Jergens Moisturizer

pic from wonderfulbeauty.com

Revisiting an old fave of mine, Jergens body moisturizer. I used this all the time when shaving/epilating coz its cheap and good. It's soothing on sensitized skin, easy to apply and non oily/rich that it will clog up my pores.

This time, Jergens has re-launched its body moisturizers in 400ml pump bottles of Age Defying (added moisture), Ultra Healing (fast absorption), Overnight Repair (evening primrose), Soothing (cucumber & aloe vera), Daily (silk proteins & citrus extracts). $8.90, promotional price $6.90.

Bungeoppang Ice Cream

This ice cream is shaped like a fish, similar to the ones at Sushi Tei. It's a wafer covering vanilla ice cream with a layer of red bean. The perfect dessert after my dinners, portion size is just right too.  

Simplicity - Jessica McClintock Pattern 1655 - Dress A

Jessica McClintock is the designer behind a series of special occasion dress patterns and although it looks really complex (boning etc) it turned out pretty ok.

Dress A is a classic strapless dress with a multi-tiered ruffle skirt. The pattern recommends shades of the same colour, as always you can really do anything you want. I went with ombre red to white to blue, I saw some fabric that already looked like this and thought it was a good combination.

Once I started sewing, I thought there was a mistake in the skirt template as it says cut 2 for lining and cut 3 for skirt, both lengths do not measure up to the bodice. So I cut the lining shorter, wider and it turned out ok.

Ombre cotton fabric : $28
Tulle : $26
Zipper : $4
Thread : $5
Dress Pattern : $25
Total = $88

*omitted boning, trimming, pins, chalk, measuring tape, scissors and sewing machine

I am horrid at sewing zippers and that goes for button-holes, hook & eye, etc. Looks totally homemade.

Marni Spring Summer 2015

This year is Marni's 20th anniversary and it celebrates with a flower market theme SS fashion show. Known for its fun high-fashion clothes and coloured prints, Marni stays ahead with help from the fashion forward crowd that dresses for nobody else but themselves. Its sensible clothes that cover up and play on textures and cuts. Just check out this seasons sandals with comfy foam bases that provide traction.

Marni menswear has just a touch of black & white hand-drawn prints, everything else is solids and colour blocking.

Arab Street - buying textiles

Arab Street is a row of shop-houses selling textiles, wholesale or retail. It offers a vast range of fancy fabrics @ price points that will ignite anyone's creativity. Don't worry about bargaining as all the shops there usually have the same pricing for the same type of material.

There are lots of carpet shops next to the fabric shops. Sprinkled in between are Middle Eastern trinkets, clothes, cafes. Food is good so do stop by for a quick bite.

Most people come here for the beaded or fanciful fabrics (lace/embroidery) that can't be found anywhere else. I have bought beaded lace before @ $110/metre. If you can get plain lace or embroidered material for $20/metre its a real treat n' bargain, better grab a whole roll.

The cheaper fabrics can be found in these crowded shops. People buy these for decorations and costumes. A favorite find of mine is always traditional brocade and batik.

My Haul that will turn you green with envy: Coral sequins, Colour Block sequins, Grey Beaded Lace, Pink Batik, Black Tulle, Black Georgette. 

Kerastase Crystalliste

Kerastase has finally gotten it, Crystalliste an everyday use haircare line, for anyone with long hair. The packaging is incredibly pink too, *love*! I was soo excited to get mine.

I usually get a scalp treatment shampoo and heat protection conditioner. Kerastase shampoos tends to be a little strong (concentrated) as its meant for people who use a lot of styling products. So instead of 2 washes, you just wash once with a better shampoo and all the gunk comes out. With Crystalliste, there is finally a shampoo that is not too strong and nourishes the scalp, that is what every girl with long hair needs. Coupled with Nutri-Thermique Fondant that provides heat activated nourishment, so I can blow-dry my hair and know that the conditioner is doing its work. Always a Kerastase fan.

Lee Kum Kee Sauces

Vesak Day!

Lee Kum Kee sauces are a mainstay in all kitchens, great for stir-fry and all other methods of cooking. I just wish its an everyday food, I want to eat good food all the time. 

You can make your own Char Siu with the Char Siu sauce. Go with the classics, steamed fish with salted bean sauce. My favorite is the black pepper sauce, fry crabs with half a stick of butter and an entire bottle of this!