Belle Maison Zakka

I have always been a stickler for aesthetic furnishing.

Be it a workspace or living space, I prefer them personalised. After all, working in a pretty space makes me happier and increases productivity. =)

My favourite haunts?

Ikea, Robinsons and Belle Maison Zakka.

It’s amazing what a right mix of furnishing can do to a common space.

These are some things that I fell in love with at Belle Maison Zakka…

1) The bird cage

I love the little birdie! So romantic and cute at the same time.

2) The boxes

Looks can be deceiving. The first box is bigger than the last. These will be placed at my workplace.

3) The trinket holder

This trinket holder was what started my love for Belle Maison Zakka. It’s unfortunate that I didn’t purchase it from the website, but from a retailer - she sold it to me for 4 times the price! Damn, I hate middleman. I took a better picture of the holder here.

4) The frames

I have a very soft spots for pretty frames. I started collecting frames since a year ago, and I must say I’ve amassed quite a number! They are all on rotation shift.

With a mix of frames of different colour and size, one can create quite a unique ensemble of wall art. They add character to my otherwise plain table. And did I already mention that I’m a stickler for aesthetic furnishing? Eye candy!

All pictures from Belle Maison Zakka. Visit their site here.

Happy CNY

I know CNY is way over. But, it’s no secret that I’m bugged with work - my table is overflowing with paper!

So, here are snapshots of CNY.

Gong Xi Gong Xi!

Up North..

Would you believe me if I told you I had zero make-up on when I took this picture?

I had to. I don’t believe in sleeping with make-up on.

Oh I love the look of dawn. Very pretty.

And when it was bright and cheerful…

It’s time to celebrate!

I just realise, besides this photo, I didn’t take much during the day.

So let’s fast forward and enjoy the fireworks.

Huat ah!

Battlestar Galatica Fighto!

After almost a year long of being grounded, the Battlestar Galatica is set to battle once more today!

I had the privilege to attend the preview of the launch on Saturday. And boy was I extremely hyped up. I got to the Park at 18 00 even though the ride officially starts at 20 00.

Sitting at KT’s grill. Waiting for the ride to start.

If you hadn’t already know, Battlestar Galatica is one of the main attraction of Universal Studios Singapore, if not the most highly anticipated.

At a height of 42.7m, the dueling roller coasters are set to thrill you and drive you crazy with their non-stop turns, twists and drops for 90 seconds.

Choose to take either Cylon, a suspended roller coaster, or Human, a sit-down roller coaster.

Battlestar Galatica. Are you ready?!

Here’s my take on the two.

CYLON:

Pardon the flash. It’s almost impossible to take a good shot inside the waiting chambers. Spot the green tag? That’s my entry pass!

I gamely took on Cylon as the first roller coaster. After all, I do pretty well with anything that has me strapped in tightly with a across-the-chest harness… even if it means that my legs are hanging in mid-air and I go flying in my seat throughout the ride… I just secretly close my eyes during the first flight and scream like there is no tomorrow.

During the first launch, Cylon experienced technical difficulties. One of the safety harness did not unlock, nor did the gates that let riders get onto the platform.  After about 30 minutes of waiting, it was obvious that there was mixed feelings amidst the riders. I was nervous. After all, darn that seat was the row after mine! What if.. my harness opens in mid-air!!!

Finally, we all got buckled into our seats. The crowd went wild. Here we go!

After being propelled to the start point, Cylon took a drastic drop. I experienced weightlessness. Then it was a 360 degree turn. When is my butt going to feel the seat again! Several sharp turns thereafter, it was the second 360 degree turn through the mist. Now this is done crazily fast and not my favourite part of the ride - I was choking on the mist that was gushing through the train. But the worse is yet to come. The most uncomfortable part of the ride has got to be the 360 degree twist. You would be shuffled left and right in your seat. You’ll definitely feel extremely dizzy. But 10 more seconds worth of meanders and I’ve got my feet planted back onto the platform.

HUMAN:

This was the second ride that I took. Unlike Cylon, I really am a little scared. It’s a weird psychology, but I don’t feel as safe when strapped into a harness that only covers the lower part of my body! If it breaks, I’m flying straight into the Universal Studios pond!

The first drop of Human is the most exciting, crazy, and breath-taking part of the entire ride. Never have I experienced such weightlessness - except for New York New York in Las Vegas. It’s sheer craziness. At the pinnacle, you would be driven mad that all you see is the sky and your feet. When you drop, you don’t even see the front carriage! It’s also my favourite part - if I can prevent myself from blinking twice in fear - for the night landscape of Universal Studios Singapore is so gorgeous I was left wondering if I was playing out my own fairytale, flying on the magic carpet and exploring wonderland. I might have a different version of awe and level of woe if I were to take this ride during the day.

Having said that, if you can survive the first 5 seconds extended long dive, you can survive the entire ride. You have my word on that. The remaining part of the ride felt like enchanted airways. I was taking my time to admire the night landscape of Universal Studios.

CYLON VERSUS HUMAN:

Cylon.

Even though the ride score read 6 - 6 at the end of the 12 rides taken in 3 hours, Cylon wins for its heart-stopping turns and twists.

The queue was thrice as long at Cylon than Human. Thrill-seekers were digging into the ride even till the last moments of the Park closure. I know, because I was one of them. I sprinted from the exit to the entrance to make it for the second last ride.

I would, however, caution riders that Cylon really requires riders to be in good physical health. 6 rides on Cylon, my head was spinning and my ears were really painful due to the pressure. I was also pretty exhausted at the end of 12 rides, falling asleep in the seat while waiting for the ride to be launched.

So with that, choose your rides wisely and battle it out! Riders, you have been warned!

V for Conquering the dueling two!

#402

Onto #402. It’s surreal.

It has been almost 2 years since I started blogging on this website. 9 years since I started blogging altogether.

The world has changed so much. I’ve grown so much.

Many thanks for walking with me this far.

Valentine’s Day 2011

Today is Valentine’s Day.

It’s the day when people are struck by Cupids’ arrow and go starry eyes.

As far as my obsession with Chanel goes, Chanel’s costume jewellery has been such a let down this season that I’ve roaming eyes and drifted loyalty.

It’s nil to costume jewellery and nine to sexy shoes.

Here are some finds that sent me drooling.

Above: Pictures all from Net-A-Porter.

So throw on your pumps, grab a clutch, slick some lip stick and have fun catching the falling stars.

Happy 400 - I heart Ferragamos

It’s my 400th post on this blog.

Wow, what a milestone. Every time I clock 100, I celebrate it with something special and lovely.

This post is no different.

xxx

I have a super duper soft spot for leather shoes. Since the end of 2009, I have resolved never to buy shoes that bite. Out goes PU shoes, in comes leather shoes.

1) I like my feet to be happy.

2) I like my shoes to go the distance with me.

3) I like the smell of fresh leather - it’s a strange fetish I’ve developed over the years (GAH).

Since then, I’ve only broken the rule once. I purchased a stylish PU suede bootie from Charles & Keith. Had to hunt it down in Raffles place for they were sold out island wide in less than a week!

Anyways…

Since that resolution in 2010, I’ve developed a softie heart for Ferragamos!

This lad started my obsession with the comfy shoes.

I bought them on sale 3 seasons back. They were half size larger and I had to get my shoe maker to fill in with padding. The padding made the shoes so comfy, I practically lived in them for all my formal functions.

I’ve worn them to all my friends’ wedding dinners. It’s amazing how comfy they are judging that they add a cool 10cm to my height. All the other stilettos that I own - leather or not - makes the ball of my feet burn.

So during the last season’s sale, I woke up really early and headed for the annual sale.

My heart skipped many beats. I secured all the shoes that I’ve been eying all season!

My sister got this pair as well. We love nude shoes. They are so versatile.

Nudes are the new blacks.

Adding a pop of colour is this pair of mustard heels. The plastic that you see peeking from the sole is rubber padding. A tip that I picked up from my shoe maker.

But my favourite buy at that sale, has got to be this…

Paired with friendship band from Phuket. And my black tulle skirt from Japan.

Nude flats; in my size!!!!! I was so lucky.

Another girl wanted the same pair in the same size. She had spotted the pair before I did; but her SA got her a size bigger. My SA was quick - actually my sister was quicker and told the SA we wanted the pair in our size - and out she came with the correct size. There was only one pair.

Voila! It was love at first sight.

Tick tick tick. When will the spring sale happen?

xxx

Lots of hugs and kisses to all my readers who have made my day many times over. =)

The King’s Speech

I was invited to watch the premier of the King’s Speech early this week.

It lives up to its name and all the rave reviews.

I’ve never done well when it comes to history. I’m also never a biggie on historical films. Some how, it just bores me to tears. But I dare say that the King’s Speech is really awesome. I have to add a disclaimer though. This show is not for young children. It would be a little too tough for them to truly appreciate.

The scriptwriter and the director made this simple plot so engaging and touching, it was sheer talent. Given the lack of written records, it definitely took much creativity and effort to churn a simple piece of history into a blockbuster hit.

In a nutshell, the show is about a man’s perseverance in overcoming his speech defects. After seeking treatment from countless of certified speech therapists to no success, his wife knocked on the door of an unsuccessful actor (unbeknown to them) to seek unorthodox treatment methods.

It is without a doubt that the show deserved to be the #1 movie in UK for 3 weeks in a role.

The casting was also superb.

Colin Firth’s depiction of George VI was so genuine and so believable in the movie. His frustration in stammering was so natural, you really can’t help but sympathise with the character. You could feel his anguish, his pain, his long-term suffering.

I was equally impressed with Helena Bonham Carter’s acting. She’s famous for choosing queer roles to act - think Sweeney Tod and Alice in Wonderland. But posed with a serious role, she carries herself pretty darn well. A google search on her reveals that she’s Tim Burton’s partner. By golly! That makes perfect sense.

Now that’s one down from my must-watch list. Next up, I need to catch the Black Swan.

Jewellery Pouch

Hello everyone, I hope you’ve been hanging on well this CNY.

It has been a rather gloomy mid-week for me. The temperature has soared and I’ve been nursing my flu at home. Not my favourite combination.

So I thought it’ll be a good time for me to blog once more!

Well, for the longest time I’ve been hunting down for a jewellery pouch to place my jewellery when I go travelling. I usually chuck them into a organza bag, which is a very bad habit.

Reebonz has been selling this Prada jewellery pouch since a few months back.

Satin and red. I like!

But the price really deterred me. At $300, I can’t imagine lugging this around in my LeSportSac Bag.

I rather splurge the money on another clutch!

This has got to be one of the best accessories that Lemon Chiffon has brought in this CNY.

Only 4 colours are available.

Orange, baby pick, hot pink and plum.

I chose Plum. It’s bolder and deeper in person than in pictures. Very luxurious looking I must say. At $35, that’s more piggy bank coins for my clutch!

Pictures courtesy from Reebonz and Lemon Chiffon.

Miss Ribbon Chanel

Hello folks!

Adding to the Chanel CJ inventory list.

Here’s my sister’s crystal ribbon earrings.

She bought it a while back, but I never took it out to take a photograph.

It was a rather pricey pair of earring, but my sister bought it after oogling at it for a few days.

It has crystal studded ribbon on the front and back of the earring drop.

Happy  CNY!

The case of the empty Ang Bao

Chinese New Year is the festive season that Chinese look forward to. It is a time when family members reunite and celebrate the good start of a new lunar year. We gather around a round table to take our dinner, play games and be merry.

Children love Chinese New Year because adults will give them red packets containing money.

Year in year out, I love calculating how much money I’ve received and I usually chart the takings as a measure of economic growth.

This year, I was horrified to receive an empty Ang Bao!

I’ve had my fair share of $2 Ang Baos over the years, but an empty Ang Bao is the first!

I’m so amused, that I don’t really know what to make out the meaning behind the empty Ang Bao.