Everyday Life

Belated Birthday Post

2012-01-28T21:23:00.000+08:00

This is rather late post as I celebrated my birthday milestone in December. I only got the pics my BIL took coz I didn't take any of my own pics (was a surprise birthday thrown by DH).

Unsuspectingly I was taken out by my bestie for a brunch (in this post) followed by giving her moral support through her dental appointment. Now, of course I didn't suspect anything as my actual birthday was two whole weeks away plus I actually followed her into the dental surgery and saw her getting treatment. After that we went home to pick up the boys and went I went in the house.... Surprise!

My incredible Green-Tea Flavoured Shoe Cake - My dear SIL Judy made this cake from scratch and modeled it after one of shoes!

The big 3-0 Blowing out my candles!

With my sister and DH - they planned the whole thing!

With my SIL Judy (DH's sister) and their family

The bestie!

With Christine - Check out her blog here

Everyone sans BIL

Last shot of the incredible cake!

Chinese New Year Celebrations

2012-01-25T13:13:00.001+08:00

Its been surprisingly busy this Chinese New Year, as we are in Perth and not KL when 99% of our families reside. Just a little peek into our celebrations this year :)

Dinner with some of the family

Waiting to feed the Lions!

Outfit for dinenr - Dress Review, Bag Miu Miu, Heels vincci

With my cute niece :)

And... traditionally we would wear all our new clothes during CNY - here is my new Gucci wallet!

Work Outfit

2012-01-22T00:20:00.004+08:00

Just realized I haven't posted an OODT in a while - in fact I haven't posted anything in my Chictopia page in months! There's no time like the new year to start again is ther ;) This is one my favourite and simplest work outfits. Perfect for summer, a little black top, frill skirt and simple accessories.

The skirt is actually a tailored one, made by my tailor in KL and the tweed was purchased during a sale from Lincraft. I love browsing through fabric and knitting stores - the colours, finishes and textures make me very happy!

The bracelet is a special one made by my friend Lynde who has her own hand made and designed jewellery store here and cute tweedy shoes to match the skirt by Charles and Keith. Love the skinny mid heel. Plus of course my fave bow bag and sunnies by Miu Miu. Have a great weekend and happy CNY !

Happy Chinese New Year!

2012-01-22T00:18:00.001+08:00

Ging Xi Fa Chai! Happy Year of the Dragon everyone!! We'll be busy cooking, eating and celebrating :) Have a safe and happy Chinese New Year xoxo

FO: Missoni Inspired Scarf

2012-01-18T22:28:00.000+08:00

I started this in October 2011 and completed sometime Dec 2011. With all the hot weather we've been having (34 today and a couple of 38 degree days in between!) I really didn't feel like winding in the ends or wearing/photographing this.

This is a real stash buster and I managed to finish up lots of random Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran/Aran Tweeds I had lying around especially some samples which were only enough for a a few rows. Love how the colours move from colour to colour

Yarn: Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran & Aran Tweed

Needle: 4mm circulars

Pattern: Jo Sharp Chevron Pattern from Knit 2

Ravelry Link Here

6 months ago...

2012-01-18T15:52:00.013+08:00

Flash back 6 months ago I did not own a single pair of flat shoes I actually wear (sandals don't count and I think I had a pair that didn't fit me so I only took pics with it lol). All my non-sandal shoes were heels - some low, some high, but none that are completely flat!

As of today however...

And my new fave pair from the boxing day sales: my first pair of Juicy Couture shoes :)

Nail of the Week

2012-01-17T13:54:00.001+08:00

I've been really enjoying my last few nail polish colours (Chanel Magnetique and now this Essie!) Essie and Chanel are my fave nail polishes mostly due to the shades and the minimal chemical odour. The formulas however have let me down a number of times (streaky, lack of opacity, thick!!)

Essie's Da Bush however, is an example of a near perfect polish. Great shade, just the right consistency and goes on super smooth (excuse my terrible application - note to self: do not apply nail polish before going to bed with just the bedside lamp switched on!). I wore this shade over Christmas as well and it survived numerous chores (cleaning, cooking, tons of washing up) with hardly any tip wear after a week. Perfect!

Le Vernis

2012-01-10T15:35:00.001+08:00

This bottle of Chanel Le Vernis is Magnetique is my fave shade of the moment. I've had this since 2000 (ancient Chanel label!) and it still gives me the perfect finish. In fact, this 10 yrs + old bottle gives me a more lasting, streak free finish than my more recent purchase (Rose Confidentielle 491).

One coat gives a pretty sheer metallic bronze colour and two coats the exact colour you see on the bottle. I currently have two coats on my toes and one coat on my nails but they don't look matchy matchy at all. Sorry there are no nail pics my hands and feet are not looking their best!

thankyou Mr Postman.... or rather Australian Air Couriers!

2012-01-06T14:32:00.000+08:00

My new shoes have arrived :)

Happy Anniversary!

2012-01-06T10:33:00.000+08:00

Yesterday hb and I had our 4th wedding anniversary. Incidentally, we both forgot this important date! It was only last night when we received several emails and whatsapp msgs that we *remembered*. Well, no matter what the date was , remembered or not, I will always remember how much I love you darling! xoxox happy anniversary!

Sad Start to the day

2012-01-04T09:27:00.000+08:00

Today I've discovered a stain on my Miu Miu Bow Satchel. Can anyone please advise me what to do? I've only noticed this morning coming into work and am pretty sure it wasn't there yesterday (100% sure it wasn't there on Sunday and Monday we stayed in mostly). The bag has been sprayed with two coats of leather protectant but I'm not sure what to do!! It wouldn't bother me so much if it wasn't in front and a fairly new bag. Any advice would be super appreciated - thankyou!

Breakfast before the Suprise!

2012-01-03T12:39:00.000+08:00

My dear hb, sister and bestie threw me the best surprise birthday party! More on that later but first is the fab breakfast we (SC & I) had at Fiorentina before the party (by which I was totally shocked as I though we were going back home to pick up the boys for lunch!!).

Everything was super yummy from the Mushroom on Toast with Goats Cheese and friend herbs, to the sinful iced chocolate! The macarons were a bit too sweet (I'm spoiled after Laduree!) but the Strawberry Danish was super yummy!

We so badly wanted to go to Fiorentina for brekkie during the Christmas break but sadly they were closed until the 3rd of Jan (today!!)

Guess where we will be breakfasting this weekend....

Merry Christmas (belated) and Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T12:19:00.001+08:00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone! Its super late as my laptop died sometime in October and I have only posted sporadically since then. Now that I've got a new laptop, hopefully things will be back on track pretty soon :)

Naruko Skincare

2011-11-22T15:36:00.000+08:00

I'm finally trying out Naruko skincare after a few months of reading and watching raves for them on Youtube and various bloggers.

Naruko is a skincare brand from Taiwan and created by Robin Nui Er who is hailed as Taiwan's "Beauty King". His goal is to develope affordable and effective skin care containing high quality ingredients (mostly natural ingredients including the scent).

Sasa was having a 55% off Naruko products so I thought its a good way to try some new products without spending too much. Unfortunately, by the time I logged on there wasn't much left so all I purchased was the Narcissus Total Defense Eye Essence, Rose and Snow Fungus Night Eye Gelly and a cleanser from the AMPM range. I've only received the package yesterday and used each product about 3x since, but so far so good. Its integrated well with my normal skincare routine with no problems at all (My normal skincare routine comprises of mostly Caudalie and Trilogy skincare with Lancome 12H sunscreen).

Miu Miu Bow Satchel and Ballerina Flats

2011-10-04T19:20:00.001+08:00

I'm back! I had a wonderful time and wish I could go back again (hopefully soon if everything turns out). On this trip hb finally got my the Miu Miu bow bag which I've been lemming since 2008! I remember us going to Singapore for the F1 about Nov that year and my dear friend PY told me that they had sold out of the gorgeous pink bow satchel then. Not wanting to settle for anything less than the pink, I had to let it go for a while (and then buying a house etc etc got in the way).

This is actually my birthday pressie from hbs (even though its not till Dec!) and since the price is much better in Paris, he took the plunge :)

And... to go with my Miu Miu satchel, I scored these cute Miu Miu bow flats from Prada La Spaccio in Florence - score! More posts to come with my La Spaccio haul - lots of Prada (lots ot me anyway :)

August Haul

2011-08-28T22:18:00.001+08:00

I’m supposed to be saving for our trip to Italy & France next month, but with all the fab new pieces out, I just couldn’t resist. My August haul was done in two lots – the first for some new eye shadows and the second was prompted by the former event .

I innocently went to pickup an Armani Eyes to Kill shadow (lovely lovely 06 “Gold Blitz”!) went I thought of checking Chanel’s Illusion D’Ombre crème shadows. Now, I had no expectation as I intensely dislike cream shadows (they crease like crazy even with a primer) but when the SA applied a few different combinations I was sold! I got Emmerveille and Epatant after she did an amazing day look on me and was contemplating getting Illusoire and Mirifique, when the brakes in my brain came on “hmm will they crease or not”?!? Somehow I left with a beautiful Glossimer in Pensee 277 as well.

This would be the end of this, but as we were discussing the other lip products I mentioned being allergic to Rouge Coco Shine (I really really loved the texture and sheerness but it made my lips peel and bleed yuk) and she said I could bring it back and change it for something. Wow! I’ve heard of this happening in the U.S. but not in Australia and certainly not in KL!

So there I was back again and a different SA explained that I could only exchange it for a equal or more expensive item. I was planning to get a Glossimer (see no point in paying A$70 for a blush when I can buy it way cheaper next month in France or duty free!) but it wasn’t quite enough.

In the end I settled for a Glossimer in “Nakkar” and a Le Vernis I’ve always planned to get “Rose Confidentiel”. The steely nail colours in the Fall 2011 collection were pretty, but just not very me .

To top this August off, my aunt, uncle and cousins visited and brought me Urban Decay’s Naked Palette (finally I see it in person!) The shadows are just awesome on this palette!

PS as per the top photo I hauled some Lush stuff too, I love Lush! These are just essentials - Little Hands Solid Hand Cream and Full of Grace Serum - the most moisturizing serum there is.

Summer

2011-08-08T18:05:00.002+08:00

This photo was taken last summer (April) but I didn't come across it until just today whilst organizing some photos to archive. I love this skirt - beautiful pop of pink with pockets - just perfect for summer or winter with tights :)

Happy start of the week!

Outfit details on Chictopia

Samples!

2011-08-07T17:51:00.000+08:00

I got these La Roche De Posay samples a while back and am slowly working my way, trying out each one. I had heard great things about this line of fairly inexpensive French pharmacy skincare line. In French pharmacies they have lots of different skincare lines that are available here and I'm always on the lookout. So far other brands such as Avene (the Skin recovery cream is fab!), which is available here have worked out well for me, so I'm eager to try more.

When I ordered these, I had no idea how many samples I would be getting! I got an enormous lot! Even better, when you purchase the samples with Escentual, (the samples are about £10) you get a £10 voucher back to purchase the products you do like, so it is free if you do intend to purchase any of the full sized products.

So far, the best thing in the line the Anthelios SPF 50 sunscreen - its so comfortable and great for sensitive areas one my face that I can safely say that its on par with my staple Lancome Neuroshield SPF 50. I look forward to getting more when I go to France next month!

I've also tried the shower stuff (Lipikar) and its very good on my eczma - the only problem is I don't particularly like the scent - its very.... organic smelling! The gentle facial scrub and mattifying lotion are close runner ups :)

Chanel Le Blanc Light Mastering Compact SPF 25

2011-08-01T17:33:00.001+08:00

My sister got me this new Chanel Le Blanc compact powder on her recent trip to KL. This is a Chanel Asia Exclusive (I believe) and I'm loving it so far! I originally tried the Blanc Essentiel Compact Powder as I was given generous sample back in Feb and was going to get that, but somehow the SA was too enthusiastic and assumed that everyone was after the new compact instead.

Luckily I love it! I thought the other one applied beautifully enough but this one is even better! Its terrific for oil control in the T zone area ( in particular the nose) and an added bonus is the SPF25 - retouching means replenishing the SPF as well!

Drier skins would definitely not love this as much (though I found it ok on my cheeks - I have combination skin) - so a test run is definitely a must. I wasn't there in person to pick the shade, but the SA did a great job with info provided by sister (Blanc Essentiel Primer in Beige Rose, Vitalumiere Aqua in BR10 and Les Tissages in Tweed Pink).

This was a big change for the Chanel horror I had over the telephone (summary):

Me: Hi there, I'm calling from Australia but my sister is going into your store tomorrow to purchase the Blanc Essentiel Compact and I'm just trying to ascertain my shade.
SA: Hi. Can you come in the store?
Me: No, I'm in Australia, but my sister is in Malaysia and she will purchase it for me. I'm a Vitalumiere Aqua in BR10 and I have a sample of the Blanc Essentiel in Cendre 30, but its a shade too dark.
SA: Why don't you come in today and I will help you?
Me (Getting Frustrated): But I am not in KL! I am in Australia - Can you please tell me the shade so my sister can buy it for me?!??!
SA: Er... Please hold on, yah?
Me: Ok
SA bitching about me in Cantonese to her colleague in the background, telling her she can give me a shade if she doesn't see me in person!!
SA: Hello? I'm afraid we are busy at the moment - lots of customers in the store. Can you please call back in 5 minutes?
Me (In disbelief): Call back? But I'm calling from overseas? Can you please just tell me the shade??
SA: Calling form overseas ah?
Me: Yes!!! I don't live in KL! I am calling from Aus-tra-lia.
SA: Miss, please call back in five minutes, we have too many customers in the store.

At this point I said to forget about it and hung up. This was the 1U store btw - there is a lovely SA there named Moon, and I did ask for her, but unfortunately for me, she was unavailable and I was stuck with this moron...

I love Chanel but have a BIG issue with the SA (as you can tell by my other posts).

Vintage Guerlain Meteorites

2011-07-31T17:11:00.000+08:00

I've been using my Guerlain Meteorites Powder for 11 years. Yes, 11 years! Now, I have read about bacteria growth and life span of makeup etc etc, but the first I read of them was after I already had the product for 5 years. And then I thought, well, its still okay, no breakouts etc and now its still going strong! Honestly, this illuminator doesn't ever run out!

My mum and I took one box out of a gift set from a Dior/Guerlain sale back in KL in 1999. I used to use it as loose powder before reading up about it (back then the internet wasn't the source of information it now is) and I realized that it was for highlighting / illuminating. Ever since then I've just used a dusting of it after applying normal makeup.

As you can see from the photos, I've actually crushed all the pretty pearls as I thought it would will work better and speed up application this way (remember, i thought it was a loose/finishing powder!). I have to say it works beautifully today, and I still complete my look most days, with a single brush of this beautiful powder. I do however, transfer a little at a time (usually 2 months worth) into a separate container - an old Clinique loose powder jar, and by doing this has probably prolonged the lifespan of the product.

Guerlain Meteorites has gone through so many reformulations/repackaging and tint changes, but I still love my original Meteorites. There was only one shade back then and tt adds just the right amount of glow to my complexion :)

yummy yarn and ballet flats

2011-07-02T13:28:00.001+08:00

My latest purchases :)

Bloch Lucille Sequinned Flats & Stella McCartney for Adidas Flats.

Noro Retro x 2 Skeins

Rowan Kidsilk Aura

Colourmart Cashmere Fingering Multi

FO - Infant Socks, For Me!

2011-06-26T22:22:00.000+08:00

I've just completed my second pair of socks for June 2011 :) This one was taken from a recent pattern book purchase - Knitting Vintage Socks by Nancy Bush. I love this book - its full of cuff down patterns which I love and lots of vintage sock knitting origin reads.

After being frustrated with the yarn quality of the my last sock (the yarn split and broke near the toes after 3 wearing - I almost cried) I searched my stash for proper sock yarn and Noro Silk Garden Sock was the only one I could pull out. This yarn is:

- Really Beautiful
- Warm and Comfy
- A total nightmare to knit with. Its scratchy (but not when I am wearing them) to knit with, really unflexible and the thick bits drove me crazy. Seriously, trying to do a K2tog almost broke my needle as the raw unspun part was so huge.

But beautiful beautiful socks - I love them :) Now, I do have 1 more skein of them. Are spectacular socks worth it?> Possibly!

Pattern: Infant's Fancy Silk Socks
Adaptions: As per pattern except for needle size
Needle: 2.75 DPNs
Yarn: 2/3 skein of Noro Silk Garden Sock.

Long time coming

2011-06-11T13:38:00.000+08:00

Its been ages since I've posted an outfit! I've a HUGE backlog of photos and will have to go through and select the better ones :) Its winter here now (well, the bright sunny, cold-ish winter we get in Perth!) and this was from a few months ago.

Outfit detail on Chictopia as per the usual.

Have a lovely weekend!

FO - Charade Sox

2011-06-06T19:16:00.000+08:00

Yay my first pair of socks for 2011! Just in time for winter :)

Pattern: Charade by Sandra Park (pattern on Ravelry)

Yarn: 1.25 skeins of Cleckheaton Cocoon in Aqua

5 x 2.75 Double Pointed Needles

Loove the pattern but Love/Hate the yarn - its very soft and easy to knit with but had two frayed bits which resulted in the sock unravelling at the heel when I was already at the toes!! a bit of repair work there before the socks were even completed. Still love em, but would wear them at home rather than out because if the poor yarn issue

Weekend Pickles

2011-06-04T18:00:00.000+08:00

I'm been in a pickling mood lately - mostly japanese and korean (mmm kimchi). We went to Ha Lu last week and had the most amazing Japanese pickled cucumbers. Then whilst looking for a recipe for the pickled cucumber, I found recipes for my next fave pickles - garlic! So these are this weekend I made the following Jap Cucumber Pickles and Miso Garlic, both courtesy of La Fuji Mama.

I adapted the cucumber recipe slightly - adding more vinegar and chilli flakes.