A Life in Black and White

2009-07-25T01:12:00.001+08:00

And here's Jamie Carragher and Fernando Torres...

What the counsellor said about forgiveness...

2009-07-17T07:40:00.004+08:00

1. First off, forgiveness begins with a legitimate injury. Understanding and being honest is the first step towards resolving issues. Being honest is the first stage towards freedom from past injuries.

2. The second part of forgiveness is that there is no such a thing as getting even. If someone has hurt you, it means you trusted the person. One can never be hurt without being vulnerable. Causing someone else pain does not take pain away; it merely acts as a distraction. Every act of revenge simply buries one's pain. The deeper it’s buried, the more revenge will be required to keep the pain from being felt. The cycle never ends.

3. The third part of forgiveness – and the most important – is that forgiveness means laying down one's weapons. What are weapons? Yelling is a weapon, being aggressive is a weapon. Weapons are things one does to lash out at other people or to “get even” to protect ourselves.

4. Fourth part of forgiveness is recognising that forgiveness is not the same as trust. Many people think of forgiveness as being totally released from hurt as though nothing has happened. Trust is dependent on the person who has hurt you, and forgiveness is dependent on you. Forgiving someone gives the person the opportunity to change their ways; changing their actions is entirely up to the person.

5. Fifth part of forgiveness is that forgiveness means grieving. Forgiveness means letting your hurts die. Another reason we grieve is that we cannot embrace a new future, if we are still holding on to the past. Unforgiveness causes a person to feel that they have to keep their guard up. Until the past injury is grieved, those injuries will continue to block that path. Forgiveness allows the offended freedom to love again and not be bitter and alone.

God first made Man. Then He made Woman to accompany Man. He made Woman from the ribs of Man...

And so, I realise now that only by letting my past go, then that what has happened to me in the past decade will not continue to eat up my future...embracing change and keeping to my principles, following my heart and doing what's right...

Will you walk with me?

My first step

2009-07-12T20:16:00.003+08:00

After a hiatus of close to 2 decades, I've finally stepped back into church.

It is the Fifteenth Sunday of the Year - Bible Sunday. The priest spoke of repentence and faith. I felt right at home all over again. He spoke of the gospels, and love, as well as sacrifice. Looking back, I wish I had completed my holy communion. I recall Fr Fossion driving his vintage car to pick us kids up for cathecism class when I was all but 10 years old. He was a kind man with a twinkle in his eye as he read out the bible to us. I never completed the course. It seemed a long winding downhill road ever since.

This is probably one of the biggest first steps I've ever taken in my life. It feels completely right.

Have a blessed week..

Road to recovery

2009-07-12T11:48:00.005+08:00

For the past decade, too much has happened and I was lost.

I lost myself when I hardened my heart. I lost myself when I could not focus nor reflect and did not allow myself to mature for personal betterment. I am not proud of situations where I could have reacted / handled differently. I was afraid of situations I could not control. And when I did not have the courage to face up to what was happening, I used anger to cover up how I really felt. That was how lost I was. I never really opened my heart to anyone else, despite knowing how much I felt deep down.

When a business unit breaks apart, as working professionals, we zoom in and analyse what has gone wrong. It is akin to the black box of an airline which has crashed. Look past the debris, look past the destruction and emotional trauma, and take stock of what had deviated in processes, conduct appropriate risk assessments and put in place plans to protect the business unit so that the past will not reoccur. Everyone makes mistakes in this lifetime, I've come to realise, it's what you take out of it that matters. Who's to say that making mistakes is unforgivable. God gave his disciples a second chance, and the prodigal son too. We all have to move past controlling people and things we do not understand. Conducting an assessment - what, why, how, when, who.

What -
1) The environment. It was too challenging an environment set to create distance and was prone to way too many external factors. Distance breeds neglect, distance breeds resentment, distance breeds temptation. Without a difficult environment, sustainance is already a challenge in itself, why make it even more challenging?

2) The mindset. What makes a unit? What is the definition of a unit? Is there even one? Of course, life is what truly what you make of it. A glass of water can always be half-empty or half-full. But fundamentally speaking, a unit denotes a team. When there is a team, there is support. When there is support, there is clarity. When there is clarity, one is able to develop maturity. When you develop maturity, nothing very much can shake you if you keep in focus. No temptation, no resentment, just focus and understanding. And a constant reminder for endurance, as well as alignment of mindsets to stay in focus.

3) Understanding. Conditioning of the human mind is an interesting subject matter. Generally guilty of taking and not giving, a lack of appreciation for the little things in life, and being obstinately in denial, even in the face of advice and love. I would without doubt raise my hand to being guilty of all three. All-assuming thinking I knew best, when I didn't. When I'm wrong, I have to say I'm wrong. Acceptance is the first step. There is nothing threatening about giving before taking (or even not taking at all), nothing worrisome about opening up to being an open book, nothing wrong with forgiving all the hurt in the last decade so that a better brick road can be built. Using anger to cover up was pure cowardice. And destructive like a horrible tornado that wipes out long histories of towns and breaks lives.

Why -
This is the journey of life. Hence the saying that life is full of trials and tribulations, the good and the bad, the sweet and the sour. A decade of pain would only translate to a better decade ahead, only if one can take life's lessons in stride. What doesn't kill you will only make you stronger and strengthen your faith. For e.g. look at Deutsche Bank's September 11 recovery, all the emotional trauma and destruction, and what did all the employees take out of it? Firstly, build a stronger bridge to recovery, they reflected on the gaps, put together a better contingency plan and the disaster that happened only served to bring everyone closer on a global level. Better late than never.

How -
1) Perserverence is key; endurance promotes flawless execution, and helps flawed execution reach the deliverable goals.

2) Action plan. A task list helps keeps things in check. A scheduled action plan helps keeps work-life balance, and eliminates confusion.

Change like life is what you make of it.

When -
Every second delayed is time wasted towards reaching a decided goal. Look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel.

Who -
Change comes solely from within. Only if one subscribes to the belief and is personally convinced, then only will embarking on a life-changing stance prove fulfilling and successful.

Last but not least, crisis management.

Review, evaluate, implement and always keep in check.

Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gona get. Will a chocolate truffle make your day, or will a vanilla caramel bring a smile to your face, or will even a switch from truffle to caramel result in greater joy, no one really knows isn't it?

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for showing me love, and finally I can say this to only one person in my life, thank you for bringing realisation to my life with regards to personal betterment. Likewise, you make me want to be a better person. The greatest joy in life for me, to love and being loved in return.

Love is Patient, Love is Kind

2009-07-10T22:49:00.001+08:00

"Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves."
-- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

God, I pray, please give me strength :(

What's a bat to do?

2009-06-11T01:41:00.001+08:00

You’re an observer, patient and aware of your surroundings. You thirst for knowledge and understanding. Many people misunderstand you. You are intuitive and have the ability to see through illusion – diving straight to the truth of matters. Despite what others may think, you are very nurturing and have strong ties with people close to you. You always strive for the best and nothing else. You are devotional and faithful.

Sakura sakura - Yokoso Japan!

2009-04-11T00:16:00.007+08:00

I love Spring (though not as much as my fav Autumn) but Spring is really lovely in Japan! Sweet and beautiful...

First stop - Kyoto (old Japan). Love the serenity and calmness of the city...

Next stop: Sannomiya (Kobe) for the acclaimed Kobe beef - and it did not disappoint!
Then headed onto Osaka...

Last but not least, Tokyo! I absolutely love Tokyo! The Tsukiji fish market for the best ever sashimi, Ginza for the amazing architectures and shops, and all the sights (e.g. Asakusa temple, Oeno Park and so on)...

But of course, Spring in Japan wouldn't be complete without Sakura!

I will be back...Love the culture, the food, everything way too much in the land of the rising sun!

Happy Easter!

mon amour...rendezvous en france

2009-02-15T04:20:00.007+08:00

Bonjour!

Guess what came through in the mail for me today?

A letter from my bank saying that I've won a complimentary Longchamp Le Pliage Travel bag (SGD 350)...What a pleasant surprise, almost bordering on the "too good to believe it's true" line!

Anyhoo, I've called up the boutique and they're all out of stock at the moment, but the SA was kind enough to let me in on that new stock will be arriving in store on Tuesday, and that she will put one piece away for my collection. So come Tuesday, I'm heading down to Paragon to pick it up...Now I can't decide if I should get the bag in red or chocolate, though I'm really leaning towards the red :)

I've come to realise that a huge part of my wardrobe comes not only from Italy but France as well as Spain. This is absolutely random, but I really do miss Paris...sigh, or perhaps it's the weight of being burdened so much by work and stresses of the politicking that I'm worn out almost 90% of the time now.

So Happy Valentines!

This is my outfit for the evening...

ODJ - Dinner with R @ Pregos, and Drinks @ City Space after...

Dress - HL Honeysuckle

Shoes - CL Lady Gres in Bordeaux

Bag - H Tri-colour Kelly

Random pics from the night, taken on the way to City Space for drinks, and at dinner...

Cheers to love!

Have a good weekend!

flowers in the wind

2009-02-08T13:52:00.005+08:00

So, here's my action pic today...going out for dinner with R at Yappy's place, and Durrow Gal's place after. It's the last weekend for the Chinese Lunar New Year. Apparently, it's going to be a more smoothsailing year in the year of the Ox for those born in the year of the Monkeys - sure hope it's true!

Top - Chanel scarf
Belt - Fendi B
Cuff - Loewe bracelet
Bag - Chanel Timeless Clutch
Shoes - Gucci slides

Work's been a killer - I cannot wait to move on. Things can only get better and not get any worse than they are now, can they?

"Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone elses opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation."

baby steps into the new year

2009-01-26T23:46:00.006+08:00

A lot has happened in the past month. On the work front, I can't really say much but it's tiring. Anyway hopefully there are better days ahead.

It's the Lunar New Year. I've been so looking forward to this long weekend. Yet it seems it's all going to be over in a blink of an eye!

ODJ #1 - Typical Monday of a work week
Magaschoni Work Blouse in white
Cynthia Steffe Navy Skirt
Prada Bag
CL Magenta Horatio Slings

ODJ #2 - Chinese New Year eve going for reunion dinner
Bebe Satin Blouse
BYSI Capri Pants
CL Black Kid Armadillos
Chanel Timeless Clutch

ODJ #3 - Day 1 of Chinese New Year
Tailored Cheong Sum

CL Wine Yoyo Zeppas

Chanel Timeless Clutch

A new development, R's family has adopted a new member into the home...mini Schaunzer Cookie...

Hope y'all have a good weekend!

0 sleeps to the New Year and beyond

2009-01-03T20:59:00.004+08:00

Happy 2009!

What a crazy year 2008 has been. Turbulent ups and downs, literally with the global markets, and everything else in my life. Well, I say things can only get better, no?

Any reflections in check for the new year ahead? For me, it's solely and fundamentally to stay focused. Maintain that focus so that I can achieve and fulfill more in return. And good health and happiness to all whom I love! Less heartaches / heartbreaks in this new year...

Off to a good start, JS was so sweet to drop me this cute little Chanel New Year card. And with a little extra gift to compliment it too. How nice!

ODJ #1 - New Year's Day
Top: Grey Dolmain Top by F21
Accessories: Topshop Necklace and Chloe padlock handbag in Elephant
Bottom: BYSI black pants
Shoes: Black Strappy CLs

R sneaked a shot of me while we were out in town.

I absolutely love this F21 top, it seems so very versatile, and at USD15 - who can possibly beat that?

ODJ #2 - Jan 3rd 2009 (coffee with CL at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf)
Top: White Alexander Mcqueen skull tank tee
Accessories: Gucci Denim small bucket tote
Bottom: MNG black mini

Shoes: Lanvin Navy Patent flats

Bracing myself for another year ahead!

xoxo

X`mas Cheer

2008-12-25T23:25:00.002+08:00

Busy X'mas day which started off with a quick lunch at LX's place for her baby shower. Baby Ethan was super cute!

Next it was off to visit my-in-law's neighbour's place - B & R had an amazing home with sucha lovely view of greenery and the all so inviting pool...we were really impressed!

Finally, we had dinner with my side of the family. Everyone's back from overseas and it's so nice just having dinner together!

Hope y'all had a blessed Christmas!

ODJ #1 - Lunch at LX's place for her baby shower
Dress: Gray F21 empire cut dress with sequins
Bag: Chanel clutch
Shoes: Chanel wedges

ODJ #2 - Family Dinner @ Asia Grand Restaurant
Dress: Black F21 sequined dress with mesh tie belt
Bag: Chanel clutch
Shoes: CL Joli Dorcet in patent black

With my siblings...

And my family...

5 days to Christmas

2008-12-21T12:34:00.004+08:00

It was R's twin brother's wedding yesterday. Long hectic day which started off with the local traditional gate-crashing session at the bride's place in the early morning (we're talking 7am here), followed by the church ceremony at 9am, before proceeding back to my in-laws' place for the tea ceremony and lunch. Everything ended off at about 3pm in the afternoon, and then there was time to sneak off to get my hair blown into curls (curls are growing on me slowly) and then it was off to the hotel for the wedding dinner. We were all extremely worn out by the end of the day. But it was good that almost everything went about without a hitch and the couple is happy.

R and me at the church after the ceremony.
Dress - D&G
Bag - YSL Croc-embossed Muse II
Shoes - Jimmy Choo silver strappy sandals (not shown)

ODJ for the wedding dinner
Dress - Nicole Miller in raspberry
Bag - Nancy Gonzalez Gold Python Clutch
Shoes - CL Armadillos in Nappa Black

And the back of the dress - which was exactly why I got it many months back.

R and me at the wedding dinner.

Looking forward to the holidays! A peek at my Saks sale haul - big thanks to R!

sway

2008-12-13T23:07:00.005+08:00

Outfit du jour - Birthday Dinner Saturday Night @ Indonesian restaurant in Raffles Place
1. AA dress in White and Black
2. Balenciaga City in Sky Blue
3. Diva Necklace
4. CL Very Prive in Black Patent with Burgundy Tips

It's the last month of 2008. How time flies. So much has happened this year alone, and it'd soon be reflection time before the new year. Quite a few of my dreams have been fulfilled - hopefully however bleak the year ahead looks, there will always be a glimmer of hope however small.

So, any plans for the New Year countdown?

musings and inspiration

2008-11-29T21:32:00.006+08:00

It's the time of the year again when the lights come up and pretty up the streets. And yes, Christmas is one of my favourite holidays of the year. Happy, hopeful, pretty, sparkly - all that sums it up. What better way to brighten up the recessional moods than with a huge lovely tree...

So, R and I hung out in town for dinner two nights ago, and I was really drawn to the amazing display window of this store. How about a guess?

Any right hits, Banana Republic. I always knew they had great clothes - just not really in sunny little Singapore. Hmm I was in for a pleasant surprise...take a look below. Seems like the Singapore buyer's getting up to standard with our counterparts in the US! I love the party dresses, and the tuxedo getup below is utterly classic.

Dinner without profiteroles must be quite sad indeed :)

I found myself trying on Max Azria's Hervé Léger's all famous bandage dress - I absolutely adore every raspberry part of it (just can't bear to spurlge on it), but it also means I have to hit the treadmill even more to get back in shape!

Moving on...

ODJ - Saturday night @ the movies ("City of Ember" - we really enjoyed it!)

1. Cynthia Rowley purple quilted silk dress

2. Diva gold necklace

3. Prada satin purse in plum

4. Aldo sandals in gold and crystals

And this is the complimentary manicure I got from Smitten mag - "diamonds are forever". Everytime I look at my thumb, it still gets me thinking if it's really the real thing...hmm...

To end off on a cute note, I'm beginning to love Miroslava Duma (Russia's new "It" girl who happens to be working at Russia's Harper). She looks absolutely chic and stylish wherever she goes - young, classy, beautiful - and did I mention I love her YSL muse II?

Just look, she's even got The Satorialist himself next to her :)

And I love her Chanel coat.

Have a great weekend!

Happy Thanksgiving! - and congrats to all those people who made it to the crazy and totally amazing Saks sale. How I wish I were there!

ODJ

2008-11-23T00:45:00.005+08:00

Outfit du jour - Group Dinner Saturday Night @ Durrow Gal's place
1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Leaf-Print Dress in Khaki
2. Chloe Paddington Bag in Elephant
3. Nine West Satin Platforms in Light Gold and Khaki

I'll be running tomorrow morning...yes, FINALLY. I need to get back in shape...

Hervé Léger

2008-11-22T18:20:00.005+08:00

Mr. Léger himself no longer owns his name (he's had to change it to Hervé Leroux). The name and the collection are now owned and designed by Max Azria, of BCBG fame.

The collection is at its best when it stuck to simple iterations on that bandage/bondage idea, in colors like blush, plum, and teal.

Well, I think they are simple, uncomplicated and utterly sexy and divine - any thoughts?

(click on pics to enlarge)

Just take a look at Lindsay L at the Cartier launch and I'm blown away...

when the leaves fall

2008-11-22T10:08:00.004+08:00

I love autumn. When the leaves all turn orange and yellow, with lovely hues of rusty browns. It's always been my favourite season. Serene, peaceful, and totally relaxing. I miss New York. I miss Paris. I miss Rome. I miss Melbourne.

One more month to Christmas. Hanging in there.

And I've got a new song uploaded here...enjoy!

Comme des Garçons For H&M

2008-11-18T21:59:00.019+08:00

(click pic to enlarge)

The mad rush for renowned avante-garde designer Rei Kawakubo's Comme des Garçons (French for "like boys") long awaited collection at H&M was beyond a doubt one of the craziest things that has happened in this recession year - the entire collection sold out in a few hours globally from Canada to Shanghai on 13 November 2008. Wow. Now tell me again, why is it the case that we don't have a H&M store in Singapore? Bummer!

Anyway, my camera's been filling up and I've come to realise I'm lagging behind in posting all the pictures I've taken over the weeks. It's been work, work and more work.

Well, now that I'm back, here goes...

First up, Durrow gal's birthday at Blue Basil, Cairnhill - it was a nice lunch but service standards at the restaurant have to improve heaps! Happy Birthday babe!

Moving along...

Outfit du jour #1 - Avenue Q musical @ the Esplanade
1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Criss-cross Dress in madrid red (which has become one of my favs)
2. Necklace by Diva
3. Chloe Paddington Bag in Elephant
4. CL Very Prives in black patent

Outfit du jour #2 - First workday of the week
1. Front tie pleated chiffon dress
2. Marc Jacobs Sophia bag in rose
3. CL declics in nude kid leather

So, finally Yappy, YS, R and I made our way down to MacRitchie Reservoir's HSBC Treetop Walk last Sunday. We took approximately 2 hours just to make our way to the Treetop Walk (that was an estimated 5km from our starting point). The view was pretty neat - definitely worth a visit for anyone who hasn't yet gone!

So there, it's only mid-week now and I can't wait for the week to end!

Pretty Feet, of night and day

2008-11-15T00:50:00.006+08:00

I've been finding my nights to be rather long and my days even longer. I think my work is getting to me. It does get hard to find a balance...there's so much I want to do, and there's so much I can do. Sometimes I wish things were a lot more simple. That's the thing though. Life's never really that simple, is it? It's complex, complicated, and depressing at times. Ah, did I already mention, work's really getting to me. Perhaps if the opportunities were better, or I get to feel that this is really what I signed up for...how do I reach my personal goals? Am I even halfway there at this point? Reflections, reflections and more reflections...

R and I are redeeming our mileage points and planning for a trip to Tokyo. It's a toss up between Sakura season or Hokkaido skiing. Recommendations are most welcome. I think a break will do me good. Going through a rough year and 6 projects to date with 1 additional coming up ahead, I feel as though I'm kinda running out of steam and just egging on for the last month of the financial year. I wish I got to travel more. O well. 2009 beckons ever so seductively.

The day look - CL lizards

The night look - Bakers' gold python prints

This bottle of Evian cheered me up - Christian Lacroix is sucha genius :)

2008-10-27T12:11:00.004+08:00

And so I came across amazing pics of Alexander Wang's apartment - I had to put them up - he's sucha genius!

Perhaps I do regret not buying his dress at Uni:Qlo when we were in NYC. O well.

Enjoy!

How cool is this table?? I'm holding my breath - absolutely love it!

Side-note, I got another parcel in the mail - surprise surprise, AA actually sent me the dress from way back that was back-ordered, I couldn't even remember about it! ODJ pics will be up when I finally bother to dress up once I recover from my op!

In relationships, you must show proof of love and do something passionate.

2008-10-27T11:39:00.003+08:00

1. Clothes shop: I mix high end with low end...

2. Furniture shop: Contemporary and vintage.

3. Sweet: Panna cotta.

4. City: NYC...but I might change my mind when I go back to Paris next year

5. Drink: Strawberry daiquiri, and peppermint tea with honey on the side.

6. Music: Lounge

7. TV-Series: Sex and The City, Lipstick Jungle, Gossip Girl, True Blood, and I wana get my hands on the Rachel Zoe Project please...

8. Film: Pretty Woman

9. Workout: Hmm... does shopping count? Walking with the actual purpose, is the best workout

10. Pastries: Sometimes...mood-dependent

11. Coffee: I don't drink coffee.

the rainy season

2008-10-25T23:39:00.007+08:00

I'm finally back from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It's been a busy two weeks away - work, work and more work. But of course, it wasn't without any fun...

I've been trying out amazing food places with my colleagues / boss (mostly fantastic recommendations by the hotel concierge) and managed to squeeze in one facial at Clarins. That's about it, oh and yea I managed to check out the huge malls in KL - Pavilion, KLCC and the lovely area of Bangsar.

So besides the horrible complaint I had to make about the Shangri-La hotel for terrible customer service, everything went well. And now I have to recuperate from my minor procedure done yesterday morning. I've also just gotten news that I'll be off to Bangkok by year end - not too sure about the dates for now - but I'm looking forward to it!

Let's move on to the pictures, shall we?

In Pavilion KL, one of my fav shops - MJ :)

A gorgeous cafe - by Carat Club @ Pavilion KL

Where I had my amazing chocolate "sweets" - seriously. One of the best.

And delicious lobster bisque - I miss it!

Thai Restaurant Celadon at Pavilion KL - took my breath away! Love their chairs, and their food tastes great!

High tea at the executive lounge, The Shangri-La

Room service dinner after a long day at work - roast chicken and lemon tart

Dinner at Bijan with boss - really good local food...

Clarins where else :)

Lovely shops at Bangsar area

Starbucks with Yappy - weekend chill...

Dragon-i Restaurant at Pavilion - nice! Will really give Crystal Jade a run for their money...

Starhill - next to the Marriott

Now, this is how I feel...I just wana rest this weekend, and if only I can stare out into the city skyline like this and float away.

whimsical whiffs of dreams

2008-10-04T11:34:00.011+08:00

So, I'm sitting here in front of my computer munching on Crackers while my stomach's growling away. Well, I've been occupied with the most recent episodes of Gossip Girl, Heroes, Prison Break, The Hills, and my latest raves - Lipstick Jungle, and True Blood.

Candace Bushnell's Lipstick Jungle on NBC is pretty addictive I must say. In addition to the amazing clothes (as always), the three main female leads featuring Brooke Shields as Wendy Healy, Kim Raver as Nico Reilly and Lindsay Price as Victory Ford, spin up quite a web in the lives of these 3 of the 50 most powerful women in New York.

My personal fav being Lindsay Price - I love her! :) Oh, and have I already mentioned the gorgeous wardrobes they have!

HBO's True Blood, on the other hand, follows Sookie Stackhouse, a barmaid living in Louisiana who can read people's minds, and how her life is turned upside down when the Vampire Bill, walks into her place of employment two years after vampires 'came out of the coffin' on national television.

Blood and gore may not appetize most people but I've always loved it - having seen Blade etc since years ago...

----------------------

Moving along, my outfit du jour ("odj") for the last weekend...

1. Berry top from Forever21

2. MNG mini skirt in black denim

3. Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM in monogram canvas

4. CL kika heels in patent black

I guess I'm finally wearing my wardrobe out bit by bit, all these unworn clothes, and unused shoes and bags. It's the lethargy I face at work (and given that in my position, I'm privy to tons of confidential information at work, I don't blog much about my job), but with the weekends, I have no excuse I suppose, to blog about making the best use of my current wardrobe, and my love for fashion.

And the lovely shoulder bag in Rose down at Marc Jacobs which caught my eye at more than 70% off. In buttery calfskin, I was almost weak at my knees...

Dennis Basso has come up with amazing collections - I am still in love with his Spring Summer 2008 (click on pic below to see the bigger pic)...wowowow

Last but not least, Rodarte's dreamy collection has made me sit up in my seat as well...it's really no wonder the sisters are now in Karl L's and Louboutin's radars.

I'm leaving for Kuala Lumpur on business for a few weeks beginning coming Tuesday...have to start packing!

Haven't mentioned that the highlight of my previous week was that they had Mariah Carey perform at our bank's corporate Forum in HK - brillant!

Ciao!

"Love is the best medicine, and there is more than enough to go around once you open your heart." - Julie Marie

The "Partnership" turns two!

2008-09-21T10:44:00.005+08:00

Bonsoir, it's the night of our 2nd year wedding anniversary dinner, and I've just kinda picked up and thrown everything together...First up, have to set the curls in!

Here we go...

1) MARC by Marc Jacobs Criss-cross back dress in Madras Red

2) Chanel Classic Lambskin in medium

3) Joli Dorcet loubies in Patent Black

After my last successful lunch at Au Petit Salut in my previous post, we decided to head there for dinner, and I must say, it was well worth the travel!

For les entres, I had garlic buttered escargots, while R had French Onion soup - both were divine!

As for our mains, I had seabass with vinegrette and R had tenderloin - tres bien!

As what people say, there's always room for sweets! To top it off on a honeyed note, I could not resist the Choux buns with vanilla ice-cream, chocolate sauce and almonds!

How thoughtful of the restaurant to prepare this lovely surprise!

May the markets recover soon enough, what with the bear, lehman and the bull...financial turmoil in the US seems horrid enough...

c'est super!

2008-09-13T18:22:00.007+08:00

It's a fine day and this is what I've put together for lunch this afternoon with CL babe!

1) Charlotte Russe Military Shirt Dress

2) YSL Mombasa

3) Charles & Keith Light Gold Heels

Lunch at Au Petit Salut on Harding Road in Dempsey was pretty amazing. Extremely appetizing and fulfilling - Rated Top Three in the recent World Gourmet Summit 2008, I can't say more! :)

My entree of escargots, my main of seabass, chocolate sauce and ice cream - absolutely divine!

Have a good weekend! I'm on cloud nine :)

Of cupcakes and Chloé.

2008-09-06T18:06:00.006+08:00

A beautiful late morning and early afternoon with Yappy.

First up, to settle some personal errands together, and then it was off to epicurious @ Robertson Walk for brunch. Nice and slow. Exactly like how all weekends should be, free from stress and busy thoughts!

Now while @ Robertson Walk, we could not possibly not stop by Canelé Pâtisserie Chocolaterie for their tarts and cakes - lovely! Stuffed from brunch, definitely it had to be a take-away order. I've heard their new outlet at Shaw Centre has nice pastas etc as well..mmm...

Then, it was me off to get my brows done, and Yappy was off to run errands...Whilst in town, I could not resist checking out what some boutiques had in store.

This is what I came across - I know it's old season but what a classic anyways - Chloé's Paddington in black and matt gold. Love it! And, they've come up with little miniatures in keychains as well. How cute.

Summer da(ze) and Sparkling Nights

2008-09-06T03:57:00.000+08:00

Fall's already creeping in as we speak, and all the knitwear, fringed boots, lovely cashmere coats are making their way into the stores everyday now.

It's never a better time to clear the Spring / Summer stocks off the racks - just look at Neiman Marcus' Last Call. Amazing stuff...

Here's my pick for the remainder of Spring / Summer 2008 (not to mention Gucci's drool worthy runway gowns!)

1. Chanel anything
(K Lagerfeld will never go wrong)

2. Gucci Chic
(the all famous bamboo and exotics)

3. YSL everything
(think "tribute", Y-Mail, and last respects to YvesSaintLaurent himself)

1 - MARC by Marc Jacobs Criss Cross Back Dress
2 - YSL Star Heels
3 - DvF Black Boat Neck Dress
4 - Nicole Miller Satin Dress in Fushcia with Black Trim

Have a good weekend!

xoxo, J

Life's miracles

2008-09-03T01:17:00.009+08:00

Je me présente te...

1) Black Short Sleeved Ann Taylor Dress

2) Zara black and gold heels

3) F21 Silver Pearls

Lunchtime pedicure to fix up the toes!

Up close in the Zara heels

It is Opera night. I have been told that with opera, you either love it or you don't, only extreme ends. And, I loved it.

Thanks S babe for getting the tickets! Puccini's Turandot @ the Esplanade tonight - Unbelieveably amazing. Durrow Gal and I enjoyed ourselves tremendously!

In fact, Puccini's Nessun Dorma brought small tears to my eyes...Pavarotti - the 3 tenors - were excellent and now Paul Potts.

No-one sleeps....no-one sleeps,
Even you, O Princess,
in your cold room,
Watch the stars
which tremble with love
and hope!
But my secret is locked within me,
no-one shall know my name!
No, no, I shall say it on your mouth
when the light breaks!
And my kiss will break the silence
that makes you mine!
Vanish, o night!
Set, ye stars!
At dawn I shall win!

Helloooo, I'm baaccckkk

2008-08-31T23:59:00.007+08:00

Je me présente te... My outfit for the fourth and final dinner with Yappy and SC babes leading to another year in my late twenties range.

1) Black Sleeveless Zara side-tie Dress

2) Burgundy CL Yoyo Zeppa Heels

3) Prada Bow Pouch in Wine

4) F21 Silver Pearls

And, here are some pics of the night to share...

The food at Sage was pretty amazing - and it was so sweet of the ladies to bring a cake for me too!

Thanks babes! Another year older, another year wiser...good health and prospects all the way through!

xoxo, J

Outfit Du Jour - Numéro Trois

2008-08-24T21:50:00.005+08:00

Je me présente te...My outfit for the third dinner with family leading to another year in the late twenties range.

1) Black Shirt Dress

2) Brown Gladiator Heels

3) Balenciaga City Bag

4) Valentino Watch

Will be tuning into the Olympics Closing Ceremony!

Sure hope the rain clears by tomorrow, horrible gloomy weather and rain...

xoxo, J

Outfit Du Jour - Numéro Deux

2008-08-23T23:31:00.004+08:00

Je me présente te...

My outfit for the second dinner leading to another year in the late twenties range.

1) 3/4 sleeves side-tie Zara dress

2) CL Cord Slides

3) CC Medium Flap

Dinner with R at Whitebait and Kale @ Camden Medical Centre

Appetizers of whitebait, and crab cakes, ending with mains of lamb and ribeye. Delicous!

And again, I feel old now.

That's all.

xoxo, J

Girls' Night Out

2008-08-23T00:57:00.006+08:00

Here we go...the first dinner leading to another year in the late twenties range...

Nice cosy Italian place Durrow Gal and myself stumbled upon at Mohamed Sultan Road corner of UE Square, which was a pleasant surprise as it turned out to be way better than we'd expected. Lovely dinner at Donta, with award winning Chef Luca Pezzera - it's no wonder.

Amazing appetizer of Australian scallops, generous mains of Lamb and Sirloin, topped off with a complimentary slice of Tiramisu and a fabulous Warm Chocolate cake with rum and raisin ice-cream on the side. Yums!

Not to mention, service was impeccable and we were thoroughly impressed!

Here's the interesting bit - do you believe in auras? The waiter who took our pics said I had an aura around me in the photo which meant that someone's sending me a signal that things will become clear to me in my life somehow...well, something to reflect on...

Thanks babe for the cosy dinner I couldn't have asked for more :)

Outfit Du Jour - Numéro Un

2008-08-22T15:55:00.004+08:00

Casually threw together my outfit for tonight's first dinner leading to another year in the late twenties range.

Je me présente te...

1) Sleeveless side-tie Zara dress

2) CL Pythons

3) CC clutch

I hope the rain stops in time for dinner!

xoxo, J

Hello Stranger!

2008-08-19T14:16:00.002+08:00

When people talk about technology, this is what comes to mind. The latest Apple i-Phone, the most recent Sony Bravia LCD series, the entire influx of new pda phones and the list goes on. From this, you can clearly tell that my forte lies not with technology – matter of fact, I may even be one of the least IT-savvy ladies around! But there it was, the HTC Touch Diamond. Being a long time faithful Nokia user, I have yet to figure out how to toggle with new interfaces from other technology brands. Hence, this will be a good effort for a try!

May I present the HTC Touch Diamond…

It looks slim and sleek enough - and chic - for my liking. Functions are quite user friendly and there is a whole lot of window applications which I have to figure out! It's the new Windows Mobile technology - and I believe it's going to open up a whole new world altogether.

The night

2008-08-07T23:24:00.004+08:00

"Journey to the center of the earth" (starring Brandon Fraser) was a pleasant surprise. R and I both thought it was good. Entertaining and kept us glued to the screen the whole time :)

Anyway onto the exciting part...we got home and I could not wait to open up the parcel that R had picked up from my parents this evening! Finally, my loubies* have arrived! :) Advanced bday gift from R...They are classy (as I'd expected them to be), and above all, beyond comfy (even after the initial pythons, I'd just imagined it to be luck that they were so comfy, apparently it's starting to be a common trait in Loubies) - I'm a convert - enough for 2008!

And, in fine print...

*Loubies - Christian Louboutins (pronounced "Loo-boo-tan-s")

I'm a happy girl...pictures another day - I'm tired, am gona veg myself out in front of FTV in a minute...ciao!

"I have spent $40,000 on shoes and I have nowhere to live? I will literally be the old woman who lived in her shoes!" -Carrie from "Sex and the City"

2008-08-02T09:02:00.008+08:00

So, I had a conversation with SF the other night, here goes...

SF: Free in September?

Moi: When abouts in September?

SF: 1-3 September.

Moi: Sure, what's on your cards?

SF: I've got tickets to the Opera. Keen?

Moi: Of course, sounds good!

SF: Alrighty then, I'll make arrangements - it's at the Esplanade by the way.

Moi: Thanks dear! Sweet of you to ask me along!

SF: Let's dress up for the Opera!

Moi: How exciting!

And so, we're off to watch the Opera come September "Puccini's Turandot" - I can't wait :)

Hope I get rid of the horrid flu bug by next week...

Prime

2008-07-27T18:42:00.004+08:00

I love this film. It's old but pretty good. Kept me glued to the screen the whole time. And I guess the 1952 Mark Rothko helped keep my spirits up. Love the piece too much!

Uma and Bryan really kept the screen sizzling...a gentle cheeky reminder of how some memories in our past are kept the way they are...the sweet, the sour, the bitter and the spicy.

On to another week coming up ahead. Hope everyone had a good one - the weekend's coming to an end very soon!

Double O Seven

2008-07-27T10:40:00.006+08:00

It was AC's 30th Birthday last night - a James Bond bash held at Clarke Quay's Fashion Bar!

So, I went dressed as a Bond Girl (well, attempted to..lol), what else? R wore his amazing tux shirt...and the place was nicely dressed up by SC with loads of dollar bills on the tables, dice, streamers and balloons...

Happy Birthday Arjuna! We had a smashing time...cheers!

A Dash of Local Art

2008-07-26T13:14:00.005+08:00

Yappy and myself, along with a couple of other friends, decided to check out the National Museum of Singapore last night and support the Night Festival. What a pleasant surprise!

Personally I was impressed with some of the exhibits and the buzz created a nice atmosphere...the bars / restaurants there added on a cozy touch. I think the local art museum has outdone itself, and I can see myself making more trips there in the days ahead...

2008-07-26T01:38:00.005+08:00

Every little item that sits in our apartment, in my wardrobe, on my shoe rack, seems to tell a story of its own. And the recent additions are no exceptions - stories of love. R's been pampering me with gifts for the last month or so.

I was so excited to see the little orange boxes...the first orange box from Paris...then the coveted clutch from London, and now the second orange box from Bangkok airport...

Hmm now I'm beginning to suspect, R's trying to buy nods from me for more golf games...lol

"Love doesn't make the world go 'round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." - Franklin P. Jones

Portraits

2008-07-23T23:53:00.010+08:00

SF recently joked that as ladies, we should preserve our youth on film every year and a half...

With her very quote in mind, SF and I signed up for a Le Petite Portraiture session with Shin from The Pond. What then started off was a mad rush to get my curls done, and catching a cab down to the studio - all within lunchtime, before heading back to the Bank. It was a very interesting day.

Here's a taste of the end product...

Perhaps with each growing day as I count down the years, I can't help but still be amazed by what each day brings...to my daily routine, to my plate, to my journey of life...oh yes, and the curls are beginning to grow on me.

Almost back

2008-07-03T00:15:00.004+08:00

How long has it been? Almost a few weeks now. Working 14 hour days - unimaginable, but actually true. Okay I shan't rant about work. I still love what I do and ain't tired of what I do just yet, only have to be convinced I'm working for the "right cause" in this particular stint. I've grown to realise that management skills can come from anyone, but good management skills are rare. Takes tons for a good "manager" to sit, listen and take in upward feedback, both good and bad.

My heart is still pounding over the US sales...haven't scored anything but my eyes are wide open...July's meant to be a good month...and August, I don't know really, I'll be another year older. For now, I only know what I'll be doing on the day I turn the big 3-0.

Look at my cousin's kid - how cute! This picture made my day :)

Ah yes, and I need to get all my new soles fixed before I can wear them out...the guccis, the YSLs, and hehe maybe the CL pythons if I manage to get my hands on them...

House @ Dempsey

2008-06-22T00:16:00.003+08:00

It's Yappy's birthday this week :) What better way to celebrate than a group of friends at a nice place for dinner...

Happy Birthday babe! May all your wishes come true this year... cheers!

Sale season

2008-06-21T11:38:00.006+08:00

It's sale season every where in the world now...but I guess I miss the US sales a lot more now that I'm back...

So here goes -

My selected pieces from Gucci's 08 Spring / Summer RTW...The pink silk ribbon top's already all sold out! It's a beauty...

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” - Coco Chanel

my pick

2008-06-12T06:04:00.012+08:00

Now that I'm finally back, it hits me as to which updates of details would delight me the most to relive...

Repeat trip reports?
The amazing sights that continue to fascinate me?
Wondrous cuisine we've had in the 3 weeks away?
Or how about sneakpeak into my fav shopping loot?

A teeny bit of every part listed above? Plus the realisation that I love New York above Paris and Rome. How very live-able, enjoyable and with a pace of life sufficiently fast yet with enough gaps to catch one's breath in between. Did I just say, I heart New York - and I'm pretty sure I'll be back someday...

----------

Upon the recommendation from a cute concierge lady at the Hilton, we made our way down to an interesting shop in SoHo ala GAP and with H&M prices - UniQlo. I almost picked up a black sheath by Alexander Wang but couldn't think exactly where it was gona fit in my wardrobe and gave it a miss. But interesting shop to check out still...I'm glad I did.

We did mainly the touristy stuff in NYC - the Empire State, the Statue of Liberty / Manhattan cruise, Times Square, Wall Street etc. I suppose having watched Sleepless in Seattle so many times, it was great being at the Empire State for me. Tho' if I had managed to see the night lights of the Empire State with the little hearts shining through, I'd probably have melted inside. What got me - the MOMA was excellent, I loved the roast chicken at Serendipity, the little Japanese ramen eatery we came across between Madison and Park Avenues, and walking through SoHo cross Broadway, I could definitely feel the creativity around me...

In Philadelphia, I loved the Philly cheese steaks we bought from a roadside store...And in Canada, the Niagara Falls were breathtaking! Not to mention, the beautiful tulips in such lovely hues by the pavements in Canada...

In Vegas, we had the best dinner buffet at Planet Hollywood and the cheapest lime margaritas ever at 99cents (from Bills Gamblin` Salon) - served in plastic cups but they tasted so great...the best shows - KA by Cirque du Soleil and Crazy Horses Paris...and the highlight - the Grand Canyon...I still miss having my lunch by the Grand Canyon with the slight breeze blowing through - total bliss!

In a nutshell, here are some of the most memorable pics we took...enjoy!

Finally, some of my shopping loot - there're too many this time around to capture in photos entirely...clothes, shoes, lingerie, ooh bath products and more...

And another Chanel surprise...a steal at pre-sale prices from Nordstrom...not to mention, I had the best sales assistant helping me across the US states...

Finally, my first Pucci dress - I love it!

Salut!

Bringing back the magic to life

2008-06-09T19:32:00.005+08:00

I love this - can't get enough of it even though we're back from WDW :) A great distraction away from my lost baggage...

As what they say, "Have a magical day!" Music to my ears...enjoy!

2008-06-09T03:05:00.001+08:00

Am back from the US and something's killing me - I lost 2 luggages in transit. Apparently they didn't make it to my transit in LAX. UGH.

Hoping for good news real soon! All my shoes are gone :( And I'm in no mood for anything else.

Checking in from Toronto...

2008-05-26T08:48:00.004+08:00

It's been 5 days into our trip! After an exhausting 23 hour flight from Singapore to JFK in New York with 2 transits in Narita (Tokyo), and Washington, here's a quick re-cap...

First stop:
New York Day Tour - The land tour group picked us up and we began a day tour in The Big Apple after a night's stay in New Jersey. The stops were quite well planned, we visited the Empire State building, Ground Zero, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, and Times Square.

Second day:
Headed up to Philadelphia. Met up with Jason in his new apartment in Philly. He's settling in well, and all's good! I love his new neighbourhood! Well, with Bath and Body Works, Steve Madden and the works literally at his doorstep - how can anyone complain! :) Saw the Hall of Independence and the Liberty Bell...and had the most amazing Cheese Steaks! Really yummy!

Third day:
Moving onto Washington D.C. Stopped by the museums, the memorials (Jefferson memorial and Lincoln memorial - a personal fav - etc), and not to mention, the White House. We squeezed in time to pop by H&M, putting the 20% discount voucher to excellent use! (And, I absolutely love H&M after this visit to the store in the US, it beats the outlet in Hong Kong anytime!)
Leaving Washington, we headed north to visit Hershey Chocolate World via Harrisburg. In the afternoon, we stopped by Corning Glass Center & Museum. After that, we moved onto pass the Canadian customs to arrive at the Niagara Falls by the evening. Enjoying the night view of the illuminated American Niagara Falls - it was breathtaking.

Day four:
We re-visited the Niagara Falls this morning to view the Falls in the daylight. Very magnificant! We then saw the Skylon Tower and after lunch, it was down to my personal highlight of the tour - the Maid of the Mist cruise at the bottom of the Falls! A real treat and any photographers' dream! Moving on from the Niagara Falls, we have now arrived at Toronto - having just seen the Financial District of Toronto (which is expectedly all 'dead' on a Sunday) and also the tallest tower in the world - the CN Tower (Canadian National Tower) - it's now back at the hotel for a night before moving onto Montreal tomorrow morning!

Well, maybe it's been a not too brief summary re-cap - but all's good - and I'm really happy we decided to come on this trip - away from work for us both - away from the banks - I still can't help but read Bloomberg every now and then when I manage to get any Internet access at the hotels, yet I'm loving every minute of the trip!

We're still just at the first leg of the trip before turning back to New York, where we've extended our stay in New York for 3 days, before leaving to Disney World in Orlando, and then it's off to Vegas!

Happy Memorial Weekend in the US! :) Have a good week!

Off off and away

2008-05-21T01:04:00.005+08:00

Passport - check
E-ticket - check
Clothes - check
Ca$h - check

Just finished packing, and I must say, last minute stuff just keep cropping up!

O well...in 5 hours' time, I'm off to The Big Apple! A breath of fresh air - can hardly wait...

Yellow cabs, Empire State, The Met, Broadway, New York, New York!!

Ciao! :)

"Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable." - Coco Chanel

la vie est trop courte pour s'habiller triste

2008-05-10T16:10:00.000+08:00

As the Parisiennes say, "life is too short to dress boring". Indeed. What more can I say? This marked the "beginning" of a long love affair which commenced more than a decade ago.

I can't speak for anyone else, on my own I have never really been a clothes girl, which translates to say that I would not spend my last shopping d$llar on a dress. A shoes girl? Perhaps, but it is probably not going to be difficult for anyone to guess that my ultimate indulgence lies with my handbags.

Over a decade (or perhaps even more) my handbags have built up into a tiny fortune. R calls me "the collector of beautiful things" - and it is not unusual to see just why. I suppose I am not proud of my spending legacy, and to set the record straight, personally I believe it OKAY to be in debt for a mortgage (but not a car!)...However, I would never be in debt for a pair of Manolo's or a Kelly, goodness, talk about getting your priorities wrong. I buy something luxurious (and often quite unnecessary) with the money that is left over from investments and everything else, the money that I could afford to miss/lose/waste. For instance, if I get double pay at first quarter earnings announcement, then....WOW, yes, I would splash out into something gorgeous. And with this, a gentle reminder again that I have to remain employed or it would mean the end of my Chanel love affair.

I learned over time I have grown to love what I buy. My paintings, coats, shoes and bags live their lives with, grow on and grow old with me. It might be hard to fanthom but I've also grown more comfortable in my own skin and with time, have begun to carve out for myself my own tastes, and style. R also started showing me how to really take care of clothes. He can fold, stack, organize like crazy - inevitably makes me wonder if he was a Parisienne woman in his previous lifetime ha! Just like art. Stepping into the largest Fendi boutique in Rome made me go "wow" and it wasn't simply because the Fendi handbags were amazing - but the boutique looked like an amazing museum showcasing some of the designer's best creations. I left empty handed but so very much inspired such that even over coffee after, I was still smiling thinking back on some of the amazing pieces I saw at Fendi. Priceless!

And this was the exact feeling I had when I saw the 2 handbags winking at me...

The YSL mombasa (Limited Edition, Tom Ford era) which I acquired second-hand, fresh back from the cleaners - with the current season V-mail pouch...

And...look what the mailman brought me from London!

Yes, Chanel teaser....leading up to the gorgeous Chanel Timeless Classic in lambskin with Gold Hardware...

My heart stops. Once again, I am reminded of what I'm working for...it's the start of a long love affair...

Will update again from NY if I manage to find the Apple store...Salut!

"Since everything is in our heads, we had better not lose them." - Coco Chanel

what a girl needs

2008-05-07T22:57:00.003+08:00

After a long hiatus, I am finally back writing. It is interesting how things work in life. When you least expect to find something, you almost always do. When you really want to find something, it eludes you. Odd.

Here I am, wishing, writing, planning around for our trip to the US, (which unbelievably is in 2 weeks!) and was just window shopping around the American brands in town when I started to feel almost as though I'd never find anything that would make me go "wow". And then that sprung into a entire chain of madness. Well, I call it madness.

If buying 1 bag and 1 pouch weren't crazy enough as it were. I've bought my dream Chanel from London. All in a week.

So there :) Enough bags for the year.

There's so much coming up - it's Mothers' Day this weekend, and we've got a BBQ at Yappy's lovely place the weekend after...More pics just before I leave for our "New York - Orlando - Las Vegas" trip. Promise!

of death and daffodils

2008-04-09T00:21:00.005+08:00

It's been too long. Seems like I've been away for what has been more than a week. A funeral, and puffy sore eyes didn't help. I grieved for the loss.

Durrow Gal and I checked out the live fish spa somewhere near town (Novena area to be exact) - what an experience...it was a slight tickle but I guess it was slightly effective...I'm beginning to think the fishes were really starving at the rate they were clinging onto our feet and skin! Worth a try still nonetheless, for the experience if anything...

Elin came back from Tokyo with goodies! Am gonna repay the favour when I transit in Tokyo :)

R and I sneaked out to the showflat launch of the most expensive HDB (read, public housing) in Singapore...Cityview @ Boon Keng...furnishings look pretty fine, but personally though I won't find myself paying SGD600,000 (approx USD430,000) for that tiny unit on a 99year leasehold land, and it's only gona be built in 3-4 years' time. Not now, amidst the whole US sub-prime problem...really, it's a hefty price to pay for public housing, it's no wonder people aren't snapping the units up!

And that's my cue - I'm off to bed...this is really random but it's truly unbelieveable how earholes remain even after being untouched for 6 years...

Ah! I have to check out Marc Jacobs in Boston - can't wait :)

Hope you guys like the new song by Babyface on the blog - I love it - enjoy!

Ciao!

The windy city

2008-03-28T22:44:00.005+08:00

The Family's back from Chicago without the graduate...Camera died on them somehow (still don't know how that happened) and it was deathly cold, but I love what I'm seeing through their lenses :)

Now I can't wait for my trip in May!

blessings

2008-03-25T00:04:00.005+08:00

Sitting there with my aunt at another family member's wedding this evening - who would have imagined that there would be a connection between someone at the ripe old age of 20 something (never ask a lady her age) and a little woman aged 50 something? She made me laugh more than I had in a week. Amazing. And that little twinkle in her eye when she smiled at me - really warmed my heart. She even insisted on giving me a lift home. Truly, her being so endearing was what lit up my night at this wedding...that and seeing how two young ones very much in love ended up together after 8 long years. Rare in this day and age...Or am I being too pragmatic?

Words from Oprah, and a much younger Blogerator back then had said one of the best phrases in my life to date, "love yourself my dear, and your sparkle will bring more who will love you darling...just stop fishing in the wrong part of the ocean...babe, if you're getting rotten fishes now, you just have to move to another part of the vast seas..." And now he's with the man of his dreams :)

I guess his words struck a chord. We grow, we move forward, hand in hand...may there be lesser broken hearts with each passing day...

mind over heart

2008-03-23T18:00:00.006+08:00

I couldn't sleep last night. It was a shift of sorts - drifting in and out of slumber...

Isn't it miraculous that even with a mortgage, a job that pays more which equates to greater deliverables, daily politics and mind games with the average human being, coupled with the four years that have passed...your shadow still lurkes in my heart.

Maybe it's just the imprints that you left behind which I can never fully relieve myself of. I was so young then. Footprints in the sand...I guess it's only human.

We've embarked on different journeys now. And the world is full of so many more different assumptions now. But I won't go running back again. I was so young then.

It took so long and so much help to pull me back up on track all these years.

And with 3 members of the family in Chicago now for J's convocation, and another 1 member of the family in Melbourne Australia, I feel like I've lost my voice, even if it was just for a fortnight. Doesn't quite make any sense, does it?

Yes I'm working even harder to reach even more of my dreams...suppose this is but the beginning...never say never, never say impossible, there's always a way about everything. I revamped the home single-handedly in less than a fortnight within a budget of Sgd 7,500 (approx Usd 5,000) and its pictures made their way into a local decor mag. One of my best achievements to date...and now it's back to the daily tolls in life...

Happy Easter

This is good...

2008-03-23T05:46:00.006+08:00

[For the love of a game]

What would one do for the love of a game?
Would one do the things one does?
How low can one go?
How far would one go?
Spending every waking moment with someone else just so to use the other person to one's own benefit? (Can I just give my personal two cents', that's the height of stooping to a new level.)

[For the love of someone]

What would one do for the love of someone?
Even if one is so close to losing everything, anything else one would rather do without looking back?
Would one actually look deep within and seek the answers which are so apparent?

I think that's the beauty of mankind - having the choices in life. Only living life just this once, would we do the things we do? Seriously. I think it's a whole lot of bull if one thinks that there're no choices in life - I think it's more of a case of not being able to live up to the consequences of one's own actions and decisions made.

I've come to realise in the face of waking deaths, the cliché applies. Life is too short. Fortunately (or perhaps otherwise) I'm one of those who would show everyone else how much I love them each day so that I won't just lose everything and everyone the next day.

People close to my heart mean the world to me. But I guess, really that's just me.

I've never felt more alone.

And so, the boat has sailed...yet I can hear the winds whispering back in unison, "and quite frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."

2008-03-22T23:35:00.000+08:00

I'm a blank

de integro

2008-03-16T01:33:00.003+08:00

Work hasn't been easy. Well, not the work per se, but more of the uncontrollables that make it quite mentally exhausting. The firm's a good place to be. I have been reflecting for weeks now. A gentle reminder for me to count my blessings - really hasn't been easy getting to where I am. A whole year of search, coupled with the many rounds of trials I underwent, guess it made getting to the end bit and to where I am now a lot sweeter...and really, I am not about to give up.

Have given it a lot of thought, after a few rounds of online shopping and many diamonds later, R and I have decided to work towards what we want to achieve. At least there's comfort in knowing that our plans are more concrete now. It's a matter of strict discipline and focus for a couple of years.

Whoever did say that smart, independent women won't be able to balance it all, it is all a matter of never say never. And thanks to R for showing me the "why did i marry her?" article on Today newspaper this afternoon. It really put everything into perspective. Here's to those who think strong women should be frowned upon - it's your loss, not ours :)

Hues of love

2008-03-09T00:02:00.006+08:00

To love or to be loved - which would one prefer?

I suppose the ideal picture would be a combination of both, ala Moulin Rouge - to love and to be loved - the greatest thing of all...and yet it can hurt. My early years have truly been what I always term as learning years. Now, I hope I've learnt.

In any case, SM and NG's wedding dinner was lovely - held at the Mandarin Oriental's newly done up Oriental ballroom - pretty impressive - kinda reminded me of The Shangri-La without too much of the vintage charm...I finally found an occasion for my new light pink satin F21 kimono dress together with my bronze Furla chain bag. Just need to shed a few pounds now...

And so, I've finally parted with one of my treasured Vera Wang gowns this afternoon. It's like a musical that has ended its run. It was surprisingly harder than I thought it would be. A tinge of sadness to part with the beautiful dress - yet I know it's in good hands now and a wave of even lovelier dresses will take its place from hereon...

Finally an amazing bouquet that reminded me how lovely peonies are - I might just grab a bunch tomorrow to light up what's left of my weekend...clean up my slightly dusty little vase with a dose of fresh water and beautiful peonies to add some cheer...

"What's even better than him saying i love you is knowing that for once, he actually means it."

2008-03-02T18:45:00.006+08:00

Been a long week at work! Anyway, on to the goodies...

There's this new (okay, not so new now) donut shop which opened up near work - love their Oreo donut - absolutely sinful but oh-so-yummy!

And I've got my sky blue balenciaga day bag :) I love it!

A small group of us hung out at Wala Wala's last night - and it was nice :) Kinda missed hearing the band last night coz R and I left earlier, but drinks were pretty good - I got a bit sick tho (that's how long I haven't had drinks - at least more than 1)...we had a good time nonetheless!

Any case - my cousin's cute third boy...and a lovely cabinet I saw...

Final update - Durrow gal got the F1 tickets yay! :)

Hope y'all had a good weekend too...

The race

2008-02-14T23:55:00.004+08:00

The Formula 1 tickets were going like hot cakes...the queue (last we asked) was at a 2.5 hours wait - and we couldn't wait anymore - so Durrow Gal has to try to get the tickets again...

when the sky is full of hearts

2008-02-14T23:45:00.002+08:00

I especially love the roses and gold pearls - really brought a sparkle into my day :)

Hope y'all had a good one too!

in the name of beauty

2008-02-12T21:49:00.001+08:00

It's amazing what we women do out of vanity. Unthinkable at times yet in a subtly amazing way somehow (does it even make sense?)

My latest fascination - eyelash extensions. Imagine batting your eyes away with luscious long lashes...I rest my case :)

Having seen G babe's "before & after" - I'm tempted now...

In the night

2008-02-10T20:30:00.000+08:00

Was at Zouk with Jo just the Saturday after her 18th birthday :)

I feel kinda old now...

The finer things in life

2008-02-03T12:09:00.000+08:00

Ivanka Trump has come up with a wonderful new line of jewels - Ivanka Trump Collection :)

So now, she's beautiful, smart and also has another business under her belt! And it just struck me that my little bro Jas is gonna be in the same Wharton alumni as her!

My fave pieces in her collection - together with the pair of tassel earrings she's wearing in her own advert above - in a word, gorgeous!

And even her shop is worth a visit - just to take in the pretty done up boutique :)

Another place to visit when I'm in the Big Apple!

The city that never sleeps

2008-02-01T20:02:00.000+08:00

R and I are going to New York, New York!

Tickets are all booked and I can't wait! There are like a million and one things to do/see/visit/eat/shop...the list goes on!

So, sometime in May, we'll be flying to the US, first starting off with New York, then heading to the Niagra Falls with a little bit of Canada, before it's off to Disney World in Orlando, and finally, ending off in Las Vegas! It does sound like a pretty tight schedule - but hey it's gonna take almost all of 17-18 days away!

Now it's just booking for our hotels and planning for our days...am already counting down!

---

I've also picked up my pink tourmaline drops from CT and they're lovely :)

happy 1 month into the job

2008-01-19T12:44:00.000+08:00

It's been a month into my new job and I'm happy :)

Work hasn't been always the easiest but everyone's been nice and the work's been fulfilling...I don't think I've seen so much in a month than I have anywhere else.

It was the right move and at the right time - looking forward to the days ahead!

It's 2008!

2008-01-16T23:55:00.000+08:00

I'm really one post behind. There's probably no real good excuse but I still have to make one up anyway ha, the most likely one being that I've been way too caught up in all the changes spinning around in my little life for the past one month (haha or more like lazy me!)...

In any case, back to life and the morning rush...

And, no surprises here, I'm back at work :)

Have an amazing week! Cheerios

Holiday season and good cheer

2008-01-07T11:07:00.000+08:00

I was scanning through my camera looking at all the pictures taken over the days leading up to X’mas 2007, during X’mas as well as the New Year and realized that I hadn’t written any post before ushering in 2008.

So, in a lengthy image heavy re-cap...here goes...Elin and I went for the X’mas cookie class at BIYand it went really well! Finally learnt how to do cookie icing the proper way and decorate the cookies using our own vivid imagination :) we had cookie dough cut out in shapes of gingerbread men, Christmas trees, Christmas bells, stars and snowmen and we were given the leeway to paint them with different coloured icing as we liked – it was pretty amazing with the myriad of lovely colours – just seeing how the cookies transformed from simple brown plain surfaces to rainbow-coloured shapes, almost as though they had come to life :) And now I’m tempted to get friends to go for the cupcake class together!

Look at how R ate my gingerbread man up :) Nice and pretty...

after the cherry picking...going...going...going...

...And...it's almost GONE!

Dinner at Yappy’s place started the ball rolling in the days leading up to X’mas :) It was good fun (particularly the gift exchange part of the night which had an interesting twist this year)!

R and I had friends over at our place for a small get-together and we ordered a little bit of everything – smoked chicken, roast beef, sausages, honey baked ham, and a chocolate Christmas log cake – to add on, I also made some spicy tuna penne, which turned out to be edible (I haven’t cooked in quite a while and I really thought it might be good to dish out some pasta for Christmas!) – everyone seemed to have had a good time and we were all happy :)

On X’mas eve and day, it was mainly family time together. R’s family. My family. It was nice to spend more time with family, especially quality time together enjoying food :)

In the days leading up to 2008, SC and her brother invited R and myself, together with my brother and sister, over to their place for dinner and drinks. We had mixers, wine, finger food, Indian curries and the list goes on...It was a lovely night and everyone had a ball!

So, here’s what I got for X’mas 2007 and my haul from the Mango sale...

Lovely makeup palettes

One ring for all – one band of rose gold and another band of white gold embedded with 5 small diamonds all round (from R) - plus the complimentary jewel gold embellishment that was temporarily tattoed on my wrist for 4 days.

My loot from the Mango sale – 1 pink top with tiny suede cut-outs of all types of shoes (love it!), 1 black top with lace, and a bold printed dark brown and white dress :)

My reflections for 2007 and the year ahead?

2007 has been an amazing year in that I never thought I would have come so far in just one year. I’ve come to realize that all relationships need work – some more so than others and despite my strong inclinations I need to learn how to balance everything out no matter how difficult things may turn out to be. Career-wise, I have decided on a change and I have taken a leap in faith that this new path will propel me to where I want to be – management and beyond. Money-wise, I need to continue stringent planning in the year ahead.

Hence in 2008, I hope to work harder towards my goals in regards to my career, my family, my relationships and to better plan my goals to make them more lucid and hence more achieveable when they are more clearly defined.

So here I am now, in Hong Kong on my first corporate off-site – it’s been great to date and I hope this excellent start in the new year will bring forth even more marvelous events to come :)

Cheers and here’s a toast to everyone and the year ahead!

X'mas colours...

2007-12-08T23:49:00.000+08:00

GA hopped on down to the Bobbi Brown warehouse sale last week during her leave, and she was sucha dear to help me pick up a few items :)

Love the lip / brick shimmer palette and the pretty pink summer limited edition palette...and now I've finally gotten my hands on travel sized Bobbi Brown brushes! Got a set for my sis Jo too...

The best bit? All at the bargain price of S$25 per set for everything :)

And now unveiling...X'mas season shoes from the Guess by Marciano sale :)

Can't wait to wear them out!

R's gone off golfing for the weekend, and the house is way too quiet. Glad he made the effort to ring home earlier...even though the whole internet screw up got me quite pissed...in a way, I was glad to hear his voice...

Alrighty, I'm going back to my book!

2007-12-02T21:15:00.000+08:00

It's beginning to feel like X'mas!

The streets are lined in gold and lit up with pretty silver lights :) I think mainly what I'm trying to miss out on is the X'mas crowd - way too many people squeezing around and I think it's something I'd gladly give up for a cup of nice tea just chilling at home!

R and I went for dinner last week at this amazing Japanese pasta restaurant - Pasta de waraku. We loved it! There's a newly opened branch at Central (Clarke Quay) but we went on down to the one at Marina Square which was a lot less crowded! The pastas and their pizzas on display look so yummy and to be honest, when we finally tucked it, we can see why friends have gone back for more! :)

On the topic of food, LX and I made our way down to the foodcourt down at Takashimaya's basement the other day and yes it was as crowded as ever. And here's her recommendation - Japanese fried noodles which was an interesting twist from what I'd normally have - it's pretty unique but maybe not that all my cup of tea...too much of that mayo sauce for my liking...

X'mas shopping is never quite complete without a new colour palette for the new year...haha or so I'm discovering as the months are passing. Just added Lancome's day and night eye colour duo to my collection and am awaiting the Jill Stuart mixed blush compact I've ordered to arrive - check it out - it looks so very pretty with all the crystals! I can't wait!

More makeup from Jill Stuart...just look at the gorgeous packaging right - I'm melting...

Ah yes, I got my second X'mas gift today! :) (The first one being the gift from R) - Thanks to Durrow Gal, I'm going to be a lot more financial savvy in the new year! More resolutions, more determination...

"Think of all the beauty thats still left in and around you and be happy! " - Anne Frank

a joyful season of buying momentum

2007-11-27T22:00:00.000+08:00

I had been excited all of last week, looking forward to the Sunday that just passed, so that we could finally put up the Christmas tree we bought last year (!!)...Initially deep down though, I think R was really dreading to take it out again, as the dismantling was messy. Now, imagine going through all the stuff in the storeroom just to put up the tree all over again...

Yet (BUT, I stress!) once the tree was up with the bright gold lights twinkling away, I felt so happy - ha, like a little girl in a candy store - with the simplest little joys in life! Now that the tree is up, I'm really tempted to buy more crystal ornaments to adorn the tree (and perhaps I just might), or even change the colour scheme, however we've come to the consensus that it would be classic gold...for now, we love it!

And the lovely Christmas gift (the neverfull MM bag!) I got during lunchtime from R :) I love it! Plus, look at the Burberry Blue Label scarf I got from a Japanese importer near office...That's the end of Christmas shopping and I've got all the wrapping to do!

what dreams are made of - c`est si bon

2007-11-17T20:23:00.000+08:00

My head feels heavy. I feel I didn't do as well as I could have in the paper today. But I guess if I don't make it through this time around, I'll sign up for it again next year.

On hindsight, a lot has happened in this year alone. And I'm looking forward to stepping into the new year. I'm taking on a new job soon and I can't wait to see what lies ahead in 2008!

My dearest babe - Durrow Gal at her birthday! May all your deepest wishes come true :)

Happy cheery me...

And some pretty things...

"Fairytales are what dreams and hopes are made of - and that's what we all need"

2007-11-11T19:05:00.000+08:00

Back from Shenzhen and the trip was really packed. The three of us girls did so much in sucha short time, I think the most amazing part would have been the tailoring we went for.

Have a peek - one of the tops and suits I got done :)

Yes, other than that, I really enjoyed the massage! Fell straight into slumber...it was perfect!

So, even though we had the horrible incident with the luggage we lost in the Shenzhen cab, the trip was a good break we all deserved.

Now, back to studying for my FRM coming Saturday!

made with love

2007-10-21T12:09:00.000+08:00

Rows and rows of scrapbooking items, myraid of colours, v pretty. Reminds me of my favourite season when orange-gold leaves are falling in the Autumn.

Side-tracking, I wonder if I'm abnormal sometimes. A little cold for love, slightly lacking in sentiment. As soon as someone's interest flags my own feelings start to go that way too. As Clive Owen said in Croupier, hold on tightly - let go lightly. I don't give people enough chances.

Yet, R has always been there. It probably doesn't make sense but just a reflection.

In any case, the fan is finally done up, framed in white. Has to go up on the wall soon.

X'mas came early

2007-10-21T10:59:00.000+08:00

The party turned out to be better than I had expected. It wasn't packed at the ballroom but just quite right with an interesting mix of middle-aged men and older women. Elin and I could have been almost the youngest of the lot - oh wait, other than the little girls we saw clinged onto their mums.

The retail area done up nicely did homage to the whole Lancôme branding. I loittered around the skincare counters and then lingered about the makeup areas before being drawn irresistably to the eau de parfum...

They say scent is the most powerfully memory-associated of all the senses. And that it is also the most neglected. It is so ephemeral. You become quickly tired of strong ones, but can't get enough of the tease, the slightest waft of an almost-remembered association.

Hmm...tempting. Yet I left the tea party with just the Hypnôse mascara set (sounded utterly dramatic, would be lying if I said I wasn't toying with the idea of Audrey Hepburn lashes). It's just a weakness, I don't know why.

2007-10-20T22:19:00.000+08:00

Feeling v tetchy today. Am unsure whether this is to do with some fairly disappointing news I received yesterday, or the fact that I was up tossing and turning on Thursday night.

Life is rough sometimes.

I know I haven't really been in action of late. The market has in some sense (with its constant sideways trading) flattened me out. But yes, survival is vital key.

Very much so recently, I have been so inspired by Blair in the new Gossip Girl series that even though her wardrobe is supposedly catered to that of a 14-year old upper east side Manhanttan teenager, I was propelled into looking for more work wear. Well, something classy enough to fit me in my comfort zone yet with a pinch of detail enough to make me arch an eyebrow up slightly. Hmm doesn't say enough does it? The email I received in my inbox from R read "Raoul sale 3 days only". So it's out to the shops for me. Crisp white 2-ply egyptian cotton in luxurious lines.

Shopping with LX was enjoyable. Enough shirt buys for the rest of the year.

More, later.

2007-10-16T18:45:00.000+08:00

You know your friends have outgrown you when...

-1- A couple who met after you and your partner started dating have invited you round to see their new house and baby and are talking about the next addition to their family.
-2- House parties aren't bring-your-own-food anymore...
-3- ...and it's always more often than not, house parties and not casual barbeques.
-4- The women agree, you're lucky you can still get away with wearing that...
-5- ...and as soon as you leave they'll say what they're really thinking.
-6- You have more in common with the children playing with their toys than anyone else.
-7- Friends are focused on everything else - their jobs, their men and female outings are significantly reduced. (sad but true)

mirror mirror on the wall

2007-09-26T22:16:00.000+08:00

I've finally gone for my whitening procedure. It took the whole of an hour and despite the intermittant aches which I've experienced during my entire procedure, and which I'm still experiencing now (I do hope it'll go away soon!) - my teeth are a whole lot whiter and I can't be happier!

In the recuperation stage, and dear moi am already conjuring up images of being able to apply pretty red lipstick after such a long time! :P

And look at what RC babe got me from her HK hotel loot - I love it!

Fabbrica @ Dempsey

2007-09-23T23:46:00.000+08:00

Sunday lunch at Fabbrica with the family turned out to be rather relaxing. And nice :)

Other than the mussels dish which didn't impress as the mussels were not up to standards in terms of freshness...everything else was quite appetizing...

I must say, Dempsey is evolving into a really quaint pretty area and I can so see myself going back up soon!

(click on the pic for more peeks!)

Hope y'all had a great weekend! :)

Yes, it's all back to the office tomorrow...

...and of food...

2007-09-23T23:22:00.000+08:00

Let me start off by saying that we had a wonderful dinner at Melt - The World Cafe at Mandarin Oriental Hotel in celebration of our first year anniversary! :)

Service was really good - and the buffet spread was quite varied - finally, the food was really satisfying! And also, kudos to the hotel on their amazing facelift. We thought Melt was pretty nice with all the lovely colours too :)

(click on the pic below for more photos!)

Saturday

Look at what I saw at Paragon when I was out shopping with IC! :P

How pretty!

We are almost one!

2007-09-20T22:12:00.000+08:00

So much has happened just this week alone. Let's see...with a re-cap...

The good:

1. I've got positive feedback finally after so many months of search.

2. The free scrub and massage I got at lunchtime was amazing - really relaxed me!

3. Got a finalised date for another event I've been hoping for.

4. Booked my ticket to Shenzhen (with Shir & IC).

5. Baby Josiah was delivered this week to beaming parents, Joshua and Ching Ni!

6. Got beautiful sandals from Charles & Keith!

7. EY came back from the famous Florence outlets I told her about - with a lovely silver Prada wallet in tow for me! :)

The not-so-good:

1. Positive feedback I got amounted to status quo - still much ado about nothing...

2. Haven't managed to finish my translation at work...

3. Professionalism has been lacking in some areas which has some way or other managed to find its way to involve me...

The markets really rushed this week after the Fed announced the more than expected rate cut in the US. Yet, in my own opinion, I don't really quite see how that will soften the whole credit crunch coming down in the days ahead. Well, granted that we made a couple of pennies from the fluctuations I'm not complaining!

R's rushing back on a flight tonight to have dinner with me tomorrow! :) It's our one year anniversary tomorrow...(can't believe how time flies!)

Done deal

2007-09-16T22:37:00.000+08:00

R's twin bro got registered today. I don't have too much to say - here are the pics, there was a huge rain, which came only after the signing and also wish there was more light...I did a good recommendation as Ching really did a fabulous job with the flowers and all the deco. Hopefully things will be better from here on. I still can't really forget how his twin bro almost ruined my wedding...but I suppose it pays to be the bigger person...and move on to bigger better things in life - so all the best Ralph!

2007-09-16T12:44:00.000+08:00

What a lead up to the weekend it has been!

RC and I finally headed down for Cali's Body Combat Class after work on Thursday and we were all stretched out!

Friday, I had bowling and a company dinner - in an amazing twist of luck, my team struck gold and we won the first team prize! Came back home with a whole bunch of Nike goodies and R was sooooo excited and happy :) Then, we headed out to the movies with EL and D, we caught The Invasion starring Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig. It's pretty much an expectable plot - I'd rate the film 3 out of 5 *s in my book...

Saturday, woke up super early and started making my way out to Boon Lay (yes, you read it right!) for my haircut and rebonding treatment. Well, it was a trip well worth the travel...my haircut + soft rebonding + treatment came up to only S$90+....all thanks to IC's recommendation. Least my hair looks a lot neater and is definitely more manageable now! :) I'm happy.

The highlight of my Saturday must have been my finds at Chinatown! IC and I got down to Chinatown in the afternoon and we discovered a treasure trove of amazing clothes at even better prices! :) Finally I trudged my way back with 5 pieces, plus another bag of toiletries at such bargain prices...

And the amazing Coach keyring I've fallen in love with, but can't bring myself to spend on...I left with the eyelet dress from one shop + 2 work pumps from Heatwave instead :)

My night ended on a high! R and I met up with SC and everyone else at the all-newly renovated Thumper at Goodwood. I must say, it started off as a slight disappointment with the lack of people - there was even hardly a queue - and what with the management screwing up everything. But in all good faith, everything finally worked out great, and the place was nice :) I miss the carpets yet the modern look worked it all together I must say! I missed dancing, and having a couple of drinks...and finally HAPPY BIRTHDAY SC! I hope you had a great time babe! xoxoxoxo We had a blast, and thanks for having us over!

"In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, for in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed." - Kahlil Gibran

2007-09-14T23:03:00.000+08:00

Look at what I saw at Hermes.

Beautiful :)

The new addition

2007-09-14T22:59:00.000+08:00

I was out shopping with R and I so cleverly diverted his attention away to the mega electronic store - Best Denki when I was still taking my own sweet time looking away at bedskirts for my mum at Aussino....then when I went back to my dear hubby, there he was all hyped up with his new find - SONY BRAVIA 46" LCD for a bargain price!

So, as you can all imagine what happened next...yes, we bought the TV and its humongous screen is now sittting prettily in our living room...more movie watching in comfort :)

Hmm, it's amazing what men can find in sucha short time...especially when it comes to something like electronics! It's almost the equivalent to what women can find when it comes to beautiful clothes and gorgeous shoes :)

baby matheus at 3 months!

2007-09-12T19:34:00.000+08:00

Wow, LX's sure got her hands full! Her darling son is 3 months now - and look at the cutie! :)
RC, YP, R and myself had a good time at her place, playing with Baby Matheus!

I'm back!

2007-09-01T11:08:00.000+08:00

Yea, I know I have seriously disappeared for like the longest time...

Sooo, long post warning ahead!

A year older now, hmm hopefully another year wiser too! Ha. Look at what my sweet gfs got me! :)

And then Durrow Gal dropped by with vouchers too :) Thank you soo much!

It was nice having a small dinner with the bunch of my closest friends at Streeters - a quaint Spanish restaurant with amazing tapas and sharing some paella :) Everyone rushing down from work - Really couldn't have asked for more!

Then it was dinner with my family at Les Amis' Grill at Greenwood...we loved it! Initially our pick was Bathers at Sunset Way - but I rang and nobody picked up the line so I was worried that they weren't open and we headed for Greenwood instead :)

We then left for HK on the weekend :)

I had the best time - the food! And yes, the shopping was amazing - I tailored so many suits and work dresses for the cheapest price! Decided to tailor curtains and some pretty cute cushion covers too...We also enjoyed the fantastic massage and spa facilities at one of the top spa places in Shenzhen, just across from the border of HK.

Yes, more bags! (click on the pic below to take a peek at the clothes I made...)

The new cushion covers all nicely placed where they should be :)

So this is what I have been busying myself with lately...new sheets for the rest of the year! :)

Autumn warms

And... wintry black and white

(of which the entire 600TC set - save for the furry brown display cushion - was tailored in Shenzhen for an unimaginably budget price)

Finally, what's come in during the last week - the paintings we got on our trips and some lovely prints have been framed :)

That's it!

Have a great weekend :)

"Success is not a destination. It's a journey."

2007-08-10T23:15:00.000+08:00

Sad day. But I guess proper planning and time will tell if things can press on.

Have to relax this weekend.

"We only have one life but many possible careers. Challenging ourselves to find one that truly fits is one of the most rewarding choices we make as adults."

Hush

2007-08-09T00:30:00.000+08:00

Quiet quiet day and then a squeeky voice killed my morning. Shan't talk about it here but it's seriously only making my anxiety worse. And I realise that with each passing day, my self understanding and personal discovery becomes a clearer path.

Perfect Stranger - my take? It gets better and better as the story proceeds. Shan't give the plot away here and ah yes, Halle Berry has a va-va-voom hourglass figure! This film gets 3.5 out of 5 stars from me...

Couple of happy things - finally got my CPA cert through the mail - well okay, it wasn't actually the physical cert in the mail, but rather the mailer to go collect it personally, but yay, it's finally in! And...

National Day tomorrow, and look what I got - it's a generous gift :) A cute little orange shuffle to help make my day!

Yes, happy thoughts :) Really hope (all fingers and toes crossed!) that I'll be celebrating with RC next week...sigh...yes happy thoughts....night!

of history and mythology

2007-08-07T15:11:00.000+08:00

Back from Siem Reap Cambodia, and these are my thoughts...

Good:
Rich in history
Learnt so much about Buddhism and Hinduism Gods and mythology
Nice, friendly people
Amazing chic architecture in Hotel de la paix (and the beautiful Indochine spa!)
Fabulous eateries discovered in Blue Pumpkin, Red Piano etc.

Not so good:
Rainy gloomy weather and muddy roads
Really small city area
Zero taxis, only tuktuks
Touting and overpriced drinks/food in tourist areas

Nevertheless, these are my fav shots from our lot!

One remaining tower from a Hindu temple...

Entrance to Angkor Wat

The Tree in the courtyard of Hotel de la paix

Doorway in Bayon Temple

Backs facing Angkor Wat

Inside Angkor Wat

And the best to end it all on a reflective note... a little boy slumped against one of the beams in Angkor Wat

Bliss at the poolside of Hotel de la paix

It was a good break with Durrow gal, and it's back to work tomorrow!

So last but not least, the lovely premises of Hotel de la paix...

2007-08-04T02:08:00.000+08:00

Nice way to end an excruciating week...sigh, for me at least! And it doesn't help that it's August. I used to be all happy whenever it came to August every year, but it's no longer the case since I've gone past the certain 2-5 somehow...anyways...

Together with Yappy, SC, and a bunch of friends, we had dinner at Coffee Club then headed to the cinema to catch "Knocked Up" - entertaining with a bunch of really good lines which totally cracked me up. It's pretty deep though also just cause it's very similar to reality.

Leaving for Cambodia on Sunday...good break - really looking forward to it!

Oh yes, and the jewel of the day - I got a new phone! Compliments of R (thank you!!)

The nokia 6300...it's still charging but I can't wait to check it out!

R also came back with a whole bunch of gifts...chocolate, lingerie, kitty packs etc...okie doks have to get packing - or maybe I shall leave it till tomorrow! I'm dead beat...

Elusive

2007-08-03T17:34:00.000+08:00

After watching a few episodes of the series "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" and after many sappy tissues, I am reminded yet again of how little we truly count our blessings. One of the boys who passed away in a car accident on one of the episodes was a mere 16 year old, who being an organ donor, four of his organs were donated to save four lives even after his passing. It really puts many adults to shame. This in turn puzzles me how some of us keep building up on personal bitterness in regards to life and build up an entire web of assumptions based on our own theories, which may have been unfounded to begin with. Do we really know, appreciate and focus on the good things in life? I think more often than not, we fail to do so. Or we do so, but in insufficient amounts. And I know myself to be guilty of this as well.

What would you label as being selfish? Or self-centered? Would placing one's own expectations and directions on another, edge towards being self-absorbed? I have always thought of the women today to be a lot more independent, career-driven, strong, focused, knowing more clearly what they want, where they can be and how to get there. Yet, it does seem increasingly so that for almost every one such independent woman there are still many more others around who are less driven at the other extreme end of the spectrum. Perhaps it is a personal expectation that has been highly misplaced but I cannot seem to understand why this might be the case? I have been taken by surprise recently when it was revealed to me that many women around me (friends and acquaintances alike) are willing to give in so much to the point they forfeit their own dreams and in the process they have even made themselves feel that it is perhaps for the best. I have also discovered that some others have decided to play second-fiddle to men just so they can play up to the egos of men. With no offence whatsoever to men in general, I simply cannot comprehend the mindset of the women described above. Which century in this globalised world do we stand in now? Are men and women not of equal standing in terms of dreams so as to speak? It really baffles me how women can shy away in the dark shadows of men just so to keep peace. And then yet almost ever so often I hear from women when they reminisce their past, the horribly common phase of “what if?” which totally denotes regret. The one worst thing to ever feel / have in my own dictionary.

This fully ties in with my commencement of this post. This may be cliché but it cannot be more true that life is short. Why so do people continually subject themselves to a life second best for themselves?

I really have no clue. Do you?

Water works

2007-07-31T22:45:00.000+08:00

Alright, I had fantasized my day to be somewhat good (with the collection of the long-awaited jellies!) but I had never in my wildest dreams expected that the kitchen sink would be dripping with water under the basins when I got home (and yes I was still happy from the jellies high but obviously I've gone past that!). Ugh. The image of water flooding, and me, armed with the mop in one hand ferociously mopping away, and almost ever so intermittantly squatting down in my work dress to tighten the dreaded screws under the sink, still puts a perma frown on my face. It's not the most glamourous moment in my life that's for sure! And now, I just had to cancel my dinner plans for tomorrow so I can be home in time for the plumber to get the horrid situation fixed!

Okay...Maybe a more light-hearted post to help me forget the kitchen mess??

J's back from Chicago for the holidays and he's very nice to have helped bring me back my dose of Bath & Body Works...White Cherry Blossom is so very lovely :) I'm now officially hooked on that new range...even R thinks it smells heavenly...

Ah yes, before I forget - the amazing jellies (don't they just look like ballet flats in a way?) - together with other casual work shoes R brought back from KL...

After the success of tonight's collection, I'm getting a couple more jellies...that might keep me off the sink issue for a bit.

"There cannot be a stressful crisis next week. My schedule is already full. " - Henry Kissinger

Loves

2007-07-22T15:08:00.000+08:00

Got this off the Satorialist, Carine R. looks amazing - she's probably one of the only women I know who can wear sucha translucent dress and still look stunning! And I love her shoes!

Chanel - what can I say? Tres chic...and the furry Furla bag - nice :)

Ginger!

2007-07-21T01:03:00.000+08:00

Yappy's new beagle is so cute ;)

Pity I'd heard about her "biting of cheeks" story and I got scared!

Our movie night at Yappy's place was a huge success :) There we were having a nice girls' night in - complete with pizzas, drinks, chips, dips, ice-cream, drumlets, popcorn...I was stuffed but I really enjoyed myself - and the two chick flicks were entertaining too...we should definitely have this more often :)

Ballet under the stars

2007-07-20T22:03:00.000+08:00

We had a ball :) Didn't expect it to be quite as crowded as it was but it was good nonetheless...

My favourites in this month of July

2007-07-15T21:43:00.000+08:00

Song: The Gatekeeper

Musician: DJ Stephane P.

Book: Rich Dad Poor Dad

Artist: Gustav Klimt

Designer: Karl Lagerfeld for Coco Chanel

Trend: Wearing all white in the summer.

City: Egypt

Drink: Strawberry Daiquiri

Food: Sashimi

red patches

2007-07-12T22:40:00.000+08:00

I'm looking at my fingers and they feel kinda sore. Well silly me, I know I said I'd wait for R to come back this weekend and do up the chairs yet in my excitement I couldn't wait. So, I did the screwing myself. Part by part - and all's done!

I'm happy and do feel slightly proud that I've managed to accomplish something tonight, and we've kinda given our study room a new look :) It's deep yet slightly masculine I must say. Bottom line, I love it :)

Was talking to R on the phone last night - and he was sweet enough to tell me he was planning a surprise for my birthday haha. He dropped one hint and I guessed it right out loud. Opps! :)

It's no longer a surprise per se, all thanks to smarty me, but I still fell asleep smiling...