Venice Beach or Santa Monica

How about a beach house overlooking the sea or

in fact, I will be most pleased with just an apt. near the shore.

Rose and Reine

L'Occitane Rose & Reine Eau de Toilette

A new limited edition variation on their popular Eau des 4 Reines fragrance. The four roses of the original (Turkish rose, Grasse rose, Bulgarian rose and Moroccan rose) are accented with fruity and fresh notes for summer. This updated scent is a sophisticated and complex fragrance for every mood. Infused with heart notes drawn from authentic Mediterranean essences, each spray and splash evokes a harvest of sensational aromas. Each day is made a little more captivating. I never cared much for the original version but this latest edition is my current favourite scent. Plus, the bottle is simply so quaint and pretty!

Finally visited the Chocolate Factory on The Pier @ Robertson Quay.
We tried the Black Forest Cake and Iced Chocolate. There was much of a crowd here, being a weekend evening and all, but we found the cake and drink rather ordinary. Nonetheless, this is a pretty decent place to chill, if only the weather here isn't so warm and humid, the setting will be perfect for alfresco drinks.

Coach Legacy Slim Envelope

The roving eye has caught sight of another little "something"--

LEGACY SIGNATURE FRAMED SLIM ENVELOPE
Timeless Signature fabric and an iconic closure make this slender, roomy wallet a must-have that you'll hold onto for years to come.
Twelve credit card pockets
Two multi-function pockets
Double bill compartment
Outside coin pocket with framed clasp closure
Turnlock closure
Signature jacquard fabric with leather trim
7 1/2 (L) x 4 (H)

Absolutely Divine!

門徒

PROTEGE ( 門徒)

I have been watching alot more Chinese movies lately. The latest movie to add to the list is Protege ( 門徒), with a starring cast of A-list actors/actresses, about the brutal realities of the underworld drug scene. Well well well, whoever said drugs was good for you...

Watching this movie made me contemplate the issues of:
trust and betrayal
a father's love for his family
personal sacrifice
essence of true happiness
where to draw the line
loyalty

Busakorn Wing

Phuket, Thailand

Sun, Sea and Surf @ Patong Beach-- where the action is.

I miss the soft lapping of the ocean and sandy beaches.
There are actually 2 wings @ the Holiday Inn Phuket. We have only stayed at the Busakorn Wing but it is fabulous! Spent the weekend lounging by the pool. This resort boasts of lovely rooms and a lovely pool. You can't ask for more really... can you??

Things I Miss Fondly..

House
waterways/canals

Surrey Quays London

A home away from home.

A refuge away from downtown London.

Conveniently located surrounded by pretty houses/apts--some overlooking the River Thames and Canary Wharf.

This place holds poignant memories of carefree times, garden parties, biscuits and tea, and walks amidst quixotic settings of waterways, rivers and parks.

Robertson Quay

Wanderlust took root *again* today and I decided to explore the River Valley district by foot.

Started off @ Clarke Quay and discovered 2 new cafes at the newly opened Central(Soho) Mall which comprises apartments and a lifestyle mall.
Anyways, the 2 cafes are:
1) "Paisley and Cream" Nice beige decor and seems like a nice place to chill.
2) Gobi ( Cafe is not in operation just yet...it's all boarded up but I have bought cakes from them before and just lurve the packaging!)

There is something about waterways, canals and rivers that captivates and relaxes me. Maybe it is the ebb and flow of the water. Moreover, the apartments by the canal also brings back memories of my house in Surrey Quays, London. Surrey Quays is a rare gem of a find in urbanised London-- a quaint, idlyllic suburban neighbourhood that is surreally perfect with its waterways, parks, and modern conveniences-- tube stn and public buses. There's even a Surrey Quays Shopping Centre housing a gaint Tescos that is open 24hr, gift shops, River Island, Boots, BHS, WHS.... basically, everything you need on short notice can be bought here. Also amazingly convenient, it is located just 30 mins away from Central London such that one is near enough to the “action” yet far away from the “grimness” and pollution of the city. Anyways, back to Clarke Quay, admittedly the Clarke Quay/Boat Quay/Robertson Quay area is a tad commercialised(ignore the junk boat rides and river cruise operators etc) but and you will still find it a rather charming and pleasant setting.

I managed to spend a pleasant afternoon revisiting old haunts and scouting new places!

Eyelash Extensions

FINALLY.
I did it... & took the plunge!

The Chocolate Factory

The Chocolate Factory Pte Ltd

This new cafe along the picturesque riverside promises to indulge the taste buds with its silky smooth, richly intense chocolate. Each piece retails for S$3 - S$18 per 100g. I am hoping to check out this place over the long CNY weekend. =)

The Pier on Robertson Quay

80 Mohamed Sultan Road

#01-11

Singapore 239013

Telephone: 62359007 Fax:: 63000691

Hong Kong Shopping

Top Picks in Hong Kong (Shopping)

Quintessential Causeway Bay (to shop where the "locals" shop)
Housing perennial favourites like Sogo. A must stop to pick up SK-II products. Upon computation of exchange rates (S$1 : HK$5) , prices appear nearly 35% cheaper than Singapore. Picked up a forming cleanser for S$45 whilst my friend picked up the Signs Eye Treatment Mask for S$90+. That's a steal. Be prepared to battle the crowds though.
Sogo Food Hall
A must-stop to pick up HK snacks and tidbits. I particularly like the Egg Rolls here & especially the Pastelaria Koi Kee (Made in Macau) brand - Seaweed with Pork Floss flavour. Yummy. Do note that on Hong Kong Island, this brand is only available @ Sogo Food Hall.
Lane Crawford (Times Square)
Home to cult makeup brands such as Benefit, Nars, Models & Co., Fresh, etc. Prices are slightly higher than if you buy these products directly in the USA but considering shipping and convenience etc (don't forget HK is tax-free whilst the USA does levy sales tax and the amount depends on which state you are in) it's still worth buying here. Plus, Nars blushes last soo long and are incredibly pigmented. I swear the colour stays on even after 14 hours!! For HK$225 (~S$45) I cannot resist.
DHC (Japan)
A stand-alone boutique just opposite Times Sq. You cannot miss it. I do believe several products are good here and have received much praise. Best sellers include the DHC Cleansing Oil which I do use. Hint: Store is having a "3 200ml bottles for HK$586" promotion which is an extremely good deal since it only works out to HK$195 (~S$39) per bottle. Even if you do not need so many bottles, share with a fren! =)
Beverly Centre
A shopping centre just opposite Sogo with nearly 7 floors of cul-de-sac shops selling trendy shoes, clothes, accessories and pretty much everything else. Cutting edge fashion that updates very rapidly, in fact, you shd be able to find many replicas of runway fashion! I enjoy browsing the shops but after a while some might find the merchandise repetitive. Be forewarned that you will need loads of stamina and energy just to make it to the 4th floor. I have only managed to cover all floors once despite my repeat visits!!
Granville Street(TsimShaTsui)
A narrow street with shops lining both sides of the road. Some shops stock overruns from major US brands (Abercrombie & Fitch, Old Navy, Gap, etc). An easy browse for shoppers but be prepared to dig through stacks of clothes / stuff to find pieces catering to your taste. With patience I am sure you will find something!
Prada Outlet ( Directions: Take a taxi from Central MTR. Costs around HK$95)
This is my maiden visit to the Prada Outlet and I am glad I went as I managed to pick up a pair of patent beige-pink mary-jane style stilettos for HK$1500!
Prices here are not rock-bottom as compared to Prada Outlets in Europe but definitely there are still savings for those who do not mind last seasons' overstocks. If you are extremely lucky, you might even find signature pieces amidst the crowd!
(Hint: Ever wonder where the "creme de la creme" stock end up? To acquire the best pieces, there are 2 alternatives: 1) make cosy acquaintance with the sales ladies so that they will inform you when stock arrives or even reserve pieces for you; 2) best to patronise at the start of the month 'cause the sales lady hinted that new stocks (in limited pieces) arrive around then!)
Soho
I spent half a delightful afternoon browsing around the quaint shops in Soho. I like the atmosphere and the merchandise but don't expect prices to be cheap! End off a visit with coffee / tea in a trendy cafe!

Have fun in Hong Kong and get lost in the hustle and bustle of the city that never seems to sleep.

agnes b. le pain grillé

The Entrance
The Interior (oh-so-french)
Croque madame
The Dishware... Contemporary & Chic

A Dainty Little Bistro
Managed to get a table @ Agnes B. Cafe (HK) for tea. Those familiar with this bistro nestling on the corner of Leighton and Sunning Road know just how notoriously difficult to book they are. Furthermore, they do not accept reservations for tea and we were lucky to get a table after a 20 min wait!

We shared a Croque Madame gratine ou traditionnel - which was presented with green salad and fries. Basically, this is a classic French grilled ham and cheese sandwich with an egg on the top. It was palatable and cheesy (in a good way).

Here, you also won't miss out the dessert counter @ the front of the shop... The desserts (and cake boxes) also looked very good and we decided to load up on the calories by ordering a Blueberry Cheesecake. We were not disappointed by the lovely presentation and light moussey texture that didn't leave any unpleasant aftertaste. =)

I had a very pleasant experience in this cafe and would consider returning someday for dinner!

Hong Kong--Asian City of Bright Lights

Meeting up with a good good good-est pal over the weekend.
Can't wait to spend much girly time shopping and eating =)

Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie

Popped by one of my fave dessert places located @ Robertson Quay to pick up Macaroons.I love sweets. They come in packs of 5,10 or 40!!

Chef Pang just makes the most delectable desserts. A perfectionist.. he always ensures the highest of standards.

11 Unity Street, #01-09

Robertson Walk

Singapore 237995

Opening Hours
Monday to Wednesday
10 am – 8 pm
Thursday to Saturday
10 am – 11 pm
Sunday
10 am – 6 pm

The Quest

Eyelashes
People say that "Eyes are the windows to the soul".
Genetically, *most* Asians are not naturally endowed with enviable thick luscious lashes and due to the increasing popularity and affordability of cosmetic surgery, I believe that this has in turn created this desire to sought out bigger doe-like eyes. Sometimes, at all cost. Apart from plastic surgery i.e. eyelash transplants which can cost thousands of dollars, what other "simpler" options are there?
As for myself, I admit that I have had a long love affair with my lashes... as far back as College, I have done countless things to them… permed them and applied falsies on many occasions in the quest to achieve the natural fresh wide-eyed look. Those procedures appeased the covetous and "Dorian Grey" syndrome in me for awhile but now, I am on the lookout, considering something slightly more drastic--eyelash extensions. How far would I go to achieve that effect?
Beware: these lashes require a lot of attention.
Based on my research, this is a summary of the ‘dos’ and ‘don’ts’ of Eyelash Extensions.
1) No oil-based makeup removers as it will weaken the glue.
2) No rubbing of eyes
3) Extra extra care needs to be taken while washing the delicate eye area
4)Monthly( or rather 3 weekly) touch-ups that cost 10-30 dollars
5) Risk your natural lashes falling off and looking sparse when the extensions are removed
In order to illustrate the level of care and maintenance, let me relate an anecdote someone told me recently; of this lady who would wear a pair of swimming goggles when she is showering so as to protect her lashes!! That's the level of "extra" care I am referring too...

Some places I am considering:
HoneyPot @ Pacific Plaza
Pointe De Beaute @ Far East Plaza price range: 2 for $160 with 1 free touch-up

Did U Know?

CNY Goodies

I bought Shrimp Rolls, Pineapple Tarts and Macademia Cashew Sugee Cookies today.
Received an email from one of my dearest dearest friends requesting me to bring some CNY cookies/snacks when I visit over the weekend.
Apparently, it is not a tradition in HK to purchase such snacks and cookies as the locals usually buy/sell waxed duck and dried sausages etc for CNY.
I find this an interesting revelation on customs and traditions.

Patience is a Virtue

Patent Yellow&Black Heels
Finally bought the delicious heels I have been eyeing for the longest time.
(OK I admit I exaggerate but I have been eyeing them since b4 Christmas!!)
Patents might not be in style next season but I still find these shoes simply divine!!

Chinatown-- Juxtaposition of modern and traditional Singapore

*courtesy of Wikitravel

*courtesy of pbase user

Chinatown-- Juxtaposition of modern and traditional Singapore

Spent a delightful day "browsing" today. The weather was sunny yet not too warm nor humid with occasional breeze.
We started off in Chinatown (牛车水); soaking in the festive atmosphere of CNY. Some might find modern Chinatown much too commercialised with vendors trying to sell all kinds of merchandise. However, in my opinion, there is still no better place to experience the festive mood other than Chinatown. The colourful stalls and crowded alleys simply complete the picture.
Strangely, I have always taken covert pleasure in exploring the side streets, quaint shops and traditional chinese shophouse architecture. Harbouring the exciting possibility of coming across interesting shops and cafes. And of course, not forgetting to also mention the few excellent restaurants along Club Street.

All these are reasons for exploring this often forgotten bit of town. =)

Knowledge..Infinite Knowledge

This is just a random thought running through my head...

Is it really possible to read up and know everything there is to know in this world??

Don't be mistaken.. I love books, magazines etc and can spend hours reading... =P It's just that somehow, increasingly,I feel that, just as we , humans, think that we do know it all... we come to the realisation that we only know what we think we know. We are none any wiser...staying put in our ignorant ways --> Fallacy of the All-Knowing Man-- In spite of, yet Still Of Limited Intelligence, Myopic in Horizon, Possessing an Overblown Ego!

1st Feb 2007

Happy Happy Anniversary!

P/S: Cupcakes; My gift to HIM.