The Moonberry Blog

My Valentine's day date!

2012-02-20T22:35:00.001+08:00

Following up on my earlier post about the charity auction in which I put myself up to be auctioned off as a date for Valentine's dinner, the evening of the dinner date itself turned out to be really delightful.

There is always a first time for everything. This happened to be my first time going on a blind date. Everyone must be curious who my date for the evening is.

Tadaahhhhh......

The man of mystery turned out to be a sweet fella named Jafni, who by the end of the evening left an impression on me as being polite and friendly. He showed up dressed like a gentleman with a shirt and suit, but also sporting a ponytail - how cool is that? :D Prior to this, he was a complete total stranger, mind you! But it wasn't awkward at all and conversation flowed easily between us. What can I say, I'm so easy to get along with. Muwahahahahaha! ;p

Incidentally, this happened to be Jafni's first auction win on Sold.sg - another first! Thanks so much for bidding for me, Jafni! :D

(Damnit, I still haven't won anything on the site yet... *kwa kwa kwa~~~*).

Can I just say that there was sooooo much food served during dinner? Dinner was a multi-course affair held at Limoncello Pizza & Grill Restaurant. I was full from the first Antipasti course alone (I loved the Sauteed Mussels too) but managed to sample the pizza, pasta and meat courses too. Mmm, Pan Seared Kurobuta Pork Glazed with Apricot and Balsamic... :9. The Grilled Ribeye Tagliata of Beef was also perfectly medium rare. Of course, there must always be room left for dessert *WOOT*. There was seriously A LOT of food. Food coma afterwards for me. :x

But the good news is...

Over a period of merely three days, this charity auction raised $2038.50 from the public’s bids, and in addition to the money raised from the auction, SOLD.sg also contributed $1.00 to match every $2.00 raised. In total, $3100.00 was donated to the Spastic Children’s Association of Singapore, spreading some love to these children in need this Valentine’s.

Here's what I gotta say about the matter, via vodcast.

Watch the vodcast here. (MUST WATCH!!! Heh.)

I was happy I got to meet up with more bloggers— some of whom I've already crossed paths with and met before, so the evening provided another great opportunity to get to know them better, while others I've met only for the first time so it was very nice making their acquaintances too. Photos above with Christine, Claire, Daniel and Eric.

Thank you very much, Sold.sg and omy.sg, for inviting me to participate in this meaningful (and fun) event. :")

See the rest of the photos on my FB page,
scoot on over and "Like" the page! :D
http://www.facebook.com/MBxMB

V-day cards

2012-02-13T00:44:00.000+08:00

I was chatting with a buddy recently about how people don't write love letters anymore, and how we both miss it tremendously (giving and receiving). It's always sweet to receive something handwritten but to be reading a declaration of love? Ooohh-lala. *swoons* I'm a complete sucker for handwritten notes. It's a dying tradition that needs to be revived.

Nowadays we're so accustomed to texting and typing. But when words fail you or you're self-conscious about your chicken scratches-like penmanship, there are always cards that you can send to your loved ones. Sometimes for no reason at all. I'm sure they will bring a sweet smile and be fondly treasured by the recipients. With Valentine's Day around the corner, how about sending something lovely to your sweetheart?

The adorable customized cards above are from Tiny Prints. I think the copywriting is pretty cute. I love the very first one I posted up top, because it's geeky and quite spot-on in today's first world courtships. Texting, heh! ^^

A Moonberry Valentine

2012-02-08T23:22:00.001+08:00

Aaahhhh, Valentine's Day.

In the past, I've had my fair share of Valentine's Day the romantic, being-swept-off-my-feet, feel-like-the-gawddayamn-most-special-girl-in-the-world way. Received the personalized mixed-CD-of-love-songs before, the surprise homecooked gourmet meals, being serenaded, the candlelit fancy restaurant dinners, the extravagant bouquets of roses, the wobbly homemade souffle of undying love, the rose petals and candles bubble-bath, bla bla bla. Lucky girl I've been. :*) I know. Hee! I gotta say, the souffle really left a lasting impression on me; it was yummy, it was homemade from scratch and the warm chocolate inside was oozy woozy. *swoons* (That's the Pisces in me talking.)

This year, however, I am doing something VERY different for the first time: I am auctioning myself for a dinner date!

Uh huh, GOING ONCE! GOING TWICE.....

Please don't wait. START BIDDING NOW. }:P

Why I agreed to do this? Along with Sold.sg, I am dedicating my V-Day evening to a dinner date with the auction winner and proceeds will go to a charity organization. Because it is going to be fun and it is for a good cause.

Doesn't that sound nice and meaningful? Here's how to bid for this special occassion.

So what does the winning bidder get? This awesome person and I will have dinner together! The Valentine's Day dinner will take place at Limoncello restaurant on Feb 16th. And just look at the mouth-watering menu for that evening...

Valentine’s Dinner for Charity 2012 at Limoncello
Dinner Menu
Valued at $95.00++ per Person

Appetizers
Antipasti Limoncello
Burrata Cheese Served with Grilled Vegetables, Rucola Salad, Cherry Tomatoes and Parma Ham
or
Vitello Tonnato
Roast Veal Served with Tuna and Capers Sauce
or
Impepata Di Cozze
Sauteed Mussels in a Delicate Wine and Tomato Broth, Amalfi Style

Pizzas
Assorted Napolitana Pizzas

Pastas
Cannelloni Di Vitello
Homemade Cannelloni Filled with Ricotta and Veal
or
Scialatielli Amalfitana
Homemade Amalfi Coast Udon like Pasta with Fresh Seafood

Meat Specialities
Costata Di Maiale
Pan Seared Kurobuta Pork Glazed with Apricot and Balsamic
or
Bistecca Grigliata
Grilled Ribeye Tagliata of Beef

Desserts
Medley Of Dessert

That looks like A WHOLE LOTTA food, doesn't it? And the auction winner doesn't have to fork out a dime for all that gastronomia (courtesy of Sold.sg)! The restaurant looks really cozy too. I think a great time will be had by everyone that evening. Excuse me while I begin to figure out what I'd like to eat that night. :X Jeebuz, they are all so mouthwatering. *decisions, decisions*

If you ain't gonna be bidding for me, noooooooo problem. There are nine other bloggers who are also putting themselves up for this charity auction. Preferably of course you should be bidding for this one, kekekekeke. I don't know all of the other bloggers personally, not yet anyway - so I'm looking forward to meeting and getting to know them at the group dinner. Yeps, if you are the shy sort don't worry as this won't be some awkward 1-on-1 date with a random strange stranger ... aka me -__-". (You are still welcome to bake me a souffle in private, if you like. *ahem*) It will be a group dinner with a mix of different online personalities, so I believe it will be an enjoyable social get-together. I am excited about the evening! Aren't you? Well, you should be.

Since this is a charity campaign, I don't suppose there's gonna be a gender restriction, right? Boys, girls, young, old, straight, gay, everyone EVERYONE is encouraged and welcome to participate, bid and contribute as much as you can. So please do!

START BIDDING NOW NOW NOW.

:D :D :D

By the way, please don't forget to tell your loved ones how much they mean to you. Below are some tips from the lovely gals at Victoria's Secret on the Do's and Dont's for V-day.

(Disclaimer: This is NOT a hint to anybody in particular. *ahem*)

Psst, don't forget to bid. It's a day to celebrate love. Do it for love. Do it for charity.

☞ ☞ ☞ All proceeds will be given to SCAS.

Peace out!

✎ Question for readers: What's the most romantic thing you've done or experienced during Valentine's Day? Tell me your memorable V-day stories please!

UNESTABLISH

2012-02-06T21:03:00.001+08:00

Mega sale going on over at UNESTABLISH, a multi-label online retail store!

Finders Keepers Along The Water Dress

Finders Keepers Friend Of Mine Playsuit

SALE ARDT Hunter Tank

Ready.Made Strip Optics Dress (left)
Pauline.Ning Dyed leather knitted blouse (right)

SALE KLING Dress Warwick (left)
SALE KLING Dress Wonder (right)

SALE KLING Dress Chiffon Balloon

SALE KLING Dress Sunflower

And this cute outfit is arriving to the site next week. *WOOT*

Free worldwide shipping. :) NICE!

Stars

2012-02-02T22:42:00.000+08:00

Anyone who ever held you
Would tell you the way I'm feeling
Anyone who ever wanted you
Would try to tell you what I feel inside
The only thing I ever wanted
Was the feeling that you ain't faking
The only one you ever thought about
Wait a minute can't you see that I

I wanna fall from the stars
Straight into your arms
I, I feel you
I hope you comprehend

For the man who tried to hurt you
He's explaining the way I'm feeling
For all the jealousy I caused you
States the reason why I'm trying to hide
As for all the things you taught me
It sends my future into clearer dimensions
You'll never know how much you hurt me
Stay a minute can't you see that I

I wanna fall from the stars
Straight into your arms
I, I feel you
I hope you comprehend

Too many hearts are broken
A lover's promise never came with a maybe
So many words are left unspoken
The silent voices are driving me crazy
As for all the pain you caused me
Making up could never be your intention
You'll never know how much you hurt me
Stay can't you see that I

I wanna fall from the stars
Straight into your arms
I, I feel you
I hope you comprehend

Stars
Simply Red

I don't even know when, where or how I heard this song for the very first time. Must be a bazillion years ago. Then I heard it again recently at the most random time and place for no special reason, and WHOOOOOOSHHHHH!!! It just knocked my socks off. Completely unanticipated and unintentional but it started a domino effect of something I don't fully understand yet (as of now).

But I know what I felt. Sharply experienced a moment of being propelled into a strangely familiar universe. A universe made up of dreamy galaxies, ancient promises, twinkling stars, bright lights, winged fairies and candy-smelling outerspace flowers. A hazy glitter-dusted air filled with some mysterious magic, the kind that brings forth an avalanche of good warm feelings. The kind that pretty much much blurs lines. The kind that makes one feel ultra liberated and super duper fuzzy inside at once. Exhilaration. Goosebumps. I recognized it because I have been in this emotional space before. Many eons ago. And just like that, I fell under a spell.

Visions of a corporate elevator bank and dark grey carpet. Of three stems of calla lilies. Of a cream-colored sofa in the basement. Of evenly-spaced wooden clothes hangers. Of guitar picks next to house keys. Of Saturday Night Fever disco floors.

Awashed with waves of nostalgia that I didn't even consciously summon.

Some things can't be explained.
Particularly a random moment like this.
It just happened...

♫ Soundtrack of My Life

3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2012 RTW

2012-01-30T18:09:00.001+08:00

Gorgeousness from the 3.1 Phillip Lim Spring 2012 RTW show. My faves are the light grey strappy dress with the oversized single pleat (top row right) as well as the stripe-y jumpsuit (bottom left); both are minimal but adequately funky. ;)

Chloe RTW Spring 2012

2012-01-29T11:08:00.000+08:00

I love the draping, textures and colors from the Chloe Spring RTW 2012 collection. :)

Bonjour Chartres!

2012-01-28T07:09:00.001+08:00

Another chapter of my wanderlust. Destination: Chartres, France.

My love affair with anything French continues. :")

Bouchon LV

2012-01-27T09:26:00.000+08:00

Bouchon is the vision of world-renowned chef Thomas Keller, who was named "America's Best Chef" by Time magazine. He is also the sole recipient of consecutive "Best Chef" awards from the prestigious James Beard Foundation. I have always been a fan of Thomas Keller and have even attempted to recreate his famous Ad Hoc fried chicken at home some time back. For years, I have tried to snag a reservation at one of his restaurants, French Laundry - unsuccessfully. :|

In December 2006, I however managed to go to Bouchon (Yountville). Drawn from Chef Keller’s memories of traveling through France, Bouchon serves an award-winning menu of bistro classics and daily specials, featuring the best seasonal products available. I recently got a chance to visit Bouchon again, in Las Vegas. Situated inside the Venetian, Bouchon (Las Vegas) offers delicious desserts, an extensive selection of raw seafood, a full bar, and superb wine service in the warm and elegant main dining room or amid a beautiful garden poolside setting.

Bouchon Las Vegas has won the following awards:

Best Breakfast in Las Vegas
Las Vegas Life magazine

Best French Restaurant
Las Vegas Life 2005 Epicurean Awards

Best Strip Restaurant
Las Vegas Life 2005 Epicurean Awards

Best New Restaurant
Las Vegas Life 2005 Epicurean Awards

Best Restaurant Overall
Las Vegas Life 2005 Epicurean Awards

Bread basket (sans basket actually) with butter and pistachio nuts. Needless to say, I ignored the bread the butter and went straight to the nuts. :p

Ahhh, the lovely paper menu. I wonder how many of these do they lose every night... :X

I am ready for you, Bouchon Las Vegas! Are you ready for me? Hur hur hur.

Shortlisted this appetizer. Sinful, isn't it? :)

The Moelle Rotie arrived straight on the bones.

The waiter was trying to get me to pose with a bone in my mouth, cavewoman-style. Na-uh, I dun think so, buddy!

Bouchon has the best BEST raw bar. The raw clams (my fave!) are exceptionally enjoyable here; I can down two dozens all on my own. :9~

Coquilles St. Jacques: pan-seared day boat scallops with roasted winter squash, glazed parsnips, confit chestbuts and sauce Maltaise.

Steak "Diane": Snake RIver Farms "eye of the rib" with roasted king trumped mushrooms, wilted mustard greens, pommes fondant and sauce Diane.

Here's a collage of my 2006 visit to Bouchon Yountville. The fish with haricot verts and lardons entree (bottom left) was phenomenal! I still remember it even till today, that's how good and memorable it was. :9~

Just for kicks, I must do this WTF-inducing side-by-side photo comparison of me in 2006 and in 2012. WHAT THE FUCK, right?! Ohmagawdddd, who dat pregnant balloon on the left? :x Yes, feel free to laugh coz I'm totally laughing too! Bwahahahaha.

Tis all good, tis all good. ^_^

All in all, I enjoyed the food at Bouchon once again. One of these days, I am definitely gonna get me a reservation at French Laundry! *shakes fist in the air*

In the meantime, I am probably gonna check out these cookbooks first. (The waiting list for a reservation at French Laundry does take several months, after all....)

Bouchon, The French Laundry Cookbook, The Complete Thomas Keller: The French Laundry Cookbook & Bouchon, Ad Hoc at Home

PS: Even though I have somewhat of a bitter-sweet relationship with the Bay Area, I kinda miss Yountville. I was a dumb bloated pregnant balloon back then who didn't know how to appreciate chit; I've grown much wiser now and learned to appreciate the finer twists-and-turns of my so-called life (heh!). I'd definitely love to make an epicurian pilgrimage to Yountville again sometime soon and bloooooommmmmm with happy happy grateful smiles ~ ♥

Inhabit

2012-01-26T08:15:00.000+08:00

Known throughout the world as a prolific designhouse, Inhabit has made a considerable impact on the world of design for the home. Basically by accident (and a printer found in the trash) founders Mike Tuttle and Jennifer Smith Tuttle turned a client's distaste for three graphic patterns into fabric prototypes and in late 2002 Inhabit was born. Shortly after, they swore off designing for other clients to focus strictly on growing the Inhabit brand.

Ever since they have been blurring the lines between design disciplines by taking their graphic-driven style out of the commercial design world and into your homes, commercial environments and public spaces. Their products can be seen daily on television programs, read about in the most industry relevant publications but most-importantly adorning the spaces of fans everywhere.

Pretty home decor bits and bobs, and I love that they are an eco-friendly company. I'm digging some of the bedding sets, they look so cozy and inviting. They ship worldwide!!! :D

The Dreaded Killer Jellyfish of Graphic Design Favors

2012-01-25T10:56:00.001+08:00

I was ranting recently about design favors over dinner with some friends and one of them, KY, sent this to me. LMAO! Unpaid favors suck ass.

Let's go shopping!

2012-01-24T07:53:00.001+08:00

I've said this before and I'll gladly say it again, I love shopping online because it allows me to do so in quiet privacy, I can take my time browsing (ie. reading user reviews and comparing prices beforehand) and I don't have to be with the masses of other shoppers, standing in line at the cashier's, dragging shopping bags everywhere, etc. Ahem, as illustrated in the two pictures above.

Between traditional shopping and online shopping, if I must pick only one, I'll definitely go for the latter and won't feel like it has inconvenienced me in any way. In fact, the opposite rings true. I don't even have to hop from store to store to compare products, I hop from browser tab to tab instead. Hehehe! I am a total sucker for the convenience of online shopping.

Ever since e-commerce arrived to the scene, I have been a very avid online shopper — in fact, I've also designed a couple of e-commerce sites myself during the glorious days of internet boom (ahh, the nostalgia). With today's plethora of "Daily Deals" (DD) online shopping mechanics though, I often find myself overwhelmed by the countdown timer that marks the end of these deals. Most of the time I also ignore the avalanche of sale announcements in my mail inbox so I end up missing the sales. -__-" D'oh!

Nonetheless, I selectively take a peek at what's going on occasionally and here's sharing a handful fave sites that usually carry stuff I want to have and buy.

1. Fab

Fab is my top go-to DD shopping site because it's catered to modern design. If you're like me, you're into swanky home accessories, artisanal food items, edgy jewelry, colorful graphic tees and bright bold prints. There are so many hip and gorgeous items offered daily on the site that I spasm with delight everytime. There is ALWAYS something super cool on the site, regardless of when you pop in. I have the app on my phone and iPad too, just so that I can drool over the array of eyecandy from time to time. Pretty things make me happy. :")

2. Brands Fever

Here's a Fab-like DD site that is based out of Singapore. I am mighty happy when a friend told me about Brands Fever recently and the sales can be quite attractive. Not as cool as Fab, imo, but from time to time there are several gems to be discovered. I like that the website welcomes brand suggestions that you want to see on the site, and presumably they will do their best to offer some bargains of those suggested brands.

3. Joss & Main

I was actively looking out for home accessories and interior decor items sometime last year when Joss & Main registered on my radar. The brands featured here aren't as modish and funky as Fab (I know, I know..... it's truly my fave). I'd say the products offered here are more refined and classy, but still tasteful, nice and some can be quite fun.

4. Gilt

I resisted for a long time to join Gilt - one of the very first DD sites, because it seemed to offer mostly mainstream designer brands (female fashion) which frankly I'm not really very into. Until my pal Andrea told me how she snagged a lot of really cute clothes for her toddler niece at incredible bargains and that got me interested in checking out what the site might have for my toddler nephew. I personally may not be into designer brands but I don't mind dressing my nephew in them, heheh! (Oh lawd, I'm so gonna turn my kids into fashionis-tots when I have them one day). The Gilt site has grown so much over the last few short years that it now also includes food and travel.

Speaking of travel, has any of you bought these travel deals online before? How does it work - like Hotwire or Priceline or something? Supposedly Gilt is a luxe site though, so consumers will get more control of their travel preferences, no?

5. Privé (Edit: SORRY THE SITE HAS BEEN CLOSED.)

Privé means 'private', in case anyone's wondering and I'm sure you've come across clubs, restaurants, bars, whatnots bearing the same name. I guess it makes one feel good to be part of an exclusive private club of some sort. Status. ;P Anyhoo, this is a very small site with just a couple of curated deals. I visit from time to time because it usually showcases edgy women's fashion (think along the lines of my transformer clothing and asymmetrically-draped outfits, which I oh-so-love).

*

So that's that. Separate from the actual shopping experience, the geek in me actually study the different websites' UX and site architecture, and get fully immersed into the experience of what works and what doesn't. I don't know why I do that, it must be a professional hazard of some sort. Heh!

I still think that Fab is a very good DD site, from the product curations to the actual functionality of the website itself. I highly recommend that you check it out. And if you know of any other sites similar to it, please please please share them with me. TIA!

What are your favorite "Daily Deals" websites? Share them with me too please. :)

Sunny 써니

2012-01-23T16:03:00.000+08:00

I went through a phase in life when most of my friends were guys. Specifically, college days. Yah, having guy friends around can be nice and all because they took care of me whenever I needed help, but having mostly guy friends got rather dry after a while because after all, men are from mars and women are from venus. :P The nature of such friendship doesn't compare to being part of a girl gang. Okay, not a 'gang'-gang but a small close tight-knit group of girl friends that laugh, bitch, cry and be silly together with. And where PMS isn't considered a dirty word!

During post-college clubbing and online chatroom days, I found my group of girl friends - with whom I still remain very very close to today (aka Team Moonberry†). We know every secret, every scar, every dream, went on the rollercoaster of hookups and breakups together. We did silly girly things, such as dressing up for themed tea parties. And of course, the happy hour drinking.... oh, the drinking and gossiping. We celebrated most of major holidays together too. Most importantly, we are always there for one another, to watch one another's backs, to indulge every girl's idiosyncrasies, to offer support, to bitch together and to celebrate our milestones together. I really love my girls and miss them a lot.

We are very close and I remember one of the husbands once remarked candidly, "Gosh, you girls chat all day over phone and txts, send emails and play online games together during daytime and in the evening, you still need to videochat again with one another too!?!?".

:D

We are a crazy bunch and we love it that way. Hahaha! :) Over the years, we have accumulated a treasure stash of inside jokes and we have no problem coming up with new ones; we are constantly laughing so hard whenever we are together. ♥

† So the story of Team Moonberry is that it started out as a joke. Something some years back about some wannabe biatch whose ass I so badly wanted to kick, so my gal pals banded around me and we wanted to send a message along the lines of "Don't mess with Team Moonberry" to the biatch. I shan't go into the drama (all you need to know is that yes I fucken' kicked her ass goooooddd), the team name stuck and subsequently all my good friends (guys and gals alike) are referred to cohesively now as Team MB. :) Long live, BFFs!

Recently, I watched this really awesome Korean flick and super duper loved it.

Sunny (써니) is a 2011 South Korean film about a group of female high school friends who gradually drift apart and then seek each other out again. It is the second film by director - screenwriter Kang Hyeong-cheol and is one of the highest grossing Korean films of 2011.

This movie totally brought me back to my teenage days when I had a group of close girl friends like this back then too. We'd do silly teenager things together (such as, buying and wearing the same t-shirts so that we had a group 'uniform', hanging out in one of the girls' houses and listening to J-pop all afternoon, marching down to Kinokuniya and drooling over the reigning boy bands of the time, mimicking pop dance moves and choreographing our own 'concerts' at home, had sleepovers and giggling over our secret crushes, etc). Over time though, we grew apart but I am grateful to have such a spritely group that made my teenage years so much fun and memorable.

Fast forward to today, I miss Team MB awfully much! Friendships that endure the span of distance and time are something not to be taken for granted... :") Quoting one of my buddies: "Yes, good memories can't be erased. They're all we've got at the end of the day. And loyalty is hard to find."

Movie trailer:

Official Korean Website

It's a comedy and a tear-jerker, so don't forget to have a box of Kleenex nearby. I was bawling my eyes out when I watched it - with Japanese subtitles, of all things, so I understood about 80% of the film. I'm very happy to find the movie online with ENGLISH subtitles and definitely will be watching it again and again.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

Watch the movie online in parts here: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | End credits

Yeah, the end credits made me cry also. :"]

Mix LV

2012-01-22T08:10:00.000+08:00

Mix, named "Best Restaurant" by the Travel+Leisure Design Awards in 2006, has also been honored with a Michelin Star in both 2008 and 2009, a Mobil Four Star rating in 2008, and AAA Four Diamond Award two years in a row.

With one-of-a-kind culinary creations and the city's best views of the Strip, Mix is at the pinnacle of style and height of indulgence. Located at the top of THEhotel, Mix is the vision of Alain Ducasse, the culinary world's most renowned chef. The restaurant features contemporary and classic French and American dishes with global accents, as well as signature dishes from his restaurants in Paris and Monte Carlo.

Bird's eye view of The Strip.

Adorned in white and silver, Mix features sweeping staircases, mid-century modern furniture and a stunning 24-foot chandelier of 15,000 hand-blown glass spheres.

Rain of glass bubbles.

The menu cover features an embossed motif of the glass bubbles.

The bread basket features four different kinds of breads and fresh peanut butter (on left). I ignored the plain butter on the right. :P

Tender Potato Gnocchi: pumpkin two ways, wild mushroom, crispy bacon. This is EXCELLENT!!!

Bigeye Tuna Tartare: mango relish, taro chips.

Filet Mignon Rossini: foie gras & black truffle. TO. DIE. FOR!

Ready to inhale my Rossini..... :9~

In lieu of dessert, complimentary Lemon Madeleines with Nutella spread instead.

I love the stunning interior in Mix and the food definitely does not disappoint. Two thumbs up!

G-Star Footwear

2012-01-21T07:48:00.000+08:00

Recently spotted on Privé

G-STAR
SABINE REGALIA HEELS

- Open toe heels in black leather with tone on tone stitching
- Stacked heel, blue interior

G-STAR
WHITE GIRDER BOOTS

- Knee high round toe boots in white leather, textured canvas and suede
- White leather cinch belt at calf with square buckle fastener

Available exclusively only on Prive.
Sale ends 27 Jan 2012.

Noir Postcards from Sin City

2012-01-20T06:30:00.000+08:00

*
The spaces between your legs,
are meant to be filled with mine flirty sexy kisses

*
You tell me where to go and
though I might leave to find it
I'll never let your head hit the bed
without my hand behind it

*
Something 'bout the way
the hair falls in your face
I love the shape you take
when crawlin' towards the pillowcase

*
Do your legs hurt from
running through
my dreams all night?

*
We got the afternoon
you got this room for two
one thing I've left to do
discover me, discovering you

.... to be continued ...

FANCL TenseUp EX

2012-01-18T09:53:00.000+08:00

If there is a youth elixir that makes you beautiful from the inside out, will you drink it? Yes, there is such a special elixir indeed.

Introducing FANCL's star product: The TenseUp EX HTC^® Collagen Drink.

FANCL TenseUp EX is an intensive care for women of all ages who wish to achieve and maintain firm, elastic and radiant skin. Packed with anti-aging ingredients such as their patented HTC^® Collagen to replenish daily lost collagen and boost collagen synthesis to minimize signs of aging, its molecular structure ensures effective absorption into skin. Newly-added Apple Polyphenol combats photo-aging by retaining moisture, preventing DNA damage and the deepening of wrinkles.

Clinical test result illustrated below has shown the efficacy of this product.

How awesome is that for a youth cocktail?

Below are some testimonials from ladies who have used this product. Wow, it is evident that many people are raving and totally swear by this product. Seems that it's also super popular with the brides-to-be crowd.

TenseUp EX is safe for children as well as pregnant and lactating women. One bottle a day, best taken after dinner or before bedtime.

Me, me, me! I want radiant skin too. Cheers.... *clink* :D

Jocelyn Duke

2012-01-15T07:59:00.000+08:00

Cute ink and watercolor art from Jocelyn Duke. :")

Penguins

Coffee Cups

H C

4-Question Survey to redeem a FREE bottle of FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil

2012-01-13T05:43:00.001+08:00

* FREEBIE! FREEBIE! FREEBIE! *

FANCL is offering a FREE Mild Cleansing Oil (20ml) for everyone who fills out a 4-question short survey* on your fave makeup/beauty/skincare brand. It's a simple basic survey. I've filled out the survey and seriously, there are only four questions. It took me only one minute to complete. Go for it!

Now a brief intro on this innovative and interesting product...

Makeup removal is now blissfully easy with FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil. This powerful formulation now comes enriched with Meadow Foam Oil which aids the removal of keratin plugs over time for a clearer, smoother complexion.

Demonstration time!

I doodled on my hand, using waterproof liquid eyeliners, long-wearing pencil eyeshadow stick and glitter pencil eyeliner — all hard-core, non-smudgeable stuff that have been formulated to stick on the skin. You know how I kinda like doodling on my hand from time to time. :p I left the 'bee-autiful' masterpiece on my hand for over 15 minutes.

Next I massaged a dime-sized FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil onto my happy bee face. Yuck, look at all the gunk that got dissolved by the cleansing oil.

After rinsing with water, my doodle was effortlessly and completely removed. No trace of makeup whatsoever. The only thing left behind was a very soft hand. :)

Ta-dahhhhh~ Awesomeness!!!

If you are new to oil cleansing method, or curious to try this product out for yourself, get your hands on the FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil and see its efficacy for yourself now. Fill out the short survey* to redeem a FREE bottle of FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil (20ml).This offer is a perfect opportunity to try the FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil, AT NO COST. This 20ml size is also great for traveling!

Fill out the short survey* to redeem a FREE bottle of FANCL Mild Cleansing Oil (20ml).
* This promotion is open to the first 300 respondents or until 12 Feb 2012, whichever occurs first. Singapore readers only, sorry overseas readers! :x

After you've tried the product, let me know what you think! :D And don't forget to LIKE the Fancl Singapore Facebook page.

Affordable Art Fair 2011 - Part 2

2012-01-12T09:49:00.002+08:00

Continuing where we last left off at Part 1, let's get right onto business and dive into my second day at the Affordable Art Fair 2011. More works that caught my eye:

1. Michele Mikesell

2. Chanel and Perrier by Leo Liu

3. Prihatin #3 by Budi Eka Putra

Inspired by daily objects, animals and geometric forms, Budi Eka Putra creates superimposed images that combine all these elements. Typography is a recurrent object in his work such as numbers and fonts where he experiments with lettering, size and composition. He is part of the Sakato Group, Indonesia's up and coming artistic collective from the region of Sumatra, which is expected to become the next Jendela Group.

4. Chandelier series by Sarah Choo

Exploring themes of escapism, childhood and family, artist Sarah Choo uses the recurrent motif of a suspended dress as a representation of her presence in a self created and whimsical realm. More recently, she has begun to portray herself as a marionette in large scale set productions, so as to immerse herself in these alternate realities. Forced to confront the imaginary spaces, she begins to unravel the layers behind her obsession and desire to delve into fantastical lands. Sarah's passion for oil painting and her newly acquired interest in photography lay the foundations for this young artist's career.

5. Untitled by Will & Caro

I really love these chiyogami pieces. Something about them being aligned neatly in a row, with strategic placements of individual colored items in a grid of white = 100% appeals to Type A folks like me. :P

Primarily working with washi (Japanese paper) Will and Caro create stunning art pieces with a story to tell. The focus is on the simplicity, purity and delicacy of working with paper, a dying culture among the technology advancing era. Carolyn has a fascination with geometry balanced against subtle textures and intricate patterns, while William is intrigued with movement and disorder. Both work collaboratively on designs that evoke calmness yet also tantalizing a magnitude of senses. The inspiration lies behind nature in that its design is both deliberate and effortless which is reminiscent in some ways of the life experiences unique to each individual.

6. Instant Karma by Billy Ma

7. Isa Ansory

Isa Ansory has worked incessantly to create images that have powerful messages, especially by alluding to problematic issues such as the environment, poverty, inequality and the uncertainty of the future. With careful brushstrokes and the use of intense colors, he depicts these issues in an unexpected way, mainly through children's imagery, as their future and them will be affected by the mistakes of today.

8. Tin Lizzie by Jon Homewood

Now here's something really amusing that happened during the art fair. You may or may not have noticed the bag which I was carrying that day. It basically got a lot of attention from the gallery people as well as random patrons during the fair; one of whom pointed out that I needed to check out such and such booth which had a display of a metal lizard made of the same material and using the same technique. Naturally I beelined my way to locate this booth and lo-and-behold, there it was. A huge lizard made out of recycled sodacan tabs (which are what my bag was made of)!

Upon discovering this coincidence, the artist Jon and I joked about how my bag would be the continuation art commentary to his lizard masterpiece, ie. exotic near-extinct animal killed and its skin made into a high-end bag. :p Heh!

Joking aside, my bag is of course not high-end - d'uhhh. I picked it up at Paris, it's handcrafted by Brazilian fair trade artist cooperatives and part of Pull Tabs for Charity (eco-conscious and charity initiative). In short, for a good cause. Get your own bag or other accessories here. Look stylish while doing your part for the world. ;)

So that concluded my AAF 2011 experience. Like I've written earlier, I brought home several pieces of art work for my walls. As a first-time art buyer, it was very exciting and very scary at the same time. Buying art is a very emotional decision! Daunting at first, but after a couple glasses of wine, walking around the fair a bit before looking at the intended pieces again with fresh eyes, all was well.

Then came the time to submit payment...... oh lawd, my hands were trembling. -___-" Sure, the event was Affordable Art Fair but "affordable" was highly subjective. In the end, I made peace by reminding myself that this had all been allocated for from the home decor budget. :)

I bought four pieces total this time (if you're following me on Instagram, you'd have gotten sneak peeks of which pieces I got). And a couple of them couldn't fit in the car. D'oh!!! :P

Happy art owner. *^_^* See you in 2012, AAF!

Affordable Art Fair 2011 - Part 1

2012-01-11T08:49:00.003+08:00

This is a long overdue post but I must share with you all the lovely pieces which I saw at Affordable Art Fair 2011 (Singapore). I came across many wonderful works by talented artists the previous year (see my blog post on Affordable Art Fair 2010), and the 2011 show had so many more beautiful pieces.

1. Rat Hat by Taeko Maezawa

I love the whimsical and quirky mixed-media pieces by Taeko Maezawa. The child-like colors and storybook subjects make these perfect for a nursery, imo. :p

2. Birds of a Feather (series) by Janiz Chan

From her early statuesque figures of women posing with flowers or fruits or chatting with friends. Janiz Chan's female figures metamorphosed into serene yet dynamic women. In her recent paintings, her women show interior peace "shalom" as an inner disposition towards the exterior landscape of peace and prosperity, freedom and equality.

3. Spyra by Chris Wood

I was very drawn to this artwork made of holographic glass slices. Even though it is a minimal piece, I think there's a lot of energy bursting out of the spiral formation. I also like that under different lighting conditions, the piece gives off a slightly different look each time due to varying light refractions and shadows.

Chris is interested in restoring the lyrical properties of glass and how we engage with its ability to captivate. Her sculptures are simple arrangements of optically coated glass, which create kinetic patterns of reflected and refracted coloured light, from both natural and artificial sources.

4. Pollywobble by Ruth Waller and Lee Hewett

The Pollywobble wall panel is suuuuuuuper duper cute and very fun. I like that it's an interactive piece and welcomes everyone to reach over, run their hands through the adorable pompoms and watch them quiver playfully.

Ruth Waller and Lee Hewett's showstopping "Pollywobble" panels appeal at once to lovers of abstract art and to the child within all of us. These sculptural and highly tactile pieces feature small felt spheres attached to fine, flexible steel pins and vibrate in response to movement close by.

5. The Reason She Sleeps by Yurie Watanabe

I was drawn to this because it depicts my sleeplessness. I have difficulty falling asleep most nights as the mind wouldn't stop churning all forms of idle thoughts, and they hover above me... not unlike the school of gold fish in the painting. Most of the thoughts don't serve me, but I often come across my genius ideas (heh!) during this time. Btw, I'm also a light sleeper, I guess that comes from being a kitty mommy.

6. Takahiro Hirabayashi

I love these paintings. I know they are borderline morbid; at first glance the one of the girl with blood dripping down her mouth looked like she just ripped a human heart off and was squeezing it in her hand. Upon closer inspection, she wasn't holding a bloody heart but a very ripe pomegranate and juice was dripping down her cheeks, staining her white blouse. Naruhodo ne~~~

Takahiro Hirabayashi keeps a distance to observe his models and survey his or her psyche. They are often portrayed as wounded individuals, either physically or psychologically, and inhabit a scenery and elegant attire that is a projection of his reading of who the model is.

7. Passionaography #326 by Shane Martin

Created using engraving techniques, and the application of finely ground intense transparent pigments, all lay beneath a deep layer of crystal clear glaze to give an incredible depth of colour and life to each piece. With a 3D like quality, these works transform their appearance depending on the angle of light reflection, to create an interactive experience for the viewer.

Artist statement: "My wife Shirley was the inspiration for the first "Love" piece. I wanted to create something simple in concept, but also containing a message, the theme of love, and incorporating all the emotions associated with it - passion, respect, honour, truth, desire, intimacy and integrity. Each individual piece is hand engraved, then hand coloured and hand polished. I still get a buzz each time that 'Wet Look' shine evolves during the polishing process, showcasing deep, almost edible, Toffee Apple Red colours."

There were indeed plenty of nice work and these were the ones I faved on the first day alone. I went back again for the second day and ended up bringing several pieces home. First- time art buyer!!! *Excitement-ness* :)

[ Continue reading Part 2. ]

2012 Ake Ome! Grand Draw by Pepper Lunch

2012-01-09T19:56:00.000+08:00

Have you heard? Pepper Lunch is having a a lucky draw campaign - the 2012 Ake Ome! Grand Draw - to thank customers for their support throughout the year and the grand prize is up to

$10,000 CASH!!!

Yes, you read it right. That is TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS IN CRISPY COOL CASH. I often eat at Pepper Lunch (my default order is the sizzling pepper steak), so I am definitely joining. Participating in the lucky draw can't be any easier.

Step 1: LIKE Pepper Lunch Singapore on Facebook and register for the Grand Draw.

Step 2: Purchase any Pepper Lunch Set Meal to receive a Draw Code scratch card.

Step 3: Enter your unique Draw Code to take part in the Draw. More codes, more chances!

*rubbing palms in excitement* }:)

Here is the step-by-step journey of becoming a $10,000 Cash Grand Prize winner, in pictures. ;P

Step 1: LIKE Pepper Lunch Singapore on Facebook and register for the Grand Draw.

Step 2: Purchase any Pepper Lunch Set Meal (see menu below) to receive a Draw Code scratch card.

Step 3: Enter your unique Draw Code to take part in the Draw! More codes, more chances!

Here is where you enter your unique Draw Code on Pepper Lunch Singapore Facebook page. Get ready to be a winner! :) In addition to cash, there are lots of other attractive prizes to be won. See below.

As if a huge cash prize isn't attractive enough, there are also a 7D6N Japan vacation including airfare and accommodation! Then there's also the sexy Canon EOS 600D DSLR for the shutterbugs in all of us. AND spa vouchers as well as hamper from Nestle plus Pepper Lunch vouchers.

All these prizes are very exciting! We should all win them. ^^

I wish I had known about this lucky draw sooner because I ate at Pepper Lunch at least twice in the last month, and could have gotten additional scratch cards with purchase of a set meal. But it's not too late, there is still time to eat there again and again to get more chances to win.

Here's the set meal menu that qualifies you to receive a Draw Code scratch card. So many yummy selections to choose from! I'm kinda eyeing the #13 Curry Rice with Beef & Hamburg Steak... Has anyone tried it before? I think that's what I will have the next time I eat at Pepper Lunch.

Remember, Draw Code cards are given out with every purchase of a set meal (i.e. includes a drink and a side) at any of Pepper Lunch’s participating restaurants. The greater the number of Draw Codes entered into the draw, the higher are a participant’s chances of winning.

Campaign ends: 31 January 2012
Date of Draw: 1 February 2012

I am ready to win, READY!!! Totally completely ready to be the $10,000 cash grand prize winner. :) Are you ready?

Up, up and away~

2012-01-06T08:58:00.007+08:00

Flying towards the sunrise indicates that before long the plane will be touching down at JFK.

Long flight, window seat. Always. For the additional comfort of having something to lean on while sleeping. I don't know how I managed to kill 14 hours (first leg) and 8 hours (second leg) so easily because these days the long flight from SG-NY went by very quickly for me. Maybe it's the excitement of going home. :)

It's been a while. I ought to head home soon because I miss it very much. But what's new.

xo,
-MB.

With or Without You

2012-01-05T13:11:00.001+08:00

See the stone set in your eyes
See the thorn twist in your side
I wait for you
Sleight of hand and twist of fate
On a bed of nails she makes me wait
And I wait without you

With or without you
With or without you

Through the storm, we reach the shore
You gave it all but I want more
And I'm waiting for you

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live with or without you

And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give, and you give
And you give yourself away

My hands are tied, my body bruised
She's got me with nothing to win
And nothing left to lose

And you give yourself away
And you give yourself away
And you give, and you give
And you give yourself away

With or without you
With or without you
I can't live
With or without you

U2 With or Without You

The sustained guitar part, kick drum and bass parts that form the intro of this song give me goosebumps, I love it. I don't even know why but hearing this song transports me to driving along a road in Austin, TX one bright sunny day with the windows rolled down, the wind was in my hair and I was screaming the chorus as green patches of grass flanking both sides of the road whirred by.

Interestingly, Bono wrote the lyrics while struggling to reconcile his responsibilities as both a married man and a musician. His wanderlust in belonging to a musical act was often at odds with his domestic life. While writing the lyrics, he realized that neither facet of his life defined him, but rather the tension between the two did. He explains that the final lyric is about "torment" and how repressing desires only makes them stronger. via

Hmmm. (._.)

... with nothing to win, and nothing left to lose.

♫ Soundtrack of My Life

10 Secrets to Success

2012-01-03T06:01:00.004+08:00

In lieu of new year resolutions, here's sharing the 10 Secrets to Success with y'all. To be applied in 2012, if you will. Doable, don't you think?

Cheers,
-MB.