So today, as part of a guest post for Love Out Loud Asia (LOLA), I’ll be sharing three super simple recipes that are great as bonding activities on date night. Whether you’re ready to call the cooking room your second home or complete novices, I promise these recipes can be done. Plus, all awkwardness is out the window here because you’ll actually have an activity to focus on, even if not on each other ha ha

The best part? Needless to say, it’s having a homemade meal to savour together when you’re done. You can thank me later.

For the no-nonsense couple, try this one-pot wonder (that’s big enough to share, or save for supper!). Makes a great meal for a stay-at-home movie night and cuddles.

Chicken, Chorizo & Prawn Paella

Adapted from Jamie Oliver’s recipe

Yield: 4-6 servings

•  2 cloves garlic
• 1 large carrot
• 1 bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 200g chorizo
• 200g fresh tiger prawns
• Olive oil
• 2 tsp sweet smoked paprika
• 1 red, yellow and green bell pepper each
• 2 tbsp tomato puree
• 300g basmati rice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon

Directions

1. Slice the garlic, peel and roughly chop the onion and carrot into cubes. Add all into a medium bowl and set aside.

2. Finely chop the parsley stalks, then roughly cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks, adding both into another medium bowl to set aside. Tear open the chorizo skins and add the meat into a small bowl, set aside.

3. Put a lug of oil into a large lidded shallow casserole pot or paella pan on medium heat. Add the garlic, onion, carrot, parsley stalks and chorizo into the pan, frying for a few minutes until the aroma is thick.

4. Add the chicken and paprika, and fry for another 5 minutes, stirring regularly.

5. In the mean time, deseed and chop the peppers, then add to the pan for a further 5 minutes. Add the tomato purée and stir, then add the rice and stir for a couple of minutes.

6. Pour in 750ml of boiling water and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Pop the lid on and bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure all is cooked. You may add a little water if needed.

7. Stir in the prawns, replace the lid, and cook for a further 5-10 minutes, or until the prawns turn a glowing orange.

8. Season accordingly, then garnish the paella with the remaining parsley leaves. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over.

For the health-conscious couple, try this recipe as a light snack, or as a guilt-free side. Even better, have this post-gym to accompany that protein shake.

Watermelon, Mint, Blueberry Salad

Yield: 2 servings

• Half medium watermelon, diced
• 1 cucumber
• 1 pack fresh blueberries (mine’s about 250g)
• 5 fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1 lime, juiced (I love to use lemon-lime)

Directions

1. Gently toss all ingredients together in a large bowl, refrigerate and serve chilled! Corn chips are optional

For the couple that’s ready to flex your culinary muscle, shoot for this satisfying dessert that will challenge your teamwork.

Irish Cream Tiramisu Charlotte

Yield: One small cake, good for 2-3

Refer to the recipe I shared previously here, reducing the ingredients about half.

Directions

1. Cut approximately 1cm off the ends of the Savoiardi biscuits to achieve a flat base. You will need between 10 to 13 ladyfingers to line the outer ring of a 6-inch cake mould.

2. Follow the instructions here on how to make your chilled zabaglione (egg yolk mixture), and assemble the tiramisu filling in layers.

3. Chill in the fridge for at least two hours, then enjoy at the end of a romantic evening.

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Yes, the dishes can wait. x

These neon weekender trousers are what I’m all about right now!

I have to say, I never thought these would be easy to wear but boy was I wrong. Not only are they easy to pair with basics (no-brainer there), they are also very comfie! In love with them and I got this pair on sale = YESSSS ^^

I am very tempted to get more of such similar trousers, BKK anyone…?

• Cropped top: Topshop
• Trousers: Online site
• Heeled sandals: Nastygal

Also, I have been contemplating sandals like these for a long time and was beyond ecstatic to finally find this pair on Nastygal. This shoot is their virgin trip out! Not the best for walking but gorg nonetheless. Will feature them more often

While I’m not confined to stuffy office suits — as much as I am strapped to my desk five days a week — weekends are still the best for dressing up. Some inspiration right here —> fashion blog!

Can someone make time fast forward by 84 days? I need it to be December already. Or year-end. Whatever it takes for 2014 to pass. My list of things I wish I could ‘start afresh’ is hitting the floor, like weight and finances.

Hang tough, stay classy. x

Now buying shoes online has always been a big “no-no” to me. I can’t bring myself to spend on a size that might not even fit! So, it’s absolute joy when I find a brand that’s got an online store and a physical store: what you do is try the size at the store and then buy it online! I know it seems pointless then since you’ll have to actually leave the house and head to the store, but I use this ‘trick’ most when the shoes are on sale online (shh, I’ll do anything for a bargain!) ^^

The site I’m sharing for today is Aldo! I just did a check of the models offered online and I must say they’ve got the summer trends on point. Whether it’s flatforms (which I am in LOVE with, really), bootie heels, jelly sandals or wedge sneakers, they’ve got them all! And I know I chose the monochrome ones, what can I say, these never go out of style. Why are you still reading this quick shop Aldo online!!

I really like the clean design of their shoes, though frankly their average heel height is like, cray-cray high but you know what they say — keep your hopes high and your heels higher. xx

I had some time before starting work to explore several creative outlets (apart from cooking and baking) such as crafting and gardening. It has been personally enriching and I decided that every now and then I’d share some of it on the blog.

One of the things that I’ve become really interested in is manicuring!

Honestly, it costs so much to get it done by a manicurist that sometimes it’s best to learn a bit on your own — especially if, like me, you can get pretty fickle when it comes to what you want on your nails… Like, don’t you girls get bored of your manicure after a week?!

Starting a mini Mani Monday series to chase away those Monday blues. Today’s simple tutorial is: how to do half-moons!

These are easier than I thought, and so pretty too. I think they are also known as the reverse French? And, from what I have gathered from online sources, the style originated somewhere in the 20-30’s. Never fails to intrigue me how fashion has its own circle of life, ha ha. One celebrity who’s really into half-moon manicures is burlesque star Dita Von Teese!

The classic colours are nude half-moons and red as the dominant nail colour. I’ve chosen to switch it up with a gold glitter and deep purple that’s so dark it’s almost black but lovely in the sunlight.

What you’ll need:

• One dominant nail polish colour (mine is OPI William Tell Me About)
• One glitter nail polish (mine is #2 from Etude House Juicy Cocktail pack)
• Base coat & clear top coat
• Reinforcer stickers, cut into half

1. Paint on a layer of base coat. Once it dries, paint on your half-moon colour and wait for it to dry completely. You could also use a fast-drying top coat to speed up the process.
2. Place half a reinforcer near your cuticle to achieve a half-moon.
3. A nail at a time, paint over the whole nail with the dominant colour. Get right up to the edges!
4. Carefully remove the stickers while the nail polish is still wet. Use a clear top coat to seal everything in, leaving you with a super shiny finish You can then use a nail art brush dipped in nail polish remover to clean up your cuticles if need be.

These are so easy and don’t worry about messing them up when you remove the stickers — just be careful. I did mine pretty fine on the first try (I think..)! Perf way to get glam nails in a jiffy

You can now shop Sephora online (say what?), making our online shopping experience even bigger and better. As if there isn’t enough to spend our money on already, we can now get these beauty products with a mere click.

I can just imagine myself going: scan, open new tab 6x, scroll, browse, scroll, 5 seconds of deliberation, add to cart, add to cart, add to cart, checkout!

I’m not a huge beauty junkie (don’t really even use a lot of makeup, just the basics) but a good nail polish — or, these days, nail stickers? — is hard to pass up… Manicures could be my new weakness. I think my nails could be crying from the number of manicures I make them go through each month, ha ha.

I’m also really into face masks, since using them pretty extensively when I was on exchange in Korea last year. Koreans and their masks, you know, taking care of the “비주얼” (they call it “visual”). So I’m kinda interested in getting the new Sephora Natural Therapy Face Mask range, shown below.

Have been reading about them recently, and the round packaging is so cute, gosh! And the colours help so much too. Man, they really know how to tempt. Plus this will be way more convenient than always getting friends to bring masks back from Korea (because I’m too cheap to buy the overly-priced Korean ones in SG!!).

GSS has just kicked off over the weekend and I can hear my bank account cursing LOL. May everyone 1) find their sizes in the sale rack, 2) not suffer from impulse buys and 3) snag shoe deals — lots and lots of shoes! x

Trends have to be wearable — that’s one big criteria for me when I try out a new style. Sometimes it’s great to go on the wild (and I mean really wild) side, but most times we just want fuss-free, clean and classic looks that keep us on-trend and looking ever so put-together.

All that just reminds me of Jeannie Mai; have I mentioned how much I fangirl her? That aside, let’s see where else I get my inspiration from…

1. FLORALS

From left: Leonard SS/14, Tory Burch SS/14 and Marks & Spencer SS14

Yes, spring is all about full-on blooms. But this year, the runways take it a step further with bold botanicals and flat florals. And oh, did I mention floral is for summer too? Just think resort palms! Cue: Michael Kors SS/14 which I really love. I’m still in search of more tropical-inspired pieces since I’m a girl on a budget (say goodbye to designer wear and hello high-street). But that shouldn’t stop us from embracing all things nature, and look at that pantsuit!

2. THE CROP

From left: Badgley Mischka Spring 14, Proenza Schouler SS/14 and BCBG Max Azria SS14

It is time to bare that belly! Wait, no, I mean… Those abs. Yup, midriffs are peeking out this season and it seems like this is a look to stay. As temperatures rise (and is constantly rising here in SG) it’s time to go shorter and hotter — not before you work that abdomen, though. I find crop tops and bralets (for the daring) are best paired with wide-legged trousers or palazzo pants: show some skin without revealing it all, plus the high waist helps with elongating those gams

3. DIGITAL PRINTS

From left: Mary Katrantzou SS/14, Milly by Michelle Smith SS/14 and Dolce Gabbana SS14

While this may be more of a micro trend, I’m really enjoying the mosaic and digital printing going on. Especially when it’s a neoprene fabric, somehow there’s a lux to it that I find particularly appealing. This is easy to wear, makes a statement on its own, and accessories can be kept to a minimum — or go without. And as the photos show, strappy heels seem to be a must!

4. HALF-MOONS (for nails)

Milly at NYFW SS/14 nails by Butter London

These nails are really classic, and terribly easy to DIY. The trend seems to be white/nude colour palettes, which of course translates to going well with any outfit! I’ll be posting up a tutorial next week on half-moon manicures so look out for that

I read the main fashion titles monthly in SG and also scour the net (hey Google best friend) for trends and inspiration when I sometimes feel like my style needs refreshing.

Tumblr is a good source of fashion inspiration, though I haven’t been active on my account since they upgraded their look, but you can check out pages like Zalora (I mean, come on, if they’ve got Cara Delevingne and Emma Watson on their feed, you know you’re in the right place), fashion-trend and Street Peak.

If you’re interested to see what fashion trends and looks I personally love, I update my Pinterest boards often: from bags and shoes to nails! I also post #OOTDs on my Instagram from time to time

‘Til next time, lovelies! x

It’s been long since I’ve blogged! Another year is coming to a close and once again we are into fall.

It’s not that we get different seasons in Singapore. Disclaimer: leaves pictured above are handpicked by my parents on their Japan trip! But I do enjoy the relatively cooler weather here towards year-end. Fall — or what little I know of it — has always been my favourite season (I think) because it’s not overly cold and yet comfy enough to layer on the clothing (again, I am relying on imagination ha ha). Fall colours are always pretty too; warm, inviting, and the kind you’d want to be all snuggled up in. Think dark greens, mustards, greys…

And then, there is oxblood.

Yup, it’s a growing colour obsession!

And it really didn’t help that my Mom recently bought these new pair of Dr. Martens shoes. And no, they aren’t mine. But it has come to my realization that I must have some sort of affinity with Dr. Martens; she bought the exact pair that’s been on my wishlist since forever. The best part: I have been granted permission to borrow! (YES!)

Here they are with my Buckingham royal guard socks from Korea. The cutest!

Pretty sure this is a colour that can see me through Christmas, which is now just over a month away! Certainly Christmas is much more than just shopping, but it is one of the things that gets me all excited during the season.

I’ll probably be shopping online this year because of the convenience and these days you get so much variety (and good service too) that I literally don’t have to leave the house. Doubt I’ll need to educate all of you about online shopping but maybe I can help by pointing you in the right direction. So recently I was looking at local retail websites and found a couple of pieces on Zalora that I’ve already been eyeing. And in the same family of colours as oxblood, check here! What I like about them is that so many great brands are consolidated into one website that you’re simply spoilt for choice.

I like all the pieces in their Christmas lookbook now what am I going to do!! Plus the thing that really gets me is that little green reindeer standing on its hind legs waving ‘hi’. Can you spot it?

Apparently you get a $10 voucher if you sign up for their newsletter but I’m already on the list so that is not applicable to me Not too late for you if you haven’t! Since it is after all a season for gifting you can also consider gift cards for your friends and spread the love.

Christmas is really coming, I can’t wait! I know I haven’t been around much, but for more regular updates you can check my Instagram. Thank you for reading as always. x

I have taken the time off to adjust to a new stage of life. Been working for the past three months on internship and I will have another three to go. I’m back to give my blog another go! Isn’t life about making time for the things you love?

Sharing a herb lemon salad that I promised to post the recipe, uh, 12 weeks ago on my Instagram… Yes, it has been that long!

But appropriate nonetheless, as I have been receiving requests from girlfriends for simple (and healthy) salad dressings. I will be incorporating more of these onto the site!

And as we enter spring, it’s all about colour. So really, colourful salad, why the hell not?

For me, almost anything goes when it comes to making a salad. So don’t worry too much about what I’ve put in. The dressing will be the main focus here!

Herb Lemon Salad

Yield: 2-4 servings (depending on whether served as a side or main)

For the Salad

• 1 head of Romaine lettuce
• Handful of halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 ripe large avocado
• 1 red pepper, sliced
• Olive oil
• Handful of dried cranberries

For the Herb Lemon Dressing

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped*
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped*
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped*
• 2 tsp grated lemon zest
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

*Note: It’s not necessary to use fresh herbs if you’re unable to get your hands on any, but surely they produce the best results.

Directions

1. Rinse clean the lettuce and cherry tomatoes. Halve the tomatoes and set these aside.

2. Slice (or julienne) the red pepper. Stir-fry with olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper in a pan until cooked tender. Set aside.

3. Halve the avocado and cut the flesh into slices. Set aside.

4. For the dressing, in a small bowl, mix together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, chopped herbs and lemon zest. Season with the sea salt and black pepper.

5. In a large mixing bowl, add all the salad ingredients. Then pour the dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are well coated.

6. Transfer to a salad serving bowl and season with more sea salt and black pepper if needed. Enjoy

On a final note: how extra-virgin olive oil can be so simple yet so full of flavour in an almost addictive way will always remain a mystery to me.

Here’s to a good weekend. x

First off, happy 2013! The old has gone, and the new come.

I believe everyone has had their fair share of highlights in the past year — and while we remember the good, let’s also forget the bad (learn from them, too) then look forward to better things

I haven’t been able to keep up with the blog in the past few months. Changes will come but possibly slower than expected; yet it’s all about taking things one at a time! I’m just happy to have all of you with me on this journey.

Today being 1st January, I thought I’d start off the new year with something simple and healthy to share. And these two are also part of the goals I had set for myself when I first started sharing. It’s nice, then, to remind myself and to have things go full circle.

I hope you enjoy this easy-to-make and super refreshing almond apple banana smoothie!

Smoothies are great as a tummy-filler and does the job without you having to put on empty calories (we’re talking about the healthy ones here, mostly homemade). The process also takes place all in one blender, which is suitable for the lazy — or practical?

Adding to this list of advantages is also the fact that the combinations of fruit, vegetables, nuts and liquids go on and on.

This one’s a bit like having an almond banana cake. Except in a drink, and I’m betting less than half the calories! Oh, and let’s just say we’re replacing the cream with Greek yogurt that is very, very good for you… Ha, at times we just got to trick our body into eating healthy like that!

Almond Apple Banana Smoothie

Yield: 2-3 cups (depending on cup size)

• 8 ice cubes
• 1/3 to 1/2 cup fresh milk
• Small handful of baked or toasted almonds
• One red apple, skin removed then cubed
• One medium banana, roughly sliced
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (I use Mundella honey Greek yogurt)
• Pinch of ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Blend the ice cubes, milk and almonds together on low speed (mine’s the first knob) just to get the ice broken up and almonds chopped up.

2. Once you achieve a almond milk mixture, add in the apple cubes, banana slices, Greek yogurt and ground cinnamon. Blend until smooth.

**NOTE: Thickness of your smoothie typically depends on two things: milk and yogurt, although different foods or fruits will also affect the viscosity. As a general rule: milk = thinning, yogurt = thickening. For this particular smoothie I find it easier to drink when thinner, otherwise the almond bits could get a bit clunky down your throat. So adjust to your preference!

Juices and smoothies are also my go-to when I need a quick food intake. Ever since I got a new blender late last year, it’s been a lot of experimenting in the kitchen and after a while you learn what types of foods go best together, which you like, and which you could do without. There’s more juicing coming right up!

Back to reflecting on the turn of the new year: personally, I’m really thankful for all that God has blessed me with in 2012. Chief of which is that I’m still well and alive, and ready for the next phase of my life.

People always talk about starting right. That’s very true, and I suppose also why we make resolutions. Though we don’t always keep them, it’s good to have goals to prevent us from straying too far.

So I hope you start your 2013 right — with friends, family, love, positivity and of course, eating well. Blessings for everyone! x

The semester has ended and the holidays have begun! I decided to try something different today before I delve into all that baking and posting more food recipes. Excited?

Inspired by the many shopping haul vlogs I’ve been seeing on YouTube, I’m going to start sharing my purchases too. Yay! The whole idea is somewhat like the “what’s in my bag” trend that started a few years back, except this is probably a “what’s in my SHOPPING bag” version

I don’t have a video channel as yet, and besides I’m plagued with stage fright so being in front of a video camera with an imaginary audience pretty much freaks me out all the same, so I’ll be sticking with just writing for now.

Read on if you’re interested to find out what I got from ASOS this fall/winter! I hope all of you will enjoy this new section I’m introducing onto the blog (especially the girls)! x

Two packages arrived today, making me all excited!

I was just getting impatient and wondering when my packages would arrive, when the postman called at the door. My order was placed on 23 November, so it’s actually considered real quick: 10 days including weekends!

Ah, wouldn’t you agree there’s nothing like the feeling of receiving your online buys? The THRILL.

But I’ve got to admit I wasn’t very pleased with crushed boxes! Thank God there was nothing breakable inside.

Look at how “damaged” they are.

If you look closely at the photo on the right, an item was peeking out. I don’t even want to imagine what could’ve slipped through if I’d ordered anything smaller. Apart from that, though, ASOS is one of the most trusted and reliable online shopping sites, so you can go ahead and order with ease!

There’s nothing to shout about in this haul, but maybe I’m saying that because most of it is my Mom’s (believe it or not). But I did manage to sneak in an item, and it’s the featured photo of this post! Hint: something in leopard print, hehe

Let’s take a look at what’s inside the smaller package.

I swear my heart beat a little quicker when I opened the package to find this! It’s my leopard dress but, more on that later. Underneath the dress were the accessories my Mom purchased. Two belts and three pouches! Cute?

If you’re wondering why my Mom shops on ASOS: well, she doesn’t! But that was until I introduced her to online shopping and the rest is history. Of course she still places her orders through me, and I provide her with the websites and information on sales — like Black Friday/Cyber Monday recently, which is why I had to stop myself from ordering more, trust me — but there has been more than a few times now that she’s approached me when she needs some retail therapy.

And frankly I find it all rather amusing!

Yet, not every girl (my Mom included) will admit to being a shopaholic, so this time she’s justified her spending as “Christmas present shopping” for others. And it’s not all untrue… almost.

• 1. Super cute ‘Nice Day’  Bear Pouch (US$8.80), I’d say! The brand Blue Q on ASOS stocks some really adorable bags and purses I wouldn’t think twice about spending my money on.
• 2. Cath Kidston Zip Purse (US$10.55) in a feminine pink Circle Ditsy print. I’m proud to say getting it off ASOS is cheaper than Cath Kidston itself, and any saving is a saving, right?
• 3. Cath Kidston Zip Purse (US$10.55) in the red Kempton Rose classic print. This might just be a bit too girly for my liking. If I’d to choose a pattern for myself, it’d be this one because it’s so kitschy!

• 4. ASOS Printed Snake Super Skinny Waist Belt in Grey (US$7.92). The grey’s more like silver in real. I’ve always had a penchant for snakeskin (print) belts, I can’t explain why. Unfortunately this one wasn’t bought for me
• 5. ASOS Printed Snake Super Skinny Waist Belt in Red (US$7.92). This one’s for the more fashionably bold!

The bigger package is what my Mom bought for herself, but I’m sure I’ll get to use it as well It’s a black River Island everyday tote  (US$49.25)! I particularly like the curved bottom and attached sling. I didn’t get any good pictures of it so I grabbed some images off the site.

And finally, my dress! Animal print has made a runway comeback in the past two years and it’s interesting to see how leopard print in particular has evolved over the years. It’s a classic! From Sophia Loren to Nicki Minaj, celebrities LOVE this print and I can see why. My personal collection has been growing and when it gets big enough I’ll share hehe.

So the latest Fall 2012 trend is really: animal prints on everything! Take a cue from Elle’s fashion spotlight last year (but definitely also applicable this year) and you’ll see we were all born to be wild… In our dressing choices, at least!

This dress looked so good on the model that even though I don’t usually wear bandeau dresses I just had to get it, ha.

Tulle tutu lining?+1 for the cute factor! And a skater cut is so forgiving on my big hips. I love, love, love it! They certainly weren’t kidding when they said this Leopard Tutu Bandeau Skater Dress (US$24.63) was of mini length! I’m 1.6m (5′ 3″) and already it was short on me. But it really doesn’t matter because it’s still gorgeous; I can’t wait to do an outfit post in it.

Oh My Love is a brand from London and their collection features a lot of bold print and form-fitting cuts. All I’m missing is a perfect body to wear the line! Speaking of which, a new gym and workout routine is in order this December. Hopefully, I’ll make some significant progress this time

That’s all for Ely’s ASOS Christmas haul, I hope you had fun! It would be nice if I actually inspired you to incorporate some animal print into your wardrobe. You can start small with accessories like earrings or clutches, and shoes for the more daring. I have them in all three so for me, it’s become an obsession.

~

SOME UPDATES

The Dr Martens x Poshism giveaway ended and I didn’t win those shoes but it’s all right! More excuse for shoe shopping Have to once again thank everyone who voted for me, it was a fun experience.

I might be trying out a new recipe for strawberry souffle next week with a friend so life is just getting started this term break! (Do check back.)

This weekend my family’s going to Malaysia for a short getaway and I’ll try to do a post on that. Outfits, maybe? And definitely some food.

I hope you had enjoyed this post, thank you for reading! x