2 weeks of ICT (reservist)!


typicalben ict reservist

So today marks the very first of my annual ICT, which I'll have to go through for 10 years (9 if include this current one) before the military service kinda 'ended' and I don't have to go back anymore. Well, to be very honest.... I was feeling quite dreadful to go back. But since I'll have to go through it no matter what, I'll then try to enjoy it. I'm sure time will pass really fast and 2 weeks will be gone in a blink of time!

OUTFIELD AND IPPT, PLEASE BE NICE TO ME! *PUPPY EYES x10000000*


And right after my ICT ends right, school will immediately start! Can't wait! :D

Just a short update for now, I'm going to edit the Bintan trip pictures and post them up soon k!


-o-"

Sunday brunch pictures!


typicalben esther  swing

With Esther!



typicalben esther isaac swing

Another one with Isaac!



brunch venue



brunch menu

The menu!



brunch 2

I had eggs benedict that day!



brunch



group shot

While we are having desserts!



typicalben esther isaac from my phone

Taken by my phone! :)



typicalben isaac

That's all for now! Till tomorrow! X


-o-"

Bye!!! I'm off to Bintan today!!!!


typicalben camwhore on cab black and white

Hello guys!! :D

I've just done with packing for my Bintan trip! Surprisingly it didn't took me long to pack and all (15mins only! fast huh!), I think it's because I didn't bring much stuff over. Oh yes, I'm going to Bintan for a short getaway for 3 days with Amelia and will be back on Wednesday! This week will be really fun and exciting cause there's so much stuff that is going to happen!!!! :D Will update you guys along the way k!!

Well, I'm so tired now cause I spend like so much of my energy playing with my cousin Lucas just now!

Was at grandma's place for Father's Day celebration earlier and can you believe Lucas is so super cute, cause he will just suddenly come and kiss me and hug me lolol!!! Plus he kept saying that he like me more than Ran, which makes Ran very sian HAHAHA!!!! He's so cute omg!!!!!

Anyway, I took quite alot of pictures with him just now (thanks to my cousins) and I did uploaded one up on my Instagram earlier though, http://instagr.am/p/L-jWLfFQCX/. I'm gonna upload the rest of them tomorrow up there as well, cause I'm so tired to do so now! And I think after blogging this entry I'm going to sleep cause the ferry is really early later!! I'll have to be awake at 6am..... zzzzzzzz....



typicalben camwhore on cab

Went to meet Ber the other day to catch up alittle!



chicken bites in a cup - sour plum soda

And we randomly went to this place to have some small bites cause she needed a power plug to charge her phone as it was totally flat! And her phone like forever low batt one tsk! Lol!



ber

Ber while she try the 'chicken in the cup' thingy!



typicalben camwhore 2

Hi! Camwhore!



flying lens cap

And here, we have a flying lens cap!



expensive sour plum

The sour plum in our drinks which cost additional $2.10 for it! -_-

Abit ridiculous right, cause when the person asked us whether we want sour plum in our soda drinks, we were like... okay! But he didn't told us it would cost addtional $2.10 for just one small sour plum wtf.

Quite a ripoff leh right! Lololol!!!!! Totally a zha pian ji tuan!!!!



typicalben camwhore

Okay, ending off this entry now! Gonna sleep now! Bye!!


-o-"

How to edit pictures in 4 simple steps!

Hello people!!! Yes, so today I'm going to tell you guys how do I actually edit all my pictures that you guys see on my blog! It's really easy and simple, thus there's only 4 steps! :D I've decided to do up this post because it's one of the most requested blog post that you guys asked for all these while, and I think if I can help you people to make your pictures look more pretty.... why not right?!

Just to let you guys know that, this is the way of how I edit my pictures for now (but I've been doing this way for 1-2 years already I guess), though the way I edit them do change over the time, throughout the years. So if you compare pictures back in maybe 2009 or even early 2010, you can see that there's quite abit of difference in the (edited) outcome of the pictures back then and now.


And I must say that, this is just a guide on how I edit my pictures, so I don't claim that it's the best way or the 'right' way that how I think you guys should edit your pictures. I'm just sharing cause there are people who wants to know, though to me I feel that there's actually no right/wrong/best way to edit any pictures, cause it's pretty much subjective to personal preference.

So if you think your methods are better, do go ahead and continue using yours, or even so, you might wanna share some tips on the comments below with everyone too! ;)



Okay, so let's start!


First of all, I'm using the software Photoshop to edit all my pictures from the very beginning when I first started blogging. So if you're using Photoshop as well, then good for you cause you can related!

And of course different quality of pictures that you took (dark/grainy/overexposed), you will have to edit them in different ways! But now, we are talking about normal quality kind of pictures taken by camera! And below is the original picture which we are going to edit, taken by my Lumix LX3 camera:



how typicalben edit picture original

Original picture without photoshop! You can see the colour is very dull and boring!

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But no fret, you can make the picture become prettier in 5 simple steps!



Step 1:


typicalben photoshop 1

On Photoshop, click on Image, Adjustments then Curves!



typicalben photoshop 2

Then you adjust it to this manner which will make the picture looks brighter!



how typicalben edit picture edited 1

And you will get this!

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As compared to the original picture:


how typicalben edit picture original




Step 2:


typicalben photoshop 3

Then click on Image again, Adjustments then Auto Contrast!



how typicalben edit picture edited 2

And you will get this! Not sure if you guys can see the difference but there is!

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As compared to the previous picture:


how typicalben edit picture edited 1




Step 3:


typicalben photoshop 4

To me, I think this step is important... so take note!
Click on Image again, Adjustments then Selective Color!



typicalben photoshop 5

Then select from the list of colors: Yellow, and adjust it to what is it like above.
This step actually removes the heavy yellow tones we always have in the pictures which I hate!


Plus as Asians, generally our skin tones are more yellowish as well.. so this step actually removes
the yellow skin tone on us and give our skin a more rosy red colour! *Camwhorers take note*



how typicalben edit picture edited 3

And then you will get this!

You can see that there's a vast difference as compared to the previous picture:


how typicalben edit picture edited 2




Step 3.1:


typicalben photoshop 6

Go to Selective Color again & select from the list of colors: Black, adjust it to what it is like above. It's to darken the black colour in the picture to give a fuller colour and contrast.



how typicalben edit picture edited 4

Then you will get this!

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As compared to the previous picture:


how typicalben edit picture edited 3




Step 3.2:


typicalben photoshop 7

Usually I'll do another time for the colour yellow, cause most of the time the pictures still have too much yellow tones. But depending on the picture itself, if you think it's enough, then you can skip this step!



how typicalben edit picture edited 5

Then you will get this!




Step 4:


typicalben photoshop 8

Then click on Filter, Blur then Surface Blur!
This is to actually smoothen out your picture! *Camwhorers take note as well*



typicalben photoshop 9

I usually stick with this setting, which just smoothen out alittle, not too much.



how typicalben edit picture edited 6

And you're about done!!




Additional Step:


typicalben photoshop 10

This is actually an additional step which you need not apply to all your pictures, which is to brighten shadows/dark areas in your pictures. I don't really think there's a need to use this for this picture, but for the purpose of this post, I'm just gonna show you how is it done.

So click on Image again, Adjustments then Shadow/Highlight!



typicalben photoshop 11

I had never used before Highlights btw, so normally I'll just adjust the Shadows!

You can adjust it to what is it like above, for normal pictures which what I always do.
But do adjust it accordingly for different pictures, as some pictures might be darker etc.



how typicalben edit picture edited 7

AND YOU'RE DONE!!!!!!!!!
(Not showing the comparison cause the difference isn't that obvious enough to be really seen,
it's just alittle brighter though, as this picture isn't really a good example for this step)

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COMPLETE!!!!



Here's the comparison of the before (original) & after photoshop picture:


how typicalben edit picture original

Original picture!


how typicalben edit picture edited 7

After editing with photoshop!!!!



compare side by side original vs edited

Side by side comparison!! Huge difference right??!


You can see that the picture appraently become much chioer right, and it's not that dull and boring anymore! So that's the reason why most of the bloggers (including myself) take time and effort to edit their pictures before posting them up! But of course, the way we edit them are different.....

Okay, that's all from me for now!

Hope this post will help you guys alittle, and have fun editing all your pictures k! :D


-o-"

I cried when I saw my semester 2 results.

It's been so fast and I already ended my first year in perusing my degree!!

Yes, just 1.5 more years more to go since it's 2.5 years for my course! Well, you know I didn't really want to blog about my results at first though, not only until I cried so hard when I see it lol.

It's kinda embarrassing, I know hahaha....

This semester pass by really quickly and I can say that I've been consistently doing quite abit of revision and also did studied hard for my exams as how I did for last semester. Though the difference is, this time round when taking the exams, I didn't feel that stress and nervous as compared to the first semester. I guess it's because it's already the second time, so that's why it's less of the nervousness.

But I'm so glad that my efforts for studying so hard actually paid off in the results. Not that it's fantastic but it's good enough for me already I think. And I keep having positive mindset throughout during my study break period while I mug hard for exam, I keep on telling myself I can do it and I will pass! Hahah!!


After taking the exams, I actually feel quite uneasy about the papers cause I think I didn't do well enough. I'm particularly worried for my stats paper and also buyer behaviour (marketing paper) as the stats paper I thought it's pretty much of a gone case as I don't really know how to answer most of the questions.

It's like so different as compared to what we usually do and practice. It makes me quite sad though cause me and my friends really do and practice all the stats question like mad. And stats is pretty much a module that I dislike though cause it's maths related, and some of you might know that my weakest subject is maths and I quite hate it. And for buyer behaviour paper, the reason why I'm worried is because we have to pass it no matter what in order to advance to next semester as it's a prerequisite module. So if I somehow fail it, I'll have to repeat just this module again ONLY for the whole semester -_-!

Which is super lame right if you have to waste additional one semester to do just one module.


So yes, was quite worried but I keep trying to think of the good side and few days before the results was release, I had a image of the results in my mind as PASS, PASS, CREDIT and DISTINCTION.

And I told one of my friend about it, so she ask me "so which module is the one that you think will get distinction?" (based on what I hope and the image of what the results would be). I then replied her, "Commercial Law". Then she was like, "WAH LAW AH YOU SURE ANOT."

I know right! Everyone will give me this kind of replies and doubt when I said that, cause from what we know...... the failure rate is super high and it's quite hard to study for it as well.

And I remember I did also actually said it before about wanting to get distinction for my law paper, early back starting of this semester to JJ too! But they also give me a face that it's not really possible one, so nevermind I hope I can prove to them that I can do it. Not with really high hopes that I'll get it lah, cause I know it's tough... but I somehow focus abit more on law and studied harder for it.


So the day when the results release, I went to check and I saw I pass every single module!!!!!!!

I was so happy that I cannot believe myself cause the results was really similiar to what I thought of or I should say abit better than what I expected!!!!! It was PASS, CREDIT, CREDIT, DISTINCTION.


So I run over to my parents and tell them that I managed to pass all and I'm so happy!!!!!

I was then immersed in joy for few minutes while I whatsapp JJ and some of my other uni mates telling them about my results and stuff, and afterwards I went to do some stuff (which I've forgotten what I've done... probably washing up or so, but I don't think it is lol) then after like maybe 15-30mins later I went back again to check my results cause I couldn't believe that I really managed to pass all!!!!


This is the time I couldn't control my emotions and run over to my mum after I checked and see my results again and told her that "OMG OMG!!! Mummy!! I really get distinction for my law paper and I managed to passed all my modules!!!!! HOW CAN THAT BE!!!!! I'M SO HAPPY!!!!"


And immediately after saying that, I went back to my room and CRY LIKE MAD lol.

I don't know why I suddenly cry as well, cause the tears came out so naturally and sudden!!! But I guess I cried because I was too happy that I managed to pass all my modules and on top of that I actually get distinction for my law module!!! All this adds up and I was just really overwhelmed by it!

I think it's also because I regard this exams as a really important matter to me, and I was so glad that all my efforts for studying paid off! And and and I actually get distinction for my law module which is just so unbelievable wtf!!!!!! :') I know it might be nothing to some people lah, and they might think I'm making a fuss out of it as it's only a distinction. But to me I really think it's some thing you know hahaha!


So I ended up crying really hard and was sobbing in my bed for like a good whole 10 minutes (please don't judge me tsk), and when I finally stop.... I then went to tweet to tell you guys about it.


(Read from the bottom to up!)

typicalben tweets after results


I'm really happy lor and really thanks to everyone who actually believed that I can do it. *wipes tears lol*

Ehhh.. I know it sounds abit cliché to keep saying this but it's true cause when I'm studying like mad or when I'm nervous or stress about the exams, all your nice motivating messages and wishes really makes me feel so much better!! It gave me a push and motivates me even more. So really thank you!!!


And I really hope those who are reading this now, if there are times that you feel like giving up on your studies or work or dreams or whatever, do continue to try and do your best!

EVEN WHEN PEOPLE DOUBT YOU OR THEY DON'T BELIEVE IN YOU, YOU STILL HAVE TO BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND PROVE TO THEM YOU CAN DO IT ONE!!!

You will never know, and I'm sure one day, all your hard work and efforts will be paid off! Be positive about it and let's all work hard together for whatever we believe in k! :)


-o-"

Hollyhoque Homme Collection

Sponsored Advertorial


typicalben blogshop shoot

Hello guys! :D

Today I have with me a top and a pair of shoes from HHomme that I wanna show you guys!

For those who didn't know, HHomme is actually an affiliate site of Hollyhoque.com! Which I'm sure many of you have heard of them before, as it's a popular online store that sells exclusively manufactured female apparels! So yay to them for having one now that caters to the guys! Woohooo!



typicalben full Hollyhoque hhommecollection

Full view! The top and shoes that are from Homme!



Aztec Pocket Tee close up Hollyhoque hhommecollection

A closer look at the details of the pocket of their White Aztec Pocket Tee!



typicalben full 2 Hollyhoque hhommecollection

Okay, please ignore my black roots lol!

And I was told that, all the items on HHomme are carefully picked and imported by them! So you don't have to fear about bumping into someone with the same outfit on the streets! Awesome right!



typicalben shoes Hollyhoque hhommecollection

A closer look now at the shoes, which will be released really soon in their next collection!

But you don't have to wait! Cause currently, they already have loads of nice stuff for their first collection! Come, I'll show you guys! And since we are on shoes, I shall start from there.......



Hollyhoque hhommecollections shoes

This is another pair of shoes that they have in their current collection!

Nice right! It's a lace up suede boots in camel colour, here's the direct link to the item! And I initially wanted it too, but they don't have my size anymore the other time! :(



Hollyhoque hhommecollections shoes 2

Yes, they also have other design of shoes as well!



Hollyhoque hhommecollections tees

Not just shoes, they also have tees shirts!



Hollyhoque hhommecollections shirts

Button up shirts!



Hollyhoque hhommecollections pants

And also slim fit chinos as well!



typicalben Aztec Pocket Tee Hollyhoque hhommecollection

Heh! Another picture of me in their white aztec pocket tee!


So start shopping now and go check them over out at....


hhommecollections.com


p/s: Oh! You guys can also go to their Facebook Page for any first hand updates too! And if you people have any enquires of any sort, you can contact them at: hhommecollections@gmail.com! ;)

-o-"