Nicole Chocoa Heaven

Flower Girl - Floral Head Wreath + Nude Maxi

2013-06-17T12:00:00.000+08:00

This outfit is about connecting with your inner child innocence, or dressing like one. Another representation of innocence is Eve (as in Adam and Eve) who has always been portrayed as a feminine figure with curly blonde hair.

Stick to white or nude color that symbolizes purity.

Dress: H&M
Dangly Earrings + Floral Head Wreath: Diva
Shoes: Charles & Keith

Gypsy Headband: How to Wear Your Hobo Headpiece

2013-06-15T16:35:00.000+08:00

Gypsy headband requires a certain style to pull off.

You can go for the generic gypsy style which usually consists of loose blouse/top and pale or pastel colors. Make-up that not too heavy, focus on eyeliners and nude-based eye shadow (coffee, brown).
Opt for peach or nude blush depending on your skin tone.

If you're up for it, set your hair to amp up the mood. I'm using Tsuyagla Wave from Kumiko (Popteen Star Model) to create a mermaid wave with my ash blonde hair.

If you've noticed, I had the headband changed because there was a missing feather.

Diva Haul: This Season's Must-Have Accessories

2013-06-13T16:08:00.000+08:00

Dangly. Hobo. Gypsy. Floral. Loud. Bright.

They're all this season's must have. Instead of my usual necklaces, earrings and armcandies, I'm branching out to the crown... of my head.

Starting with a gypsy headband.

Feathers are back this season. Don't be afraid to adorn your head with feathers like in the 20's.

Last year, they were big on anything floral, small floral prints mainly; this year, flowers are still in, but focusing on big bright floral prints. Flowers in your head is a good start.

Dangly hobo earrings. Again with feathers.

Sometimes a small daisy in your hair is just what an outfit needs.

Dramatic one-sided earrings. Way to edge-up any outfit.

The Many Faces of Nicolekiss

2013-06-12T15:54:00.000+08:00

You know how they make you do different faces in acting classes. Starting off with the basic four: Happy, Anger, Sorrow, Joy.

Following my previous post.

Here are my four emotion expressions.

Happy

Anger
(looked more like frustration)

Sorrow

Joy

Then I decided to improvise with a few more expressions.

Storing-food-in-mouth-till-winter-time face

Pretending-to-cry-but-not-really face

Storing-more-food-just-in-case face

Homer Simpson d'oh face *knock head*

Doll in the City - Rainbow Print Maxi

2013-06-10T08:00:00.000+08:00

I've always been a fan of maxi dresses. I have more maxis than I have shorts and jeans combined. They're easy to slip on and look effortlessly good. Maxis are extremely versatile; you can attend a dinner or spend the casual afternoon in a mall without looking out of place.

Maxi Dress: Mango
Hairband: Isetan
Necklace: Juicy Couture
Sandals: Charles & Keith
Bag: Burberry Blue Label
Watch: Shibuya, Tokyo

Press Room @ Pavilion

2013-06-09T08:00:00.000+08:00

I've always liked placed that served all day breakfast. A restaurant where I can head for brunch at 2pm in the afternoon. Because on weekends I wake up around noon, so 2pm brunch is very acceptable.

It was a pleasant discovery to land in Press Room on a visit to Pavilion last weekend because of three things:
1. Food was reasonably priced (cheaper than brunch places like Red Beanbag)
2. Portions were big
3. Food was above par

We ordered Eggs Cooked to Order and Beef Burger (not sure the exact name).

Basically it's like a big breakfast, with a healthier portion (no baked beans and sausages).
You can choose ham or smoked salmon.

The great thing about this dish is that you can choose to make your eggs any method you like, even poached. With the smoked salmon on the side, it's almost like Eggs Benedict (technically, Eggs Atlantic) without the sinful Hollandaise sauce.

Beef burger was wonderfully done. Buns were buttery soft and slightly crispy. Fries were fried perfectly, came hot with a crisp crunch.

The only complain was beef patty served well done when asked for medium-rare. But sauce was nice and cheese melty so didn't really mind; though the waiters and chef did apologized profusely and offered free dessert.

We didn't take the dessert offer so they automatically waived off the charges on the tea I ordered (didn't even mind if the bill was paid in full). That's service!

Will soon be making a return.

The same morning, I bought a Putu Bamboo that's green in color for a pre-brunch snack at a road side stall.

I like all forms of putus. Usually more putu pirings than putu bamboo. But this was really yummy.

Gold Studded Spike Cap - Receiving the Weirdest Pick-Up Line

2013-06-07T08:00:00.000+08:00

More like last year's trend but it's still trending.

Saw this cap in Mid Valley when I was walking around the mall with my crazy friend and we decided to influence each other to re-live our inner rebellious teenage-hood.

LOL

We also ended up convincing each other to make a purchase we will probably never wear again. (but we'll most probably try to find a reason to wear them)

First, on my ootd.

I have neutral feelings about this top in the beginning but after numerous compliments I ended up liking it.

Two-piece smiley face top: Melaka
Shorts: Zara

There were a few spike caps I saw at the stall but ended up choosing the most dramatic ones with the biggest studs. The cap itself it fairly heavy, prolonged wearing will cause minor headache; all in the name of fashion.

It was a choice between two caps, either this or a pink silver-studded spike cap.

I almost went for this cap but after several try ons and offs, I decided this paled in comparison with the cap of the mega studs.

Who can beat mega studs.

If you're going to stand out anyway, make sure you stand out!

Gold cap - 1, Pink cap - 0

My friend went for a monster cap that would look otherwise silly but rather outstanding on him.

You put two vain people together and you get a collage of possible the best scrapbook materials.

I also had the weirdest pick-up line while wearing this cap. I swear it's the cap. Why? Because of following conversations:

(Stranger A walked up to me, I was squatting down in a store looking at some stuff)
A: Are you Korean?
Me: Erm... No~?
(A walked away)
(5 mins later, A walked back)
A: Do you like black leather pants?
Me: (wtf) Err.... No.
(A walked away, walked back 2 mins later)
A: Are you sure you don't like black leather pants? (sounding hopeful)
Me: No, I don't. (sounding firm, and a little weirded out)
A: Okay.
(A looking disappointed, walked away deflated)
(A walked back 2 mins later again)
A: Do you like comic books.
Me: .... (hesistant) I used to. Not so much anymore.
A: Do you draw?.... paint?
Me: Yes.
A: Me too! I'm an artist.
Me: O... Okay. Nice.
A: Are you sure you don't like black leather pants?
Me: Ye~ap. I don't.

o.O!!! Black leather pants wtffff on so many levels?!!!!

Ootd and Going Vegan

2013-06-06T08:00:00.000+08:00

This year is all about big floral print.

So I curled up my ashy blonde hair and put on a floral print dress and play 50's pretend.

completely no photoshop. A good skin day. :D

Dress: Massimo Dutti
Belt: H&M
Flat Pumps: Voir
Watch: Fossil
Cropped Jacket: Bangkok
One sided dangly earring: Bangkok

I was attending an event and decided to do some window shopping (which proved futile cause I ended up buying something) at Aldo.

Love this bag. But seeing it might go out of trend really fast and I have more bags than I can carry, I decided against it.

Not every time I have internal struggle that my logical mind wins, so this is an achievement. *pats self on back*

This pair of heel-less shoes was over the top! I loved it and it was on 50% off. But they didn't have my size but I comforted myself by trying it on and putting it back sadly onto the shelf.

I mean, it would be hard to find an occasion to wear it. And I do have a few pairs of shoes that's waiting for an occasion to be worn. *double pat self on back for double achievements in less than 15 minutes*

I decided to go vegan for two weeks to see if my rash/hives/eczema can be controlled (turned out to be eczema according to doctor, it was hives few weeks ago).

So I went vegan grocery shopping.

This was my savior! What will I do with tasteless food?!

Not that I say vegan food is tasteless, but with my condition, I couldn't eat nuts, and that struck out 40% of the tasty vegan options. T_T
You wouldn't believe the amount of food that contain nuts.

My typical meal during that period was like this!

nut-free wrap with little dose of egg-free mayo and raw vegetables and raw mushrooms

Can you imagine what this dish would taste like without mayo?!

Oh, I was also replying heavily on these.

Oh yummehlicious~

Blackberries are my new favorite fruit. They're absolutely YUMMY!

Oh, I shall end this post with a photo of me wearing a couture dress from Luveluxe designed by Jean. I wanted to buy this dress initially but upon trying it on, it was too small for me. T_T

Again, comforting myself with the fact that I've worn it. lol.

How to Get Fair Skin: My Daily Step-by-Step Guidelines to Using SK-II

2013-06-04T08:00:00.000+08:00

This is not a sponsored post. This is my own daily skincare regime, so happens I'm an SK-II user. But I do find these step-by-step guidelines very helpful because they show you how you should be applying each step of the products onto your face.

Not just fair skin, you'd want spotless fair skin. It has been my daily skincare regime to achieving fair skin for the past four years.

I got my freckles at least 10 years ago. I'm not sure if they're stubborn spots but I like having them around, they're cute.

What I don't want is old spots that will appear when I grow older. So best is to eliminate them before they come out and to control the spots I have now (I like a few, but not too many on my face).

My daily step-by-step skincare regime:

I use this as my toner, it's said to act as a 15-minutes mask for 15 seconds application.

I have only just started using this the past few months though my mom has been a fan of the Facial Treatment Essence for the past 15 years (sadly, she used it on and off since she's mostly lazy T_T).

This really works like a charm. It really lightens my skin and it's been my friend for the longest time. It's said to work against future invisible spots hidden beneath your skin.

It's said to work against your current spots, I use it more as a hydration tool since I stay in air-cond rooms all the time.

Usually for this step, I use SK-II Facial Lift Emulsion / Signature Cream. But for those avid whitening fans, you can use this.

Every day, as long as I am heading out, I will always put on a layer of sunblock. Though I don't use this, the Cellumination Day Surge has a SPF30++ which is good for daily usage.

I don't use this either, but it's a great way to learn how to apply compact powder.

For more whitening effect, you can opt to replace the Cellumination Mask-In Lotion with Whitening Source Clear Lotion.

Use as toner

And replace the Cellumination Deep Surge EX with Whitening Source Derm-Brightener.

Finally this is my DREAM PRODUCT to have, it's usually used after your essence and before moisturizer. I haven't tried this product because it's so expensive and it's only a 28-day treatment. T_T

Attended a press conference of the whitening series to learn more about my favorite products.

teaching us how to apply each skincare

I love the door gifts. Mochi Sweets!

Going Ash

2013-06-03T14:21:00.001+08:00

I've colored my hair. Again.

It's kinda fun when you have short hair and changing colors frequently because you know you won't have hair that stays with you for longer than two years and thus not needing to worry about how badly damaged your hair is.

That is unless I decided between now and two years later to start having long hair. :S

I opted for a color that's sorta ash-ish, brown-ish.

Before the color,

First I would need to bleach my hair in order to obtain a lighter tone. This would be my first bleach in at least half a decade. Or more.

The color that turned out initially wasn't as hoped. It was darker than I had anticipated.

So I had it colored again to make it lighter.

While at it, I also had my eyebrow colored.

And finally...

Ta da!

Under yellow light, it emits a more brown-ish/blonde-ish tone.

Under white light or natural sunlight, it becomes more ash.

Both colors I love. I like that my hair shows different colors in different light, it's like having 3D hair that comes to life.

Peeping on Topless High School Boys with Casio Exilim ZR700

2013-06-01T00:21:00.002+08:00

I feel sheepish.

What unethical things to do.

I swear, it was a coincidence.

A happy coincidence. But a coincidence.

Recently I got a new toy to play with: the Casio EX-ZR700.
I believe they're having a promotion now, selling a wireless SD card at a discounted price if you buy the the ZR700, which retails at RM1399.

One of the stunning feature of this digital camera is its zoom. And while most digital cameras have self proclaimed excellent zooming feature, this was up to another level.

Below are photos taken with the ZR700 without photoshop enhancement.

Except to add some stickers.
Stickers aren't enhancement.
They're there to block how messy my house is.

The first thing I eagerly tried was the make-up feature. Basically it's designed for camwhore purposes, to make the skin smooth and silky on camera, like applying on foundation. There are 1 to 12 levels on smooth you want your skin to be. I think I was playing with around level 10.

I already had make up on, but it's nice to have your dark circles removed without needing to go through photoshop. Though you can still see a little bit left because it had been a long day.

Will be taking more experimental shots with this feature.

The night shot was pretty neat. It even has anti-shake and high speed functions for those with shaky hands in limited lighting environment.

For this shot, I was using 'Best Shot' high speed night shot.

It was around this time I decided to play with the zooming feature.

It's said that the camera can still maintain the quality of the photo even at 18x zoom.

So I zoomed, and was looking for a focus point.
I picked the football field where there are some high school boys playing football, they're better focus when in zoomed-in mode than fast moving vehicles on the road.

This shot actually surprised me. It was taking better photos than my eyes can see.

Though night time, and the boys were running around, the Casio EX-ZR700 was able to capture each individual without the photo being noisy. It wasn't perfectly clear, but with the lack of lighting condition, I'd say this is a really good shot.

I decided to push it further for the 36x zoom

It was at this time a really well built boy decided to take his shirt off.
Revealing rippling back muscles as he walked among his peers.

I blinked.

So did my camera.

Why weren't the boys in my high school days this ripped?

And holy, did my camera just take this shot?! What distance! All I could see with my naked eyes were little dots of humans running around in a tiny field.

I have a feeling my new Casio EX-ZR700 is going to be a fun toy.

Getting Back in Shape

2013-05-28T15:38:00.002+08:00

Short note: My articles are up in CNET Asia website. Have a look here, here, here and here.

Year 2013 has a grudge against me getting back in shape. First there was the fall in December 2012 that tore my ankle's ligament to smithereens.

Put me on wheelchair throughout the next two months till early February where I traveled to Japan with my family over Chinese New Year. Even during has caused my ankle to swell due to too much walking.

Upon returning, I got back on my feet and started going to gym to start on my physio therapy. Started by slow pace walking, when it hurts I'd stop and then continue the next day. I managed to reach 3km on a daily basis within three weeks when I was hit by a terrible rash reaction; presumably against my new detergent, but doctor has verified the rash to be caused by my visit to Japan, further triggered by detergent and numerous other things.

I was forbidden to sweat, go out into the sun, eat seafood/egg/nuts, drink coffee/alcohol and wear tight clothes.

That basically ruled out exercising, which would lead to sweating.

This went on for another 3 months, which depressed me immensely. I knew my stamina was plummeting, so was my metabolism, health and well being.

There is no better way to dim a person's spirit than a series of unfortunate events. I have gained back all the weight I have tried so hard to lose last year and a little bit more. And it's not for not trying, which in all honesty, SUCKS BALL.

So I decided to cut my hair. Gained a new me. And with my rash sorta under control, I made appointment with Fitology to start getting my life back together again.

It was them, afterall, who helped me jump-start the weight lose success I had last year.

Though as of now, instead of visiting religiously 2-3 times every week, I could only manage once a week. Every time I visited, it has taken so much out of me, energy and stamina. I would be out for half a week, usually in pain, after resistance training or cardio my PT put me through. It only proved how unfit I have gotten.

I always made sure I went for the 360' work out, which includes the half an hour PT time, half an hour Infrared Sauna and one hour sports massage; to get most out of my every visit.

The most-look-forward-to moment: smoothie and massage. It's just too blissful after the intense workout and hot sauna. I swear this is the time where I caught a glimpse of heaven.

Since I'm a member, I'm even considering getting a package since mine's finishing of 10+1 sessions at RM700 for members. Which is cheap considering you're paying well over RM100 for PT time in a normal gym.

You can view other packages here for members and non-members.

No make up. No edit. No filter. The natural glow of after massage. *bliss* Yea I have freckles.

Fitology
9, Jalan Riong, Off Jalan Maarof
Bangsar, 59100, Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (Mon- Sat)
Tel: 03 22014311
Email: info@fitology.my

Afghan Girl - Sharbat Gula

2013-05-22T09:00:00.000+08:00

One of my favorite photographed images of all time is the "Afghan Girl". Shot in December 1984 and appeared on the cover of National Geography June 1985 edition.

It is said that Afghans have the most beautiful eyes in the world. After all, the most enchanting feature in this photograph is the piercing yet haunting eyes that showed fear, innocence, and beauty.

Her identity was uncovered in 2002 when the original photographer of this image, McCurry, went back to Afghanistan to locate this girl.

Her name is Sharbat Gula.

OOTDs with my shortest hair yet

2013-05-20T09:00:00.000+08:00

I managed to dig up an old vintage looking dress in my wardrobe and thought I'd give it a go before deciding if I should keep it or donate it away.

Last you saw me I had trimmed my hair for the second time in 10 days.

This post you will see me in my new even shorter crop, aka my third hair cut in the month. I hope I don't find it addictive, because I think I'm threading on dangerous zone here.

Day and Night:

Top: Vintage dress from a boutique in Melaka

Bottom: Uniqlo

Hairband: Sunway Pyramid

(it was too short, thanks to my height, so I had to wear something underneath)

Boots: Aldo, selling this on my blog. Relatively new.

The same day, same dress
Did a day and night transformation ootds in the same dress. I'm so creative. lol

Belt: can't remember

Shorts: Taiwan

Casual Wednesday

I think it was a Wednesday. This maxi dress is too long, Note to self to get it trimmed.

Maxi dress: MNG or Mango

Boots: Taiwan

Watch: Fossil

Belt: Massimo Dutti

NEO beach tote: Adidas

Blue Feathre Earrings: Diva

Casual Dinner Friday

It was one of those lazy TGIF night so I decided not to style my hair.

Top: MNG or Mango

Boots: Taiwan

Miniskirt: Sungei Wang (almost never shop there, everything is so tiny for me)

Try Out

Not an ootd. I was trying out this dress at MNG. Loving the maxi.

Hawaiian Beach

Top: Topshop

Bandeau Bikini: gift from gf

Maxi Skirt: China

Necklace: India

Earrings: Diva

Another Lazy Day

Sometimes I just like to put on random things that looked comfortable and call it a day.

Jacket: Taiwan

Top: Whitesoot

Skirt: H&M

Heels: Forever 21

Black and Lacey

This was another ootd that was done spontaneously. It turned out pretty good. I wasn't even bothered to go out with make-up that evening.

Black Lingerie Shapewear: La Senza (gift)
Shorts: Taiwan
Lace Top: Zara
Heels: Charles and Keith

By the time I put on the lingerie, I decided to adorn a set of earrings and necklace because I've already gone that far.

by Ollie Jewellery

where all their jewelries are made of .925 sterling silver (92.5% pure silver) set with "AAA" grade cubic zirconia stones. And they're really reasonably priced.

This set of "X" earrings are priced at RM85.

the Teardrop Pendant (exclusive of necklace) is RM110

Very lovely set. You can also find their facebook here.

My iPhone 5 Princess Casing has Arrived!

2013-05-19T12:34:00.000+08:00

I almost never use the word "princess" to describe any thing I own.

But in this case, I can't find any other word to describe my brand new super girly iPhone casing. Love it!

I know Anna Sui's color is purple but I just so much prefer pink. So pink cover it has to be.
I actually bought the exact same one last year for a cousin's Christmas present but after looking at it for few weeks sitting on my desk before the gift was shipped out, I already decided that I have to get one when I change my phone.

Pearls, pink handbags, crystals, hearts, flowers, perfume and all things girly; what's not to like? <3 p="">

Winner of Moment Watches

2013-05-18T22:56:00.002+08:00

And we have a winner! (read contest post here)

By Shaz Mukhtar (if you know a Shaz Mukhtar, it's the younger brother, as I've just found out).

I have received a number of entries and just when I was deciding on a winner, Shaz's entry came in and I thought, yes it's a cliche, but gosh there's nothing more deserving than a tale of a college sweetheart.

Here's his story:

My special moment happened on the 3rd day of Pre-U studies. That Monday morning was just a normal morning like any other morning except that since it's our first chemistry lab session we kinda of went to the lab 30minutes earlier just to give a good impression to the lecturer. But my main point here is, my special moment happened during that 30minute wait. While waiting with my other newfound classmates, I suddenly noticed a girl passing by and stood beside the lab door. I don't know why but I felt a little weird emotionally. That girl her name is Hwee Ching, a teenage girl hailing from Kuala Terengganu. Who knew she'd make a big impact on my life since our first chemistry lab session.

The rest of the story goes on like this. After about 3 weeks or so, we were assigned together for our MPW assignment. We didn't talk much but later on at night, things started to well bloom all of a sudden. From that day onwards, we kept on talking and sms-ing each other. We'd go out for lunch and dinner together along with our other friends ofcourse.

Then sometime around October which is the 2nd month of college, we started to have late night chats, sms. whatsapp, you name it we've done it. By now, I think we both might have noticed we're flirting with each other. Even some of our friends started to get suspicious especially since I sms her while I'm in class and she's hanging out in her friend's room.

All good things will come to an end. One night in November just before our finals started, our group of friends had a BBQ party and after we were don eating, we played truth or dare. I didn't participate cause I was busy BBQ-ing the last of the remaining food but she did. When it was her turn, she chose truth (based on what I heard from the BBQ pit). One of our friend asked her who has she been sms-ing with from morning till late night. She admitted it was me. Maybe it was because of that or something else that I don't know but we kinda of talked less since that day.

But things were back to normal after our finals. During the semester break, every morning we'll sms each other Good Morning with a smiley and some sweet words same goes at night if you consider 3am night xD hahahaha

Our flirting went on for the next 4 months of our 2nd semester. But at times, we got bolder. At night around 10pm or so we'll try to sneak away from our friends at go for walks around the hostel compounds or go for late night supper. We bumped into another couple(our friend) from time to time during our walks.

And now, May 2013 is our 3rd and final semester. Throughout the 2 week semester break, I thought about a lot of things, asked around and planned on how to finally confess to her. Spent a few sleepless nights, asking her close frineds if she ever thought or felt the same way. In conclusion, she did.

With that, on the 8th of May 2013. I organised errr you could say quite grand party on the roof of our student centre building. Rose petals were scattered everywhere on the floor, scented candles laid along a path that she'll be taking to walk towards the benches on the roof. Her friends were kind enough to go along with the plan and take her out for dinner while the rest helped to decorate the venue.

When she returned from dinner, her best friend Emily asked her out for a walk (secretly it was to make her walk towards the student centre rooftop). On the way, I set up 11 guys to give her a single rose stalk (the 12th rose is with me). The moment she opened the door to the rooftop, she was so shocked and surprised to the point that she was stunned and couldn't walk. Her friends has to hold her hand and make her walk along the scented candle pathway. When she reached the end of the pathway, she saw the letter I left for her. (She read the contents outloud since it was an instruction I left). The moment she said the last word, I appeared from behind with the final 12th rose and kneeled down infront of her and infront of all our friends (I was shaking due to nervousness). Finally, confessed to her with these magic words "Hwee Ching, do you think we can be more than just friends? At that moment she was already crying and I heard our friends shouting say YES! Well after waiting for about a few seconds, she said yes

So yeah, that's the story of the starting of our relationship an interacial relationship to be exact. Something that is very rare in Malaysia but we both don't mind and since that day have talked about certain things so that we don't encounter any problems during our relationship.

Congratulations to Shaz and his new girlfriend on winning this pair of Love Moment Watches.
You deserve it.

Jaden Smith and Will Smith on The Ellen Degeneres Show and "After Earth" Bonus Scene

2013-05-15T18:42:00.002+08:00

"I'm not going anywhere..." LOL *tears*

I've Died and Gone to Pomeranian Heaven

2013-05-14T08:00:00.000+08:00

Now I want my own dog.

Pangkor Laut Resort: Pool, Monokini and Sea Villa

2013-05-12T08:00:00.000+08:00

Morning in Pangkor Laut Resort.

Had a monkey-attack in front of my villa the day before.

Well, more like 12 of them.

Whole troop. Ate the remaining plate of sandwich I left on the balcony to intentionally attract the hornbill next door.Failed.

They stole the fruits and cigarettes from next door too. I have heard that monkeys can get addicted to smoking.

I decided to spend the whole day at the pool.

Lunch at the restaurant in front of the beach overlooking the sea villa.

Can believe these two dish cost more than RM100. The rendang quesadilla was good.

Then it was time for music and books and cocktail for the rest of the afternoon under the shade looking at the blue water. Something about reading by the pool.

Hornbill by the pool. surreal moment. Only in Pangkor Laut Resort.

Poor hornbills were relentlessly chased by my camera for a good shot. Secretly I think they enjoyed being paparazzi-ed.

Had dinner at Uncle Lim, said to be the nicest restaurant in Pangkor Laut Resort. Honestly I thought it was the only restaurant that's worth dining in. You'd have to call in early to reserve a table through the reception.

beachside dinner means no make up needed

The restaurant is situated on a small stone cliff that offers great views to the sea.

After dinner I asked to visit a friend's sea villa. the bigger unit on the island. Which has a fancy entrance and a massive toilet.

Balcony from the bedroom

Also sports a living room with its own balcony as well. Great for couple on a short getaway.

Massive toilet. Separate toilet and shower room with a big tub on the other side. The four-piece glass in the middle offers a view to the sea below.

If you have to choose a place to stay. I'd suggest this villa. Nothing else. Just opt for the biggest sea villa available.

The following morning, we left Pangkor Laut Resort on the speedboat arranged by the hotel back to mainland.

Nicolekiss Clearance Sale: Juicy Couture, Jimmy Choo, etc

2013-05-10T15:04:00.000+08:00

I tend to buy too many things and end up not using/wearing some of them, some not often enough and some not at all. So I'm selling them here.

I will be posting more items up when I have the time to dig the items out and take photos of them. In the mean time, these are the things I want to sell, all in mint condition/brand new.

Email me at nicootan@gmail.com if interested.

First is the Juicy Couture Trellis Striped Maxi Dress.

Original price tag included. Original retail price is USD428

Brand new, never been worn.

Bought it at a wrong size. Non returnable because I bought it online from Juicy Couture site. The dress is no longer available and it's selling on ebay for USD250.

US Size 6

(according to JC site size chart: UK size 8; bust/waist/hip: 35/27.5/37 inches)

Selling price USD155 or RM460 / SGD192

Accept Paypal, COD (self collect) or bank-in.

Open to Singaporeans and Malaysians.

I'm visiting Singapore this weekend till Monday so if you want to do COD in Singapore please respond within this time.

Next is Odbo Wrinkletox. Said to fight wrinkle, like going for botox without surgery. Apply day and night till finish. Four 5ml bottles inside.

Had a friend bought from Korea.

I bough two. Used one box. Have too many sponsored skincare products till never get the chance to use the second box. Just sitting around. So selling it.

US selling for $169.90, Singapore blog shops selling for SGD120 (around the price I bought it at).

Expiry: 2014 April

Selling price: RM217 / SGD90

Next, Jimmy Choo Key Chain.

Original Price: RM650 (price tag still on)

Brand new, never been used.

Never found the chance to use it. Bought it this year.

Selling Price: RM360 / SGD150

Last one, my favorite pair of Aldo lace-up beige booties.

I have to let this go because it's a size smaller than my size.

I bought it because I loved it so much: the color, the design. Wore it two times and each time never more than 1 hour because it was painful to squeeze my feet in them. So convinced myself to let them go.

Condition: 8/10
Size: 38 (Aldo size)

Bought it two years ago in Taiwan (it was sold out in Malaysia, early year 2011).

You can read its review by another shoe addict blogger.

Original price: RM360++ (can't remember exact price)

Selling price: RM120 / SGD50

ps// I'm visiting Singapore this weekend till Monday so if you want to do COD in Singapore please respond within this time.

pps// Buyer has to bear delivery cost if transaction is not done via COD (cash on delivery)

Please email nicootan@gmail.com if you're interested or have any question. Thanks.

...

2013-05-07T18:57:00.001+08:00

Sorry. Just been distracted. Will resume blogging tomorrow.

Pangkor Laut Resort

2013-05-03T13:07:00.001+08:00

I remembered passing by this island (Pangkor Laut, the tiny island next to Pangkor island) as a teen on a motor-boat along with other tourists while the tour guide boasted about the magnificence and exclusivity of this island resort.

Fast forward ten years (or more), I was spending a chilling 3D2N on this island in the resort last weekend. And while I was lazing by the pool one day, I saw a boat with tourists slowing down and eventually stopping in front of the sea chalets before zooming off.

Some things never change.

I didn't have the pleasure to stay in the sea villa, but the hill villa did offer a splendid view.

Though honestly the price didn't justify the quality of the villas here. Then again, for a resort with its own private island, I don't see any other hotels/resorts offering better rates. If you're budget conscious and still demand luxury, this will be your resort, just don't expect much privacy.

I woke up the third day from the moaning sound of my neighbor (50 year old guy, mind you) making love to his wife.

You could probably get more privacy from the sea villas (opt for the bigger ones). My verdict: sea villa, or nothing. Unless, you know, peeping's your thing.

Ordered lunch and have it brought over to the room.
Normally hey don't offer room service here (which is strange, perhaps it's because it's a long walk from the restaurant to the hill villas).
I'm special.

My outfit of the night for a dinner in a seaside restaurant: Fisherman's Cove.

My dinner date:

Celebrity Chui Ling
So pretty.

Pangkor Laut Resort
Check the rates here

3-minute Make Up

2013-05-01T13:54:00.002+08:00

This girl is so hilarious. I would not have been able to do this.

But watching her stressing out and taking this so seriously is just too funny.

Cherry Season in Beijing

2013-04-28T09:00:00.000+08:00

Colorful traditional dolls selling in a local market in Beijing.

Do you know there are 56 ethnic tribes in China, including the main ethnic group - Han Chinese which comprises of 91.59% of the entire population of China. With perhaps an additional 15 ethnic groups that were not recognized by government of the People's Republic of China.

Cherry season happens in Summer during some of the hottest months in China. Starting from June. The cherries here might not be as red as they are in the USA, but they are mighty cheap, and abundance. And actually not too bad. Crunchy though generally you don't get all the sweet ones off the street vendors unless you request for a premium selection in a fruit store.

On a quick recap to my previous Great Wall of China post:

Not this mountain, it's the next mountain.

The scariest part... was knowing I had to walk the same distance back.

The Beijing Cough

2013-04-26T09:00:00.000+08:00

Hello Great Wall of China.

Tian An Men

In the distance written on the mountain: "Mao President"

random scribble on wall (top right) : "my second round"

great shot of friend Stuart and girlfriend

long way up...

means... long way down.

Beijing was where I lost the most weight in a single trip. There was just so much walking. Buildings are massive in Beijing, even crossing a roundabout was a real feat. I spent quite a number of hours climbing the Great Wall of China, I didn't go to the main gate where the tourists usually flock to, instead I went to a farther gate so I get to do my 'wall hike' in peace. The sun can be painful so lots of sunblock is recommended, and loose change to buy water along the way from random single vendors. Price of water escalates as you move further away from the entrance, but your dehydrated body will soon prove these matters petty.

Oh yes, the Beijing cough. The city is constantly covered in a thick 'fog', which is actually pollution from coal burning factories that functioned mainly as the source of electricity for the country. It's one of the most polluted cities in the world; living here, you will develop a constant 'cough' due to the heavy pollution. Hence, the 'Beijing Cough'. By far one the scariest stories I've ever heard.