawrzyniak.com/
Stylist:  Elle Giles http://www.eatfashionnotcake.com/
Model:  Rachel Maher @ Chadwicks Perth
Hair and Makeup:  Mandy To  www.mankimakeup.com

Wedding Season is no joke

It's been way too long since I've blogged and I thoroughly missed it heaps.  Unfortunately since becoming a working full time Hair and Makeup artist, means you put yourself in the Bridal industry.  Hence there is such thing as Wedding Season and that started in September for me.  It's only mid October now and I can say I'm absolutely exhausted and completely drained all the way down to my bones.

Weekdays I'm doing work for photography studios, shooting with designers and other talents and preparing for my future brides who of course wants a trial run.  Weekends is all weddings and more weddings and possibly if I can fit in trials and photo shoots too.

Of course among all the busy working hours (way too many hours), I still can't give up my food dates with friends and families.  I love food way too much and I would die if I was deprived of my love and journey to find good restaurants and cafes.

In between all of this on nights when I can't sleep because I'm so stressed and my mind just won't switch off, I've been slowly claiming territories in the house and the front lounge is pretty much my home studio.  My computer and work desk as well as all my hair and makeup equipment and products now live in there.