On route to Vegas ♥

Since L.A was our meeting point, we began the real roadtrip after that. Thank God for my cousin-in-law. He did all the driving and it exhausted the poor guy. The girls definitely had the easy task of breezing through the journey. We took a little break, and hung out in the middle of nowhere. It was literally in the middle of nowhere. I can't imagine being here at night.. probably would've freaked myself out and thought of some horror movie where someone gets kidnapped or something. Yup, I watch way too much Criminal Minds. Our pit-stop most definitely turned into a photo op. So to be honest, I wasn't too wowed by Vegas. Casinos, clubs and buffets? Not exactly my thing. Oh but shopping was pretty awesome. I ended up with a little YSL, and snagged some late night outlet buys. More on that later!

Now I'm nowhere near where you are ♥

I know I haven't blogged for what seems like awhile.. but lately I just haven't been in the mood to. (Got back from my trip not too long ago, family was in town, and fell sick soon after.. etc.) I have been penning my thoughts though, here and there. Just nothing that's a solid blog post. But, I guess I'm back.

So much has changed within the past few weeks, or months that I really don't know where to begin. I've put many things on hold, only to have it catch up with me when I got back from my vacation. Glad to say that they're now back on the right track.  

I've also recently celebrated my birthday, and now that I'm a year older.. *insert inspirational blurb here about turning older*. Well, nothing much has really changed haha! I wish I could say something drastic has, and I'm making life-changing decisions, but I'm not. It was just another day, but this time, I spent it in San Francisco, and with my cousins. It was my first time spending my birthday in another city, and I hope it isn't the last! Oh but when I got back, the boys planned a little dinner for me. And I have a Children's book. About me being sad. Hahaha. I should vlog about it sometime. Again, some of the best friends I could ever ask for. Well I have quite a few posts lined up about Yosemite, Vegas, Grand Canyon, Red Rock Canyon, and San Fran! Too many photos, and too little time to edit. But keep an eye out for them! XO

Lights, Camera & basketball ♥

I'm a bit of a TV girl. Okay, maybe a lot. I love watching my television shows, dramas, movies.. series.. whatever. List goes on. So when the Warner Brothers' VIP Studio Tours was on the itinerary, I was delighted and excited. (More like a kid in a candy store.) I have to say, our tour guide for the day was awesome. He knew all the inside scoop and actually let us on certain sets that were off limits! What a rebel he was. Me being me.. I basically went OMG at every TV show set I recognized. (Hey it was cool seeing it.) That includes Hart of Dixie, with Rachel Bilson, Friends, True Blood, Pretty Little Liars, The Ellen Show, Party Rock Anthem and then some. It was very interesting seeing how things worked behind the scenes, and also checking out the infamous prop house. Some of the pieces in there cost over $5 million dollars! Cray. We saw some celebrities on set, but I didn't recognize them so I didn't bother with photos haha.

But, I'll have to say I was the most starstruck being in the actual set of Friends. Growing up watching that series, and owning all 10 seasons.. I was a huge fan of that show. And I still love re-watching the episodes every now and then. 

After the studio tours, we headed for some unhealthy, and gross grub aka. McDonalds. I'm so, so sick of American grub. Guess I'm too spoiled for choice coming from Singapore, and living in Vancouver. Anyways, we were off to the Staples Center to catch the Lakers vs. Cavaliers game! I'll be completely honest.. and say I got a little bored from time to time. Definitely a hockey girl at heart. Go Canucks Go :) Kobe of course was the all-star, and we also had some celeb sightings which was kinda cool. Apparently Jack Nicholson rarely misses a game. And right next to him was Mr.Adam Sandler! It was quite an awesome day. Spent the remanding days in L.A with family, and friends. It was so good to catch up. Think I'll be back soon enough. L.A holds a special place in my heart :) And.. my Grand Uncle and Grand Aunt are the coolest people ever. 

Escaping winter blues ♥

So I started the year off with another trip back to California. First stop, Los Angeles. I almost feel like I live there now, because I'm so comfortable being in that city. (Minus the lack of awesome Asian food of course.) This trip was most definitely not planned, and so out of my budget. Especially since the last time I was in L.A was only 3 weeks ago. But, I'm very blessed and thankful that most of this trip is a treat from my parents and aunt for my birthday. Oh, and it's one of the rare times I get to travel with my cousins from Singapore. Needless to say, it's been a ball of fun, laughter and good times.

One of my favourite things to do in Cali is of course, visiting the beaches. If there's a place I could be anywhere in the world, it'd have to be a place with beautiful beaches. I can't get enough of them. I'm sure you'd agree after seeing these photos. We went on a boat, and were greeted by the lovely bottle-nosed dolphins, as well as the grey whale. It was quite the sight, since I have never been that close to them in my life. There's something about being out there in the ocean that's calming and enjoyable. The fresh, ocean air.. being surrounded by amazing sea creatures, and the bright, blue clear skies overlooking the horizon.

Will be keeping this post short! I'm still on the road travelling, and I have a ton of photos to sort out before I get a chance to blog again. Follow me on Instagr.am for snippets of the trip! (@tessatham) I can't wait to share this travel series with you all :) It's been quite amazing. Until next time! XO

Discovering Hong Kong ♥

A little behind on my Asia posts, but this is one of the few remaining! After we said our goodbyes in Brunei, Pablo and I headed to Hong Kong for a few days. It seriously is one of the easiest cities to navigate through, as a tourist. You have the MTR (Skytrain), which is equally as convenient as Vancouver's.. and well food can be found everywhere. Of course we visited the shopping streets, the infamous night markets, and bargained like there's no tomorrow. Definitely a city I'd revisit. We stayed in Tsim Sha Tsui, which is a pretty busy area, and walkable to lots of the local malls and food joints. Have you guys been to Hong Kong? What's your favourite thing to do here? 

Au Revoir 2011, You've been good to me ♥

Another year has gone by, and here I am sitting in my hotel room in L.A as I type this out. I have to say this year was quite the year. I've struggled, conquered, travelled, and made some spontaneous decisions that have only led me to blessings in disguise. This year was full of surprises, so much love, and a whole lot of faith. I've also met some of the most amazing people I have in my life this year. Although some friendships and relationships I have with people have changed over the course of this year, the rest have simply been wonderful.

From the Sharing Hope Benefit Concert, to my Asia trip, to my new job, and now L.A.. I can only say this: I have the greatest support system ever, and every one of these events has truly been a blessing. These experiences and trips have taught me a whole lot about myself, others, and my relationship with God. I'm still seeking for some answers, but I'm moving onto the next year with even more faith, hope, and trust in Him.

I can't say I'm ending this year with certainty of what's in store for me next.. so I'm going to be completely honest and say I don't know what next year will hold for me. I thought I did, but some things are just way beyond my control. It's a scary thing, and I'm slowly learning to be okay with that. I think God is trying to tell me that it's alright for me to let go, and trust Him to lead me in the right direction. Detours and diversions included.

There's so much I left in the back burner for a little while.. just so I don't have to deal with it. My heart and mind say different things.. and I need time to figure that out. It's definitely been a struggle. But with all that being said, I'm excited for the new year. New adventures, new travels, and to kickstart the year, I'll be travelling! Destinations will be revealed in future posts ;) Well, I hope everyone will have a fabulous and blessed New Year's! May the year ahead be one of love, happiness, and great joy for you. Cheers to 2012 - New beginnings, new hopes, and bigger dreams. XO

These are the moments ♥

So other than Disneyland, the girls and I really enjoyed hanging out with our friends over there. They truly are some of the best people around. It's been so awesome catching up, and just spending time together as our time with them is always limited because of distance. It's such a blessing having friends that live in other cities, but at the same time, saying goodbye although temporarily.. sucks. Nonetheless, when we are together, it's always a good time :) Till the next time, AIM will just have to do for now. 

Oh and I know it's a little late, but have you seen Kevin's cover of Mistletoe? It's amazing. I still can't believe it's acapella. I'm leaving this on repeat for awhile even though Christmas is over. Anyways, I hope this holiday season has brought you all great joy, and much love with your friends and family. Be blessed! Time for bed. I might be up early to do some boxing day shopping.. XO