Dainty pretty scarves/hankies

The first time I saw pretty scarves and hankies in Japan, I couldn't make up my mind if I should have them.

The second time I saw them, I got to have them and bought four in one go.

Ion - the new Icon for all things Fashionable

Ion is a beautiful mall that housed many fashionable labels and refreshingly new food joints (most from Japan).

With my sis and 2 kid in tow, we hit the mall on Saturday morning to avoid the crowd. The kids went "WOW" to the ceiling where silhouette of sea creatures swam past. It was a visual treat.

We had brekkie at Food Opera, another classy brainchild of the Breadtalk chain (in fact I met the owner on Friday, he seems very down to earth). We were pleasantly surprised to see the National Geographic wooden horse installed infront of Fatty Weng's stall. There are many art pieces in the foodcourt to feast one's eyes.

Other food joint operators on Basement 4 are interesting too... especially those hailed from The Rising Sun. While I had tried the tako balls with macha on Friday, we bought some fish pancakes with witty fillings; the kids like chocolate with banana and bacon with egg.

Ion is already my fav haunt, next to Vivocity.

Yummy cakes at yummier prices

Bakerzin does it again for its monthly promotion.

For the month of July, it has a slew of promotions on 3 cakes and the yummilicious macarons, all at 50 + 10% discount!!!

This is really value for money amidst the economic downturn! I just ordered it's Cookies & Cream Cheesecake for Raeyen's 4th birthday celebration in school. Go get it!

My Dior

Hubby paid for a Dior Christmas limited edition ring as a present (birthday or Christmas) to me. It has a bow design with a dangled "D" which signifies Dior of course and hubby's name, and a pink Swarovski round crystal.

In the same month, I chanced upon another Dior ring at Isetan Scotts at 50% discount! I bought it as it's too dainty and pretty (not forgetting for its great value) to resist. It has 2 daisies in white mother-of-pearl and "Dior" encrusted with tiny Swarovski crystals.

While diamond is a girl's best friend, crystal will suffice in this global economic crunch.

Therapeutic Skincare

Been to the Jurlique counter so many times at the Changi Airport duty free shop made me so wanted to try its products. The pricing wasn't attractive enough though I really like its natural ingredients especially the use of aromatherapy and herbal remedies.

Now that Aussie dollar is almost on par with Sing dollar, my dearie SIL Connie helped to buy me its latest star product from the Biodynamic Beauty range. I can't wait to use it for a therapeutic moment to pamper my ageing skin. I am always on a lookout for age-defying elixir to prolong my youth. The fact that I am near 40 is freaking me out!

Girlie Buys

I went to Taipei for business trip from 2-4 Sep.

Knowing that Taiwan is crazy over Japanese cosmetics, I joined the bandwagon and bought stuff that are not available in Singapore. Here are my stash:

1. Majolica Majorca mascara (2nd generation)
2. Majolica Majorca pencil eye liner (gold)
3. Majolica Majorca liquid eye liner (grey)
4. Majolica Majorca quad eyeshadow (brown trick on powder)
5. Jill Stuart oil blotters
6. Jill Stuart mix blush compact (06 fresh apricot)
7. Eternal nail art stickers
8. Bourjois mini lip gloss
9. Pantene Clinicare hair treatment

I love them, the only thing I have not used (more like couldn't bear to use) is the Mix Blush Compact from Jill Stuart, because it is just too pretty, it even comes with an attached brush (there's a pink crystal encased on the brush holder - how can I resist it???)! Had wanted to buy its latest limited edition "Illuminance" but the compacts were SOLD OUT! The eyeshadows also caught my fancy but it's so pricey I gave up, phew!

During this trip, I got the chance to eat the very delicious dessert from "Xian Yu Xian" (literally means fresh heavenly yam). I had a generous bowl of grass jelly (xian cao) with peanuts, pearls and red beans, drizzled with milk (only NT$50 = S$2.30)... mmmmm so yummy I WANT MORE!

Pretty stuff from Taipei

My sis went to Taipei and bought some pretty Japanese cosmetics for me from the Momo Shop. Apparently the Taiwanese are crazy over Japanese beauty products and many brands are not found in Singapore, such as Majolica Majorca (MM), Love Clover, Gransenbon, Jill Stuart, Visee, etc.

She got my fav MM (a sister line from Shisido) mascara both in its original 2nd generation black mascara and a limited edition copper from its Summer collection, a black liquid eyeliner, a limited edition copper loose powder and a frosty white eyeliner. The MM mascara has fibres that make your lashes naturally long. She also got some blushers from Love Clover which come in small, pretty packages with dainty furry puffs.

Wonder why Singapore doesn't carry these pretty things that go easy on our pockets.

My Indulgences

A nice colleague of mine went to the US, so what did I commission him (via my dear Ivy) to do?


He managed to get the Coach Tattersall wristlet that I've been eyeing at a steal. It's rather small that contains a transitlink card, keys and tissue pack in a M)phosis tissue holder.

And if that isn't enough, I got hold of a pretty bimbo-istic mules from Guess at 30% discount (a pre-GSS casualty).


Hmm.... did I mention the cute Swarovski crystal rings that were designed for the promotion of Sex and the City movie? There are 4 gorgeous bling designs and cost S$430 each. I wouldn't buy as it will chip if knocked. But it's a nice to have.

Seriously, my shopping hasn't ended. I need a waterproof (preferably hobo) bag and at the right size to be placed under the passenger in front of me while in a plane.

Girls' Day Out

Took half-day's leave on Friday to go shopping with Ivy.

We had a great day at Vivocity shopping after lunch. Bought clothes for ourselves and the family.

I was particularly happy because I bought 2 empire dresses from Gap, a blouse from bYSI, a shirt for hubby and a bermudas for Kieran, both from Fox. Last week, I got a casual tie-back dress from Women's Secret. Hmm, I should get something for Raeyen before the guilt kicks in. You see, Raeyen receives a lot of hand-me-downs from Kieran - books, clothes and toys. Sometimes, it seems kind of hard to think of what to get him.

My Betula

Bought this pair of Betula Luca from Tobias Mayer online, which arrived a few days ago. It's a great online shopping haven for Birkenstock (and the likes) sandals.

Did you notice I wore this to Disney On Ice?

A new digicam

We needed to replace our current Canon IXUS 40 due to wear & tear. To avoid the crazy load of people at the IT Show at Suntec, we decided to get a new digicam at MS Colour at Ang Mo Kio today.

We were deciding between Canon IXUS 860IS or the latest Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX36.

In the end, the Lumix was a clearer choice, not only for its better price but higher resolution at 10.1 megapixel and better wide angle at 25mm. We chose the black piece for a sleeker look.

We'll use it next Saturday as the kids go for Disney on Ice, and on Sunday, we'll bring them to the movie premier of Dr Seuss' Horton Hears A Who! organised by Berri Werks. Most importantly, we are going for a short holiday to Bangkok and Hua Hin from 1-5 May!

A treat I deserved

I have to confess... after so many years (since being a parent), I've never spent so much on myself.

On Wednesday, while at T3 Changi Airport waiting for my flight to Hong Kong, I visited Gucci and laid eyes on a classy hobo bag from its Spring/Summer collection. A man was at that time buying the same bag. I inspected the bag, tried it and simply loved it. I told the sales associate I have to consider before making that feminine investment.

Together with my colleagure, we went to the Cosmetic & Frangrance section. I was still comtemplating, I already have a few LVs, an old Gucci hobo with bamboo handle Gucci, a classic Ferragamo before the kids came, do I REALLY need another? I called Ivy & Choo, both encouraged me that it's time I pamper myself.

As I walked out, I met the Gucci sales associate who probably was going for lunch break. She threw me a hopeful grin and I said hello; at that spur of the moment, I told her I was going back to the boutique to get the hobo. She immediately called her colleague to reserve a piece for me.

I marched back knowing that my girly happiness is near... there it was, sitting on the counter waiting for its new owner. After checking her inside out, I flashed out my partner in crime (my credit card) for tax-free payment.

Upon checking into my hotel room in HK, I immediately replaced my beige eyelet GG5 hobo with my newfound ladykiller.

As with every trip to HK, I always lug home boxes of Krispy Kreme yummy donuts for the family. This time, I bought 6 bars of GODIVA heavenly chocolates onboard the SQ flight for my hubby.

Weekend do

SATURDAY

After Kieran's gym class, went to Vivocity with Choo for shopping. It was a liberated fun to be out shopping without hubby and Raeyen, though Kieran did whine, "Can we go now?", "Huh, another shop!", "Can we go to the carpark now?", "Can we go home now?"

I was looking for a suitable top or dress for my company dinner & dance coming Friday. The theme is DISCO and I ought to find something "glittering".

After a few hours of shopping and sipping coffee, I managed to buy a LBD from Mphosis. It looks like a singlet top full of sequins from shoulder to under bustline, followed by tiny pleats till the hem. It's simple and functional as I can wear it again.

SUNDAY

Met May & family for the movie - Enchanted at GV Bishan. It's a girl's movie even for me and May - 2 very big girls who still dream about being a princess. It's hilarious - fairy tale entwined with present day - a simple love story.

Then we went to May's place, the kids helped to put up their Christmas tree. May, Megan and I went to buy Teochew porridge as supper before heading home.

In the car, Kieran asked if we could put up our Christmas tree. We promised we would on the following weekend. I think we have not put up our tree for about 3 years already. Hmm, another excuse for shopping - this time, Christmas ornaments!

My Coach

Not really a person as a coach but the leathergoods - Coach.

I have been trying to find a nice purse to replace my 10-year old Louis Vuitton monogram snapped billfold and coin purse.

Until one day on my return from Hong Kong, I stumbled onto the Coach boutique and took fancy on its new Heritage Stripe Collection of pink, blue and green. I couldn't help it but bought the pink purse at about S$400, which is about S$80 cheaper than in Changi Airport.

That purchase made me happy and I am now looking for a tote that is roomy enough to hold my laptop and personal stuff. I am eyeing on the Coach Signature Reversible Tote.

My new toy

Can't wait for iPhone to launch in Singapore and my O2 Xda II mini is kind of "senile" after 2 years, so decided to get a new machine.

Went down to M1 yesterday and with the help from hubby, I bought the latest HTC phone - P3600I. It's kind of cool and most functions are similar to O2, and its processing is faster.

Have since set Snow Patrol's Chasing Cars as the ringtone for calls from hubby. Gonna check out its new features!

But I'm clueless as to how to set up for wireless surfing at MacDonald's, etc :(

Faceworks

A dear friend returned from a whirlwind holiday in Japan and managed to grab some stuff - lipstick, spice blush, mascara and lip gloss from Majolica Majorca by Shiseido.

I read alot of rave about MM products and have since longing to try them. Shall use tomorrow! The prices are very reasonable (like Loreal's) and packaging is oh-so-sweet. With such a combination, how could I ever resist? I heard a couple of shops here carry MM but at exorbitant prices. These retailers should know better that people nowadays travel widely and ain't no "mountain tortoises".

Today, I placed an order of mineral makeup from Alima for myself, sisters-in-law and some girlfriends. Am so happy already and just can't wait to get hold of them!

Mineral goodness

Lately I have been reading so much about the goodness of mineral makeup. To defy the sign of aging, I need all the goodness I can find to help retain (and hopefully prolong *grin*) my youth.

In particular the brand Alima from the US.

I found a shop in Singapore that carries Alima products and bought two samples yesterday for myself among others. The two samples are satin matte foundation and luminous shimmer blush in soft rose-pink.

Couldn't contain my excitement, I applied them this morning and I LIKE THEM.

The foundation powder makes my skin feels like it was airbrushed and velvety smooth. The shimmer blush makes me look radiant with a tinge of pinkie glow. At first I was skeptical for it felt strange to apply foundation powder and blush in loose form. I applied them gingerly with my brush and they glided oh-so-easily. The foundation covers my skin well and I didn't feel at all cakey after a few hours. Only a light touch-up was required after lunch.

Convinced, I am going to buy online for the sake of beauty. Hah!

Crazy pre-GSS buys

Since Tuesday there have been a few pre-GSS sale from various department stores - Robinsons, Tangs and Isetan, which I went during lunchtime.

It was chaotic as I was racing against time in 3 days!

Highlights of my purchases:

1. Adidas black polo for hubby
2. Crocs Prima shoes in cotton candy for moi
2. Beverly Feldman Summmer Time clogs in natural for moi
3. Tomy car & cement mixer for the boys
4. Tomy rescue cars/trucks in carry box for Raeyen
5. Remote control sports car for Kieran
6. MAC blusher in well dressed
7. MAC angled brush 266
8. Fox denim coat for Kieran

Parents day out

Hubby and I went pak-tor today.

We had breakfast at a local kopitiam after sending Kieran to kindy. Headed home for some reading then headed to Vivocity. Shopped around, watched "Wild Hogs" - a hilarious, laugh-till-you-drop movie about 4 middle-aged men aka uncles on a roadtrip. The GV cinema has good seats and view is great!

We also had lunch at Tung Lok Signatures but were irritated by the over-zealous server who either stood too close to our table or fidgeted too much with our utensils, etc.... arghh!

Hopped into Tangs' ladies footwear but my fav pair of Beverly Feldman's natural multi rhinestone thong in size 37 was sold out and no reorder was possible. It was a letdown coz hubby wanted to buy for me as my Mother's Day gift.

Then hubby left for another appointment and I went to Mt E to visit Ivy as she delivered a chubby "piglet" yesterday.

Being a persistent shopper that I am, I went to Tang + Co at Taka to try my luck and was elated that they just reordered ever since its sell-out last Christmas! I'm happy as a bird! Muaaak, hubby dearest!

Flew to Mt E, went into Ivy's room and we chatted about her birth story. Her hubby and 2 boys wheeled baby Zayden in and ooh, he made my knees weak with his chubbiness (is there such a word?) at a whopping 3.895kg. Frankly, I am used to big babies and they are easier to handle. Ivy encouraged me to carry him though he was sound asleep. I couldn't help it coz I really love to cradle babies! We snapped some photos, chatted some more, more visitors came and I decided to go home to my boys.

We will visit Ivy and family with our boys one of the weekends.

Babies... they just make you go ga-ga!

It's Friday again...

Finished "Life Swap" by Jane Green, returned and rented "Bergdorf Blondes" by Plum Sykes. I read from a local women's magazine that a particular socialite who travels with her limited edition vintage Samsonite luggage reads P Sykes' books and it's chi-chi and all. I am curious and thought why not give it a try?

Reading "Life Swap" makes me wonder if I would swap life with a single career girl and see what I missed or if that pasture is indeed greener. My answer is simply "NO" as I'm happy with a loving hubby and 2 delicious boys. It's great being a working mother (and a yummy one). Though this responsibility sometimes seems a burden, without it seems strange and I probably would feel lost. Boy, am I fickle-minded or what?

TGIF, let's not think too much. Life is beautiful (for I just bought a top from Zara) - yes, I am quite incorrigible when it comes to shopping. I can't wait to bring the kids to Borders this weekend!

Below is an excerpt from a review:
BERGDORF BLONDES is a great read with one laugh after another. You'll feel like one of the girls as you join in the adventures of Moi and company. However, I warn you to be careful before you dive headfirst into this novel lest you hit your head on the bottom of the pool of New York society. We're definitely in shallow waters here.