Cynthia Rowley, Jessica McClintock, Leanne Marshall

Round-up of what these pattern designers have in the stores for us:.

Cynthia Rowley has a really kooky american flair that is reflected in her clothing, accessories and now beauty products. This autumn/winter 2015 she gets really serious and sexy.

One of the rare few designers who puts out an activewear collection seasonally that includes swimwear. 

Jessica McClintock retired in 2013 closing her prom and wedding dress mass-manufacturing business. However, the designer and label have not totally disappeared as her licensing business is still active. Nordstrom and Macy's sell her collection of minaudieres and clutches. Her perfume and home fragrance lines are also still sold in stores.

Leanne Marshall designs seasonal pret-a-porter collections in addition to a signature wedding dress collection. This Autumn/Winter she does lots of floaty dresses in sexy see-through. I like big skirts and those tops really make their bodies look good.

Midori Promotion @ Crossroads Cafe

The people watching place in Orchard Road, its al fresco but the huge fans keep patrons in this bar/cafe cool.

I'm here for the Midori Melon Liquor cocktails. All cocktails are 1-for-1 all day!

Was surprised by the free flow of mini hotdogs (ordinarily $5 each) @ the bar.

And even more pleasantly surprised by the free Midori Cocktail Shaker that lights up.

Christmas Pressie Haul!

Various Korean & Japanese skin care & cosmetics. It's still the newest thing. VDL festival nail duos in honey dip/gold piece & patent black/strap gold.

 Facial masks from Nature Republic, Skin79, TheFaceShop, Missha, Etude House, My Beauty Diary, MijinCare, BeauGreen, Leaders Clinic, Kitoko Kalani.

Sephora goodies from my sis. She did all her Christmas shopping there this year. Bliss is the name of Sephora's in-house spa.

I always receive some Victoria Secret items and this year its Sugared Lilac body lotion.

Lucky cat purse, that I really wanted and yet do not own. Good for keeping 4D & Toto in as well as other contest receipts.

Laniege Sleeping Water Mask came at the right time as I ran out of masks and was wondering what to get next. I also heard good things about Laniege Water skincare.

A red watch for the new year. I was looking at Swatch watches during Christmas shopping, they have a Christmas Wishlist this year where you can wish & win your watch of choice. So far I really like Cheng Shuang Cheng Dui Lan.Bai

I received only 1 food gift this year and its a really pretty one, Crabtree & Evelyn musical cookie tin. Keeping the tin forever!

*updated today 29 Dec 2015 anti-aging cream from my former colleague, she sells these stemcell products in her spare time.

Poulet

Amazing French food at unbelievable prices. The specialty is roast chicken, perfect for the festive season whether you are dining alone or with friends.

I ordered french onion soup that everyone was raving about and its got good strong flavor. No cheese in it tho'.

Roast chicken with signature Chardonnay mushroom sauce, truffled mash potatoes and raspberry lemonade. I can't believe how good it is, I think they injected lemon into the chicken before roasting.

I came back for lunch again, this time mopping up the garlic butter escargot sauce with french fries that came with my sandwich.

Christmas Desserts Cross Stitch

Merry Christmas Everyone!

My first attempt at a holiday cross-stitch, I'm so happy! I didn't buy this for myself, it was a gift from a seller I had purchased items from before. The style is different from the kits I have bought in the past. It's kinda cute and kitchen-y.

It measures 7" x 9", using 21 colours and 6 long stitch colours on 14 count Aida fabric.

This took a week to complete. I decided to frame it in a white photoframe so the picture stands out.

Thierry Mugler A/W 2015/16

I recognize Thierry Mugler brand for their expensive and extraordinary perfumes. Followed on by a line of futuristic design cosmetics.

Thierry Mugler is a man of many talents and his foray into fashion reflects his space-age style.

 The clothes are incredibly well-made, however, some of it borders on costume-ish. Having said that, there are pieces that can be worn right now.

Check out J Lo wearing Mugler '16 in her newest music video.

RWS - Cinderella Musical

My sis brought the kids to watch Cinderella a fairly true story @ resortsworldsentosa and I tagged along. It's not the conventional children's theatre version with storytelling but a music video version that is mostly singing and dancing.

Buy tickets from Sistic or RWS theatre counter, the show runs until 4 Jan 2016, prices are $78 $108 $138 $168 per person (discounts available for Mastercard, NTUC, seniors, students, children). To sweeten the deal, each ticket purchased entitles you for a Swarovski Crystal lucky draw (2 winners, items worth over $1000 each).

The singers were truly amazing, up there with them broadway stars.The cast also wore Swarovski Crystal necklaces that were too die for. It's soo sparkly, easily rivalling even the best diamonds, I might just get a set for the next occasion that calls for it. Cinderella's ball gown and wedding dress were also embellished with sparkly swarovski crystals all over.

Photo op outside the theatre, all the little girls were running around it and little sophie got a pic with her mum in the pumpkin carriage.

I bought a hotdog & coke combo from the theatre concessionaire ($5.50) that came with a free magnet and free spin @ coca cola booth outside universal studios. You can get this same coca-cola deal from any vendor in RWS this time of the year

I think I got the big prize, the Coke Polar Bear that they don't sell in stores.

To make these musical tickets more affordable, sign-up for an RWS Invites membership ($150) and receive two Catagory 2 Theatre tickets (free!) and a programme booklet (free!).

Complete the experience with pre-theatre menus. It started pouring after we came out from the theatre so my family just bought some Garett Popcorn and Krispy Kreme doughnuts for the trip home

Flambe

CÉ LA VI restaurant/club/skybar

This place is open for brunch til late (5am on public holidays). There is a minimum $80 spend per person at the restaurant. The Sky Bar Club on the other hand is free before 9pm, thereafter cover charge $38++ comes with 1 free housepour.

I came here on Ladies Nite (free entry) to soak in the skyline and some tasty bar food.

Chill out to the club's grooves on the comfy sofas (reservations required in advance).

The Sweet Spot is open til late and located next to the taxi stand. You can grab milk, soda and even pastries under $5.

Santa's Apron

Another printed craft from Spotlight, just cut and sew this adult size apron. There is Santa Claus (this red & black version) or Elf (green & pointy version).



The pockets are actually 2 pieces of fabric sewn together (lining) before attaching to the apron.



The final product, that is actually quite nice! I was surprised.



I made each apron with different linings, using whatever Christmas fabric I had leftover.

I also sewed 2 more giant stockings for the kids. Both with that fun purple & metallic silver lining.