+ yishyene +

Hello Is Anyone There??

2011-12-05T13:57:00.001Z

Am at work now!

Was just thinking wow I really haven't written much at all in the past year.. maybe even more..
Needless to say I've accumulated a bazillion photos and stories I want to share but just never had/have the time/energy to. I've told myself I want to fill in all the missing posts from my travels, primarily so I can look back and go 'oh yeah! I did that! I ate that!' etc, even if they're from two years back *ambitious*

Not sure if anyone still reads

But it doesn't matter!

Magical New Zealand – What Would You Trade?

2011-11-10T02:13:00.000Z

When I was 12, my parents told my brother and I that the four of us were going on a holiday in
New Zealand.

Growing up, we had taken numerous road trips and short trips all around the country.. camping, fruit-picking, waterfall-hunting, fishing, chasing fireflies, climbing trees, hours at the beach, flying kites, Club Med, etc.. we were very lucky. BUT, my brother and I had never gone ‘overseas’. It was like a magic word then. Singapore and Thailand didn’t count since they were ‘connected’. So naturally, we were very overly excited at the prospect of going on our first ‘overseas’ trip.

Unfortunately, as air travel was such a luxury/too expensive back then, my parents broke it to us later on that they had decided NOT to take us and go by themselves instead!!

We were MAD.
We whinged and sulked for days.

Finally, we were promised a certain sum of money as an ‘exchange’ to stop moaning about it. Kids are so silly huh!

Eventually my first ‘overseas’ venture was to Egypt when I was 14. At 17, I spent five weeks in Japan on a ‘cultural exchange’. Both were amazing and eye-opening.

To this day, I still enjoy sharing my stories from these experiences.

I knew early on that I had to have MORE. I had to go places.. there was so much to see and do!! I made a big fat scrapbook titled ‘Travel Destinations’ and filled it with pictures from magazines and newspapers.. (mostly of beaches around the world, haha) and daydreamed at school about going to all of them someday.

Someday!

Now, it’s 2011 and I’ve been more places than I ever would’ve imagined was possible when I was growing up. Did I EVER THINK that I’d be skiing in the Swiss Alps or scuba-diving/water-skiing in the French Riviera? NO FREAKING WAY.

But guess what?
I’ve still never set foot in New Zealand, despite having lived in Australia for over four years.

Anyway, I’ve spent most of my money on travelling and I don’t regret it one bit. Material things, be it a pair of shoes or a new laptop, can only last so long. But the experiences you get from exploring the world and its people are truly priceless (and timeless). They’ll be the things that stick when you grow old – stories that you keep forever! I wouldn’t trade these experiences for the all the things I could’ve bought with my money instead.

But, what would you trade for a story of a lifetime?

What would you trade if it meant you could be one of the first in the world to watch the sun rise on 1 January, 2012 as you recover from a music festival set in a vineyard? What would you trade to spend two weeks swimming with dolphins, island-hopping, and sliding down giant sand dunes?

Think hard! Because Tourism New Zealand are offering you the chance to do just that with their new campaign which will run over the next 12 months, ‘Stories Beat Stuff’.

Tell them what you’d trade for a once-in-a-lifetime, money-can’t-buy experience and you’ll be in with a chance to WIN IT!

For starters, there are two prize trips to choose from:

Experience One: ‘Summer Rhythm’ A two-week long road-trip along the East Coast of New Zealand ending in Gisborne for Rhythm & Vines – 3 day music festival set in a vineyard that has featured some of the best artists in the world. The line-up this year is no exception including Calvin Harris, Pendulum, Example, Cut Copy and Grandmaster Flash. Gisborne is the first place in the world to see the sun rise every day. This year will be the first on the planet to welcome in 2012 in what The Guardian has called one of the best New Year celebrations in the world.

Experience Two: ‘Beaches and Boats’ Set at the very top of New Zealand’s North Island, the Bay of Islands is New Zealand’s hottest summer destination. With 144 islands, it’s little surprise that beaches and boats are central to this amazing location. Spend two weeks exploring all that’s on offer. Swim with dolphins, dive the Poor Knights Islands (rated by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top ten dive sites in the world), slide down giant sand dunes, hit white sand beaches for some sunbathing, laze on a launch as you cruise though crystal clear waters and party till dawn. This is the place to spend your January.

(Just watching this video has made me wide-eyed and alive with wanderlust.. at 1am)

Here’s how to participate:

Take a photo or record a video of what you’d trade – and think carefully, because if you win, the things you offer up for trade will be given to a charity of your choice – and submit your entry to the Stories Beat Stuff website.
Then, share your video or photo with everyone you know! Post it on Facebook, on Twitter, on your face, whatever. Because the more votes you get, the higher your chances are of getting into the Final 20. The ultimate decision, however, will be made by Tourism New Zealand judges!

The competition is open to anyone aged 18+ and it DOES NOT MATTER WHERE in the world you reside
The closing date is 31 November 2011.

For full details – http://www.ebuzzing.co.uk/rd/32767_3805_515156_26704_19491_62949/www.storiesbeatstuff.com

These are just the first of a number of amazing New Zealand experiences on offer.
To find out more, join the New Zealand Facebook Fan Page.
You can also learn more about the country at their award-winning website.

I’m totally bummed because, by some crazy coincidence, I already have a two-week holiday booked for New Zealand this December! I’ll be celebrating Christmas and welcoming the New Year with my family. I’m FINALLY going to New Zealand!!!!

BUT nevertheless, I still made a video entry of my own to encourage you… prepare to cringe.
It’s the first time I’ve ever recorded myself talking.. –_-

I’m wearing decorative glasses and a beanie as it was 11pm and I’d been watching TV in my PJs!

I’ve submitted my entry and I’ve picked the ‘Beaches and Boats’ experience to win – and I’ve also just realised now that this trip takes place at the end of January so MAYBE I can still go. If no one else enters, that is. Ha ha.

If you do want to vote for me, then here's the link!

Anyway

I’m still really looking forward to my own New Zealand trip.. my whole family are planning to go skydiving! :)

This is a sponsored post

Three Days at Oktoberfest 2011

2011-10-06T00:31:00.001+01:00

Two weeks ago, a group of us embarked on a crazy road trip to Munich for Oktoberfest (and then on to Amsterdam). Guess how long it took to drive from London to Munich? Just guess.

17 hours. SEVENTEEN.

I nearly killed myself and ALMOST regretted going on the trip.

We were delayed as we got to Dover too early ahead of our scheduled train - get this, you can actually take a train across the channel to Calais as in your car drives INTO the train. A CAR train! It was amazing!

There were also road blocks and we got stopped by German police (immigration check) at a random section of road in the dead of the night, at which point everyone took turns to run into the pitch-darkness to pee.

I have to say, I found this part really exciting.

It was drizzling as well!

Predictably, we arrived there exhausted, agitated, and lacking sleep

But two hours later, we were at the festival grounds - time must not be wasted!

The first tent we visited was a relatively new one and sold beers in 0.5 litre portions instead of the full litre, for the same price of €10.

To be precise, it's €9.10 but it's common practice not to receive change for a tenner and let it be the tip.

You do get what you pay for though - this was my favourite of the whole fest

I love its smooth orangey colour

It tasted smooth, too, and rich

Me and a giant salted pretzel

There'd be girls with baskets walking around to sell them in the tents

Emma managing to hold two litres

Which is NOTHING because you'd see all these crazy waitresses holding up to a dozen of these mugs AT ONCE

The rest of our first evening was spent outdoors in a beer garden

Where we witnessed a beautiful sunset - a blanket of thick cloud lit by golden rays beneath

Of course, you can't get the full effect from a mere photo.. :p

Days Two & Three

I was going to do each day separately but my memories of both have melted into each other.. it's quite hard to recall what happened when..

The following day we were all much fresher

And got dressed in our 'Oktoberfest Gear'

By this I mean 'cheap beer wench outfit from eBay that you think is what girls will wear at Oktoberfest but in reality they're all tastefully dressed in traditional dirndls, making you feel just a BIT silly'

Still, I liked the costume and really enjoyed wearing it!
Then again, I like looking silly..

I got myself a a red felt hat from one of the numerous souvenir stands
Which I later LOST in Amsterdam.. I'm so bummed.. don't even talk about it..

The interior of our Day Two tent

Outside one of the tents
Each one is very elaborately decorated, both inside and out, and have a unique feel or vibe

For example, the Hofbrau tent is supposedly the 'international tent', where you'll find a truckload of people from all around the world.. mostly Australian, I'm guessing.. hahaha

Me, Aysh, Emma in our matching costumes hehe

I drank my beer so fast that day I felt so tipsy after just one

I think this was the drink that spurred me on to buy my red hat

Sausage and sauerkraut

I love sauerkraut!
I used to pile it on at the bratwurst stand at Queen Victoria Market in Melbourne that I used to visit regularly for my sausage fix

A little bit drunk

This is obviously a drunk face (Ryan)

Mark and Dave in their matching festive shirts
Lederhosen are expensive to buy!

In the evening, we managed to get a table in a really lively tent

We perched ourselves on the benches

Sang along to loads of cheesy songs performed by the live band

They play a lot of really cheesy/universal stuff.. I'm not sure why.. but probably cos everyone will recognise the songs

We shouted 'Prost' (that's 'cheers' in German) a bazillion times to plenty-a-stranger

And heartily yelled the words to a popular German singing toast which goes 'Ein prosit, ein prosit der Gemutlichkeit' even MORE times.. the band would play this every 10 minutes or so

It was one of my favourite things!

Aysh & Ryan.. not sure what happened here

The atmosphere was absolutely buzzing

You really had to be there

Everyone was HAPPY and loud and smiley

Emma & I

Me and some randoms we drank with!

+++++++++++++++++++++++

Outside the tents, the scene was like a giant carnival/fun fair
Full of colour and things to make you feel like a kid again

We went on a good number of rides

SO EXHILIRATING

Especially when you're half-drunk and your bladder's about to burst :D

It was quite a sight - to see so many people dressed for the occasion

By the end of it I kind of wished I had a lederhosen..

Yes, we wore our outfits two days in a row.. ha!

I LOVE Oktoberfest!!

And I'm not even a beer person!

I had so much fun
The atmosphere was incredible and nothing like I ever imagined

For some reason, I imagined it to be something similar to a music festival - muddy and kind of rowdy - but it was nothing like it.

It's hard to describe

If you haven't been, GO!

Special thanks to the German dude, Bene, for putting us up for a couple of nights at his apartment :)
German people are awesome!

A Million Moments of Closeness

2011-09-17T23:41:00.000+01:00

When I first left home some eight years ago, I was excited.

I was going to a new place, a new country (Australia), to meet lots of new people, and to learn about and experience a whole different culture. I tried new foods. I learnt to surf. I joined a gym for the first time. I learnt to ski and fell in love with it. I went camping with wombats and kangaroos swam in the most beautiful beaches at Wilson’s Promontory. In the summer I went skinny-dipping. I joined a kung-fu club. I dressed up and danced as Dame Edna in the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in 2006. I even learnt how to cook cheaply and quickly (though not often), do my own laundry, and operate a clothes iron.

I did a whole multitude of things that I simply can’t itemise in one paragraph.

Despite all that, I still had many moments of loneliness, especially in the first year. Moving far away from the familiarity of home not only gives you a newfound freedom to explore and be independent, but also means leaving behind your family, your friends, and all the people and things you know and grew up with. And in these circumstances, it’s easy to feel lonely.

The thing about loneliness is that it can consume you. Without the presence of positive relationships, your self-esteem suffers and you can even lose your appetite and forget to look after yourself. Social isolation can also lead to anxiety and depression, along with a higher risk of obesity and high blood pressure.

Being in a foreign country for all of my adult life, I know how debilitating loneliness can be. It’s ever so vital to be close to people you can share with and confide in, and people who can simply keep you company when you most need it. Staying connected with your friends and family can help steer you away from loneliness and depression.

It goes without saying that when you’re surrounded by people you love and have a great sense of togetherness, you will have a healthier, happier heart!

To celebrate its 100th birthday, NIVEA are promoting the spirit of healthy togetherness. Get involved by visiting the Facebook page here, where you can take part in NIVEA’s A Million Moments of Closeness by uploading your favourite photos of you with someone you’re close to – a friend, sibling, parent, partner, pet, toy, anything/anyone – and win prizes.

You can also find out about roadshow events where you can pick up some NIVEA freebies and if you’re up for it, you can also participate in the ongoing debates discussing topics such as what makes people truly feel close to each other and how modern technology can change the way we stay connected.

Personally, I couldn’t be more thankful for the internet and mobile phones. Back in Australia I used ancient $5 call cards and exchanged text-only emails to keep in touch with my loved ones. But communication tools quickly evolved and by the time I relocated to London, I could stay in touch with my friends and family in both Malaysia and Australia using video and free instant-messaging tools on my iPhone :)

For many a sad moment, I’ve relied heavily on the comforting words and presence of the friends I’ve made here.

In the absence of my family, these are the people I can count on for a hug, a movie partner, a dance buddy, or simply someone to.. you know, watch my face as I talk.

Text messages and photos can only do so much – physical proximity can do so much MORE!
Here are some of my favourite photos that remind me of the wonderful people I have in my life:

First and foremost: My family

Aysha and Emma, who brought so much fun and joy to London

L: Joyce, R: Melissa, and Nadia, who made my summer last year one of the best!

Ryan, the bestest friend and companion that I could ever ask for

My sister, the most precious thing in my life

Hmmm.. crazy people

Joyce again, the best travel-friend in the world!

More Aysha

Kubhaer, one of my newest friends who sent kind words all the way from Prague when I was down

Sam and Meesh, friends who are always smiling!

A special note to Sian, who always has good advice and never passes on an ice-cream date.. And also Marisa & Azlan, for the great company and all the amazing food.

An essential thing I've learnt in my eight years living abroad is the value of friends.
Without them, I wouldn't have lasted this long ;p

Appreciate your friends
Make an effort to keep in touch
Get together and do something fun regularly!

Learn more about the NIVEA Feel Closer campaign here

This is a sponsored post

Les Trois Moulins, Castelnaudary

2011-09-15T01:56:00.000+01:00

This is the first follow-up to my last post

On 1 August 2011, I boarded my crappy Ryanair flight - it was the only airline that carried people from London to Carcassonne, unfortunately.

Carcassonne Airport was small. One of those where you had to step out onto the tarmac and trail your way into a tiny building to join a half-in-half-out queue to go through the ONE passport control booth.

Got a bus to the city which stopped right outside Gare de Carcassonne (SNCF train station) for about €5, where I wandered around for an hour and had my first meal of the trip: croque monsieur and a big glass of ice-cold Coke. It was BLAZING HOT. The best!

Then I was off on a train to Castelnaudary, where Blanche, the farm owner, would greet me.

Was so excited as I looked out the window as the train whizzed past vineyard after vineyard after vineyard.

The farm is called 'Les Trois Moulins' as the building used to be an old windmill.. by old I mean 1000 years! Now, it's a farmhouse perched on a little hill surrounded by greenery, and there's a stream that runs through the area.

It took a further 20 minute drive from Castelnaudary train station to get to the farm.

This is the terrace area, where everyone has food and drink together.
There are two resident cats and a beagle called Fifi.

Bernard, Blanche's husband, used to be a chef of 30 years' experience and so the food was always top class. Lucky me or what! :p

I had the opportunity to marvel at him in the kitchen as he prepared lunch one day.. never seen someone chop up garlic and onions that quickly before. I was truly impressed! I watched intently and listened to all the little tips he animatedly shared with me, using what little English he knew, in his thick French/German/Moroccan accent.

I learnt how to say the names of a few vegetables in French, haha.

Their home was decorated with all sorts of things that they'd collected from their travels around the world.

Particularly loved this pink princess castle hiding under some big plants by the terrace!

That top window there was my room! It overlooks the terrace.

Le petit chat - her name is Louisette - next to some freshly harvested rhubarb from the garden.

Ok - these were THE reddest, sweetest, ripest tomatoes I have EVER tasted in my LIFE.
Drizzled with olive oil and chopped herbs (basil and.. some other stuff) and garlic.
What's left in the photo was finished by me..

This is 'Friga' (not sure about the spelling, but it's supposed to mean 'princess' or something similar in another language, which I forgot -_-) the resident horse.

She has been blind for several years, but is extremely intelligent.
I was taught how to approach her using my hands and voice, and how she was fed. She has no teeth left so she has a special diet of.. mushy stuff.

I couldnt help but feel sorry for her though.. imagine being a horse but not be able to run about freely or chew on grass anymore!

One of the strange flowers I encountered at the farm.

One evening, Bernard took me to the nearby village so we could have some wine at the pub. It's the only one pub in the village. By pub, I mean it's also a cafe, a sundry shop, and a restaurant. Imagine that! Everyone knows each other and there are no schools or cinemas or libraries or.. any other shops.

That's the pub owner balancing an apple on his head!

My jacket is by H&M

This is Axel. He's from Germany and lives in a caravan next door to the farm with his donkey. They've travelled 10,000km together! Crazy.

On my first day, Axel and I took his donkey for his daily walk. We took a short hike and arrived at a lake where we went for a swim as a respite from the heat. The water was really cold though!

This is Bernard! Always with a smile on his face, he was a real character.

He's holding Goliath the mouse and Dino, my most loyal travel companions.

The rhubarb that was harvested was made into a delicious pie by Blanche on my last night there, where I showed off my changing-colors-heart-light and got a special present from Axel ;)

It was a wonderful night - the air was cool and there was a funny light/thunder phenomenon going on in the skies.

No one could explain it, but you'd hear sounds like thunder repetitively and see certain dim flashing in the sky simultaneously.. but no sign of any lightning after. Apparently it happens all the time there.

Everyone was smiling and talking.. and me I was extra happy from the delish dinner of wild boar (freshly killed by a neighbour!) steak..

My Little Adventure!

2011-08-16T18:06:00.006+01:00

Just a quick update..

If you're one of the (very few) people who follow my blog, you'll remember that a while back I had mentioned that I was going to spend over two weeks helping out at a farm in Castelnaudary, France.

I was going to have a relaxing time in the countryside - learning new things, meeting new people, catching up on music and reading, and just enjoying the sun and all things natural - and travel out farther during the weekends.

WELL.

I got kicked out of the farm on Day 3. With two hours' notice to leave.

I might just add that this was through no fault of mine.. but anyway, I was upset and in shock at first. I started frantically looking for alternatives since I was determined not to return to London immediately. I explored all sorts of options with a big map in front of me and a German traveller/nomad friend kindly providing assistance.

In the end, I spent the first night in a pricey hotel in Carcassonne.

The following afternoon, on a whim, I boarded a train to Nice.
Thanks to work, I got hooked up with an amazing hostel where I was fortunate enough to have my own room and bathroom. I remained there for one week and had an amazing time.

Leaving Nice was difficult (what a beautiful place), but I then headed for Pisa, and then Florence as my last stop for three nights before my inevitable return to London.

Travelling alone was challenging at first (I hadn't done it in a long long time), but it was enriching to say the least and I learned the art of enjoying my own company.

I met interesting people from all over the world, and also got used to asking, "where are you going next?"/"where were you last?", as nearly everyone I encountered were on 2 - 6 month long holidays. I took in all their stories about their travels; about places I had never even heard of, about strange foods, hotel/hostel tips, and things I had missed out on in my previous visits to certain cities - such as the fact that you could go caving in Budapest (Damn, I'm so bummed I didn't know about this earlier).

I also learnt a few other things:

1. Hostels really are okay if you choose carefully, and they provide the perfect setting for you to meet new people (I had never been to one before this trip, erm although in Nice I was cheating since I had a special room).

2. Never leave your toiletries unattended.

3. Australians are the friendliest travellers around.

4. A trolley bag definitely beats a huge backpack.

5. I prefer French trains to Italian trains.

6. The Statue of David really draws your attention to his penis.

Hope to share some photos of my little adventure on the blog which will include my brief but very interesting stay at the farm, 12-hour tour of Carcassonne, day trips to Eze Village and Monaco, scuba diving and canyoning in Nice, seeing the leaning tower of Pisa for the first time, watching the sunset in Florence, and visiting the little towns of Siena and San Gimignano!

Oh but don't expect to see me wearing anything remotely fashionable.. re-wearing so many items of clothing was a pain since most of my bag was packed with 'farm-wear'!!!

[Have updated my travel log]

xx

Orange Pants!

2011-07-12T19:27:00.002+01:00

Top - River Island
Pants -H&M
Shoes - Minnetonka (Moccasins)

These are my new favourite pants for the summer - they're bright orange and ever-so soft and comfy. Naturally, I thought of carrots when I bought them and wondered if they would make me look like one big carrot strutting down the street.

Fortunately I've learnt to love the colour orange over the last year and it's now on my list of favourite colours, which include red, gold, and yellow.

I bought the moccasins on sale for £35 about two weeks ago - such a bargain cos I've already worn them at least ten times! No close-ups, but maybe next time.

Bought the moustache tee cos it made me giggle when I caught sight of it.. really.. isn't it funny!
It's a SEQUINNED moustache as well!

+++++++++++++++++

I haven't been able to write or share much on this blog as I was caught up with moving house. I'm now in central London - crazy - which has always been my 'goal', so I'm glad. Walking distance to the Eurostar terminal as well!

This August
I'm spending over two weeks in France
In a beautiful place called Castelnaudary which is close to the medieval town of Carcassonne
I'll be helping to restore a 1000-year-old windmill, helping out on a little farm, and eating lots of home-cooked French food... *hmmmmmm*

The crap thing is, I can't speak French.

So now I gotta go do some reseach into crash courses/dig up my old books from L'Alliance that I got from a course I did two thousand years ago.. snore

Havaianas Rain Boots / Wellies – Win a Pair!

2011-06-16T20:40:00.014+01:00

I have a confession.
I live in London and I don’t own a single pair of wellies or rain boots.

For some reason I never saw the need to invest in a pair, even though the weather is always so wet around here. And even when I went to the Isle of Wight Festival last year, I willed and wanted it to be sunny so much that I refused to bring along any wellies.

How was I supposed to know that it would rain on the day we arrived! I ended up having to tip-toe my way through the mud and slush and nearly fell over in my crappy sneakers BECAUSE I was being so cautious with every step.

When I was in Australia, I practically lived in Havaianas thongs (that’s ‘flip flops’ to people here) .
I loved them so much and because the climate there allowed me to wear them often, I ended up with nearly 10 pairs (In fact, every time I see the word 'Havaianas', my mind automatically reminisces about my amazing time there, and all the things I must've done whilst wearing these thongs).

I had them in black, brown, purple, blue, pink, SHINY pink, GLITTERING pink, green; I even had those strings of cloth they would sell as an add-on – you wrap them around the straps to give it a different look, and then around your ankles where you tie them up.

After moving to London however..
I LOST all of them, except ONE pair.
I think it happened in between moving flats.
The sad thing was, they were hardly even missed!

How often do you get to wear.. *ahem* 'flip-flops around here anyway?

[I wear mine most when I run away on holiday! ha!]

Yeah, what I need here is a nice, bright pair of rain boots / wellies

And guess what?

Havaianas, whose image to me has always been associated with colour and sunshine, have started to make them!

The new Havaianas Rain Boots / Wellies collection was launched in Selfridges in April - the party was very aptly called ‘Rain of Shine Festival’. I didn’t attend but I hear it was lots of fun, with a real festival/carnival vibe. The floor was even carpeted with grass!

The new collection boasts 8 colours:

There’s black and green

And then there are contrast colours of pink/blue, purple/pink, grey/pink, and turquoise/white

Plus two patterned/printed designs called ‘Always Summer’ and ‘Elegance’

The designs can be viewed here.

My favourite pair is the pink/blue contrast one (featured in the poster) – you know me, the brighter the better!

Left: Daisy Lowe at the event // Right: Jameela Jamil holding up a printed pair

Once I get my hands on these (or feet, whatever), I’m set for the summer. Wet puddles and mud pits at a festival? NO PROBLEM! They’ll be perfect for when I head off to France in August to help out at a farm too, where I’ve been told to bring wellies, yay.

They’re all currently available to buy from Selfridges, and will soon be on the official Havaianas online store as well.

********************************************************

But why buy your own when you can

WIN A PAIR OF HAVAIANAS RAIN BOOTS

All you have to do is send me a picture of your perfect festival outfit!

You can either submit a photo of yourself in your chosen outfit, or if you’re shy, style a friend. The winner will receive a brand new pair of Havaianas Rain Boots in their favourite design.

Send your entries to: crazyfloss@gmail.com by the end of THURSDAY 30 JUNE 2011 (BST)

Don’t forget to include your preference and shoe size!

********************************************************

Here are a couple of photos of my own ‘festival' outfits’ from last year:

I have three simple rules for dressing at a festival:

- minimal accessories and clothes that let you breathe/move easily (and eat/drink a lot)
- something bright and/or colourful
- comfy shoes a MUST, as I love dancing and jumping around too much!

What are yours?

Havaianas Europe Facebook page
Havaianas UK Online Store

This is a Sponsored Post.

Beautiful Boston Manor Park

2011-05-25T00:08:00.004+01:00

These photos are from a month ago when we visited what I thought was one of the most beautiful parks ever. It's so little in terms of area/land but I found myself gushing at its beauty over and over again while walking through it - until I was asked to be quiet.

The park is simply called Boston Manor Park and it's in.. Boston Manor. If you live in West London you should definitely make a visit! Such an unexpected gem. You'll feel like you're in a fairytale.

Top – Old Blossom Box
Shorts – ASOS
Shoes – Swedish Hasbeens for H&M

I was surprised that I bought these shoes
I don't normally like clogs, but these proved to be amazingly comfortable, and so I did the obvious thing and got them in both colours - red and white.

While it was warm, I wore them nearly every day..
Such a tragedy that it's suddenly gone cold again.. it's actually a tease!

I was so excited that I took a photo of the sunny sun.

Look how beautiful the ground is with all the fallen leaves!

I am in love with this gigantic tree
Look how far its arms stretch out, as if to say 'hug me!'

We had a picnic near it - not under it; the Big Tree loves the sun too so it barely has any gaps for any leftover rays to meet the ground

They're a bit ugly, aren't they? haha
I still like them

I took Martin, my toy alien, out too and we recorded a video together
And then I played frisbee and tried to climb Big Tree (but didn't get very far)

Shoe Browsing on a Sunday

2011-05-22T19:31:00.003+01:00

If you’ve been a long-time reader, you’ll know that I rarely ever write about products that catch my eye online when I’m doing my regular window-shop-browse and prefer to share more personal content. But today, I’m having a relaxing time indoors after a delicious lunch in town so I’ll sit here by the sunshine from the window and share a couple of items of note while browsing for shoes on a particular website.

[in a way I am actually procrastinating sharing my gazillion holiday snaps with you.. heh]

Left: Chie Mihara - Edesa in yellow

I really love these - the laces are such a good twist, they make it look fun
I imagine I'd wear them with paperbag shorts and a loose, silky top. I'd probably do some colour-blocking as well.. seeing as I love colour so much! (ps - yellow is my favourite colour for shoes)

Right: Atelier Voisin - Favre in blue

It's the wedge heel and laces at the back that got me.. For some reason I imagine wearing them to take beautiful photos around Lake Como in Italy. It's just got that vibe.. and besides, I'd love to go there again.

Left: C.Doux Sydoux flats in black/orange/maroon
Right: in grey/rose/blue

I just think these are so funky! A little weird,but cool. I think I could pull them off with some tapered or cropped pants to do lots of walking and prancing about. I'd wear these so much if I still lived in Malaysia/Australia. I prefer the black pair :)

Interesting note: these shoes also come in a minuscule UK size 2.5 -
Great news for all you petite girls with cute and tiny feet!

Left: Melissa Ultragirl Westwood in blue

It's obvious (if you know me) that I like this Melissa pair for the simple fact that they're blue. Such perfect shoes for a holiday! I imagine mixing up lots of patterns and colours, with a big fat sunhat somewhere. Or jumping into a swimming pool with them. Gosh that actually sounds like so much fun that I feel compelled to buy them and find a pool just so I can do exactly that.

Right: Kesslord Pie sandals in black

I love this pair for its simplicity and functionality. It's a rather conservative - but these days I find it quite a challenge to find something basic, like a staple item, that isn't wrong/gone overboard in some way or other.. I'd love to have these 'ugly' sandals for visits to the beach (on holiday abroad, ha), lots of running around and even playing frisbee. That's versatility!

Tabio SS ‘11 Launch

2011-05-15T00:12:00.003+01:00

On Thursday I stopped by the Tabio store on High Street Kensington for a press event
It was to showcase their new items and designs from the new spring/summer collection

This is supposed to be what I thought was a 'versatile'/out and about outfit, as I had two jobs to go to before the event.. Ha

Shirt - Dahlia
Skirt - Zara
Salmon pink tights - H&M
Brogues - Topshop

My shoes are on sale.. if anyone's interested.. I have them in brown as well.. UK5!

This is a Furoshiki
See below picture for more clarity as to what it actually is!

Tabio were kind enough to give me one
Along with a pair of really cute lace socks, over which the Furoshiki was wrapped

I was having trouble deciding on an item from the store to take home

I feel terrible for not remembering the name of this man, but he was super nice and helpful, showing me around what he thought were the 'crazier' designs, and whatever that was yellow after I told him yellow was one of my favourite colours

I snapped this photo of him with the instructions 'do a crazy face'
Hmm.. I'm sure he was holding himself back!

These are pretty rad
I just wish they made thin tights or socks like that instead of thick, unflattering.. legwarmers?
It's summer!

I laughed at this
Doesn't it look like something out of a cartoon? Haha

I was lucky to meet Kitty (left) and Ayu
I had lots of fun chatting with them

Kitty is from Hong Kong and is the manager of the Tabio store on Kings Road in Chelsea
Ayu comes from Shanghai and works in online sales (?)

Upon my request, Kitty kindly put on these tights for a few of us to see
As I was short and wanted to see what it looked like on a little person :D

They're the pair I took home in the end
I'll share more when I get a chance to wear them.. !

This is Cara, the store manager of the Westfield branch
She was really smiley and fun to talk to!

I felt that the whole event was such a success mainly owing to the amazing staff who were there to make everyone feel welcome

Thank you to Lois for the invitation

You can follow the Tabio team on twitter here
Or 'like' them on their Facebook page

A Long-Sleeved Dress

2011-05-11T15:16:00.004+01:00

Dress – Sevendays
Tights – Actually I can’t remember
Shoes - Bertie

These shoes were a gift from Bertie (thank you)

I’ve worn them a bazillion times since, to all sorts of different places
I’ve played football and run through a thunderstorm in them
They’ve sunbathed by the pier in Brighton and gone dancing on the street

Needless to say, they’re now a little faded, a little dirty, and a little tired-looking
I tell myself it gives them character and will remind me of all the fun I’ve had wearing them ;)

Crazy in Kingston

2011-05-07T18:09:00.003+01:00

Here are two photos I love from a day Aysha and I spent by the river in Kingston
We’re always taking silly pictures together
I can’t wait to print these and stick them in my new room.. wherever that may be!

I take a bus Kingston (instead of the tube).. it takes about an hour and passes through Richmond
I don’t mind it because it’s such a scenic route

Richmond to me is almost the best place in London
It's got lots of greenery, the river, animals, boats, ice cream.. and a beautiful vibe

I say almost because I can never decide what really is the best

Today is Wednesday

2011-04-27T17:35:00.003+01:00

I'm sorry I can't share any photos this time
I'm too busy eating and enjoying the sun - even indoors

I wonder if I'm the only person who, if when I wake the sun is shining, runs to all the windows to yank the curtains open so it all comes POURING in

Like now!
I'm indoors but getting a tan on my arms through the window :)

I'm leaving in 4 hours to the airport
Will be going to explore the islands of Malta
SO.. I better go pack now
In typical last-moments-only fashion

See you next week!

our name is fun.

2011-04-19T22:04:00.003+01:00

Getting changed one mundane afternoon in the room, I had the Aweditorium app playing songs form my bed – I’m totally addicted to it, and I expect to continue to share all my favourite finds with you!

Anyway, lalala, I was pulling my shirt over my head and suddenly, THIS SONG came up:

Immediately, there was a spring in my step
I started singing along as I bounced around to it (Aweditorium provides the words!)
Pulling my pants up in between making up my own silly dance moves
I LOVE this tune
It’s like musical confetti with bits of Queen/Elvis Costello/Mika

It’s amazing the burst of energy you can get by simply hearing something that your body enjoys and something that just clicks with you – good music is most certainly like a drug

I felt like the day was BEAUTIFUL and I couldn’t stop smiling
I knew I HAD to share it, so here - I hope some of you like it

The band is called fun. and you can read about them here
If you sign up to their email list, they’ll send you a free download of ‘At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)’

Unfortunately, they haven't got any plans to tour the UK in the foreseeable future
Yes, I emailed to ask..!

twitter // facebook // myspace

Sunstroke Madness in Putney

2011-04-18T00:53:00.003+01:00

"Sunstroke Madness" is a term coined by Aysh
It happened one day when it was sunny and she had been on a train home after we'd hung out in Kingston earlier
Suddenly, a wave of spontaneity hit her and she jumped off before the train reached her stop, determined NOT to get home until it was well and truly dark
A friend lived nearby and she ended up going there and having dinner with a group of people

The sun.. it makes you do great things
And it's true - during the warmer months I never want to go home if I know the sun's still out!

Last week, we had a barbie in Putney
We ate so much {good} food.. giant burgers and an amazing salad
Drew ridiculous things on the street using sidewalk chalk

I wrote beside a neighbour's car,
"Welcome to your car, Mr Crabbs"
accompanied by a cartoon crab (like in Spongebob!)
Who knew that the owner would walk out not two minutes after I was done with my artwork!
Luckily, he thought it was funny and had a laugh!

We packed up our cocktails, beer, and ice-cream into a cooler
At the park, the boys played football
Emma and I danced, jumped, and went crazy to Bob Marley
You could say we had a bit of Sunstroke Madness

Here are some photos from the day

Top - H&M
Shorts - H&M
Shoes - Bertie

I was having a bit of fun with Photoshop!
Which effect do you like best?

What crazy things does the sun make you do?

PS - I changed my banner/header yet AGAIN!

A Whiter Shade of.. Midnight

2011-04-13T22:13:00.002+01:00

Had a haircut last week
Dyed my hair a dark purple/red and had a blue/purple panel put underneath my fringe
These things never last long though
They bleed out too much in the shower

Eww.. not sure why my legs look so lumpy
I assure you they're not like that in real life!! haha

Sheer long-sleeved slip - SevendaysKL
Green top - Oldblossombox
Leather shorts - River Island
Shoes - Topshop
Necklace - Diva

I suppose my hair will look more like this after a few more washes

Londoners - did you get to finally bare your legs over the last week?
I made sure I did so all five days in a row that it was sunny
I absorbed as much as I could and smiled a lot *pats self on back*

Blue & Green Means Aquarium

2011-04-11T22:20:00.004+01:00

During London Fashion Week last September I got to know a girl called Vanessa
We went to the Kinder Aggugini show together – that was the same night we met!

One lazy morning, I saw her twitter update:

”I hate when people colour block with navy blue and elf green. Oh hey, do you work in the aquariummm???!”

So I started picturing green and blue and green and blue and almost instantly, it dawned on me that THAT was what I was going to wear that day. It was too interesting not to.. But to my disbelief, after rummaging through my whole wardrobe I realised that I didn’t have a lot of solid green or blue clothing after all.. what a useless collection of clothes I have?!

I made do with a sleeveless green hoodie that I used to wear in Melbourne during the warm summer nights, and the blue H&M dress from their Garden Collection last year. The same one I teamed with bright yellow in Mallorca!

I happily replied to Vanessa – much to her horror – that I was going to wear blue and green just for her
Perhaps it’s not so bad as it’s not navy blue as she had specified..

Green hoodie - from Melbourne
UN-IRONED Dress - H&M
Shoes - River Island
Bag - vintage

The sun has been out a lot lately
Which meant me not using my laptop for a whole week!

That's great, because I get to spend my time LIVING instead of.. writing about what I've.. already lived??

But now I have a ridiculous pile of pictures I want to share.. but.. can't..

The Asteroids Galaxy Tour

2011-04-04T16:00:00.008+01:00

I've been hooked on Aweditorium, the most amazing music app, ever since the iPad 2 arrived last week. It overwhelms the mind - and eye - with great music from lesser-known artists.

This afternoon I discovered The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, an edgy, quirky, alternative pop band from Copenhagen. Mette, the lead singer, is so addictive! I love listening to her voice and their songs are fun and energetic. And how awesome is this video for 'The Golden Age'..so trippy :

This song was recently used in a cool Heineken commercial, which you can see here

Loved them so much and thanks to Google, I did a quick search = now I have tickets to their next gig in London. It takes place in May :D

I can't wait! There's so much dancing to do!

The press says:

Addictive quirky soulful Pop Music with attitude, sweeping musical arrangements with one of the hippest vocals around, Known for their infectious live shows, shiny, shimmering, upbeat pop, albeit with a horn-infused, slightly psychedelic edge, C-walking, up rockin’ leg-splitting and hip-shaking their way through, infusion sound like no other, effervescent music that reminds you of a dozen glorious summerskaleidoscopic monster, bubbly and hypnotic...

[source]

I couldn't agree more - exactly the kind of things I enjoy!

If you have an iPad you MUST check out Aweditorium
Especially if you want to escape from things like Rihanna, Taio Cruz, Lady Gaga, Jay Z, Bruno Mars, Katy Perry.. whatever they're feeding the masses these days. I cringe just typing these names :p

Tickets to see The Asteroids Galaxy Tour in London can be found here

Instagram Photo Diary

2011-03-31T20:26:00.003+01:00

Bertie is a Shoe Label, Not a Boy

2011-03-24T13:37:00.008Z

Bertie.

When I first see the word, I think of.. a stereotypically bespectacled, nerdy boy wearing a checked shirt, shorts, and suspenders. Who nibbles on stale cookies.

But recently, I’ve come to know Bertie as Bertie Shoes – an up-and-coming brand of footwear, part of The Dune Group, boasting two new stores in London (South Molton St and Covent Garden). Last night I went with Emma to the launch of the SS ‘11 collection at the Covent Garden store.

It was my first time seeing their shoes in person – they’re nice! Not as edgy or as colourful as I like, but the quality was good and designs still kept in line with current trends.

Here are photos.. we had lots of fun. Especially in the photobooth.
I was saying, “If I’d known there’d be a photobooth here I would’ve brought my OWN props too!!”
My masks, moustaches, funny glasses, hats, etc

One of the first things that caught my eye - Haribo
This could be attributed to either 1) I was hungry, or 2) They're really colourful

There were cupcakes, sandwiches, popcorn, and most importantly Crabbie's alcoholic ginger beer
They're the best

"Oh my goodness! There's a.. a.. a piece of someone's TOE in here!"

"That's amazing, let me find the Toe Mode and get a photo"

The maroon/mauve pair in this design was so popular that it wasn't even on the shelf for me to photograph. I'm guessing at least 3/4 of the girls picked that one!

They really do look amazing on

(thank you Bertie for gifting us a pair of shoes each)

Some of the shoes I tried
Unfortunately, I'm not a very patient person
So in fact, these were really the only ones I sat down and tried on

Then I spotted something YELLOW!

"How many times would you actually wear this out anyway?"

That's true.

I'm not the kind of girl who trots around in high heels unless it's a special occasion or if I REALLY feel like it (in which case I'll pack some flats in my bag, unless it's one of those rare, comfortable pairs).

I'm the kind of girl who loves being outdoors
Walking and skipping and dancing and hopping
Running around and pretending to ice-skate when it's slippery
Prancing through grass and racing up steps

That kind.

And so it came down to these two pairs
I really love the tapestry one

But I couldn't resist the yellow
And I decided, one day I'll be skipping along the canals wearing them
Outside my new flat in Camden
:)

Wooooohh... sunshiney!
Egg yolky!
Sunflowery!
Honey! Butter! Custard!
The Yellow Brick Road in The Wizard of Oz!

These are great things for a pair of shoes to be associated with :)

The PhotoBooth was the best part of our night
We went four times - Bertie kept one copy and Pecan has the other

We like looking like idiots

++++++++++++++++++

Check out the Bertie Shoes collection here
PS - they also make shoes for men

Thank you Bertie for a fab night
I think you can tell I love my new shoes!

La Dolce Vita, Bar Kick, & The Shoreditch

2011-03-20T19:33:00.006Z

I wanna start by sharing some photos of my buddies Aysha & Emma

I love looking at these
Cos it reminds me that we really are just three girls trying to have the best time in London
We face similar troubles, obstacles, and down-times in the quest for the ideal work/travel/play balance

But essentially, I think, we have so much determination and positivity inside us that I have no doubt that each of us will leave London smiling, satisfied, and our minds filled with vibrant memories of numerous holidays, festivals, parties, and colourful people.

My nicknames for them are Booby (Aysha) and Pecan (Emma) – pronounced with a stress on the A, like Pe-CAHHN. I’m glad I met them. Plus, we all do Crazy Dancing, what a bonus.

Aysha’s holding a wine glass she’d nicked from the Italian Fair that we’d just come out of :p
The event was called La Dolce Vita, held at the Business Design Centre in Islington

It was definitely the fair for greedy people who love food
There were heaps of samples to choose from – ham, salami, SPREADABLE spicy salami (this was superb), a million types of olive oils and wine, pasta, desserts, bread, the most flavourful dips (such as chopped olives + garlic + chilli + aubergine + whatever it is I can’t remember), and the best pesto.

We pretty much had our lunch there

++++++++++++++

Tummies full, we then tumbled down to Bar Kick, a really cool bar on Shoreditch High Street so the men could watch the footy while we.. did not.

Football fans like this bar because downstairs, they have three additional screens, a Big Normal one, a Medium Normal one, and a Medium 3D one.

You get the 3D glasses from the bar in exchange for a £2 deposit, so you can sit downstairs looking stupid but feeling like you could pinch out the people on the screen with your fingers, and.. dunk them into your drink. It’s quite surreal, and quite cool.
Even for a non-football-fan like myself.

There’s a somewhat old-school theme going on too
They have school desks and chairs
Lots of foosball machines
Red & white checked table-cloths
And their menu is in the style of a crumply old lined exercise book

Bar Kick – Home of Table Football, Great Food, & Live Sports
126-127 Shoreditch High Street
Shoreditch
London E1 6JE

Click here to see events they hold – these include comedy nights, films screenings,
and even speed-dating!

+++++++++++++++

After a most satisfying Vietnamese meal with my friend Sian whom I met later, we spent the rest of the evening at The Shoreditch.

Previously called The Last Days of Decadence, which had reopened in 2005 following a closure of 80 years and apparently boasted decor with a 1920s / 30s influence, The Shoreditch now has a more art-deco feel and is a really cool place to watch eclectic people and drink cocktails!

And, what other place has a club night in the basement called 'Mutant Disco'?

We had JUST missed the 2-for-1 cocktails offer
Normal price: £8.50 each

Sian is determined to make a trip to Tallinn, Estonia this year
I'd like to join her, I hope
I wonder what's good to eat/see/do/play with/drink there!

The Shoreditch - MUSIC//DANCE//FOOD
145 Shoreditch High Street
London E1 6JE

++++++++++++

Now, I'm going to have dinner
With ginger wine
And watch a movie on the sofa
A ROMANCE movie

I might as well be 50 years old

Big Bow Headband Meets Cape

2011-03-18T23:02:00.006Z

I inherited this cape from a girl I met last year
Her name is Marie – she’s inspiring, full of life, and loves to eat
This year, she’s inspiring me to spend a couple of weeks in the French countryside learning the ‘basics of life’ and to brush up on/pick up some of the language. Will divulge more about this once I know more!

When she flew off to spend seven weeks in France, she left this cape behind
I volunteered to keep it
I love it, and I think it loves me too – it’s even got a hood!

When I’m feeling cold (this means most of the time) I wrap all the wooly fabric around me like a blanket, and it half-feels like I’m out camping somewhere and snuggling into a blanket. Yeah, BLANKET. I said it twice in a sentence blanket blanket.

This post was meant to be a big one with a ton of photos but I think it’s better split them up
For now, here’s just what I wore.
To follow: what I did wearing this

Bow headband – The Old Blossom Box
Grey wool cape – From Marie
Blue shorts – Cotton On
Tights - H&M
Boots – Primark
Bag - Topshop

My half-gloves are from H&M

I tried the ‘blur’ effect at a minimal level on this last photo because I felt adventurous/curious
This must be what people without 20/20 vision see before they put on their glasses or do that thing that gives me the heebie jeebies - inserting contact lenses DIRECTLY into EYE BALLS using FINGERS

Phew, I’m glad I don’t need to do that

Taking the Fur to Italian

2011-03-14T23:44:00.002Z

Went to try out a little Italian restaurant that was tucked away in a lane near where we live
We’ve passed it a bazillion times but never thought of it for more than a split second. I had a seafood spaghetti and the Mr had a boring ol’ pizza.. with… with PEPPERONI..zzzzzzzzz

Here’s what I wore

I didn’t think I’d be using these furry accessories anymore
I mean, come on.. it’s MARCH
But too bad. It’s still cold. Actually, no, I like wearing these – they’re like soft toys!

Fur headband - Topshop
Fur stole/scarf - vintage
Grey wool cardi - Agent99 (oz label)
Skirt - The Old Blossom Box Store
Tights - Topshop
Boots - Primark

I love this skirt
It's elasticated at the back so it lets me eat lots - that's important

I got it from Jezmine- click to see the post I wrote about the store

The ONE glass of wine that made me so tipsy
I felt like I was starting on mushrooms for the first 15 minutes - about to burst out laughing at anything.

Here, you can see what my hands look like up close
And how lazy I am - that's old, chipped nail polish from the 14th of February

I'm not ashamed

'Coat' is actually the Bailey Hoodie Dress circa 2007 by Mike & Chris
It was one of the first gifts I received from my man
I had seen Rachel Bilson wearing it somewhere and became obsessed with it.. HMM!
It's got a huge hood.. I like big hoods

Saw this dog waiting for its owner outside the corner shop on the way home
The setting sunlight on its fur made it look like such a magnificent dog.. although it was a bit of a fatty.

I love the sun. It makes everything look beautiful and full of life.

A Spotty Match & Rainbow Cake

2011-03-08T23:56:00.004Z

Something I wore in January to a friend’s birthday party
I matched the spots on my leopard necklace to the ones on my top – which is something I picked up from the Pick & Mix Vintage Sale.
The necklace is an old favourite from Me & Zena.

I can't remember where the other necklace is from. Who cares?

I didn’t take many photos at the birthday party
But I was sure to remember to capture the gummies

And the Rainbow Cake – specially home-made for the birthday girl by another friend

Here’s a picture of my friend Jayna and I.

She LOVEs taking photos and owns one thousand and five hundred cameras and probably has enough film to carpet her floor and walls and all around outside her building.
I think she eats them too.

Or NO.. maybe she EATS PHOTOGRAPHS.