Switlady's Blog

Dakei Fiji

switlady — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:30:04 +0000

Speaking of the West, check out this upcoming artist from the sugar city whose making it big. I have the pleasure of chatting up with him on facebook and after exchanging a few of his songs I found myself cruising through the weekend with the soothing sound of his album

The kind of songs that is pleasant to hear and for all you slow dancers this is definitely the artist to go for …. soulful & relaxing, he definitely capture Fiji’s atmosphere…. Below are links to some of his songs and videos

Dakei (Fiji) “Play On”

It’s On You ……Track features TDUB, Ten Six, Tukaine, Sammy G & Dakei. Filmed in American Samoa & Fiji

For more information regarding his music you can contact him directly on his facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001473284212

Please support local talents

Enjoy!

Dakei (Fiji)

The Western Scent!

switlady — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:26:42 +0000

The fact that I spent part of my childhood in the western side of Fiji, Lautoka (Sugar City) is probably the only explanation to why I have such a strange fascination towards the second largest city in Fiji. Apart from the fact that most of my competitors reside and operate in these areas, the west is a far outcry from Suva’s busy streets and fast life (Fiji standard of coz). I was sharing this with my new found friend yesterday of how the Western side has this unique scent as compared to the heavily polluted Suva air. As soon as we reach Sigatoka the weather changes and as you’re about to reach Nadi those sugarcane farms and along with that, the scent of the sekoula ( Mayflower, Flame Tree, Royal Poinciana, Peacock Flower, Gulmohar गुलमोहर (Hindi) ) flowers in full bloom .

Upon entering Lautoka city those huge piles of pinewood chips gave off that really strong scent that fills the area, I remember holding my breathe when I was a little girl every time I had to cross that place (which was nearly everyday!) Remember how the western side has this really hot weather that is sometimes too cruel to those nice tar-sealed roads?? Well that is another scent…. the smell of melting tar given off from the road

So basically it’s:

The sugar cane field+sekoula flowers+ wood chips+ melting tar-sealed road= Western Scent!

western affair

Happy 2012!!!

switlady — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 11:21:00 +0000

2 weeks on and it occurred to me that i haven’t properly welcomed 2012 After a volatile 2011 with all it’s accomplishments and disappointments, I am super eager to start off 2012 with a bang Oh and a new year calls for a new over ambitious list of resolutions which shall never be resolved *only for some of us* but it does not hurt to just commit to it in writing.

As for me, it includes more marketing, extra hours on networking, more planning, stock up on the inventories and continue to follow my dream. At the same time put this dusty science degree to a good use Where ever in the world we reside the fact still remains that we have a whole new year ahead of us which offers a fresh start and a new beginning, regardless of what pace you are going…at least we are moving forward. Like one of my good friend always say, “There is only one way from here—> FORWARD”

I pray for all of you to be blessed with a faithful year ahead. I wish you a fantastic January, loveable February (it’s a leap year people!), Marvelous March, Fabulous April, enjoyable May, successful June, wonderful July (best month ), Independent August, powerful September, tastiest October, beautiful November and a happiest December

new beginning

Stage Decorating: The Fijian Way

switlady — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:27:52 +0000

From a simple memorial service decor to a massive, complicated venue like the Vodafone Arena which is probably the biggest indoor multipurpose gym in Fiji (unofficial). How did I get hold of the deal?? Well it was the All Nation Christian Fellowship (ANCF) National Youth Conference and usually their decoration is usually handled by their WM (Women’s Ministry) but lucky for me they wanted something different, something Youthful with a lot of character …..and after a few presentation and persuasion I secured the deal (with a deal like that it is hard to say no to such exposure). Since it was a 2 day conference with 3 themes, I had to properly plan all the settings before hand. The fact that this was also the first time any decoration like this was showcased in-front of this particular crowd made it more harder. But at the end of the two day conference everyone was amazed and the committee was satisfied with the final outcome Enjoy the Photos!!

Celebrating the life of Mr.Tanoa Naulumatua

switlady — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 07:22:31 +0000

I know it has been long since I have blogged in my recent activities, so I’m just going to go through it pretty fast On the month of December, 2011, A close friend of my sister asked for my decorating services. The occasion, his father’s memorial service, you see his father was buried in the Lau Group and due to the unavailability of the transportation He could only hold a memorial service in Suva.

Since it was a memorial service, I went for the more simple, traditional Fijian with a modern twist approach and since the venue (QVSOB Clubhouse) has recently been given a paint job, it made my job more easy.

I would just like to share a few of the decoration photos.

Modern Masi/Tapa Wedding dresses

switlady — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 12:21:57 +0000

Some cultures have silk, Indians have saris but for Pacific Islanders we have Masi(Fijian) or the more renown name Tapa…..Made from the beaten Mulberry bark, this fabric not only clothed our ancestors it carry some of our rare
designs and it distinct each pacific Island countries. But nowadays masi are only use during a very important events like first born rituals or weddings and funerals. Now since you guys know how i am so into weddings and all its chiladas, i am going to talk touch on the different designs that has captured my attention.

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa’s collections has this collection which is really lovely.

one thing I look for in an ideal wedding dress is the back of the gown, this is the part which will be in full glance by the audience…not that the front part is any less important…For this wedding gown, the flower and the magimagi (coconut husk fiber) is a nice touch

I went to the Fiji National Museum and i saw various collection of Masi wedding gown from Di Vuya Raratabu, she is one of the leading wedding gown designers in Fiji…. coming up with extraordinary designs….and her latest is the incorporation of the lace material into the gown, just remarkable….

and yes the back of the gown is anything but dull….The thing i love about Di Vuya designs is her famous magimagi and the shell binding…..its her signiture touch one can say….

yeah! right down to the last detail although her rates are on the up side (according to the locals) but i am sure that it is most worth it……

Another local designer that is making it big is our favorite designer columnist Mrs. Rosie Semisi, one of her designs that really captured my attention is the inclusion of feathers in the gown….something similar to the Polynesian origin.

the feathers add texture and i rockon it would become trendy with the future generation of trend setters……now, since Mrs. Semisi is Rotuman, we wold expect a more polynesian touch to her designs, but it equally delivers to her fans and clients.

But more and more designers are coming and they too will have their fareshare of modifying the masi material into something the local girls and some foreigners too….can wear and not lose track of the latest wedding designs, because after all, thats what fashion is for…..turning a dull looking fabric into something that will turn heads…..it is more of a mutualistic relationship…..the tapa is not lost out through time, the bride celebrates her traditional wedding in style while designers get filthy rich……. everyones happy!

Planning for the Biggest day

switlady — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:26:28 +0000

One of my favourite cuzzie is getting married pweety soon so she is all busy planning the biggest day of her life. Well as for me, i love weddings…i guess i just love the idea of 2 people celebrating their love with the closest people in their life and also the fact that i love decorating,designing, flowers and all the pretty magica stuff…….

Well she wanted a backyard wedding and since its a traditional fijian wedding its kind of tricky. Firstly, the theme has to coincide with the dress and the setting. Its gonna be quiet a challenge but sometimes those challenges are the very thing that would make the wedding unique. I must say this is a wedding all my cousins are looking forward to…well at least me and my significant half..lol…

So as i was browsing through the net for my cousins preferences i came across sites and designers that are just heavenly for instance……

For Fijian Masi Wedding Dress Designers:

Check Out Di’Vuya Raratabu….she’s like The Fijian version of Vera Wang, totally super awesome authentic fijian masi with designs that suits individual bride.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1198957550#/profile.php?id=731879852

http://skin.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=11946707

I am such a huge fan of her design….lol…well that settles the selection for Dresses

The second most important Would be the actual theme……my first pick would be Plumeria, but of coz its really hard to keep them from withering away in the tropics but theres always the first time for every thing…..but there is also a land lily theme….totally exotic, orchid or ginger flower or cevuga…odourless but with so much color.

This are just some places to go for florists:

Florists:

Araylea Nadi Airport, Nadi Ph: 6725900

Cakau Flowers Lot 3 Tuirara Subdivision Makoi, Nasinu Ph: 3396422

Chung’s & Co Varoka, Ba Ph: 6675223

Chung’s & Co 17 Naviti St, Lautoka Ph: 6665885

Chung’s & Co Sahu Khan St, Nadi Ph: 6702828

Eden Florist & Nursery Dreketi Feeder Rd, Lautoka Ph: 666 9070

Floria (Interflora) Sales 56 Bau St Flagstaff, Suva Ph: 3301226

Golden Cowrie Complex Ltd 294 Viti Levu Drv, Deuba Ph: 3450194

Gulraaz Nursery 12 Leka St Off Ritova St, Suva Ph: 3384981

Hop Tiy & Co Ltd 155 Renwick Rd, Suva Ph: 3300309

Interflora Queens Rd, Nadi Ph: 6705325

Maroi Flowers 13 Raisara Rd Nailuva, Suva Ph: 3373726

Nagera-Foselini Florist 66 Lovoni Rd Tamavua, Suva Ph: 359 1043

Nina’s Florist Kona Nina St, Suva Ph: 3305889

Palace of Petals 1 Ellery St, Suva Ph: 3307708

Roi Ltd Sabeto Rd Natova, Nadi Ph: 6721897

Tadra Flowers 10 Queens Rd, Nadi Ph: 6703325

Tadra Flowers 98 Gordon St, Suva Ph: 3318090

Teidamu Central Nursery Kings Rd, Lautoka Ph: 6660494

Waters Mike Namoli Ave, Lautoka Ph: 6668266 But on the course of my inquirie i came across “Tadra Flowers”. They provide a good deal for those looking for a wedding package. >> http://www.tadra.com.fj/flowers.php

a lil taste of the ril fing!

Photographers:

they are the magician of the whole occasion… capturing the details and the superfluous of emotion and creating a masterpiece that last a life time. i can across a particular photographer that has captured my attention. i totally love how he worked the nature and scene to his advantage.

check out some of his creation.

http://bobbyearle.blogspot.com/2009/07/michelle-and-kevin-fiji-wedding.html

Like i said everything about the wedding is so exciting. So for now im just gonna be putting forward ideas the real choice is with the bride. Im gonna let you know well all is done.lol.

Congrats to the newly weds and all the best to those who are planning to go down that road.

finding ur other half

the “alrite” feeling

switlady — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:17:14 +0000

After conversing for a long time, my significant half turned to me and asked my feeling at that point in time and without much thought i blurted out…”im feeling ALRITE ” as im sitting here thinking about it, i wonder how does Alrite qualifies as a feeling. Does it come under happy, sad, stressed or witch other feelings are there.
well my other half smiled and replied, ” Would you care to explain how alrite feels like” but alas i can only answer with a simple sigh, kissed him and declare my profound love….i soon realise that the feeling “alrite” is like a calm before the storm or in our case, it is a pause before a surge of feeling/feelings. if ever am i to explain that feeling, i would rather say that words cannot fully describe a feeling. The feeling of Hapiness cannot really be expressed by a mere word but in such it is the spill over effect of the hearts gladness but even that does not compare with the feeling of actually experiencing it….Then there’s the feeling of loving and being loved….one can only marveled at its beauty and profound unselfishness. But that is another subject. and rite now im feeling alrite…maybe becoz i am about to feel the surge feeling of sleepiness …lol…..gudnite

distance sharpens relationship while presence strengthens it

peace within the storm

switlady — Sun, 24 May 2009 03:17:41 +0000

my beloved fiji is under siege by all this political upheaval….we have 2 options, to stand and fight, making our life unbearable
for the goodness of our country or flee the country and wait for someone who is courageous enough to go against the current government
so we can have our freedom….where do i stand?
im the citizen who is trying their very best to make ends meet, who does not even know what is going on withing her country because the government of the day has abrogated the constitution and restricted the media freedom. most would say that this is terrible! its outrageous!but bottom life is that the people of fiji are more worried about putting the food on the table and getting their children to school.

every one is just looking for peace within all this turmoil……..where else can the people of paradise find peace??? that is the question on every ones mind right now.

first blog!

switlady — Sat, 23 May 2009 23:53:09 +0000

there is one thing to think about all this and another to put it in words…..this would be me putting all those thoughts and ideas for someone else to read……

happy reading!!!