The Anti New Year Resolution

I remember that magical year (1998) when I packed all my worldly possessions, shoved them into every available space in my tiny car and drove from Christchurch to settle into my new life in Auckland. I arrived on New Year's eve and subsequently ended up bunking in with my best friend for a few nights while I searched for a flat. That night, I ticked off nearly everything I'd set out to do earlier in the year. It was the best feeling ever. For the next fifteen years, my New Year resolutions had a way of dissipating into thin air before I even got through a third down the list.

As Confucius said, "the definition of insanity is to do the same thing again and again and expect a different result". So this year, I've decided to take a different approach, known to many as reverse psychology. So here it is. I WILL ................

NOT become stale like yesterday's baguette on my kitchen countertop. Someone wise said that the minute you stop learning, you're buried 6 feet underground.

NOT envy someone else. Who knows what goes behind closed doors? One comment from an old friend of mine stayed firmly in my mind. Growing up, I was a geeky, scrawny and awkward kid while she was the popular and beautiful one admired by many. Twenty years on, I found out that high school wasn't a dream boat experience for her either.

NOT become wrapped up with looking good. Aging is inevitable. As morbid as it sounds, no one can hold on to their beauty in death but what people do remember is how you made them feel.

NEVER stop keeping it real. Being pretentious is hard work.

NOT become more OCD than I already am. It's ok to have a fingerprint mark on my laptop screen.

NEVER say I can't when I can say, why not?

NOT forget to keep my priorities straight - God, family, work. In that order.

NEVER attempt to be a beauty/domestic goddess. You won't be seeing a tutorial video showing you how to gift wrap properly anytime soon. The last gift wrapping exercise resulted in my flat looking like tsunami had swept through and pulverized everything in its path. Or a beauty post that shows you step by step instruction on how to draw a straight line across your eyelid. Chances are I would've accidentally punctured my retina with the pencil before I managed to even write the article.


Goodbye, 2013. You've added a few more fine lines under my eyes, gave me opportunities to do things and meet people that I normally wouldn't have. May 2014 be an equally, if not more fantabulous year for all of us.

Chanel Bargain!

I doubt this Chanel Reissue flap, priced at £1505 will last very long. It's pretty much half the retail price. Hands up if you think the frequent price increases at Chanel is extortionate.

Mount St, London

I took these photos before Christmas and promptly forgot about them. I was a lot more dignified on my third visit to Mount St. I've learned to carefully rearrange my face every now and then so that I don't look like a veritable idiot who gawped at every Maserati and Bentley that zipped past. I was surprised the doorman at The Connaught didn't chase me away as I kept shooting the hotel hoping to capture the glamorous clientele that stepped through their front door.

I'm still in awe of the posh surroundings where luxury is ever so glaringly obvious. I've walked passed Goyard on several occasions and tried to peek through their glass window. One of these days, I'll have to venture in to have a closer look at their bags. 

Lazy Cook's 3 Healthy Fast Food Ideas

Ramen noodle tossed in mixture of sesame oil, dark soy sauce and sweet soy sauce (ABC kecap manis) with slivers of cucumber, spring onion and roast duck. Served with duck soup. QUACK.

Here are snapshots of what I call my idea of "proper" fast food. We had roast duck and pancakes on Christmas day and two days later, we're still trying to finish the bird. Waste not, want not. BUT.... God forbid if I have to eat this beast on the 4th day. I'll be quacking instead of talking.

Boiled dumplings (pork mince & grated carrots) in chicken broth and sprinkled with spring onions.

I make dumplings in bulk and freeze them. I'm lazy enough to use stock cubes (use Kallo chicken stock. They're the best). Chuck the dumplings into the pot of chicken broth and 5-10 minutes later, you've got yourself a pretty balanced meal.




This photo brought back nostalgic memories of my paternal grandmother who used to cook porridge for me in the morning. There will be an array of condiments along with the most dreaded chicken/duck essence (the black gunk all Asian kids must drink in order to magically increase our IQ and become more nerdy than we already were). There's preserved tofu, salted duck eggs, pickled lettuce or even leftover meals from the night before.

I'm too lazy to boil the salted eggs in a separate pot so I dump them into the rice cooker along with the rice (shortcut, my friends). My version includes kimchi which I'm rather addicted to. The whole point of this exercise is to do as little cooking as possible and preferably, 1 or no pots to wash. See? You can't get lazier than that. And if any self righteous food Nazi accuse you of not feeding your kid properly......send them to me.

Top Boxing Day Sale Picks 2013

1. PROENZA SCHOULEER PS11 (40% OFF)  /  2. CHARLOTTE OLYMPIA SUCH A HOOT (50% off. Use code EXTRA 10 for additional 10% off)  /   3. FENDI CUFF (40% off)  /  4. J.CREW TURTLENECK SWEATER (30% off)  5. RICK OWENS CLASSIC LEATHER JACKET (60% off or  HERE)  /   6. SAINT LAURENT DUFFLE BAG (30% off)  /  
7. NIKE SNEAKERS  (30% off)   /   8. UNIQLO CASHMERE SCARF (40% off)  /   9. REBECCA TAYLOR BOUCLE JACKET (50% off. Use code EXTRA 10 for additional 10% off)


Merry Christmas! I hope everyone has had a fantastic Christmas despite the crazy weather. Having learned my lesson last year (was knocked out by a virulent flu for 3 weeks), I decided to take it reeeeeal easy this year but getting friends and family to bring along a dish or two. I took to using disposable plates and cutlery (my mom would've been ashamed!) so that we could spend more time catching up with everyone instead of being stuck in the kitchen doing washing up duties. All in all, it had to be the most relaxing and chilled Christmas we've had in years where everyone hung out while the kids disappeared into the bedroom only to come out in search of food.

I've had enough of being pushed/pulled/swarmed by unruly crowds during Boxing Day sales so I'm now a fervent believer in online shopping. I've got a few things I wanted to get to fill in gaps in my wardrobe along with Lil L's necessities (she had a couple of growth spurts and now, she looks like a beanpole wearing clothes 2 sizes too small) which I've decided to wait out till Boxing Day sale. My sister (in NZ) has given me a list of things to get as well. Have a wonderful break and keep warm!

**You can view more bargains on my Pinterest Sales Board.

Top picks from Isabel Marant Spring collection

Photo credit: Daily Mail



Clockwise: Isabel Marant Etoile Gaylord, Isabel Marant Gabe, Isabel Marant Laure, Isabel Marant Laure


I went a little mad the day the Isabel Marant pour H&M collection was launched and ordered a shockingly large number of pieces. As most of you would know by now, I didn't keep them all but the experience certainly reiterated this one important and glaringly obvious point - her sizing is BONKERS. You would've thought that after my Isabel Marant crack induced haze, I would be completely satisfied with what I'd bought but nooooo.......

I blame it all on Sarah Michelle Gellar. The Gaylord jacket is perfection on her (it comes in 3 different colors). Most of the early Isabel Marant devotees would argue that she's way too popular now. True. But the 3 reasons I keep buying Isabel Marant jackets each season are

1) she's mastered the art of creating slimming sleeves (very important if you have batwings for arms like mine). Coco Chanel is the master of this, having perfected the art after working on it for a couple of decades but alas, a Chanel jacket at retail price is way out of my reach (anyone has £3K to spare for a single jacket?!!). Rick Owens is another designer that has had every woman dying for his leather jacket because it's so slimming.

2) I'm afraid we're still on the topic of sleeves here. Being rather petite, I almost always have trouble with long sleeves that go way past my wrist. I'm constantly pulling my sleeves up which drives me mad especially when I'm trying to work or check out the time on my watch. I've never ever had to shorten the sleeves on any of my Isabel Marant jacket (which also saved me a fortune).

3) her jackets are edgy but equally classic that they don't get out of style within a year or two. Just check out her Flana jacket from years ago that people are still willing to pay a fortune to get hold of.

The Laure jacket is nearly identical to the one she made in 2009. I can't remember the name of the jacket (she names every single one of them. It's like having 200 kids. How the heck does she remember them all??!). I tried to get hold of one previously but the price was way more than I could afford. I'm pleased that it's back again.

By the way, Net-A-Porter sale is now on. I've started a new board on Pinterest which I've pinned anything on sale that catches my eye (click here).

Weekend via Instagram

A necessity every morning to revive my mental sensibility. My favorite beverage would have to be flat white, a nod to my Antipodean roots.




 
This was taken last week when the majestic cathedral was shrouded in fog creating a rather haunting and picturesque backdrop for the Christmas market.



 ** Photos taken with Samsung Galaxy Note 1 smartphone and edited in vsco cam and Photoshop

Pass It Forward: Giving Back

I can't believe it's nearly the end of 2013. I felt that this year has flown past. I bet you've heard this uttered by many. Life is never dull, that's for sure. As someone wise once said, you don't know happiness unless you've experienced sadness. So true. I'm very much aware that while I may not be considered wealthy in monetary terms, I am rich in many ways. My faith, family and health. In that order. Only my family would put up with my transformation into a grizzly bear every morning before copious amount of caffeine. I also need to go into my she-cave every now and then or else, I'll revert back into the feral mammal. Not a pretty sight.

What once was a journal to keep in touch with my family and friends back home has turned into a micro community of bloggers and readers. Last year, I started a Secret Santa tradition as a way of giving back to the community in Hampshire. Since I'm fairly anonymous/unknown entity in this region, I feel comfortable sharing the information here. Part of the proceeds earned from this blog and my consignment business goes to fund the Secret Santa project in December (and Tear Fund for the rest of the year). So thank you to all of you who'd clicked on the links, purchased items via this blog, sent your bags in to be consigned (you know who you are), all I can say is THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! I dedicate this post to all of you.




There are 11 kids along with their mothers who have escaped abusive relationships to live in a secret and secure location. Many only brought what they could carry. Thanks to all of you, these kids will have presents this Christmas (donations and funding only cover the basics). I can only imagine how awful it must be for the kids to hear their friends discussing about the piles of Christmas presents they're getting and knowing they will have none.

Lil L and I raced over to a toy shop clutching a list given by the Women's Refuge and with the help of a shop assistant, we bought everything we needed and then carted/dragged everything home. Please avert your eyes from the hastily wrapped presents (can't do anything arty farty to save my life). Lil L was the perfect Santa helper.  The next morning, my friend, Tara came around and together we drove over to the house. Thank goodness, she's marvelous with directions. These presents will be given to the children's mothers who, will at least have the dignity of being able to hand over gifts to their kids this year.

The rest of the funds will be given anonymously to an individual who has experienced immense hardship. All this would not have been possible without your help. Hopefully next year, we'll be able to reach out to more.

Winter Outfit Inspiration: Black & Grey

Splash via Daily Mail


via


via Daily Mail



via



Splash via Daily Mail


via Atlantic-Pacific

Today I'm paying homage to my 2 favorite colors - black and grey.  I'm playing matchy-matchy with my surroundings and the ever present dark clouds.  My daily outfits have deteriorated, much like the weather outside. The truth is, I'm feeling rather meh lately about my outfits. Winter outfits just aren't pretty and glamorous.

I refused to be swayed by outfit photos featuring bare legs, high heels and summer outfits with snow in the background. I don't have a car where I can hop in to defrost. Most big cities in England aren't exactly car friendly....... meaning, I have to be gird my loins and bear the cold in whatever outfit I wore in the morning. Thankfully, it hasn't snowed over this side of the Atlantic ocean and it hasn't been overly cold. I could even dash about doing my Christmas shopping in flats and my toes are still intact. Tis a miracle indeed.

I've been trawling through the worldwide web in search of chic and comfortable winter outfit for inspiration in order to deter myself from living in my sweats permanently. I adore Miranda Kerr's head to toe black outfit but I doubt I can manage more than 2 steps in her Gianvito Rossi heels. A few weeks ago, I saw a popular UK blogger in her pencil thin heels as she wobbled about on the paved streets of London. My inept self felt infinitely better. *high five, sistah*

I'm still automatically drawn to black and grey. It's the French in me (I was French in my previous life). The two colors are classy, urbane, versatile and sophisticated (it's funny how one can find plenty of adjectives for positive reinforcements to convince oneself). And European (this doesn't include cities near the Mediterranean where colors rule. Oooooh my eyes hurt). So tell me, what outfits are you wearing at the moment? For those of you in the Southern Hemisphere, please refrain from speaking as envy has a way of rearing its angry head.

London via Instagram

I rarely have time to relax when I zip up to London. I usually dash from one appointment to the next, often ending up completely spent on the train home, too exhausted to even to utter a word. But this time.......I intended to indulge in "me time". My first stop was Chelsea market, a very dangerous place to be on an empty stomach. I walked away with two chocolate mini cupcakes with salted caramel frosting from Crumbs and Doilies, two sinful and truly decadent triple chocolate chip cookies as well as two portuguese custard egg tarts from Galeta. All before I even had my breakfast and first coffee of the day.

The Saatchi Gallery is always such a serene spot despite being smack in the middle of the busy King's Road shopping area. By this point, I'm kicking myself for lugging around a heavy camera when all I'm doing is snapping away with my smartphone.




Being a transplant from the Southern Hemisphere, I still find Christmas wreaths very fascinating. Only because I rarely come across one hanging on the door. I get the odd looks whenever I go a little crazy snapping away each time I see a wreath that appeals to me.





I popped into Anthropologie hoping to get hold of their snow globe bauble and what do you know, they're ALL sold-out! I didn't think tree decorations can be this popular. Drats. Darn. Double bugger.





Next order of the day - a leisurely lunch with W of Fauxionista at the Rose Bakery where we properly caught up. I saw Simon Doonan, the creative director at large of Barney's New York a few seats away. Being the thick skinned person that I am, I actually introduced myself.





We decided to hit Liberty for some Christmas shopping (okay, it was more like I dragged W into the store). It seemed like half of London had the same idea as we were all packed like canned sardines into a tiny space. The TV series - Liberty of London  must've been a good PR move for the company.




These robins have got to be THE singularly most photographed lights in Oxford Circus. I seem to have lost the urge to stay up late so it's back on the train again to head home. Adieu London!

Trending: Statement Sweaters

via Stockholm Street Style


via Daily Mail


via A Portable Package



via Lella Victoria

(all 50% off)   1  /   2   /   3   /    4    /   5   /   6   

When it comes to fashion, I go through various sartorial phases. The sweatshirt, sweatpants, boyfriend jeans, wedge trainers etc etc. *ahem* If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'll notice this rather strange tendency of mine. Over the past few years, I was all about plain sweaters. Understated. Simple. Classic. yada yada yada. And then I realize......what happens when I remove my coat or blazer? All I'm left with is a plain top. Borrrrrring.

I'm so used to being a wallflower at any gatherings that I've started to dress accordingly too. Nothing too showy that'll draw attention to the wearer. But now......the more I see statement sweaters, the more I'm captivated by them. They're striking whether you dress them up (tailored masculine coat) or down (parka). Swap your boots for a sleek pair of heels and you're ready for a more dressy event. I'm not crazy about psychedelic prints but geometric patterns with no more than 3 colors are still edgy without being overly trendy.

I rarely feature sweaters here which aren't made of natural fibers. I have an aversion to high percentage of acrylic in knitwear particularly when I'm seeing sweaters made of natural fibers cost the same or less. I'm staying away from angora fur for now particularly after seeing that horrendous video on how they physically pluck the hair from a rabbit.  It's so different from how the fur is obtained in New Zealand.

Weekend Inspiration

I feel like I'm permanently engulfed in shades of grey. I'm not just talking about my outfits here which incidentally aren't all too different from the daily weather forecast (cloudy/grey skies/cloudy/raining.....). The sun hasn't peeked out once from between the thick cumulonimbus. I'm not a fan of pink but it's a cheerful looking color to combat the current depressing weather.

Preparing for Christmas

          

My incredibly stylish friend, S whom I'd featured here previously held a bauble party. It was my first ever bauble party and I had no idea what to expect. Each attendee had to bring a Christmas tree ornament and a game battle to get their favorite bauble ensued. I came home with this little beauty. Lil L wanted a dog. Well, she got a dog so technically I didn't lie............ I haven't had this much fun at a party in ages but unfortunately, I'm now obsessed with finding the quirkiest, prettiest, most memorable Christmas tree ornament.

My friend Kylie (of Monday I'm in love) is a whizz when it comes to anything handmade. I, on the other hand, am a walking disaster who'd torn/broken/destroyed/annihilated anything that's remotely deemed as arty farty (you're talking to someone who'd managed the remarkable feat of super-glueing her fingers together. Sad but true). She offered to teach me wreath making. I, fearing for her safety, politely declined. So she made me this with bits and pieces from her own garden. I love the lingering  scent from the whatchamacallit flowers (I failed in botany). 

After repeated complaints from my goddaughter, I'm pleased to say that my gift wrapping skill has improved vastly. Don't expect me to do fancy schmancy ribbon twirling ornament tying etc etc wrapping cos that's just beyond my abilities in this lifetime. 

The easiest and most authentic homemade bak kwa recipe

The words bak kwa is synonymous with Chinese New Year, much like the way mince pies and mulled wine are to Christmas. If you're not from Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong, you've probably never ever heard of it. It's ridiculously expensive (approximately £20 per kilo) yet there's almost always a long queue outside the more popular stores. I've been in a bak kwa (otherwise known as rou gan 肉干) drought for the past few years so when my brother visited me a month ago, I begged him to dash half way across the terminals within Changi airport to get me some. Alas, they were all confiscated.

Cravings must be satisfied before they become a full blown obsession. I pounded away on my keyboard googling every possible key word combination to see if I can locate some in the U.K. I found an online store charging eye watering prices for a couple of pieces. Sod it!! I'm obsessed, not insane. You've got to love Google. There's an answer to nearly all of universe's questions. I stumbled upon a recipe from Just as Delish which I'd modified to suit my taste. The result was the most authentic home made bak kwa I've ever tasted. No preservatives. No colors. No nasty crap that you wouldn't feed your dog. And you wouldn't believe how easy AND cheap it is to make your own bak kwa.

**Here are some tips before you begin which I'd found to be very helpful.
- use parchment paper to line the trays so that the meat is easy to remove without bits sticking to the bottom.
- use a pizza cutter to cut the meat into squares. It literally takes seconds and will make your life far easier than battling with a knife or a pair of scissors.
- I prefer a thin layer than fat slabs but it depends on individual taste. Do allow for shrinkage during the drying process in the oven.
- I've reduced the amount of five spice powder significantly as the smell is overpowering.
- I don't have a barbecue set but I've found that a cast iron pan with a ribbed base works perfectly.
- it's really important that you do NOT use lean mince or your bak kwa will be tough and dry.

(modified recipe from Just as Delish)

Ingredients

• 1kg fatty pork mince (Fattier mince makes more tender, juicy bak kwa)
• 120g Caster Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Chinese Five Spice Powder
• 3 tablespoon Fish Sauce
• 4 tablespoon Light Soy Sauce
• 3 tablespoon Rice Wine (Shao Tsing / Chinese rice wine)
• 3 tablespoon Honey
• 15ml Vegetable Oil
• ½ tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce
• A few drops of Sesame Oil

Instructions

1. Thorughly combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl or container. Cover and marinate overnight in the fridge.
2. Preheat oven to 100°C. Wash and dry flat baking trays (cookie trays work too). If you don’t have any, simply turn over your baking trays to use the flat bottom. Line with parchment paper so that the meat doesn't stick to the base.
3. Place mince onto the tray then spread and press down to form a thin sheet over the surface of the tray to a thickness of 2-3 mm. You can either use wet fingers/spoon to manually press it or you could lay a sheet of cling wrap or baking paper over it and roll it thin with a rolling pin. Try to keep the edges as straight as you can so you can cut into neat squares. 
4. Place the trays in the oven for about 20 - 30 minutes or until the meat has dried out – the surface is dry to the touch, most of the liquid has evaporated and is holding together without breaking (It’s fine to be a little moist underneath the sheet). Continue pressing and drying out the remainder of pork with the rest of your trays.
5. Cut the dried meat sheet into squares with a pizza cutter/knife/scissors.
6. Heat up your charcoal bbq, grill or broiler and grill each square until darkened and caramelised. It’s totally ok to have the tiniest hint of charring but keep your eyes on them because they burn quickly and easily.
7. When needed, reheat Bak Kwa in grill or microwave.

Christmas Gift Guide

What I truly dread about Christmas shopping.........well, other than the crazed looks on fellow shoppers' eyes, is buying the wrong gifts. It's difficult to shop for someone else unless they tell you exactly what they want. I've finally worked out that there are things that people want or need but they will never in a million years get it for themselves. Yes, strange but that theory also applies to me. Right, let's get started on the Christmas shopping list.


1. Skross Universal travel adapter £16.49
I know tons of people who travel a lot. In fact, air fares are so affordable these days that most people are hopping between continents more than ever. What I'm often amazed is how few actually have the right adapters. With the amount of electronic gadgets we're relying on these days, the travel adapter is singularly the most important thing to bring on your journey (well, other than passport and money). Instead of carrying several, get a universal adapter that also doubles as a USB charger.


2. Monica Vinader personalized jewelry (£30 upwards)
It doesn't matter how expensive your jewelry is but the one that holds the most sentimental value is cherished and worn more than the rest. A bracelet or pendant that comes with a personalized engraving, even if it's a simple message "My mom, my heroine" will be treasured forever.


3. Wedgewood teacup set  £40
I've noticed friends subtly choosing the prettiest teacups whilst pushing the plainer ones aside whenever they come around for coffee. Funnily enough, it took ages for me to take the plunge and buy a set. They're not even that horrendously expensive but pretty teacups and saucers are infinitely popular amongst dedicated tea and coffee drinkers.


4. Anker battery charger   £25.99
I get asked A LOT about my Anker battery charger. In fact, I've had several who breathed a sigh of relief when I produced mine. It's interesting how panic inducing a smartphone with no juice can be. Mine gives 4 full charges and has two USB ports which means it can charge two gadgets simultaneously.


5. Lauren by Ralph Lauren cashmere touch screen gloves  £35
While we're on the topic of smartphones, it is a pain in the arse having to put on and remove my gloves every time I needed to text or check my emails. I never understand the appeal of fingerless gloves especially when it's cold outside. Warm palm and frostbitten fingers?? Surprisingly, cashmere touch screen gloves are remarkably inexpensive but very much needed during the colder months.


6. Moleskin plain paper journals  £13.50
I thought I would never ever have to rely on a notebook after getting my Samsung Galaxy Note phone that came with a stylus pen. Wrong! Sometimes the darn thing wouldn't save and there's only so much you can write on a gadget no bigger than my small hand. And all that faffing about trying to find the &$^&@###!! folder I'd saved the documents into. These plain paper journals from Moleskin are still luxurious without the price tag of an Hermes refill.


7. Johnstons cashmere shawl   £85
The way I've been banging on about Scottish cashmere, you'd think that I have a serious addiction to the fiber. Well, ok....you're right. No one in their right mind will ever turn down a cashmere scarf especially when we're heading into the deep freeze at the moment. Johnstons manufactures cashmere garments for a number of luxury brands but if you're not fussed about having a branded scarf, these ones are fantastic for the price you pay. 


8. J.Crew pajamas  $95
Most of us live in our PJs when we're at home. They're worn more than anything in your closet. And if you're ever bored out of your mind and want to calculate the cost per wear......... It's also the one thing that we rarely want to splurge but delighted to receive as a gift provided the PJs don't have reindeer prints all over. 


9. iPad mini   £269
The tablet wars have begun. But nothing beats an iPad mini which is small enough to cart around everywhere. If you've pissed off someone you dearly love and want to get into their good books again, present them with an iPad mini. If you want to be your nieces' or nephews' favorite aunt? Give them an iPad mini. I think you've got the point.


10. Globe-Trotter trolley suitcase   £840
If you're feeling particularly generous and want to splurge for a person that's difficult to buy for, a Globetrotter suitcase is a pretty good choice. It's rare, eye catching, luxurious and classy. Most importantly, it can be used again and again for decades.


11. Diptyque candle  £40
A scented candle is always a splurge. Therefore, we never ever buy one for ourselves even if we cold afford it. It's like burning money but no one has ever said no to a Diptyque candle. You'll be sure it'll stay on the mantelpiece after it's been photographed and Instagrammed only a million times.


**U.S links are down below.

What I REALLY REALLY wear

Outfit: Isabel Marant Kady jacket, Isabel Marant x H&M sweatshirt, The Kooples sweat pants, The Kooples wedge sneakers (similar here at 30% off)

Pride aside, here's what I REALLY wear most days of the week. Make up that's sort of rubbed off, pants that take a life of their own and start to slip down as I walk, sweatshirt that's half tucked in, hair tied back so that I can actually see what I'm doing, shiny forehead cos it's too much work slathering on layers of foundation/primer/pressed powder (blah blah blah....I forget the sequence).... etc. Glamorous? Hah!

Ever wonder how bloggers get their photos taken? Well, I do. Personally, I beg, cajole, bribe and under extreme circumstances, threaten (erm.... neither child nor husband was injured during the shooting. Pun intended). The momzilla/wifezilla in me emerge like a phoenix rising from the ashes, shouting instructions from several meters away from my victim - bend, shoot lower, focus, point that red dot ON MY FACE.....my face, not my crotch!!. And I'm supposed to smize while screaming out directing the photo shoot?! It doesn't help that I have a 7 year old who critiques from the sideline. "Mom, don't smile like that. You look crazy" "worrrrrk iiiiiiit" So why am I doing this again?

Macarons, Christmas market & Isabel Marant

I've learned that if you're dying to get LOTS of likes on Instagram , do NOT take a selfie (if you're gorgeous, people will hate you & if you look like you just got out of bed, no one wants to look at you). Instead, take a shot of macarons. The world has gone macaron mad lately. *Ahem* so have I. You and I know that we buy Laduree macarons for the packaging. Go on, admit it. They don't come cheap so you'll have to savor every morsel, every sand sized ground almond.

BUT I've found a cheaper alternative on Ocado. I bought a box of 36 frozen petit macarons imported from France (the brand's called Traiteur de Paris) for £12.49 (it's on sale. The Asian DNA in me thinks it's such a bargain, I have to order 2 boxes). In terms of flavor, Pierre Herme still wins hands down but the pistachio and chocolate macarons are so so good.






The Christmas market is in town again. We, the locals are secretly proud that we have a proper Christmas market in our backyard but of course, it wouldn't be right if we do not mumble and complain. "It takes AGES for me to get to work. Shuffle shuffle shuffle. Geez. Can't they walk faster?!, one snarled. "Too many tourists!" "The crowds! Goodness gracious me, it really wears you down" "Same crap, different year". We, however, sing a different tune when asked about it by out-of-towners. "Gosh, you'll have to come. It's ahhhmaaaaaayzzzzing!!!!"

I'm sorry I updated an existing post instead of publishing a separate one about the much desired Isabel Marant x H&M beaded jacket which many of you have missed. Unfortunately, I'd returned a boxful of items including the said jacket before I received your emails. I've realized that most of you get daily blog updates via email. If you're living in the U.S or U.K, contact H&M call center (U.K 0843 713 7305) as the returns are coming in. There was a size 14 beaded jacket when I last called. Most items may not appear on the website but they are available on their database.