Happy Chinese New Year!

And what are you wearing on this festive day? :)

My bf says I look like I ran outta mental hospital. Damn. That's his mom's jacket 😱

Beauty Trends - 2013 (Makeup & Hair)

I try to update a little on beauty trends each year. But I'd repeat this... beauty trends yearly are kind of a bullshit -- since things like glowing skin, full brows, effortless beauty etc have been in the list for many years. Each season, without fail.

Nevertheless, there are always some new things cosmetic companies try to come out with yearly. We all appreciate these don't we. What's our new shopping spree if there isn't anything new in 'trend'?

 #1: flawless skin - Alexander Mcqueen takes on less is more this year. Pale, clear complexion is could never go wrong.

L - R: Alexander Mcqueen, Jason Wu, Jason wu, Marc Jocobs

#2: Full brows: Now full brows has been in trend for quite a while now. I could see it being strong still. However if there was going to be something different this year, I'd say Edie Sedwick is an icon that you could safely follow. Thick brows, strong eyes, pixie hair.
Note: Again, pretty pale, clear skin.

L - R: Chanel, Gucci

#3: Strong eyes. From Chanel, Dior's metallic bold eyes to Gucci's full lashes, the emphasis is on the eyes ladies. This however is not going to be a easy look on daily wear. I'd say, a clubber's favorite trend this year - perhaps. I could imagine these looks shine on photos in the evening.

#4: Red lips. If red lips hasn't been in fashion enough, I say, matte red lips. Burberry has her take on one of the most undying trends in history. Matte red lips could never be more classy. Anyone could wear this look - just not easy to keep up perhaps. Exfoliating your lips, get the liner, reapplication of color throughout your meal. Oh, and spending time choosing the right 'red'. Not something for lazy ladies. 

 

L - R: Peter Som, Tibi

#5: Pastels. I'd say this is one of the newer things I've seen in trend these few years. Pastels has not only been popular on runway eyes. They've made it to the hair color too. 

Hair #1: Pastel hair for Peter Som.  A pop of color in general I'd say. Even red hair! :)

Hair #2: Textures. Well textured hair is almost everywhere this year. Marc Jacobs is not the only one. If you look at the following hairstyles, they've got something to do with it. 

Note: Full brows, pale flawless skin again.

L - R: Jason Wu, Honor

Hair #3: Braids. Yes, braids itself is a kind of texture which falls straight into #2. I'd say classic braids is a way to go this year. However I wouldn't be surprised if fishtail or even rope braids become big too. They all are interesting textures and they hold your hair in place. 

My favorite trends of the year?
Definitely the part on Edie Sedwick. Of course I would never suggest going on eyebrows that FULL. However, having eyebrows slightly thicker reveals a younger age. It also makes you look more awake, and brings a balance to your entire face. I also am a fan of strong eyes this year. We've all been on a 'naked' train last year and I'd be pretty excited for this change.

As for hair, textures is really good for me. I'm lazy and I don't really comb my hair. No one shall say I'm lazy this year - I'm in trend. Braids is really fun too. I've been using braids to create natural heat free curls lately. Just braid your hair before sleeping, and you wake up with pretty curls. Hairspray it, and you're basically ready to go.

Xoxo


Photos are taken from harper, vouge, cosmo.

Cedele

This is my first time dining at Cedele - Millennial walk. 

I was waiting for my boyfriend alone and I saw Cedele. They offer really nice cakes and buns, so I had to try them isn't it.

Had their pumpkin roll at just 80 cents. Followed by Mos Burger as dinner with my bf - He planned to bring me to some place to eat, only to realise it's been closed for renovation. Damn. 

I craved for coffee so we went back to Cedele. Thats when I took some photos! 

The roses behind - THEY ARE REAL. That scored a major point.

I was never a fan of roses. But I got to say I'm a half convert now. I love the scent of roses and I love the look of them. Not to mention that rose essential oils are extremely good the skin. :D

Coffee.

- good coffee. I believe that I've got quite a good taste when it comes to choice of coffee.. So trust me, if I said it's good, it has to be pretty fine at least.

Scone

I'm not a major fan of this. Find it a little dry. I'd recommend their brownies more actually. 

Set for just $5.

It's been a long time since I dated this happily. Well could it be that I'm just easily satisfied now? (:

I'd recommend Cedele whole heatedly. 

Xoxo

Why is Michelle Phan Famous

I'm always on youtube - now the fact that I don't have a television could show how much youtube meant to me.

Michelle Phan was one of the first person I watched there - 5 years back. She's so inspiring. To me, she is really pretty! I adore her.

5 years have past and Michelle Phan - who was once just like any of us made herself a millionare - through youtube! Why, of all the girls on youtube, Michelle made it to the top.

Well the answer is simple - Michelle put in much more effort. She gets things done as professionally as possible. Therefore, she gets the credit more than any other girl. Now don't get me wrong, I really love listening to ladies ramble about their dogs, cats, new stuff they bought. However there is just something about Michelle's videos that'd make me 'miss' it - from the way she edits the video to the choice of music she made. She's got a good taste.

Some of us still adore her now, while others hate her. Now I know I wrote a post on whether she did some plastic to her chin. However like I said, that's really a personal choice. Perhaps I'd be upset if it's true, but right now I still do enjoy watching her a lot. I can't help but have so much respect for her whenever I see a new video pop up - it is not easy to keep filming, editing, uploading. Well, for 5 years.

Her style has changed a bit here and there - I noticed her not being as innovative. Something lacking from the past. Nonetheless, what she's achieved is crazy! Not to mention how much girl's lifes she changed by just doing what she enjoys.

I am really happy for where she is now, and I totally understand why some people hate her. But hey! There is no need to, because if she is not worth the position, she wouldn't be there. She is a living fact that anyone could make it there - through hardwork and just being who you really are.

Xoxo

Cute stuff

My boy is sick today - AGAIN. Yes.

I had to think of ways to bribe him into eating.

And....
Comes these cute fish cakes!
You should be able to find them in wet markets! :D

Merry Christmas

well. This probably shouldn't be the first photo to show up. However, that was exactly how crazy I'd go.on.christmas eve. ;D

We visited this awesome place.that my boyfriend brought me. I have no idea what it's called. But its at Farrer park. :X All their food are absolutely delicious! Very reasonably priced as well. I'd state the prices of each dish as accurately as possible - now I may have forgotten the prices now. 

Squid ink spaghetti. I took this with flash. But the squid ink in this was crazy. Just refer to the first photo if you need proof. :D DELICIOUS.

$6.90

Escargots. I have no idea how they prepared this, but each piece of escargot is soaked in garlic and olive oil. They almost melt in your mouth. Its that good.

$5.90 

I can't remember what this called. Apparently the white stuff you see is actually made with milk. And then, layered on top of rice. baked. I suppose this is much healthier than usual baked rice. And the price point, shocking.

$4.90

Panna cotta. This dessert is actually frozen. So it's like a mix of jelly and ice cream. This is pretty delicious too, however, it is pretty expensive if you were to compare the price of the other items. 

$4.90

Well, that's it for my Christmas eve dinner! One of the best dinners I've had, at an really affordable price. 

We then headed over to Mustafa. I bought myself and my boyfriend a set of earphones - Christmas gift! and then had our supper. 

Giant paper Dosai! It is literally longer than our table! 

Called that a day for our Christmas eve celebration. :) Headed home happily. 

On the actual Christmas, we're pretty boring. But a pretty good day too. 

Hokkien mee and fried oyster for lunch. Hey you should really pay this store a visit. They're located opposite Kovan Mrt station. And this is serious good food. 

Hokkien mee as you can see, is finished by us,. It is of the perfect texture. Not too wet/dry, with a strong aroma of eggs and I don't know how to describe it. GO EAT IT.

As for the fried oyster, this stall actually makes the dish CRISPY. Every bite is crunchy. And their oysters is dreamy soft, they melt in your mouth.

This is our dinner - nothing fun. But I love the fish beehoon. This particular store is never stingy with their fish. Thick slices. My boyfriend had teochew fried rice. Which I totally ignored in the above photo. :D

What else for Christmas?

I made my boyfriend his favorite Salted yolks custard buns! :D Super yummy treats and...

.

.

.

Success!

It is really flowy inside - and soft outside.

Hmm shall share recipe of this awesome dish in some post later. If you're a fan of salted yolk custard buns, you'd thank me for that. ;)

XOXO 

21st Dec - End of the world. Sth funny.

I was on telegraph... and I came across this. Had a good laugh, so I thought I'd share it! :D 

---

09.42 A reader has emailed us, an actual one, not made up, called Lloyd Dodd. He has fashion advice for the end of the world. I genuinely didn't make this up.

(I include here in full, but if the end is already underway where you are: smart casual is good, don't dress like a hooker)

Dear Friends, I have been pondering something important recently and was encouraged by a friend to share it with you. With my background in protocol and etiquette I feel that I have sufficient knowledge to speak authoritatively on this topic. This burning question that needs an answer is, of course, what to wear for the end of the world. Yes, I'm sure it has crossed your mind as well and here is my considered opinion on the matter.

Do not over dress. Evening jacket or sequinned cocktail dress is far too pretentious and, let's face it, just not that comfortable. A good rule of thumb is not to wear any outfit that requires a tie or expensive clutch.

Mind you, this option never crossed the minds of most people, but you're not most people now are you? You're the discerning type who likes to make a good impression, just remember that it might look like you're trying too hard if you over dress when meeting your maker. He/She will appreciate it more if you dress in a smart but casual manner.

On the other side of the spectrum are those who intend to meet their maker in a bathrobe and fuzzy bunny slippers. Mind you, God does enjoy the ironic aspects of mankind, but dressing is such a manner shows a lack of respect both for yourself and your Creator.

Your favourite jammies might be comfy, but let's face it, you wouldn't wear them to the grocery store so why would you become one with eternity in them? (If you do wear your pyjamas to the grocery store, or to breakfast in the hotel lobby, please unfriend me now ... right now.)

It's time to grow up and have a little respect for both yourself and the world around you. If you're going to dress like an adult once in your life, I recommend this be the day.

So what should you wear? As stated above, a smart casual look is perfectly acceptable. Blazers and open sports shirts are good for men, but it's always a good idea to just let your spouse dress you. Women should feel free to wear a demure knee-length dress or a nice pants-suit. Sandals are a definite no-no as it's December, I don't care how cute your feet look in them (our Antipodean cousins might have a little more leeway, but I try not to think about their sartorial escapades.) Also heels over three inches are out. You do not want to meet your Lord and Maker looking like a hooker.

Just dress like you're meeting Mitzie and Chauncie at the country club for dinner and drinks and you'll be dressed perfectly for the horror that will be the end of the world.

Best of luck to everyone!

Mr Lloyd Dodd

Thanks Lloyd!

09.40 Ben Lagle tweets me from North Carolina, where it is "pretty vold". Possibly Mayan lingo, don't know.

How to make man tou - steamed buns

Now. PMS gives me the weirdest cravings! The other day I made Mochi - durian mochi to be exact. To satisfy my cravings. Then I had cravings for BUNS. MAN TOU. 

And pumpkin. 

So. Pumpkin mantou, here I come. This particular type of mantou that I made is not like what you'd typically eat at dim sum store etc. My version is slightly 'harder' and more 'chewy'. So if thats what you like, read on!

Ingredients: I made 18/20 mantou I think.

- 300g pumpkin

- 30g - 50g glutinous rice flour (This is the magical ingredient that makes your bun slightly chewy)

- 1.5 teaspoon yeast (Yeast is essential for the type of mantou I like. If you prefer it the type you could buy outside, then switch to baking powder instead)

- 400g plain flour (now if you like soft mantou,you need to buy a different type of flour. I think its called hongkong flour)

* Sugar if you like it sweet. I prefer it not to have any sugar. Now I do have a family history diabetes. So I'm a little careful.

That's it!   

- I added some vegetable - prawn fillings to the mantou. but I prefer it empty. honestly.

wash pumpkin, remove skin, boil till soft.

measure out your flour, yeast, glutinous rice flour

Mash the pumpkins, add a little water and all the dry ingredients. this is what you'd get. Make it a soft dough. It should feel something like... Mochi. if you want hard mantou, make it harder by adding less water.

Cover with a cloth and let it sit for around an hour. I let mine sit for 1.5 hours. Meanwhile, do whatever you want. :D

I brought my w0bert out for a walk! Its her first time out, and SHE LOVES IT. some pet owners say you should not bring your rabbit out since rabbits could get use to it and start disturbing you if you don't. however, what kind of owner you are if you don't even want to let your pet enjoy some grass! 

Dough should rise to around twice of the original size when you're back! :D

Now if you forgot how it looks like originally - which is what my bf always does. Pull a portion of the dough and you should be able to see bubbles. like that.

now my fillings. I added veggs egg and prawn. but honestly add whatever you want. or not at all. I kind of wished I threw my left over mochi as the filling. Yums.

add the filling

roll it into a ball.

when you're done, let it sit for around 30 minutes before steaming.

then turn on the fire. STEAM. 

Soft soft mantou. 

yums love it. ok. Don't judge me. but I ate 12 man tou in one day. 

Xoxo

Stuffed Eggplant - Yummy, easy treats.

Eggplant(Or brinjal) is one of my favorite vegetables. However it tastes like crap to me when not cooked in the right way. 

To me, it is the most tasty to deep fry it first, and then fry it again in tomatoes, eggs and some meat. As tasty as it is, that method is extremely fattening! (Eggplants soaks up oil like crazy!)

I like to eat it stuffed - meat - no oil required. 

What do you need:

- 3 medium sized eggplants

- 300g minced meat of choice (I used minced chicken)

- 2 tablespoon goji berry/wolf berry

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 2 teaspoon black pepper

* if you like a more crunchy taste, add water chestnut or green bamboo shoots. 

* If you want it more spicy, add a teaspoon or two of chopped chili.

* Vegetarian and vegan options at the end of the post!

everything you need here! Ignore the purple bowl.

mix salt, pepper, wolf berries and the minced chicken.

Stir well.

Now scoop out the flesh of eggplant using a spoon. The flesh of eggplant is spongy and soft. So its really easy to get the flesh out.

It should look something like this when you're done. 

You should get around half a bowl of the flesh after getting all the flesh of the 3 eggplants out! Now don't throw this away. You could chop it up and use it to thicken up your soups or cook it and use it as sauce over any dishes. For me, I cooked it in soup the second day! :)

Ok now stuff the meat into the eggplant. Pack tightly.

tehdah!

If you're using a nonstick pan, don't add any oil. Just put the stuffed eggplants onto the pan faced down.

Wait for around 5 - 7 minutes and flip it over. The meat should be golden in color, and it smells delicious! Yums. Cook this in dry, no oil pan for around 3 minutes.

Add a third of a cup of water and cook till the water dries. This is because its relatively hard to cook eggplants since the flesh is foamy. That is why we add water to speed up the process. You could add vegetable oil if you want as well, but that's a little fattening. Yeh....

When it's fully cooked, you should be able to poke a hole into the eggplant with chopstick easily.

Yumms. Juicy wolf berries. :D I regretted just adding 2 spoons actually. If you love the sweet juicy wolf berries like I do, feel free to double up the wolf berry amount used!!! :D

Wrap the rest and you should be able to keep this for around 3 - 5 days in the fridge. :D

Trust me, this dish is really good. you have virtually no fats(no oil used, plus chicken is low in fats), high protein(chicken), magnesium(Eggplant), antioxidants & vitamins(goji berries). This should be suitable for whichever diet you're on. Apart from vegan/vegetarian of course. :P But just in case you're on vegetarian, stuff with tomatoes, avocado and egg. For vegans, stuff it with tomatoes, mushrooms and avocado. :D

Xoxo.