Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Fresh Lobster



I am always amazed at the fresh seafood offered in Singapore. This being an island afterall, surrounded by the ocean. Whole, fresh lobsters for dinner. I liked mine sashimi style or steamed simply with mayonnaise. The restaurant even makes lobster XO soup with the shells after you are done.

Monday, April 26, 2010

My Skin Savers



Frequent travel, hormones and just plain unpredictable weather can throw your skin regime into chaos. Instead of several different moisturizers, serums or even toners, I just use 2 great products.




SK-II Facial Treatment Essence is an essential ever since I first tried it. After 1 week, my skin was glowing visibly. Meant to be easily absorbed by the skin and formulated to enhance the skin's natural healing process. You don't have to worry about putting to much or to little on. Works on all skin types without aggravating existing conditions. It is quite miraculous.




For more intensive moisturizing and regeneration, I rely on La Mer's The Concentrate. Not to be confused with The Essence (picture below). It does a great job with restoring moisture and shine to skin almost overnight.


Sunday, April 25, 2010

Peranakan Museum





This heritage museum provides a comprehensive overview on the culture of early peranakans. Alternatively, you can visit Malacca. The museum is housed in a restored colonial townhouse, complete with ornate gates and sculptures. And 2 gift shops on the ground floor.




This visit was quite exuberant, with a full schedule of performances at the main entrance. Several stations for body painting, paper dolls and stamping utilizing traditional motifs. Check out my dragonfish above.




Beautifully made brass sculptures adorn the main entrance of the building. Not sure if this cat sculpture is in memory of a real cat that lived in this house or just Kucinta. The flowers strewn on it really makes you wonder.




What I really love about Peranakans are their material culture. Gorgeous brightly coloured porcelain, copious amounts of jewellery (gold gilt, ungraded diamonds) and intricate beadwork made with 1mm glass beads that resemble paintings.




Of course, if you are like me and have to own a piece of peranakan culture, head on down to the gift shops. I was a little surprised as well that you can buy a small green & pink ceramic pot similar to the exhibits for $150 or a gold necklace for $3000. More conventional offerings such as books and magnets are also available. I bought a limited print micro beaded stamp (below) and my sis got a cookbook.


Saturday, April 24, 2010

Steamed Shaoxing Crab





No drinks and smoky clubs this girl's night out. Instead we had dinner of Sri Lankan crabs steamed in Shaoxing wine and soyabean milk. That's a 1 kilo crustacean in the photo, each! It took us over an hour to make our way through it. Smelled heavenly and tasted divine... =)


Thursday, April 22, 2010

Weekday Lunch



The staple in my diet these days. I am lucky they have so many variations near my office (Indian inspired, Vietnamese fusion, Jap flavours). Nothing beats freshly baked bread.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Mushroom Fairy Circle





A fairy circle appears after the rain on a small patch of grass by the side of the road. For Enid Blyton fans, you will know this means a group of fairies (or pixies) live nearby. But really, it's just the way mushrooms grow, in concentric rings. A strange occurance of nature.




This is quite a sight in the midst of the urban sprawl. I wouldn't dare to eat this batch of shrooms, might be poisonous.

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Lavender Closet



I read about this specialty store for plus sized girls in the Straits Times, recommended by a pagent contestant. Everyone in Singapore knows you can't buy party clothes off the rack if you're larger than a size 12. Tailoring is an option, as is travelling to Australia/UK for shopping trips. So I am glad they have this store here at affordable prices. Business is brisk, by the time I made the trip down, the shop only had 2 dresses left in my size. I found stretchy jeans with elastic waists (!) and extra long belts to accessorize.

Friday, April 16, 2010

DIY Gel Nails



This hurts! It doesn't look like it does, but, it is painful as the gel bonds with your bare natural nails activated by the UV light. I have decided to use gel overlay as a top coat. Finally kicking the perfect manicure (aka expertly applied fake nails) habit. The gel will protect my natural nails, preventing it from chipping and breaking.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Maggie Moo Ice Cream



Cotton Candy Ski Jump or cotton candy ice cream mixed with M&Ms and marshmellows. Maggie Moo's is at Somerset 313 B3.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Gucci Paravanda Collection



Singapore Botanic Gardens creates a new hybrid orchid and names it after Gucci Creative Director Frida. Who in turn creates a Singapore exclusive limited edition Paravanda Frida Collection. Hand painted orchids on a standard boston bag and another with handpainted leather flower appliques and white croc handles. Of course there are wristlets and T-shirts available as well.


Exclusive (again) to the new Paragon boutique. No point rushing down as it's completely sold out save for a few wristlets and T-shirts. I absolutely love the flower applique version.


official picture above

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Felt Strawberry Swiss Roll



I destress by making these soft puffy french desserts. I had to work today ...sign...

Friday, April 9, 2010

Bad Luck



Chipped my front tooth today. Someone bumped into me and I bit into my fork. So Sad!! =(

My dad says it isn't obvious. But, it's my front tooth! Thinking of getting caps, another grand down the drain.

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Passion Fruit Felt Cake



Made another felt cake. Passion Fruit in a choc tart with fresh berries and leaves, topped with shaved coconut!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

Felt Cherry Pie



This cherry pie with a flaky pie shell and almonds took me an hour. Pretty quick huh.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Good Friday




Holy holy Easter

No sweet treats for me as I am still recovering