Rutilated Quartz Ring

I love the look of gold rutilated quartz with strands of gold within. So when I found this clear gem, I couldn't resist.

Cross-stitch Accessories

Cross stitch essentials that don't come in the pack - scissors for cutting thread and plenty of threaders.

Cross Stitch Mural

I really like this mural, so feminine, so sweet. Read about the designer on her blog.

When re-decorating the room, I always find headboards the most challenging. In my previous room I had my bed against the windows, so the window treatments were adequate. When I moved to my current room, I didn't want to hang anything above the bed as earthquake tremors could cause things to come crashing down. I spent some time looking for a conventional headboard that is affixed to the wall from the ground up and was about to give up when I found these stickers that are just perfect. Eline's mural is almost the same idea, only she has more talent than me.

The liuli (chinese crystal) forever knot ornament is a present from my dad. It's affixed to the wall in a closed clasp hook.

Body Jewellery

Temporary tattoos that look like jewellery.

Received my Chanel Spring/Summer 2010 collection tatts today. I should have gotten them sooner. Because, I also got the Sephora Urban Decay tatts that look similar.

The Urban Decay pack had some chains and charms and a colour sheet of flowers, hearts and stars if you are after the Kat von Dee look.   

The Chanel pack had a lot more tatts, all in black & white (classic chanel) with a lot more detailing as well and the double Cs. Can't wait to use 'em.

Cosmetics Haul

More of the cosmetics I ordered online came today. This batch is mainly compacts - Benefit, Nina Ricci, Givenchy, Elizabeth Arden and 1 Lancome blanc white pen that is just perfect for highlighting your eyes or lining the inside of your eyes. The one I wanted to talk about is the fantastic 120 or 88 colour eyeshadow palette that is all the rage now. Relatively inexpensive at around $35, these palettes have beauty bloggers abuzz with it's vibrant colours and high quality pigment. I absolutely adore the sleek matte black boxes the colours come in. With or without brands, it really is the same thing. The moment I opened it, my mom wanted one as well.

Seahorse Tonic Soup

TCM - Seahorses are beneficial for the complexion and as a restorative detox/cleanser. Good for people who have been partying too much.

I had lunch at Chinatown today and passed by this stretch of TCM halls, that is always a feast for the eyes - deer antlers, pearls, bird's nest etc. So anyway, these seahorses caught my eye and I thought I would try it. The Cantonese always make soup with 4 seahorses. In this packet there is 1 male, 1 female (it's like a yin yang thing) and 2 sea dragons. Add the herb mix with 200gm meat (usually pork with a bit of fat) and fill with just enough water to cover all the ingredients. Double boil (very important!) for 2 hrs and it's ready. There is a trick here, you have to soak the seahorses in hot water for 5-15mins, throw away that water and place the seahorses into the soup pot.  

USB Fan

This is how I keep cool...

USB fans are usually quite weak, unlike this miniature mistral fan that is soo powerful it's like a mini wind machine. This pink powerhouse was a gift from my colleague and I would recommend everyone get one too.

Win a Fendi Hobo Bag

GSS giveaway at Gmarket. By the way, GSS starts this friday.
Get your cards ready.

Security Cameras

I recently purchased these gag security cameras online and thought it was very funny for the homeowner on a budget. The red light blinks when it detects motion, attaches to the wall with a 2-way tape sticker and costs $3.90. Mainly used as a deterrant. For those who wish to spend a little more and get serious with their security, try engaging Cisco or buy full surveillance equipment online from http://www.dinodirect.com/security-systems/. The below system costs around SGD $500, free worldwide shipping (for most items, pls check)!

* I purchased several items from Dinodirect but only half of my order came. Couldn't reach the company for response on the remaining order. I think the company is another one of those China PRC based entities that doesn't offer recourse. Safer to not buy from this site ;)

Guerlain Meteorites Voyage Compact

I have been meaning to get ahold of this cosmeceutical must-have for a while. But, always deliberated because it is a finishing powder and not an essential makeup item. After all your makeup is on, you dust it on your face like a highlighter to complete the look.

I was lucky to get this compact at the price of a refill, that means I can't choose the colour and instead received the classic gold with multi-coloured swirls in front. I really like the compact better than the box mainly because it's soo handy for touch-ups and picking up more powder if I wanted.

When you open the box, you can immediately smell the heavily perfumed powder. I always like that in compacts. It's like aromatherapy when you reach for a touch-up mid-day or in transit.

At first look, what I noticed is that the compact doesn't come with a puff or brush and you really can't sandwich one in between. I didn't mind as I happen to have a new heart-shaped pink lacquer brush on hand.

The powder does illuminate the face nicely, providing a soft glow on the complexion. Although one of the colours on the compact has glitter, it doesn't show on the face. So the overall effect is very subdued and natural.

Long John Silver

Fish and chips anyone? It's called junk food, but, with the crispiest batter ever it is better than freshly made.

Long John Silver also started serving bubble tea or their version with syrup and jelly balls with 7-up.

Corn Stalk

The strangest thing happened this week. I had sowed corn seeds earlier this year that didn't bloom. Last week, my mom and Lorna took over the space and planted lime, chilli and some random vegetables. Just as baby sprouts started to appear, a single stalk of corn burst from the earth and started flowering. I think the heat and humidity must have germinated the seeds. Maybe some of that digging and tossing of earth around must have cross-pollinated the seeds as well.

Blessing Cross Stitch Framed

And it is finally ready to be revealed. The framer with the nicest bamboo frame, Barrakath framers. They are not experienced with cross-stitch so it took a while. The additional copper chinoi hinge brought it to under $100 in total.

Online Haul - the rest of it

The bulk of stuff I ordered online came today. Hair (above) and cosmetics (below). My favourite brand is Kerastase the hair expert, I always get a hairloss prevention shampoo and a moisturizing or repairing conditioner. I am also excited to try out L'Oreal's new nature series with botanical extracts that smells really lovely, almost like perfume. The product I got is a leave in treatment which is good if you work in an air-conditioned office, to prevent split ends. The rest are just gifts.

I heard about the rave reviews Dior's whitening range has been earning. My key concern is really hydration and anti-aging care starts in your mid-20s, so I got Dior's hydra-life range of skincare products. It came with a really cool towel, can't wait to use it. Some other new things I have desired for a while - Guerlain meteorites voyage compact and Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Nil perfume in a purse size. I think this is my new favourite scent. I use EA Green Tea often coz of the light citrusy scent, Jardin is almost the same but with more zing. Will post a more current picture of cosmetics once the rest of my orders are in.

 

Online Haul

I was watching several haul and makeup collection videos on youtube and want to do my own soon. So while I figure out how to work the video on my camera phone, this is a haul post on some online shopping I did over the weekend.

If you don't already know, I go on a buying frenzy when there is a sale. It's stuff you are going to use anyway, so you can buy it with discounts or not, it's entirely up to you. A good rule of thumb is to buy enough to last the year. It may not last that long when doubled as last minute presents. Buying in bulk always pays off, I got free shipping, an additional 5% discount and a CK brow pencil with this batch. Part 1 of 3 as it's shipped out in batches of shower gel/moisturizers, cosmetics and hair stuff. It took just 2 days for the first box to arrive. Yes, I hoard.

I also checked out this new online luxury sale site stylez online and got a new pair of Prada shades and gold Dior bracelet at half price.

I can order the basics online. But for everything else, I need to see the colour and texture in person to decide. My favourite place is multi-label Sephora where throngs of crowd appear for their beauty fix as well. For the latest fashion trends in makeup, I always head to Urban Decay and it didn't disappoint with a flourescent white glitter eyeliner gel that was just ammazzing! You never knew your eyelids could hold that much glitter in a single line. I also got a heavenly marshmellow scented Marshmellow body powder, they were out the last time. A strawberry & kiwi bath ice cream (i.e. bomb), need to try it to know the difference from Lush bath bombs. And more stock of mascara. Am not fussy about mascara as long as it doesn't clump and is waterproof, ended up with Lancome's Hypnose as the salesgirl convinced me it was the best - volumizes your lashes in seconds.

Seafood Horfun

One of my all-time favourite dishes is Hor Fun..."hor and "fun" haha! I get a little delirious when I describe this dish. Slippery, soft, flat rice noodles that just glide down smoothly into your tummy. Wet or dry, seafood or beef, this dish is always a winner.

Natural Rings

I am dreaming of a beach vacation and that apparates into the new accessories I purchased. Strange how that happens...white sandy beaches (white shell ring), turquoise waters (abalone shell butterfly ring) and natural rock sculptures (ammonite silver ring).

Chanel Makeup

I have been a fan of Chanel makeup for almost a decade. I remember a time when I used to baulk at the extraordinary prices people would pay for premium makeup back in the days when I used L'oreal and ZA. I made the big leap when after a night of drinking, I saw my patchy face in the mirror that touch-ups barely fixed. In contrast, my uni classmate next to me had luminous flawless skin, she was glowing in a healthy radiant way. She showed me her Chanel compact and I never turned back since.

How do you justify cosmetics that cost almost 5x the price of regular convenience store brands? A sheer layer of foundation/powder glides onto the skin, providing instant coverage. As the night wears on, it seems to absorb the natural oils from your skin and transforms into radiant but still matte coverage. The same goes for their eyeshadows, blush, bronzers that don't oxidize as the day progresses (i.e. change colour). I am also a fan of their long lasting lip glosses that usually come in brilliant colours that hold the colour throughout the day. Try it today and you will be a fan soon.

L'Angelus

One of the best French bistros in Singapore. The warm cosy atmosphere just invites you to linger. I am so glad my office is nearby so I can just walk there.

I had the snails, it's garlicky buttery sauce is better suited to soaking up your bread pieces as it's too overpowering to be eaten alone. Take it slow, it's Friday evening...

I changed my fries to potato dauphinoise coz they make a lovely version here with creamy baked potatoes.

Steak tartare, I remember it as the best I have tried before, and it still is. Made table-side and packed with so much flavour and bite, it really is the best version by far.

Instead of finishing the meal with a limoncello, try their lemon sorbet with a shot of vodka...heavenly!

The lovely staff called me a cab home after the meal. Hope to see you there soon.

LANCÔME SINGAPORE

Win 1 year's worth of Lancome Genifique Youth Activator at LANCÔME SINGAPORE. Vote for me!

Big O Cafe

Dinner at Big O cafe. Lamb chops in sweet barbeque sauce and a blackforest cake where the berry coulis is poured on.

Dilbert.com

Flowering Tea

It unfurls its leaves in hot water, releasing a stream of bubbles as the flower blooms. The best way to enjoy your tea ball is with a transparent tea pot.

Mother's Day

For all the mothers in the world, thanks for bringing us up.

I got her a Stardust Lush pack coz it's pink and she's a star!

Mother's Day 9 course Chinese dinner downstairs.

Polling Day

My first time voting in the elections. It comes once every 4 years and the right of every Singaporean over the age of 21. My area is usually uncontested, except for this year.

Morinaga's Caramels

Morinaga makes the best caramels and all packed in vintage Japanese boxes. My favourites are salted caramel (quite hard to find) and red bean (azuki). The wholesome homemade flavour just jumps out at you. It's sold in regular size or large size with a bigger box and bigger caramel pieces, just my kind of dessert.