Event : ABA Toronto Hair Show 2013

CREDITS

Event Host :: ABA Canada [http://www.abacanada.com]
Location :: Metro Toronto Convention Centre [http://www.mtccc.com]
Photos :: Tobin C Studio [http://www.tobincstudio.blogspot.com]

Beauty Reporter :: Maggie Ng [http://www.maggieng.com]

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Event :: Sugar Tiers Cake Decorating Class

Hey Everyone!  I just wanted to share my experience doing a 2hr Cake Decorating Class with Sugar Tiers!  I’m not really a baker, but thought this would be a fun experience.  It’s great because all the materials are provided for you, all you have to do is show up!  So we take a pre-baked cake base, cut it in half, slather buttercream inbetween and all around. Then we’re given fondant to cover the cake, then some yellow fondant for the decorations.  Working with fondant can be a bit of a challenge because if you’re too slow, it dries/hardens and you’ll see some cracks and what not. At the end of the class, we get to bring home our creation and eat it! I thought I did not too shabby for a newbie!

Our instructor was Evalin Chong.  She’s very friendly and knowledgeable re: pastries and cakes.  If you go to Sugar Tiers, they have lots of baking products you can buy if you’re in the DIY kind of mood.  The class is about 2 hours long.  And Evalin also provides you with the cake and buttercream recipe, if you wanted to try making another cake at home.  With the knowledge you learn from the class, I guess I’d be comfortable making a birthday cake of some sort.  The fondant is actually available for purchase if you’re not comfortable making it yourself.  If you’re into cake decorating and can’t commit to actual baking school, this is a perfect opportunity to just try it out.  They also have a cupcake decorating class that I might be interested in trying out too. If you want more info re: classes or are looking for a cake for your upcoming wedding, here is Sugar Tier’s contact :

Sugar Tiers
735 Markland Street, Unit 4, Markham
Ontario, Canada, L6C 0G6
E : manager@sugartiers.ca
W : http://www.sugartiers.ca

Words+Photo : Maggie Ng

Event :: Wedding Dress Shopping {Tips and Advice}

Going wedding dress shopping for my sister’s upcoming wedding was a unique experience.  Because I’m heavily involved in the wedding industry, wedding gowns seemed like an obvious thing to me, but the process/choices can be overwhelming to the average person, especially when it’s all new to them.  Here were some things/tips to keep in mind when shopping for a dress :

1) Weight
A wedding gown can be quite heavy, especially with all the beading, detail, or layers.  Decide if you’d like something light and easy to wear throughout the day, or if you’re up for the challenge of wearing something heavy! However, you may have to train for it, so you’re not too tired on your wedding day!

2) Colour
White, Off-White, Diamond White, Ivory, Cream, Champagne…who knew there were so many colours variances of white to choose from for a gown?!  Something diamond white has a more cool tone vs something cream may have a warm tone. See which flatters your skin tone when you try it on. Also keep these colours in mind when purchasing jewelry and your veil.  Usually it should match in the tone.  My sister was going to order a veil online and almost accidently bought an ivory veil, when her dress is diamond white.  Also keep in mind jewelry — silver/crystals/diamonds vs pearls vs gold — make sure it goes well with your dress tone!

3) Shape
Finding a dress shape that flatters your body.  My sister tried on probably over 10 dresses and found the A-line shaped dresses flattered her body best.  Usually the dress consultant can help and make suggestions, since most dress fittings are by appointment only.  Keep in mind that if you decide to get a Princess-Type of “poofy” dress, consider the ease of getting in and out of the limo and/or the ease of sitting to eat.  Also, do you want the train of your dress dragging on the floor vs finishing right at your feet.  Be sure to bring proper heels to your fitting, so you’re at the right height when trying on your dress. And wear a strapless bra and/or the undergarments you think you would wear on the day to be sure no garment lines are showing if you’re wearing a tight fitted dress.  Also, keep in mind, most wedding gowns you have to go up one size.  So if you’re normally a size 6, you may have to try on size 8.  The type of dress is important too — strapless / sweetheart / asymmetric / spaghetti straps / short sleeves / halter — how comfortable are you showing off your shoulders and/or back?

4) Material Choice
Chiffon, lace, silk, organza, satin — everything drapes and hangs differently even if the style is the same.  Consider the texture, look and feel. The material you choose may also affect the weight of the dress. Some may look more expensive and some may have a more vintage and/or modern feel. Some are flowy and romantic.  Know the theme/feel of your wedding and look you’re going for.

5) Budget
Know your budget and your expectations.  My sister was on a budget, so she chose a store that had a clearance section.  If you’re someone with NO budget, perhaps getting a custom Vera Wang may be in order! Also, a lot of times if you fit a dress perfectly in the store and buy the one off the rack, you can often get a discount for it.  If you have to order the correct size, you’ll be paying full price.  If you need to make alterations, it can be quite costly.  Some people like to order online, just be sure they give exact measurements before purchasing, because as mentioned before, sometimes your wedding gown can be one size up from what you’re used to wearing.  Some people feel since they are only wearing the dress for one day, that it makes better sense to rent.  Or even used dresses can be a good option.

Buying a wedding dress can be such a daunting task, just be patient and go in with an open mind.  It’s best to just bring one person with you that you trust and have similar taste/style. If you bring too many people with opposing opinions, it could get quite confusing for the bride. You’ll eventually get that “ah-ha” moment once you try on the perfect one for you! And when you do, congratulations! Happy Dress Hunting everyone!

CREDITS
Photo+Words : Maggie // M Studio Life
Location : Windsor Bridal

Short Story : In One Moment [Page 12]

In One Moment [Page 12] by Tobin Cheung

“I’m sorry?”

“That’s her name,” she says nodding her head at the girl on stage.

“Oh, thanks. Yeah, she’s…… fantastic,” I say, pronouncing fantastic as a hush.

“Yes she is. You can have this if you want,” she says handing me the program. “I’ve got another in my purse.”

“Thanks.”

I quickly thumb to the page Calina is mentioned, anxious to read what little information is printed. There is nothing, just the names and instruments corresponding to each band member. There isn’t even a website address. A one inch by one inch black and white portrait of her is the only thing that consoles my disappointment. I will treasure it. I will keep it with my collection of jazz CDs.

“She’s pretty. They really don’t say much about her do they?” the mommy smiles, trying to sympathize with me.

I must be as transparent as air.

“Her contact number is on the back page, though,” she says with a smirk.

I twist the pamphlet over to be greeted by a pizza ad and am stupid enough to check the second last page. I give the naughty mommy a sideways glare. She gives me a warm ear to ear grin.

“Let me see your hand, I’ll tell you if Calina is the one for you.” she says grabbing my arm. “I can read palms.”

I don’t believe in those things but I know better than to contradict a pregnant mommy. She unfolds my fingers and begins to study the creases of my skin.

“You can be rather technical. You work with numbers but have an inherent creative pursuit. You are shy but a great lover.”

Feeling embarrassed, I instinctively curl my fingers.

“Wait,” she purrs. “Don’t you want to know?”

“Not really, the dream is always better.”

She does not hear me. “The woman who falls in love with you admires you for your musical talent.”

“But I don’t have any musical talents,” I exclaim feeling confused.

Suddenly, out of know where, pushing her way down the isles of seats is Liz. And she looks mad. “I’ve been waiting over at that stupid hot dog stand for like ten minutes. I thought you said you would keep an eye on it.”

“Sshhh, Liz sit down, you’re blocking people’s view,” I beg her hoping she would not cause a scene. The trendy girls to my left are giving me a snooty glare while the pregnant woman is annoyed with my girlfriend for taking up space she can’t afford to give up. 

“Didn’t you see me standing there?” she insists not even noticing the pregnant mommy.

“No, sorry, I,..I,....got too caught up with the performance.”

She arches her neck to take a gander at the stage. The third song is well on its way and I was missing it.

[To be continued...]

Travels :: Goa, INDIA {Part III}

CREDITS

Photo : M Studio Life
Location : Goa, India