Snapfish

Snapfish by HP is an online photo shop that gives all new HP desktop owners 30 free prints, non-HP owners get 20 free prints. With a click of a button on your smartphone, Ipad or PC you can place an order for photos to be printed out on just about any medium, replacing the need to make a trip out to a conventional photo shop.
* updated on 16 Oct 2012, offer for general public has ended.

I made a scrapbook picture using a rose arrangement I had created in a past Christmas. Then got Snapfish to print it out for me as seasonal greeting labels for my presents this year. Delivery in 3 working days.

Remember those immensely popular personalization software in the 90s to print your own greeting cards and calendars. Snapfish can do the same with more professional looking results for a fee. Photos start from S$0.19 and calendars from S$39.90. Or how about one of those professional photo books, I know my sis has ordered some for her kids and is very happy with the results. Always check for promotions to get the best deals.

You can also order a personalized gift online like a colour-changing mug with a photo of the recipient S$25.90. Or choose from keychains, mousepads, playing cards, canvas wall art, stickers, notepad and the list goes on.

Che Che New York

Early birthday present from Che Che so I made a trip to the Mandarin Gallery Boutique. Their one-of-a-kind keychain pouches are very popular and I own a few. They also carry limited clothes, shoes and really well made bags. Quite unhappy that the new Fall/Winter stuff came in as I was about to leave.

I decided to be practical and got a pair of crystallized slippers. I think I told everyone how expensive Swarovski-Havianas are and then I go and pay S$139 for a pair of grey rubber slippers with crystals. The afternoon sun must have affected my judgement.

Followed on by more shopping to get new tops, ribbons and sanitary napkins.

Lots of comfort food to ponder over my shopping decisions. The Lavender ice-cream was quite nice, I think using the essence to cook is better than using the entire lavender bud.

Ya Kun

Ya Kun a local cafe chain selling local breakfast favorites all day long, you know half-boiled eggs, kaya toast, coffee and tea with condensed or evaporated milk. Since it was scorching hot today, mom and I ignored the usual menu and ordered ice-cream sandwiches instead. There are 2 variations of traditional toast, it comes in thin crisp slices the way Ya Kun does it or thick spongy slices the way Toastbox does it. Either way, it makes for a great mid-day snack.

Armani Hotels

Armani is a luxury label that already has a Casa range. It has since ventured into hotels at both Dubai and Milan. Similar to Bvlgari, there is a strong masculine presence and predominant use of the colour black. All similarities end there, as the Armani hotels are monolithic buildings that stand out from the crowd and its interiors show off modern minimalism at its finest.

The good thing about this is you can stay a couple of nights at an Armani hotel before deciding if you want to trick out your crib with the same furniture from Armani Casa.

Kids Kitchen Toys

After watching my nephew spend hours at his playdoh ice-cream maker, I begin to wonder why manufacturers don't make real food versions so these kids get to eat their creations and gain a bit of weight in the process. 

I remember when I was younger, Toys'r'us had yoghurt makers that came in pink plastic shells and a manual crank to turn powder into real yoghurt treats for me and my friends. So I set out on a shopping trip to Toys'r'us and found a Disney Princess popsicle maker for the little doll Sophia. The Disney Princess series carry quite a few appliances like cupcake makers and milkshake makers.

If you make a trip to Asian department stores like Takashimaya and BHG, you will find the entire range of Bandai food toys for kids. From fancy sushi with panda faces to sandwich moulds that mom can use to make fancy bentos for the kids. Each set retails for less than S$50.

Acrylic Nails

Acrylic nails cost 2x more than a regular manicure and in my opinion, absolutely worth it.

The layer of plastic protects your natural nails from chipping or tearing away painfully. It's hard shell will also stop the nasty habit of nail-biting as your tooth will crack before one of these nails do. The best part has to be that nail polish stays on forever.

My Parent's Birthdays