The Cambelles: Singapore Lifestyle & Party Blog

Feel Good Weekends: Prive, Keppel Bay

2012-03-04T00:33:00.000+08:00

Mushroom Soup.

Prawn Bisque.

Homestyle Pancakes.

Fluffy pancakes, strawberry slices, bananas and honey comb w/ maple syrup & whipped cream

Smoked Salmon Salad.

A perk-me-up for the trying week ahead was just what the doctor recommended. Met up with Michelle (or Alexa as she is known to some, I just know her as Mich or Babe for short) for a "Feel Good Sunday". I know the best cure for a bummed out week is a dose of happy and carefree so I got Mich to just have a bit of therapy with me.

Our expedition: Prive at Keppel Bay. It wasn't my first time there and neither was it Mich's, but we had a craving for some pancakes, so we braved the stomach cramps and busy service staff.

The pancakes weren't the best, but I quite enjoyed the little honeycomb they served it with. Interesting. The Smoked Salmon Salad wasn't the tastiest either - perhaps because the greens weren't our sort of leaves. Both of us prefer the rocket to spinach leaves. Still, the Prawn Bisque and Mushroom Soup was fantastic. As expected we didn't manage to finish our order - way too much!

We had lots to laugh about during our time at Prive! Life is full of curve balls and that's what makes it an absolute hoot.

So what was our takeaway from today's Feel Good Sunday? Take life as it comes and let the rest fall into place. Let go of the past so that there will be a future, instead of a tomorrow that's left in yesterday. It's better to live life in the moment than to miss the past and in the process miss the present.

"Today, you miss yesterday. Tomorrow, you will miss today."

Love,

Carrie

Let's Get Physical!

2012-03-03T12:26:00.001+08:00

Okay this one is a lengthy post, it's very retrospective but it really is important for me to tell everyone about how easy and difficult it is to start and end exercise in your life. This is a very intimate and personal story that I am about to share and it's not the weight loss success story you should follow because it is terribly flawed.

I've recently set my foot down after a good year of being really unmotivated and decided that while I really wanted to lose weight, I wasn't making any big sacrifices. I did a lot of online AND offline research. Spoke to people who exercised to lose weight and I realised what my problem was.

I was exercising but I wasn't cutting out the unnecessary calories in my life!

In fact, the problem was, I wasn't exercising ENOUGH to justify the incredible amount of food I consumed on a daily basis! I think this is a common problem for most office workers in Singapore. The transition from school to work is hazardous for the waistline if one isn't careful.

Exercising is a habit and so is Laziness

Exercising is a good habit, but bad habits die hard. I am not by nature a very sporting person and exercise is not my first calling. It took me a great deal of determination to kick start my love for running, swimming and fitness regimes.

Back when I was in my teens, I hated sports and any kind of ball games because I was bad at it. Naturally in Secondary School my only physical activity came from camps and P.E classes. I lost 10kg in Secondary School by STARVING myself. Okay, I'm not proud, but I was fat and desperate. I hated being looked at as fat and chubby after growing up with that label all my life. I did it, but I was far from looking trim.

So in Poly, I joined dance just to prove to myself I could dance even though I was so handicapped at coordination. So I did and while not great, I could do it and even competed in one or two competitions. Not a big deal but I proved to myself what I could do. But it didn't end there...

What kick started my determination to get fit

I will be honest here. In dance, close guy friends told me that (as childish as this sounds) there was a rating system and I would be considered a waste because I was chubbier and bigger than the other girls. This really angered me! I was furious and I felt terrible about myself... But what I did then was I think the best thing I could have done with that anger. I made it a resolution to prove to others that I was better than them because I COULD do something about it.

So this was my mentality:

Photo credit: www.diethoroscopes.tumblr.com

Here's what I did:

I ran 2.4km round the school tracks at every opportunity with my best friend in Poly, Loo.
She really motivated me and kept me going.
I did 100 sit ups a day when I had nothing to do at home.
I joined Loo at her Kickboxing club now and then for some variation in exercises other than dance.

And because I was still schooling and on top of being a fairly active person, I burned a good deal of energy and didn't eat as much because I didn't have the means to dine at restaurants or eat out whenever I wanted.

Noticeably, I was slimmer by the end of my poly life compared to in Secondary School. But the transformation was not that amazing. Here's a picture of me at a dance competition when I had already lost a good deal of weight. My arms were still chubby due to a lack of training (and hereditary reasons). In reality, this was a good size, but I was really insecure due to my entire life experiences about weight and I always felt I was 'fat' or bigger than every other girl I saw. I couldn't understand why everyone thought they were fat when I was there bigger and fatter than anyone!

The Final Push

I was in a bad relationship after leaving school so I was always binging on alcohol. I was turning pudgier but I still had a small waistline and didn't look too fat because I was working at a swim school and had a lot of time to swim. This was a low point for me. I did gain some weight but not significantly during this period.

You can see in the photo below, I wouldn't say I was fat, because I was actually in a Bebe "S" Size Corset but I had chunky arms. That perpetuates the fat girl image in my brain.

Once the break up happened I was angry. This really pushed me to prove myself further. (I know this sounds very unhealthy that whenever I better myself, it's all for the wrong reasons. But this was my coping mechanism.)

I had so much time on my hands. I was going out of my mind as well. So I started exercising to feel better. It is true that exercise releases endorphins because I felt it. The "Runner's High" that I experienced from pushing myself really helped me through that difficult period.

What I did:

Run for 30 minutes every other night when I was home alone or whenever I started feeling depressed
Swim more than 30 laps about once every week (sometimes more)
Skipped dinner because I was exhausted from running
Sleep a lot

I know, it's a wonder I lost weight dramatically. Think sunken in cheeks, legs that were skinnier than I ever had in years (because of running), disappearing chest...

It still baffles me that while I was pretty damn skinny, I actually didn't think so. I thought I was finally the "right" size.

While I know now this was the worst way to lose weight, it was more of a coping mechanism for me than anything else. I needed to feel happy and this was the way I did it. The line started to blur whether I was exercising for me or for the world.

Exercise for me started as a means to prove that I was better and it was everyone's loss for thinking less of me. But that gradually became a way for me to deal with the anger and hurt I felt in my life.

Eventually, while it did a lot of harm, it also did me some good. I started feeling confident, I put myself first when I dated guys and I knew that "at this state" I deserved the best. It was ironic how I wasn't treating myself the best but well...

Also through this you can see that Rachie and I have gone through stages of weight loss and gain together, which means we went through a great deal of down and ups mentally and emotionally as well. I guess that's why we are so close even though we are vastly different people in terms of personality.

Drastic Weight Gain

It is damn difficult to keep up with what I did and of course after a couple of months, I started gaining all the weight I lost. In particular, after I got attached. It's not because I didn't care about what I looked like - I still did, but it just became impossible to NOT eat when I should.

Also, remember that I needed the adrenaline and endorphin rush? When I was happy, the need to exercise to get that same high disappeared...

So I went from that to this. An "S" to an "M" or a Size 8-10 to a Size 10-12 with a tummy which for years, I've never had!

Back to the Problem

It's not that I wasn't working out. The simple concept behind my weight gain was calorie intake > output.

I was exercising, but that wouldn't work out if I was still gorging on fatty pork, noodles slathered in lard, fried chips, chicken wings and more for lunch and dinner! Simply: You can't have your cake and eat it too, just because you scraped off the icing.

I was eating way beyond my daily calorie limit for a sedentary office job!

It was a wake up call for me after trying for more than a year to cut down the extra weight I gained to very limited success.

The Solution

It's not enough to know the concept of calorie intake > output. It's important to work out a feasible exercise plan and have determination to see it through because somehow, sacrifices have to be made.

I reached a personal compromise.

Here are my current rules:

No more than 1 handful of carbs per meal (unless I have exercise planned in the day - but it is still limited to only one serving and not multiple).
Only eat till I am full, no overeating to not "waste" food. Better to waste it than waist it.
Exercise 3 times a week no matter how hard it is, especially if I'm having food tastings in a week.
Not overindulging the dessert, pastas and buffets
Stop thinking of eating as a reward to exercise, and start enjoying exercise

Like they say, weight loss is 90% diet, 10% exercise. As exercise once again becomes a habit for me, I'll raise my carb intake to balance it out. I do not personally believe in a low carb diet over the long term. Balance is still key but to lose the enormous amount of weight, I need to cut down on the carbs and slowly find the sweet spot so that I can enjoy my food and life while still keeping the weight down.

My weight loss journey is never complete.

I've just started flow-riding and I enjoy it! I'm feeling the aches every time I go for an hour of it, but it's so fun I hardly feel it till the next day.

I've done 2 days of flow-riding and 1 day of swimming this week and I'm starting to feel more energetic, less lethargic.

Still a long way to go to cut the arms, waistline and thighs back down to size. This time I am not going to prove to people how thin I can be. I am going to prove that I can be a healthy and acceptable size while eating a satisfying but right amount of food and that I don't have to go completely low carb, stamp out food or be miserable to be beautiful.

I hope you take the right learning points from this! Short term success is always possible when it comes to weight loss, but it's long term success that will keep you satisfied and proud of yourself as a person.

Love,

Carrie

What Heartbreak Really Means

2012-02-27T00:04:00.000+08:00

Just thought I'd share this with everyone. Initially meant for a good friend who's going through a tough time of self discovery.

Heartbreak means a time to put yourself first, your life first and who you wish to be first. You do things you learn to love, push your limits and discover who you really are and what you're truly capable of.

When people wish to be a part of your life now, be selective but open to what they can offer. But never put your life aside to let them in. If they are the right person for you, be it as friends or more than that, they will fit right in. It will work out. :) It's all about packing yourself till you're tired, till you forget what pain feels like and you find the root of all that pain.

It's a journey. It is a tough fall to move on and be happy. But before you love someone back with almost all of your heart, you gotta be sure he/she is worth it and that it's not a struggle to be together. It's meant to be happy and angry at times, but not painful all the time. ♥

Love,

Carrie

Last Weekend

2012-02-26T01:23:00.001+08:00

While I'm rushing school assignments at home this weekend, last weekend was oh so fun albeit drunk and was falling all over the place. As I am working a 9 - 5 job, I always look forward to the weekends. Weekends are to recharge, repay your sleep debt and destress! I'm all for working hard and playing hard.

I got a new camera Canon S100 and I am loving every pixel of it! I name all my gadgets. I name this Baby C! My red Canon Ixus 100 is Scarlet. My Macbook Pro is Macadamia. My iPad is Macaron. You get the drift. :)

The photos are unedited because I don't feel there is a need to and i'm a *ahem busy *cough lazy girl.

Walking to Filter from Clarke Quay.

Girls will be girls.

Reason: We are just testing out the camera

Truth: We are camwhores

Miss Long Legs, Jill Chill in the ~~house~~ tunnel yo!

Tip : Taking from the top makes you look tiny. So if you take portrait shots, you see people usually take an aerial view because it makes their face smaller and also your eyes look bigger.

For full length like the photo above, you should take at a lower angle upwards so your legs look longer.

I get pissed when people are late. Time is money!

My baby girls Jill and Peizhen at Filter before we headed to Mink.

I miss Hong Kong!

I was there in January and February. Now I am contemplating and tempting to go to Hong Kong again in March. Carrie asked me to just move there already. It is because Jill, Bunn and other HK friends introduced me to the local HK culture and I love it. I was there previously but only did touristy things and felt like an alien there. Now, I cannot stop talking about it and am asking all my friends like Natasha and TSY to go there!

Check out Jill's vlog from our January HK trip. We just ate hotpot in Hong Kong and it was so delish! The soup is so flavourful and the ingredients are so fresh!

Wanderlusting again and again,

Rachie

Adventures Solo: Rachael Yamagata "LIVE" in Singapore

2012-02-24T01:39:00.000+08:00

I am a big fan of Rachael Yamagata. Her soothing soulful voice has accompanied me through countless heartbreaks and the simple yet haunting lyrics of her songs are always a go-to for me when I'm in depression mode.

So it was a no-brainer for me to book a ticket for myself to her Singapore Concert today. I did not bother to wait for friends to confirm if they were interested to go, I just took out my credit card and made sistic $101 richer in an instant. While it would be a different experience to go with friends to a concert like this, I was anticipating it so much the moment tickets went on sale that I couldn't wait to "consolidate" the orders and finding the perfect seat etc. It was just grab and go for me .

It was a phenomenal show this year. Last year, Rachael was nervous and slightly unprepared even though she was in the Jendela Room which is much smaller than her gig this year at the Concert Hall. This year, she had her repertoire ready, she was well-rehearsed and she was really getting the crowd excited and pumped up with old melancholic favourites like "Be Be Your Love", "Worn Me Down" and "Reason Why" while showcasing her really awesome light-hearted pieces from her latest album Chesapeake. She was really rocking it on both the guitar and piano.

I felt a shiver down my spine when I heard the first few notes of "Elephants... Teeth Sinking Into Heart". Immediately as she ran her fingers on those ivory keys, I could feel my tears welling up uncontrollably. By the time she started singing in her signature husky Fiona Apple-isque voice, I was wiping my eyes and trying to stifle my sobbing before people noticed.

Her newer songs are slightly more cheerful. A contrast from her earlier albums and EPs which were heavier and darker in melody. Chesapeake showed her fans how much she has mellowed in the recent years. Her lyrics are still hitting hard as ever, but the melodies are now light-hearted and catchy in a happier way.

It was a pity she didn't sing "I Don't Want To Be Your Mother" though. That one is a real winner for me!

What everyone loves about Yamagata is still there. Not just her voice - her self-deprecating sense of humour is a hoot. She makes fun of her own emotional music style and cracks countless jokes centered on the premise of her being heartbroken.

A Yamagata concert is always worth the money. The cool thing about concerts is that while no one thinks its normal to watch it alone, it's one activity you can do alone without feeling weird about it. Afterall, it's the music we're focusing on during a concert, not the social aspect of chatting during one!

Bring it on, Baby!

Carrie

Adventures Solo: XiMenDing Taiwan Cuisine

2012-02-16T01:10:00.002+08:00

Valentine's Day is over and I thought this is the perfect time to talk about this. It's one thing to be #ForeverAlone and another thing to be comfortably solo.

I find nothing peculiar about dining on my own now and then. It's a really good way to truly savour my food without having to engage in conversation. I can zoom in on the interplay of flavours or take in the little details on what it looks like and how it smells.

I know many of my girl friends (and even guy friends) would rather wait till someone is available to grab a bite, even if they are dying of hunger, than to just get out and enjoy something right away. I know people love to give solo diners funny looks, but I don't feel the same sort of pressure when I eat alone. It's like a time to zone out, reflect, experience what I'm doing entirely and care only about myself. These little slots of alone time are the best "me-time" and I feel no shame in doing it!

I decided to document my one-woman adventures in this series of blog posts titled "Adventures Solo".

In this first post, I decided to swing by Raffles City Shopping Centre for dinner one night after work. I just made up my mind to take a walk around the mall and seek out something that would set off my hunger pangs. I eventually wound up at XiMenDing Taiwan Cuisine at Basement 1.

What really made me want to step foot into the restaurant wasn't the visuals of Taiwanese (overpriced) comfort food, but the nice brick walls. How irrational, but it just felt really warm and inviting! The tipping factor was that it wasn't that crowded while not being empty. I deduced that the food must be acceptable because most of the diners were really digging into their grub.

Looking at the menu really made me miss Taiwan. Taiwanese dishes are pretty fatty and that's what makes it so incredible and unforgettable. The taste stays with you for quite a while. What else stays with you? The unbeatable Taiwanese price! You'll be hard pressed finding Taiwanese food at affordable prices here in Singapore.

Noodle dishes are a go to for me, so I focused on getting the right bowl of piping hot noodles. I picked the very sinful and comforting 梅菜扣肉面 (Preserved Vegetables and Pork Belly Noodles). What can go wrong with a signature dish like that? It was even recommended in the menu. It took me all but 5 minutes to flip through the menu and find something for dinner that made my mouth-water.

I have to say that while it is crazy expensive for something so simple ($9.20++), the pork belly is amazing! The well marinated pork belly is melt-in-your-mouth tender. The preserved vegetables are just right, a mix of sweet an salty. The burst of flavour when you have a mouthful of pork belly and preserved veggie is insanely addicting. I was trying to save enough preserved veggie to accompany every bite of pork belly I took.

The noodles were QQ! Nice! The "soup" (it was more of a "concentrated" watery gravy) was really tasty but a little too salty to be slurped down like a regular soup.

For the health-conscious, this is a calorie busting, artery choking and blood pressure raising horror story, but I so love my fats. As much as I'd like to be thin, I can't resist a good meal of carbs, protein and fats. Sorry to my expanding waistline, but this has to be eaten.

Freaking tasty! I would come back to try their other Taiwanese delights - especially the other noodle dishes. The up side to eating this alone would definitely be that 30 minutes of peace. I also like how the servers would look at me surprised that I was munching on my noodles all by myself. Yes, I can be independent and love it!

Bring it on baby,

Carrie

LOL Valentine's Day Video for the Week

2012-02-14T15:49:00.001+08:00

Today is a day for Love but there is always a time for Laughter.

Valentine's Day From Hell

Chuck has forgotten about Valentine's Day and he is panicking. While the Cambelles think that everyday can be a valentine's day as long as you are in love, Valentine's Day may mean a lot to some girls like his wife in the video. Remember our previous Dress Sense Valentine's Dress up Youtube Video? Try this similar interactive Youtube video whereby the fun part is that you get to choose the options and maybe you help him get a happy ending!

The Reason Why Some Women Stay Single

All the single ladies, all the single ladies! Now put your hands up! Rachie is single but that does not mean the end of the world. But have you wondered why some ladies are single no matter how hard they tried? I know what you are thinking. Push all those nasty thought aside, this video gives you a different perspective and maybe it makes you go ohhhh when you hear how people say "I don't want to be an old single lady living alone with 20 cats!"

Zooey Deschanel Sings - You Forgot It's Valentine's Day

The Cambelles love Zooey Deschanel! She is so funny and quirky. She's a great actress in New Girl and she sings really well too. There's nothing we do not love about her. It is funny most of the Valentine's Day videos are all about guys who forgot about Valentine's Day. Have any of our babygirls ever forgotten about Valentine's Day?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Part-time Cupids,

Rachie & Carrie

Party Cure Found - Faust's Potions

2012-02-11T18:30:00.002+08:00

Parties are no fun if I'm going to be nursing a terrible throbbing hangover the next morning. Neither is working late into the night rushing out videos and blog entries, if it means I'm going to wake up with a sluggish brain made of mush.

Recently, I've found two "hangover cures". This is the first one I'm introducing to you babygirls! Introducing Faust's Potions, the cult product from London which is touted as a healthy and natural solution for the pressure and ailments of today's lifestyle.

Faust's Potions are made of a unique blend of nutritional supplements, vitamins, antioxidants and herbs, tailor-made for party animals and hectic night owls like you and me! Don't worry, this product is made of quality ingredients and natural flavouring. There is no artificial colouring included.

It comes in a recovery pack which contains one AWAKE potion and one ASLEEP potion. Drinking each potion helps our bodies cope with the aftermaths of a big night and avoid hangovers by giving our bodies what it needs to recover ASAP!

Because it's a nutritious, restorative drink, you can take it to help recover from jet lag, lowness of spirits and general exhaustion. That' perfect for me when I have to stay up late to rush blog entries and work related research and still wake up early to get to work on time!

Opps! Crazy hair alert!

Drink the berry flavoured ASLEEP potion which has key ingredients such as Honey (Fructose) to stimulate the elimination of alcohol from the bloodstream. The antioxidants in the potion work to regulate mood, pain, digestion and cognition to maximize the quality of your sleep and minimize hangover symptoms the next day!

The next morning just drink the zesty orange flavoured AWAKE potion contains Green Tea to protect the liver and Ginkgo Biloba to improve mood, alertness, stimulate the brain and boost memory. It also contains Vitamins B and C to help convert food to energy and boost the immune system.

They go for $10 per recovery pack (one AWAKE and one ASLEEP potion). If you need a stash, buy 5 recovery packs for the price of four.

Faust's Potions are available from Bellabox Singapore.

Love,
Carrie

The Cambelles X Dress Sense – Dress Up for Valentines!

2012-02-10T02:10:00.002+08:00

Sponsored Advertorial
Slip on the right dress with well-matched accessories and you can be whoever you want. Bring out your inner romantic with fun and flirty chiffon tube dresses or your hidden sultry seductress this Valentine’s effortlessly! Babygirls, the beauty of being a woman is that we have the power of vanity. So don’t be ashamed to dress up and look good – that is your God given right.

With the help of Dress Sense, we were able to create a few looks that will set the mood for your Valentines.

You can buy or rent beautiful evening gowns and cocktail dresses from Dress Sense at Raffles City Shopping Centre. This is an exciting concept for most of us girls. After all, we often wear our evening gowns or a cocktail dress only once for that ONE big night before it is left to hang in our already bursting wardrobes! Dress Sense gives us the opportunity to experiment and dress up in a variety of gorgeous looks for a fraction of the price it usually costs to buy a new dress!

With Dress Sense’s extensive range of labels, you’re spoilt for choice in terms of style. They have everything from togas to bustier dresses in eye-catching colours. Dress Sense is the perfect place to go to shop for an entire outfit for prom, gala balls, weddings and formal occasions.

In addition, they also have really exquisite accessories and clutches which you too can buy or rent to complete your desired look.

Stunning Accessories – Earrings, Cuffs, Bracelets, Necklaces & Watches

Carrie really loves the Liquid Metal accessories (shown above on the right) because of how edgy yet elegant the bracelets and chokers are. These are suitable for girls who prefer a more “rock chick” sort of glamour in their outfits.

Clutches to Complement your Outfit

The Whiting & Davis clutches are so plush! These little arm candies are great for spicing up any little black dress ensembles.

We have created an interactive video just for you babygirls! We thought it would make it easier for you girls to take a look at the various looks we have put together. Just click on the dress you’d like to see on us.

If you need more information on the dresses, we do have more details below, accompanied with lots of photos!

Look 1: Flirty Baby

A floral bustier in bright vivid colours is definitely the way to celebrate a flirtier personality without being sexy. Rachie wears the Alexia Admor Jeweled Silk Short Dress in Bouquet and pairs it with the Wanderlust + Co Silver Rachel Clutch.

The fitted waist is embellished with a mix of pretty purple stones and sequins on top a pink mesh – gorgeous!

Girls, if you like bling, you’ll love the Wanderlust + Co Silver Rachel Clutch. It sparkles with every move you make.

Tips

For girls with smaller chests, a bustier style can create fuller cleavage. Chestier girls also look great in this look. But for the blessed ones, do ensure you get fitted with the right size. Too loose and the bustier doesn’t hold up resulting in way too much boobage. Too tight and we all know what fatty armpits look like. Both ways – not flattering.

A babydoll cut can hide a heavier lower body while cinching in at the waist, creating a shapelier silhouette. But girls with wider chests should avoid the babydoll. We have noticed that the babydoll is not forgiving on body shapes with wide chests with a waist that is about the same width. The body then starts to look too wide and square. We’re looking to create a nice “S” shape or “hourglass” shape.

Look 2: Seductive Glam

One of the best ways to look completely captivating? Put on a bareback slinky evening dress. Rachie loves showing off her back in the Faviana Silky Charmeuse Gown with Beaded Back Detailing in Papaya.

The intricate beaded detailing is a winner here. Glam up with the Wanderlust + Co Jumbo Chandelier Earrings and the Wanderlust + Co Multi-Jewel Bracelet and get ready to unleash your inner seductress!

Tips

This look should work for almost everyone (so long as you wear a nu-bra). The V-neckline shows off just the right amount of cleavage and is not being over the top even with the bare back. This cutting also hides any fleshy areas near the chest.

Just don’t forget to invest in some nice seamless undies that don’t cut into your flesh! You don’t want unflattering bulges in this slinky flowing red number!

Shorter and petite girls should wear higher heels or risk being overwhelmed by the length of this evening dress.

Look 3: Simply Sexy

Show off some legs in a black minidress to be just the right amount of sexy while still staying classy. Carrie has on the very flattering Mignon Short One-Shoulder Jersey Black Dress and adds some interesting contrast with the edgy Liquid Metal Bracelet.

The Gorgeous embellished element on the toga sleeve to the bust makes this simple dress classy while the length and fit makes it sexy. Channel your inner Nikita and strut your stuff in killer heels or stilettos for that “femme fatale” look.

Look 4: Dare to Bare

If you love to party and that’s how you roll. Make a statement with the Nicole Bakti One-Shoulder Crystal Short Black Dress with a cut out back. No man should tell you how YOU should look or dress! You dress to impress no one but yourself. This independent spirit is what attracts a man, so just dare to bare.

We matched this look with the Wanderlust + Co Jumbo Chandelier Earrings and Wanderlust + Co Multi-Jewel Bracelet.

Tips

We highly recommend these two little black dresses for shorter or curvier girls. It’s a bother to be short or curvy especially when the media is all about people with “skinny genes”, but that’s why clothes were made in different sizes and shapes – to fit us and make us look good.

These two dresses help to elongate with shorter hemlines. It’s often a problem for shorter girls or curvier girls to find the right dress that doesn’t make them look “stumpy” or stout. The answer to this is a shorter dress! Longer dresses tend to dwarf smaller and curvier frames.

Look 4: Red Hot Passion

Red is the colour of burning passion. This is the perfect colour for Valentines in our opinion. The Jovani One-Shoulder Floral Chiffon Gown in Red is such a romantic head-turner with a floral toga design that isn’t too loud. This is a perfect match with the precious red Wanderlust + Co Jumbo Drop Gem Ruby Earrings.

We are really in love with the gorgeous ruby earrings. The classic teardrop shape is combined with a few other gemstone shapes.

Tips

This long dress fits and drapes over curves perfectly! As you can see, Rachie and Carrie are of different body shapes and yet the dress has managed to flatter both figures well.

The cut is very forgiving and accentuates curves while flattering taller physiques. Big thumbs up for the bustier cut and wrapped waist!

Red is exceptionally outstanding on girls with fairer skin. It really makes fair skin glow!

Look 5: From Work to Date

Corporate girls, not to worry about changing into your date outfit. Go from work to date in the purple Pia Gladys Perey Desiree Draped Dress. Form fitting but really effective at hiding any bulges, this dress is not too over the top and is still work appropriate.

After work, throw on the Linya Disenyo Gold Lead Necklace with White Biwa & Jasper Nuggets for a dash of sass and pull down the sleeve to form an off-shoulder look. This is a great way to show off your beautiful collarbones. For an extra serving of style, put on the Kendra Scott Salome Gold Bracelet. There you go date ready effortlessly in minutes.

Tips

Once again curvy girls, rejoice! We cannot emphasize how the drapes accentuate curves while hiding flaws.

This is an amazing dress which Carrie would have overlooked if it wasn’t for the sharp eyes and intuitive Dress Sense service staff. They quickly picked it out and insisted Carrie try it. While it wasn’t a first choice, this dress is now a favourite look for Carrie. Same way you don’t judge a book by its cover, don’t judge a dress by how it looks on the hanger. Fit is hard to tell from one glance, so make sure you take the time to put it on and see how it looks on your body before dismissing it!

***

There are so many more dresses at Dress Sense! For more information on the labels they carry and how the rent/buy concept of the store works, visit www.dress-sense.sg.

Be sure to add them as a fan on Facebook as well. The page is constantly updated with new dress stocks and is a great place to ask for advice on different dress styles. Plus there’s a Valentine’s Day Giveaway Contest to win a S$250 Dress Sense Gift Voucher currently running. So be sure to check them out there.

A Sweet Treat with Dress Sense this Valentine’s Day

To make your Valentine’s sweeter, Dress Sense is offering 15 - 30% off purchase/rental of selected styles from now till 12 February 2012. See all the dresses on sale here.

Also, get 30% off purchase of selected Lavish, Santi and Kendra Scott pieces while stocks last. See all the accessories on sale here.

Head down to the Dress Sense outlet at Raffles City and try the dresses for yourself! At the end of the day, it’s important to try out how each dress fits on you before deciding!

Dress Sense

252 North Bridge Road
Raffles City Shopping Centre, #03-29A
Singapore 179103
Tel: +65 6333 0329

Wanderlust Rachie X Macau

2012-02-09T23:56:00.003+08:00

I was back in Hong Kong again last weekend and this time I visited Macau for a day trip. I have never been to Macau even though it is so close to Hong Kong and I was very excited. You have to take the MTR to Sheung Wan to the Macau Ferry Terminal. You will then take a ferry ride which last about 1 hour. It is sort of like the ferry trip from Singapore to Batam but the seats are more comfortable.

While the rest were enjoying a mid day Sunday snooze after a heavy dim sum brunch, I was being a Cambelle.

Once you arrived, you can just take the Venetian shuttle bus to The Venetian of course!

Look at the decadent decor of the Venetian, it has such a luxurious European feel to it.

We stepped into the casino to take a look. I have never stepped foot in the Marina Bay Sands Casino or the Resorts World Casino because I'm not going to pay that S$100 levy but it is interesting to see the dealers and the gamblers.

Cue the God of Gambler theme song and flips my coat over my shoulder very suavely.

In the Shoppes, there are gondolas and the man-made river resembling Venice which is similar to the Shoppes in Singapore MBS. The gondoliers can sing and I saw one gondolier making fun of this family by swaying the gondola left and right just to get them to participate in the singing.

There are plenty of shops like Victoria's Secret (!!!), Zara and Armani Exchange.

We then proceed to one of the oldest casino in Macau, the Lisboa. We saw like triad leaders and there were also women soliciting for sex outside the casino. If you are curious, it looks like this YouTube video but the girls had major boobs spillages and tiny skirts walking up and down outside the Lisboa. I guess if you win some money, you can reward yourself with some sexy time with the babes?

We headed to Grand Lisboa which is a newer addition next to the Lisboa. The owner must have made so much he decided to open another hotel next to the Lisboa. There were a lot of pawnshops outside the casino and we saw a diamond ring that is worth 1 million dollars. I wonder what is the story behind that ring.

Grand Lisboa

Photography is not allowed inside the Grand Lisboa Casino but there were crystals everywhere. I think girls will love to have such a bling bling restroom. We could not help but spend more time taking picture in the restroom.

Casinos aside, Macau was a Portuguese colony in 1887 and it is the first and last European colony in China. Therefore, you can see a lot of the old architecture of Macau are predominantly western with Portuguese playing a significant part.

Ruins of St Paul

You must try the Pork Chop Bun (Zhu Pa Bao) in Macau! The pork chop is tender and the seasoning was just right. Carrie would love it.

Dinner in Macau would definitely have to be Portuguese cuisine - Restaurant Litoral

I have no idea what is this but it is delicious! I am usually not a carb person but I had 3 bowls of this.

Chorizo

So I have seen the casinos and the portuguese architecture which attracts the tourism in Macau and I do not advocate gambling. This trip is an eye opener. You see people who come in with hope of winning big bucks but you also see people who have lost and had to pawn away their prized possessions. Macau reminds me of Taiwan because the buildings are like shophouses and it is a huge contrast from Hong Kong which is one hour away. So if you are in Hong Kong and you have time to spare, do visit Macau or Shen Zhen!

Thank you Bunn for being an excellent tour guide and showing me around Macau!

Wanderlusting,

Rachie

"Poetic Expressions of Love" at Halia Restaurant

2012-02-08T02:03:00.000+08:00

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and every guy I know (attached to a significant other or at least attempting to make a significant lady into their significant other) is scrambling to find the sweet spot for Valentine's Day dinner. This once a year affair is really a headache inducing event because not only do you have to impress that special someone, you've got to afford (in the words of Jessie J) the ka-ching ka-ching.

Good news! While I really can't help it if you ain't got the ka-ching, I've got a good location figured out - Halia Restaurant at the Botantical Gardens.

Why Halia?

Let's just say that this is prime location away from the hustle and bustle of the city! Think of the nice stroll you can take while admiring the beautiful flowers and shrubbery on the way to Halia. Okay, maybe that's overrated, but boy, it's more romantic than say... a dinner in town (again?) which is sure to be overflowing with desperate couples, giving you hell for parking and will still cost you an arm and a leg.

Also, Halia offers a "phone-sitting" service completely complimentary. You'll be assured that there will be no disturbances during your very special night.

Babygirls, if you're single and no one put a ring on it yet. Grab a girlfriend and just enjoy the day, independent, free and chowing down on good food like a boss. No one said we needed a man! Rah!

Come 14 February, Halia presents a 4-course Valentine's set dinner menu, the "Poetic Expressions of Love". Each course comes with a little note bearing a heartwarming love quote from famous poets, plus a little surprise as well. Guys, Halia will practically do your job for you. Just sit back, nod and say, "I love you baby!" That's all you need to do!

So what's the damage?

I know the question now is "Will my wallet bleed...?"

It's $300nett per couple for the 4-course "Poetic Expressions of Love" menu which comes with a single rose and picture souvenier. (Boy are they thoughtful. You pay, they plan it all for you!)

If you prefer the something more luxe and closer to nature (for some added romance), it's $500nett per couple for the same 4-course menu but with premium garden-side dining, a bouquet of roses, a picture souvenier PLUS a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and complimentary tea vouchers from The Halia.

Top up another $150nett per couple for a wine paired menu which includes 4 glasses of specially selected wines exclusive to Halia. Let me just add that, I was lucky enough to be fed wine at every course, and I swear, they are good!

If 4-courses is way too much, consider the 3-course Valentine's set dinner at an affordable $108++ per person. Add $44++ for 3 glasses of wine pairing (if your choice includes sparkling, add $52++ instead).

***

Alternatively, you can go a la carte. I'll include the ala carte prices below.

Now onto the menu. They all have cute and romantic names too. Aww!

Starters

Kiss of the Sea

Quartet of baked Sydney rock oysters
With saute sweet pepper, smoked bacon, shallot and salmon ikura
With cucumber linguini champagne cream and dill

(Ala carte price: $28)

Best paired with 2005 Brown Brothers Patricia Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Brut from Whitlands Victoria Australia (150ml). (Ala carte price: $28)

I really enjoyed the first course. The oysters were fresh and juicy and were nicely matched with the array of condiments. I preferred the Sydney Rock Oysters with cucumber linguini champagne cream and dill. I loved the savoury creamy taste of the champagne cream and refreshing cucumbers. It didn't overwhelm the natural taste of the oyster. But that's just a personal opinion. I felt that the saltish salmon ikura with the oyster was pretty good too but did didn't blow me away quite like the cucumber linguini champagne cream and dill.

Passion's Seat

Foie gras presse with apple reduced in port wine, onion cream

Beetroot reduction and crystallized rose petal

(Ala carte price: $30)

Savour the flavoursome Foie Gras dish with the 2008 Brown Brothers Limited Release Riesling (150 ml) from Victoria Australia. (Ala carte price: $18)

The slice of Foie Gras is indeed decadent. It is a big and thick one. I'm accustomed to a smaller serving and even though you share it with a partner, this is still a good amount. I loved how sweet and creamy it was. The apple reduced in port wine probably lent it some sweetness as well. But I must say, when you've had a little too much of the rich Foie Gras, the onion cream really helps give it a different dimension.

The crystallized rose petal is something interesting but it really literally tastes like a rose petal. It has a sort of grassy aroma to it. I found it odd but it was a good way to clean my palate whenever I wanted to have more of the Foie Gras.

Mains

Two options await - one beef and one fish. You and your other half can each choose one of the two choices. It is recommended you take one each and share them to get the most out of the 4-course meal.

Two As One

Choice of Fish

Grilled Atlantic mackerel

with soy, balsamic glaze, sweet carrot, saute potato with garlic, thyme and rosemary

(Ala carte price: $64)

Best paired with 2009 Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard Limited Release Vermentino from Victoria Australia. (Ala carte price: $17)

The mackerel is an acquired taste. I know some people who do not like the strong smell of this particular fish. I love my fish and mackerel is no exception. I felt that the meat was nice and smooth and was tasty enough for my liking.

An unexpected winner though was the carbs that was served with this dish. It really satisfied my picking palate! The saute potato was herby and mouthwatering with a really fragrant aroma. I was picking up potato cube after potato cube and spooning them into my mouth so fast. Super addictive!

Choice of Beef

Rangers Valley Wagyu Beef Cheek

with mash potato, saute shimeji mushroom, lemon aioli, tomato confit and edamame bean

(Ala carte price: $64)

Enjoy the hearty beef cheek with the 2008 Brown Brothers Milawa Vineyard Limited Release Durif from King Valley Victoria Australia. (Ala carte price: $19)

What's not to love about beef! The beef cheeks was so tender and easy to eat and it was complemented well with the mash. This one is very yummy and very filling.

I personally found the presentation extremely pretty and couldn't bear to dig in. It's so sweet with the flower and dainty setting - it really adds to the overall atmosphere.

Desserts

Once again, you're given a choice of two desserts each. One is a luscious chocolate dessert while the other is all about tangy sweet pink raspberries.

Only Beginnings

Choice of Raspberry

Raspberry mousse, rose marshmallow and vanilla Chantilly mascarpone cream

(Ala carte price: $20)

Dig into this decadent dessert with the 2006 Brown Brothers Patricia Late Harvest Noble Riesling from Victoria Australia.

(Ala carte price: $16)

I love love love love this dessert. I'm a big fan of 'bandung' (rose syrup drink) and the rose flavoured marshmallow hit the right note with me. It was a bit sticky and chewy, really good texture. One mouthful of the raspberry mousse with the vanilla Chantilly mascarpone cream and another mouthful of the marshmallow... Heaven! It was sweet and sour all at the same time. A big thumbs up from me for this.

Choice of Chocolate

Star anise chocolate bar, salty caramel ice cream and strawberry meringue

(Ala carte price: $20)

Best enjoyed with the 2006 Brown Brothers Patricia Late Harvest Noble Riesling from Victoria Australia.

(Ala carte price: $16)

This is made of win. I'm not that huge of a dessert fan actually but so far, both desserts are absolutely delicious. The star anise chocolate bar would make my boyfriend beg for seconds. It is so smooth and rich. Eat it with some of the salty caramel ice cream and strawberry meringue. I fell in love with the salty caramel ice cream. My only grouse is that the ice cream melts VERY quickly. I had to stop myself from licking the plate!

Here is Chef Reynaldo. He's only 30 and is very passionate about his craft! I know it's a normal thing for those in the F&B industry, but this man is sacrificing his own Valentine's to make Valentine's Day for other couples at Halia an unforgettable night!

Thank you Karen from FoodNews for inviting The Cambelles for this wonderful tasting. I was part of the small group of bloggers selected to have an exclusive first-hand peek and taste of the Valentine's Day menu from The Halia! The tasting was a blast - not only was there good food, but incredible company!

The Halia

1 Cluny Court, Ginger Garden

Singapore Botanical Gardens

For reservations and enquiries, please call +65 8444 1148

Love,

Carrie

The Growing Lust List - Jade bangles by Choo Yilin Artisan Jewellery

2012-02-05T22:50:00.001+08:00

What's a girl to do really, there's no end to the madness! There's the bags, the shoes, the power pumps... and of course the must-have luxe accessories.

I'm not a huge accessories girl and I'm sure I've mentioned this before. I do have a handful of earrings, bracelets and rings but they are occasional indulgences and I wear them sparingly. In recent months though, I've found myself gravitating towards jade and pearls. Looks like I've gotten myself an acquired taste for these old-world charmers. The next thing on my lust list are the beautiful jade bangles from Choo Yilin Artisan Jewellery.

The Jade Series - Twirled Jade Bangles

How gorgeous are these jade bangles? These are the Twirled Jade Bangles adorned with green and blue sapphires and rhodolite garnets with 18KT yellow gold gliding.

The Jade Series - Hammered Jade Bangles

The Hammered Jade Bangles, adorned with 18KT antique yellow gold gliding and fancy-cut amethyst cabochons with prasiolites, are a little edgier than the twirled jade bangles.

The Flower Jade Series - Leafy Vined Jade Bangles

The lovely Leafy Vined Jade Bangles feature an intricate flower vine design with London Blue topaz, amethysts and rhodolite garnets.

These bangles have just the right mix of vintage beauty and modern allure!

I don't know about you, but I love the look of jade. There's just something really regal and charming about them and I can't wait to own my first jade bangle. Saving up madly for these now. I'm so torn between the three designs!

Love,

Carrie

Beauty Rules when using New Products

2012-01-30T23:24:00.001+08:00

I am sure we all constantly hear raves about certain beauty products either from friends, family or through magazines? After you're sold by the reviews, you decide to give it a shot and happily buy the product. You just simply cannot wait to try it! But maybe, before we jump into using something completely new to our skin, we should really stop and consider the product carefully!

We recently stumbled on this STOMP article about a girl who tried a face mask from a reputable beauty brand which is readily available in drugstores in Singapore and developed a terrible reaction - a face full of pus-filled bumps.

Warning! Pictures of her ordeal may cause discomfort

Click here to see the traumatizing photo and her story if you dare.

After Carrie and I read it, we cringed and swore on the spot, not to test too many new products! What might work for others might not work for us. While reviews might not all be lies or marketing spins, you never know when you'll be sensitive to certain ingredients or chemicals.

The poor girl's unfortunate incident with the mask is a reminder to us to never forget the basic beauty rules.

Try new products on on our arms and hands instead of immediately onto our faces
Look out for the ingredients list in case it contains any chemicals that we are allergic to
Ensure that all beauty products we use are well sealed and not expired

Pus-filled pimples are usually caused by a bacteria getting trapped under dead skin cells. In the case of this skincare nightmare, it may have been a case of the product being contaminated with bacteria! Urgh! The thought of that makes my skin crawl.

Scared Beauty Addicts,

Rachie & Carrie

A Good Dose of Inspiration - Salute to Rocky Balboa

2012-01-29T02:59:00.001+08:00

This epic scene from Rocky is one of the most inspiring moments in movie history which can be applied to each and everyone of our lives. The old man is right, "Life ain't sunshine and rainbows, it's how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward."

There is no point blaming your lack of educational opportunities, inadequate support or the tough path to getting where you want to be for your failure. It's a fact that life is not going to be easy and you have to make it work by taking what you have to, to get further.

"If you know what you're worth, go get what you're worth!"

Let's not forget, that this man is not just Rocky, he's Sylvester Stallone. These touching words are actually reflected in his life as an actor, screenwriter, film director and film maker. He went out and got what he felt he was worth even if he had to take a "punch" or two.

One fantastic example is the story of how Stallone wrote Rocky and tried to sell the script with himself playing the lead role. He was offered more money for the script provided he allowed a different actor to play Rocky. He knew from the start what he was worth, and though he took a pay cut to play the role, he did it and look where it got him! Rocky was and still is a smash hit. Because of Rocky, Stallone was nominated for Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay. This doesn't include many other awards for the film itself!

And if you need more pep talking... Here is an incredible scene from Pursuit of Happyness which tells us pretty much the same thing - "if you want something, you got to go get it" and what everyone else tells you about what you can or cannot do, doesn't matter.

I think Rachie and I will forever believe in these words because we've all seen how these golden nuggets of advice have worked for us. While we may not have watched these movies and learnt these lessons from the movies, we have been through some tough patches that have taught us the value of just going for what you want - no excuses. Of course on the way to getting where we want to be, we made a few (or many) pointless complaints and we acted a bit of the coward with blame games. But waking up proved to be much more effective.

We both hope that these little clips will in some way inspire you too to take that step towards realizing your dreams and aspirations, no matter how big or small. We know you babygirls deserve everything you wish for if only you face the difficulties ahead head on.

(I am so moved at this moment by both clips that I am sobbing while writing this!)

Much love from us both,

Carrie & Rachie

Two Oranges, Angpaos and a Sony Nex-C3.

2012-01-28T02:56:00.006+08:00

I am in love with Sony NEX-C3 camera so much that I had to extend my loan for one more week to record the many festivities during the Lunar New Year. I went trigger happy and was also sharing with my friends and relatives how I really liked it.

On the way to a reunion dinner during New Year's Eve, there was a roadblock and my mother and I had to abolish our plans to take a bus. I took this photo on a moving cab.

Thank god for Sony NEX-C3 because I'd never be able to capture this photo with my digital camera. I have shaky hands and the NEX-C3 has super fast shutter, so steady pictures, yay! Sony NEX-C3 delivers DSLR level-image quality but in a much smaller package.

Usually, I would have reunion dinner with my maternal family and it is usually at my grandmother's home with steamboat. This year we decided to go to a Chinese restaurant for a change.

Of course there was the Yu Sheng to rain blessings on the family with as much prosperity as possible.

On Day One of the Lunar New Year (Chu Yi), we headed over to my paternal grandma's place.

I have walked down this familiar path in Serangoon so many times. I remember when I was young, my grandfather would fetch me back from kindergarten on his bicycle along this stretch.

This is my grandmother. She is always very straightforward. Since it's Chinese New Year, that few prerequisite questions never fail to escape from her mouth! She is always asking me if I have a boyfriend and I should find someone nice. She once tried to match make me before!

My brother, dad and I. We got our height from my dad.

I wore the Amy Victorian Lace Cheongsam in Peach from Vaingloriousyou. Coincidentally, Carrie also ordered the one in Amber. Like her, I feel that it is tight on the hips. Damn girls with big hips! So I'd have to agree with Carrie that it goes better with a bandage skirt.

What is Chinese New Year without some great munchies! Here is a shot of Buah Keluak (Indonesian Black Nuts) with Chicken. My paternal grandmother is Peranakan and she cooks really authentic nonya food. Take that, Little Nyonya! However, I do not like the taste of Buah Keluak as I find it bitter, but I love how soft the chicken is and how well the flavorsome gravy with the rice. My grandmother also prepared a version with pork ribs but it pretty much looks and tastes the same.

More Peranakan fare - the famous Chap Chye! This is a mixed vegetables dish made with veggies like cabbages and cooked in a mix of glass noodles (tang hoon).

This is my cousin Joanna and her younger sister Jessica (in the photo above). You can really see how we all have the same high cheekbones and it runs in the family.

Let me introduce to you babygirls, Baby Gyselle, my cousin's daughter! The young one is already so pretty with her big eyes and sweet disposition! She reminds me for Boo from Monsters Inc. Some babies would stick to their parents and be aloof to strangers but she is not at all! It's not surprise why she's the star of the family this Lunar New Year.

The video capabilities of Sony NEX-C3 is really good too and here is one video of the star of the family, Baby Gyselle. She must love the camera too because she wanted to grab it!

Later on, I changed into Love, Bonito's Ignacia Dress in Crimson because I feel like I might explode in the Vaingloriousyou dress after all that eating. I also wore my new YSL lipstick which I had bought from my trip to Hong Kong! Carrie just mentioned that it was the prettiest fuschia shade ever and you can check it out from this photo!

My cousins who do not get fat no matter how much they eat. Why didn't I get blessed with that gene even though we are related?

Compare the skinny two of them with my brother and I.

I did not managed to eat steamboat during Chinese New Year Eve and Day One, so I bugged my girlfriends to eat steamboat with me on thursday. I had already gone for steamboat with my study buddies, Jean and Rendell the previous night but I don't mind having steamboat everyday! It's so healthy and easy to prepare. Just dump everything in the boiling soup!

I was telling my friends about how Sony NEX-C3 has soft skin mode and it makes your skin look so healthy and glowing. They can't agree with me more.

La Zi Ji (Spicy Chicken) is a must have at Xian De Lai. You get to eat the chicken first before they fill up the soup base.

Spicy Chicken and Pork Rib Soup.

Xian De Lai
18 Liang Seah Street
T: +65 6336 7505

After a filling dinner, we must have desserts no matter what. Girls, girls, girls! So off to Honeymoon Dessert across the road!

One of my favourite! I love Mango!

My dearest baby girls. I have known them since Secondary school and our Bangkok trip 3 years back was the best! Even though we are busy with work and school now but everytime we meet, we will laugh till our tummies hurt.

Snow White Sago

Mango and Durian Pancake.

That's steamed milk in the background and ever since I had that in Hong Kong, I'm in love with it.

The desserts are pretty affordable. We ordered like 5 desserts and the bill came up to $20 which meant $5 each.

Honeymoon Dessert

200 Victoria Street

#01-70 Bugis Junction

I had a great time snapping tonnes of photos and videos with Sony NEX-C3 courtesy of the folks from Sony and Waggener Edstrom. It made me want to get back into photography. If you haven't noticed, Carrie's usually the one behind the camera.

Really sharp and awesome photos and footage, thanks to the capabilities of the Sony Digital Camera. More to come in my Hong Kong Travelogue special!

Cheers,

Rachie

Welcoming the Dragon Year II!

2012-01-27T02:13:00.002+08:00

I promised you babygirls I'd blog about the rest of CNY and while I'm late, here it goes!

Again, Day 2 was packed with visiting of relatives. BB was done with his visiting, so he came with me to visit my grandmother's sister. We were big dumbos, we forgot our mandarin oranges! (Urgh!)

Thank God for Ah Da! He was kind enough to save us with four oranges! :) I realised when we were driving up to my grandaunt's place that we were missing our bag of oranges and so since we were near Ah Da's place, BB called to check if he could pass us some. He was so nice, he actually dressed up to pass us the oranges... Thanks man!

My grand auntie (extreme left) is well into her seventies and still fit as a fiddle. She is still actively working and I was just so wowed by her level of energy.

I know her secret is her optimism and happy-go-lucky lifestyle. Though I'm not very close to her, I can tell from the way she speaks and interacts with others that she doesn't hold grudges. That's something I admire and I know its tough for me to emulate. You need to be really comfortable with who you are and really "let go" of a lot before you can reach that kind of "nirvana" stage.

Headed to Uncle Mike's brother's place for a quick bite. Boy was it a spread. It was some sort of potluck, so everyone brought a little something.

I was really happy to see that my mom made the traditional Hokkien Ngoh Hiang or Five Spice. Just like how my grandmother used to do it - it was chock full of goodies. There were chunks of prawns, fish paste, fatty pork belly and crunchy chestnuts all rolled in this delightful fried beancurd skin. Yum! I love it when my mom makes these!

Met up with BB's bros after that at another pig out session. No wonder I'm so much fatter (and sicker) after the Chinese New Year festive period. Too much food! I should have seriously controlled myself.

Anyway, here's a random shot of me posing with a humongous stuffed toy because... it is dope ass huge!

LOTD / OOTD

I wore the Love Bonito Harper Dress in Green and paired it with my super tall Aldo Nude Peep toe heels. I know you can't see it here, but wow was I "tall" that day.

I had on a very natural smokey eye and my new YSL lippie! Oh my god, I need to blog about that too. It is the most beautiful shade of fuschia I have ever seen in a lipstick... Even Chanel's Insolente cannot compare.

Catch up with you girls soon with more updates and makeup tips. Meanwhile, enjoy the weekend!

XOXO,

Carrie

Welcoming the Dragon Year!

2012-01-25T01:27:00.001+08:00

I hope everyone had an awesome rockin' Chinese New Year! This year is an incredibly good one for me. There were no awkward questions during my visits to relatives and it felt really light hearted and enjoyable. A big smile and happy eyes do seem to make every visit a joy.

Reunion Dinner

I kicked off my Chinese New Year celebrations with a crazy steamboat spread prepared by my dad for our reunion dinner! We hardly go back home to eat these days, so it was good to just catch up with the old man while stuffing my face with my favourite pork balls and CP Wantons.

All the "ho liao" (good food) was there. Abalone, fish maw, salmon, fish, king prawns etc. I ate so much, I really felt like I could have exploded after dinner!

I wore the Amy Victorian Lace Cheongsam in Amber from Vaingloriousyou with a F21 bandage skirt to hide any bulging tummy after a heavy dinner! The lace detailing was pretty but I felt that as a dress, even though I was already wearing 'M', the thigh area was a tight fit... So figured it would be safer to pair it with a skirt!

Day 1

I had work on the first day of the New Year... So headed down to the airport with my dad and sis. (They were off to an uncle's place to visit.) Rushed down to my grandma's the moment I was done with work and managed to catch most of my cousins!

Grandma has lost quite a bit of weight... Was a little shocked at this and found out that she has lost her sense of taste. I felt really saddened to hear that because she is a fantastic and passionate cook! Every year without fail, she'd whip up her signature dishes, prawn noodles and mutton curry. However, because her sense of taste isn't doing so well and also because she's getting on in her years, she wasn't able to cook this year. Hope she'll adjust to the healthier food soon!

There was the karaoke session of course (which I sat out of) and the adults just sang their hearts out. Kudos to the uncles for really being able to carry a tune!

I was in the Cream/Mint ClosetMatterz Poppy Orient Cheongsam and carried my Love Bonito Chevron Clutch. The clutch was super useful for stuffing all my ang pows!

I really loved the dress I was in. I know you can't really see it from here, but it was so sweet and had the distinctive mandarin collar! Really made me feel all festive. Plus, the chiffon material allowed me to breathe a little. Not too tight and over the top for the first day of CNY.

Headed over to my dad's relatives side for dinner before going home STUFFED again.

Blog more about Day 2 tomorrow! Got to sleep and wake up for work. Wishing all our babygirls and big boys a very auspicious and happy Chinese New Year!

Cheers,

Carrie

iPlank in Hong Kong!

2012-01-21T15:43:00.002+08:00

I'm back from Hong Kong and Shen Zhen and it was a blast with Jill! In our previous travelogue in Taipei, Carrie & I did the Visa Travel Happy dance.

This time, Jill & I decided to do Planking. Planking is an activity that consists of lying face down in an unusual location and both hands must touch the side of the body.

On the glass table

On the couch

On the basin

On our luggage

On the coffee table. Notice the ashtray on Jill's back.

On the sofa at our hotel Butterfly on Morrison.

I had to use my core muscles for this and thank god for the super fast shutter of Sony NEX-C3 because I can't hold in that position for so long!

Our neighbours must think we are really crazy. In Hong Kong, the buildings are really close to each other due to space constraints and you can see what people in the buildings near you are doing.

I don't know about you but I very much prefer the inverse of planking which of course is simply lying down!

We love Hong Kong so much that we didn't want to leave. We wanted to extend our trip but Chinese New Year was arriving and the flights are full and expensive. Oh wells, I know I will be going there soon again.

More photos are uploaded on our facebook page here. Stay tuned for more updates on how we party, eat and shop like a rockstar in Hong Kong!

Wanderlusting,

Rachie

LOL Videos for the Week

2012-01-20T13:58:00.000+08:00

Hell yeah, the Chinese Lunar New Year is almost upon us. It's a long weekend ahead, so I thought I'd pick up some really viral LOL videos and share them with you girls (and guys).

I'm Elmo and I Know It

A really entertaining parody of LMFAO's I'm Sexy and I Know It. Elmo shows you how it really should be sung. The little red guy also threw in some really dope dance moves. Think foot stomping, body rolls and lots of bending over. You'll never look at Elmo the same way again. Tickle, tickle, tickle, tickle, tickle YEAH!

Gong Xi Fa Cai from The Annoying Orange

I really really hate The Annoying Orange. I'm like, "SHUT THE FUCK UP ALREADY." the moment he opens his mouth. But looking at Annoying Orange spit out lame annoying shit in Cantonese to Lime (Limau) is freaking hilarious. Plus there's a Chinese New Year song (with funky cheena techno beats) sung by Annoying Orange in Mandarin.

News Anchor Fail Compilation

Opps they did it again! Epic fail moments by news anchors. Wait for the really awkward moment when one reporter interviews the Dalai Lama and tries to do a joke but fails. He breaks into uncontrollably peals of laughter which then gets the Dalai Lama laughing - though he did not understand the joke at all. Of course, there are more unexpected cursing, swearing and mistakes on camera. LOL.

LOL,

Carrie

Glam Up Your Life with Glamabox

2012-01-17T01:01:00.003+08:00

Holla to all my babygirls! Work has been throwing me a couple of curve balls since I started on my new career adventure as a hotel marketing communications girl! Things have still been manageable but I've had a bit of trouble juggling the blog, the plans for the blog (yes... we're going dot com!) and making sure I go to work on time with just enough shut eye the night before. (I know... Eyebrows are UNRULY again. Got to get them bad girls neatened up again.)

It's really hard to be glamorous when I hardly have time to shop anymore. But thankfully, there's a new beauty subscription service in town that promises to glam up my life effortlessly while still packing a surprise - Glamabox!

Glamabox is a monthly personalized surprise gift box filled with 4 to 5 sample-sized premium beauty goodies.

All you need to do is fill up your Glamaprofile, a short beauty profile, on the website. This questionnaire will help the Glamabox team choose the right beauty products to fit your needs. From then on, just pay SGD$18 a month for a unique selection of products and services that are hand picked, tried and tested by founder, Lisa S, and her team.

The Glamabox is a really good deal because past boxes have come up to a value of up to 10 times the subscription fee. It's a great way to try new (and luxe) products without even leaving your home!

My Glamabox came in the mail, all nicely packed. The hot pink and black cardboard box opens to unveil a fuschia paper wrap that is secured with a little Glamabox sticker. This all feels very luxurious already. I felt a little sinful knowing the pretty pink paper would go to waste, so I decided to keep it and reuse it as gift wrap.(It's so pretty, I don't see why not!)

In it lies a little note from Lisa S to all Glama-girls. It gives an overview of the month's offerings and awesome events and activities on Facebook to look out for in the coming months.

No more road blocks to being glam; a bunch of restorative products greeted me when I carefully pried open the paper wrap. This was the December box, so it was put together with a Christmas theme in mind. The holiday edition included amazing moisturising products to help Glama-girls deal with harsh winter conditions.

Check out the awesome array of high-end samples! I was just gasping as I unearthed each and every surprise out of the paper confetti.

Reviews are coming up in the next few blog posts, but first here's a look at the products.

Elisha Coy BB Cream Miniatures

4 x 5ml each (Valued at SGD$28.90)

Use Always Nuddy BB Cream 24 for a flawless no-make up finish while still protecting sensitive skin; good coverage while still moisturising.

Always Triple BB Cream is a blemish balm which boasts whitening properties, improves wrinkles and comes with SPF 30 PA++. It contains Royal Jelly and Caviar to help protect and improve skin.

Diamond Shiny Pearl BB Cream contains 6 fruit flowers extracts and 7 jewellery complex with an SPF 27 PA++. Sound very princesssy to me.

Premium Gold Mineral BB Cream creates glowing bright skin with it's "Gold Therapy Effect". This BB cream contains the much hyped hyaluronic acid that raises the moisture volume inside the skin forms a moisture barrier gives your face a 24-hr intensive moisturizing from natural minerals.

Celebrity Slim Meal Substitution Shake/Soup

55g (Valued at SGD$5)

Who doesn't love a tasty meal replacement filled with the right amount of fibre, vitamins, minerals and combination of protein and carbohydrates? Made of quality milk and soy, the Celebrity Slim Meal substitution shake/soup is designed to replace 2 meals each day with the right amount of nutrients to keep you running through the day.

After all that Christmas and New Year feasting, this is a delicious and simple way to kick start your "get back in shape" plans.

Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener w

25ml (Valued at SGD$10.50)

I love Shiseido and I love whitening products. My face lit up when I saw this in the box. I'm no stranger to the Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Balancing Softener. I have heard brilliant things about this refreshing brightening lotion which claims to soften and immediately hydrate skin. It's supposed to result in an optimally refined, luminous complexion.

It uses a powerful brightening ingredient m-Tranexamic Acid to help diminish dark spots and prevent their formation. Even-toned skin with perfect radiance here I come! Can't wait to try this.

Perfective Ceuticals Anti-imperfection Eye Therapy Cream

15ml (Valued at SGD$120)

This is THE PRIZE. Seriously, everyone knows how expensive premium eye creams are. I was just thinking to myself how spot on the Glamabox team are on what I need in my daily beauty routine. An eye cream is DEFINITELY something I need always.

Battling with fine lines, wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness is basically the story of my life. (FML much!) So I'm looking forward to youthful, luminous and radiant eyes after regular use of this cream.

Bio-Essence Face Lifting Cream with ATP

10g (Valued at SGD$8.90)

Rachie and I are both great fans of Bio-essence products. Last year I won myself a bunch of Bio-essence goodies and I swear, the Face Lifting Cream with ATP was one of my favourites. It really firms up my face and gives it that "V" shape while reducing the sagging "double/triple chin" look.

Anyway, ATP is what improves micro-circulation which leads to effective renewing and repairing of skin! I don't know the science but I stand by the magic of this.

Talika Lash Conditioning Cleanser

50ml (Valued at SGD$52)

This lash cleanser promises to gently cleanse and refine the eye area without the use of harsh oils or ingredients. That means, no more rubbing and pulling and stripping your beautiful lashes bare. It uses an oil-free formula composed of silk proteins and cornflower water. The special cleanser conditions the lashes and respects the fragility of the eyelids.

TOUCHE Skin Re-New Aesthetic Peel Therapy

1 treatment (Valued at SGD$175)

Glamabox also included a gift certificate for a complimentary treatment at TOUCHE Elite at Orchard Hotel Shopping Arcade. How thoughtful!

This treatment uses a high-tech sensor and high level visual effect to measure sebum quantity and pigmentation levels. It gives new life to dull and sun-damaged skin with an innovative aesthetic peel which targets deep into the skin to stimulate collagen synthesis for intense exfoliation on the epidermis, promote cell renewal, fade brown spots and improve uneven pigmentation for overall tightening an luminosity. This sounds like the way to achieving porcelain smooth skin!

Find out more about Glamabox or sign up for a 6-month/12-month subscription by visiting their website. Keep posted on new promotions, events an more via their Facebook, Youtube and Twitter.

A big thank you to Glamabox and Shn Juay for the complimentary December Glamabox.

Stay Glam,

Carrie

The Cambelles Major Brow Rescue

2012-01-16T09:00:00.000+08:00

Let us firstly declare that this is definitely not a tutorial on how to pluck your brows step-by-step. We just thought we'd make a video to show you what a difference some brow rescuing can do.

I'm not one to fill in my brows because, damn, I've got them thick! But Rachie proves that a bit of neatening up and filling in can make a world of difference even if it's just trimming of unruly brows and use of eyebrow powder.

If you need any tips on your eyebrow plucking, just comment and Rachie will answer all your pressing brow questions (once she's back from HK and SZ).

Happy brow rescuing,

Carrie & Rachie

The Growing Lust List - 3.1 Phillip Lim "31 Hour" Bag

2012-01-11T09:32:00.010+08:00

I chanced upon the 3.1 Phillip Lim "31 Hour" Bag while doing some random surfing online. The "31 Hour" Bag is simple, clean and very functional without embellishments. It's classy and back to basics and fits into every hour of your busy day!

It also comes with a really cute no frills "31 Minute" Portfolio which fits snugly in the "31 Hour" Bag.

And also the "31 Minute" Portfolio unzips to unveil the "31 Second" Cosmetic Zip. Russian doll concept, much - a bag, in a bag, in a bag!

So simple, so versatile, such genius! Not only does it keep your items well organised when used together, but it can be used individually. The "31 Minute" portfolio can be the perfect clutch for chill days out with the girls and the "31 Second" Cosmetic Zip could be placed in your "31 Hour" Bag or "31 Minute" Portfolio to hold all your essentials. How awesome!

Not sure how much the 3.1 Phillip Lim "31 Hour" Bag is going to cost, but its definitely lust-worthy! And if it is indeed under $1,300... I'm going to rush out to get one!

Love,

Carrie

LOL Adorable Animals Videos for the Week

2012-01-10T22:28:00.000+08:00

It's time for our LOL videos of the week again! I love putting these together with Rachie because we just can't stop ourselves. Here are the ones that made us go AWWW and then chuckle eerily to ourselves. Everyone loves ANIMAL YOUTUBE VIDEOS!

Lovely Owl

Gotta love the Disney-isque background music accompanying this compilation of "lovely" owl moments. Totally sets the mood for this magical magical bunch of cuteness. Hell yeah Harry Potter lovers, it's Hedwig and friends time!

Escaping Baby Panda

Mini-Po shows much determination from a young age in a little Panda facility in China. NO WOODEN CRIB IS GONNA STOP BABY PO, YO. The bundle of black and white fur is just so adorbs with his perseverance. I found myself rooting for the little bugger multiple times throughout the video. Three cheers for the winning commentary by random ang moh dude. "He is ready for adult world!"

Maru the Cat

Why is it that Japan has the weirdest and cutest animals? The silly cat can't keep it's head out of the box! Just watch it. I have no words to really describe it. WHY? BECAUSE IT'S FROM JAPAN LAH! You just can't.

Awwww,

Carrie & Rachie

The Weekend with Sony NEX-C3

2012-01-08T20:16:00.001+08:00

The weekend comes and goes so quickly. It is always good to reward yourself after a long work week by doing something you like. Congratulations for surviving the first week of 2012! I have a new friend whom I will be bringing along with me everywhere for two weeks and I'm loving it. Guess who is this new buddy?

This photo is taken without flash and low soft skin mode. My skin looks smooth and glowy and it's unedited. No photoshop just raw images.

I'm wearing my Love, Bonito Carroll Top with my Forever 21 Bandage skirt for a night out.

Sparklers and Cristal at Mink.

We also popped by Pangaea at MBS check out the pretty lights. I wished I took photos of the walkway when you enter as well. So pretty!

Yes, my new friend is the Sony NEX-C3 and I'm loving it so far!

Sony NEX-C3 is not only great for night life but I brought it along to Mayie's house as I wanted to visit her adorable pair of Pekingnese dogs and I took really cute photos of them with Sony NEX-C3.

Why are you so sleepy, Bao bao?

Look into my eyes...

Bao bao is probably feeling the monday blues coming. Oh no! The countdown to Friday begins again.

Follow my journey with Sony NEX-C3 on Facebook as I will constantly upload new photos taken in the album. I'd be bringing it along with me to Hong Kong and stay tuned for my review on the camera with plenty of photos! Besides taking great photos, Sony NEX-C3 has AVCHD Full HD video recording. So if you like our Taiwan travelogue on Youtube, keep your eyes peeled for a Hong Kong Travelogue coming your way!

Love,

Rachie

Watering Hole Alert: The Studio Cocktail Bar

2012-01-06T23:22:00.003+08:00

The Simpsons have got Moe's Tavern, much drinking went on in F.R.I.E.N.D.S at Central Perk, while Ted and gang from How I Met You Mother are resident drinkers at MacLaren's Bar. They've found their watering hole, but have you?

If you haven't yet found that familiar place to call your own, here's introducing the new kid on the (bar) block:

The Studio Cocktail Bar.

Photo courtesy of The Studio Cocktail Bar

Somewhere snuggled in the middle of hipster hangout, Arab Street, is The Studio Cocktail Bar. It's a small cosy place that's more like your home lined with alcohol bottles (or a very rich friends' home) than the typical bar.

This pretty Indonesian lass is one of the two owners of The Studio Cocktail Bar

Don't be fooled by it's name. While it is a cocktail bar, don't for a second assume you'll be sipping weak renditions of your favourite martinis or downing yet another "girly" drink. Guys, the cocktails here are as potent as they get. Expect the full kick every cocktail was originally intended to give its drinkers.

Meet Sam Wong, "the" bartender. He whips up a mean cocktail and he doesn't believe in serving less than what a REAL cocktail should be like.

The chatty no-holds barred Sam discloses that under his watch, you'll never have a watered down drink and you'll be lucky if he doesn't give you a wee bit too much!

What's more, The Studio serves interesting signatures with quirky names like "The Landlord" and "The Room Mate" that really packs a punch!

We attest to that, because we both had a glass each. (Rachie had "The Apartment" while I had "Dark Pleasures".) We were flushed after just one glass and that says a lot since we ARE recovering alcoholics!

Left to Right: The Apartment and Dark Pleasures

You can also make your own cocktails. Yes, you heard me right. D-I-Y cocktails. Doing anything yourself always ups the entertainment value, especially something like a cocktail.

Mix up your own customized cocktail (flex that creativity) or get some preliminary training (testing, testing, 1...2...3...) for your upcoming bartending career as Sam teaches you how to shake your own cocktail like a pro.

This is a great place for private parties (birthday, bachelor/hen's night, promotion celebration, etc) because of the homely, intimate ambience. With a mix of sofa seating and bar side seats, its perfect for chill out nights over drinks because its not too noisy till you have to scream to talk. Also great as an option for pre-party drinking.

You can even book the entire bar with a minimum spending of $400 on weekday nights and $700 on weekends. That's pretty darned affordable if you ask me.

I felt it was more like a cafe which happened to be run by people who love their alcohol! The walls were white with whimsical decals (not shown in photos) and quaint black and white photos.

The food here is just the usual bar grub of deep fried cliche. There's the prerequisite nuggets, chicken wings and golden brown calamari to satiate hungry beer filled tummies. Not complaining though, because the food is not that expensive anyway (and boy do I love my nuggets).

Well, worthy mention goes to the beef/chicken satay which while obviously isn't going to win awards or compare to Satay Club standards, is still pretty appetizing and tasty with or without the influence of booze.

Yes, it's a weekday so we're all looking corporate and I'm all geeky in glasses. Smith on the other hand, is totally himself.

Thanks to Smith from Waddup Events for the kind invitation to the media launch. Enjoyed our cocktails and watching those girls (and boys) shake, shake, shake that cock... tail.

The Studio Cocktail Bar

778 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198746

Tel: +65 6396 6345

Website: www.thestudiobar.sg

More updates and promotions available on Facebook and Twitter.

Love,

Carrie & Rachie

2012 Cambelles To Do List

2012-01-02T23:01:00.002+08:00

With the arrival of a new year, here is a list of the positive things I plan to continue/start doing for myself this year.

1. Start spending time with the right people

Start spending time with people who enjoy, love and appreciate you for who you are. Because they are the ones who encourage you to improve; not only do they embrace who you are but what you want to be in the future. I could never do without the support, company and listening ears of these friends.

Better yet, don't just spend time with them, stick to them!

2. Start facing your problems head on

It is not your problems that define you but how you react and recover from them that does. Problems will not disappear and you can never hide from them. Take baby steps and try your best to deal with them. Never give up before trying to solve it.

3. Start making your happiness a priority

Don't get me wrong, I'm not asking you to be selfish and care about yourself only. It is possible to take care of your own needs while simultaneously caring for those around you. Once your needs are met, you are more equipped with the capability to help those around you.

I used to be the planner for parties and I was always upset with myself when things go wrong. I'd always think about my friends and worry about whether they are enjoying themselves. Now, I learnt to have an open mind. If things do go wrong, that doesn't mean your life is over. Things can get better even when you least expect it.

4. Start giving new people you meet a chance

People and priorities change, the truth is you cannot keep every friend you've made. As some friendships fade, others will grow. Embrace the possibility of new friendships as you let go of old ones that no longer work. Trust your judgment and you may just meet someone that changes your life forever.

I've always be hesitant and socially awkward when meeting new people. I'm usually very quiet on the first meeting but I gradually open up and show my true self once I feel comfortable. I aim to improve on that this year.

I've made a lot of new friends in school and from media events. Hello, if you are reading this! :)

5. Start working towards your goal every single day

Set your goals and envision how you would feel when you have achieved them. You are almost there! Last year, my goals were to perform well in school and to slim down. Keep reminding yourself about your goals. You can do it! I have set my goals for 2012, have you? :)

6. Start noticing how wealthy you are now

"Wealth is the ability to fully experience life." Even when times are tough, it's always important to keep things in perspective. You don't go to sleep hungry. You don't have to sleep on the roads. You are not left alone lying outside the club. You have a choice of what clothes to wear this morning. You don't spend your life in fear. You should be grateful for all the things you have.

7. Start giving your ideas and dreams a chance

In life, it is rarely about getting a chance but about taking it. You will never be 100% sure if whatever you do will work, but you can be sure 100% that doing nothing will never work. Just go for it! This year, we are putting together more exciting ideas for the Cambelles, so be sure to keep a look out for it! We are putting our heads together (literally!)

May 2012 be as colourful as my nails!

Love, Peace and Cocoa Beans,

Rachie

P.S Most of the photos are taken with Photobooth in my Macbook Pro whom I named "Macadamia" :)

LOL New Year Videos of the Week

2012-01-01T01:56:00.000+08:00

Scouring YouTube for my daily LOL has been a daily affair since I went on break and boy have I found a few gems that I just had to share! Since it's the New Year, I thought I'd share some motivational vids. :)

Jessica's "Daily Affirmation"

This viral video of a little cutie pie going all motivational on her own ass is adorable and most importantly, inspirational. While this is an old video which was only recently posted by Jessica's father, the message is clear: start your day with a bang and like Jess says, "I can be a s(h)ark!" I'm really loving her feet stomping and confident mantra chanting. That's the spirit. Ata' girl!

I thought this was way too relevant now that we're in 2012 and most likely, going all crazy on the resolutions.

5 year old needs a job before getting married

I just have to say, the little one is extremely gifted with common sense! She's got some life facts really firmly planted in her head. The funny part is hearing a little kid (only five... AWW!) kick the ass out of some of us sad boyfriend ass-kissing women. Take a cue from this career-girl, rinse and repeat: "No I don't want to marry you yet! I want to have a job. And if he says 'I won't come back to you'. Fine. I'll find a different man! This is MY LIFE!"

Precious words of advice: "I don't care if I marry you. I don't care if I marry another man! I care if I do something that's special!"

Buying a Condom (in India)

A new plot for the Mission Impossible series - buying a condom covertly in India where it seems the entire supermarket knows your family. Do as Jessie J says and Do it like a dude because safe sex definitely protects you from diseases and 'pervert children'.

That's it folks. Until next week!

LOL,

Carrie

Cool Japan Project: Viva Japan Cafe

2011-12-31T00:24:00.000+08:00

ION Sky is best known for Salt Grill and Sky Bar Restaurant but for a limited period starting December, the 56th floor of ION Orchard houses a very special project; the Viva Japan Cafe.

The Viva Japan Cafe is part of a series of initiatives under the "Cool Japan" project which aims to promote Japanese culture and products to the global public. Find out more about this project and event listings of all initiatives from the Cool Japan official website.

The Viva Japan Cafe is a 50-seater cafe which will be open from 16 December 2011 for four months. Featuring Japanese craftsmanship, culture and with a fantastic view of the city, the Viva Japan Cafe is a great gathering place for lovers of everything Japanese to enjoy both cuisine and culture.

We were invited to the first of Viva Japan Cafe's monthly "Celebrity Chef's Table" event. These events are by-invite only sessions showcasing renowned Japanese chefs and their creations. Guests will be treated to cooking demonstrations and a tasting session.

The "Celebrity Chef's Table" series aims to promote the high quality and safety of Japanese cuisine and products.

The first session features a ramen showcase by celebrity chef Yasuji Morizumi, owner of MIST, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant.

Japanese ramen is a convenient dish that is usually consumed hastily, very often standing up in little restaurants. Ramen is thus seen as convenience food or fast food rather than a delicacy. What is really impressive is Chef Morizumi's conviction of creating ramen to the point that the humble ramen is so delicious, it has made his restaurant MIST worthy of one-Michelin-star. In fact, Chef Morizumi is the very first ramen chef to be awarded the much coveted Michelin star. This man is a legend!

Chef Morizumi has used his expertise to create a unique ramen dish that I'm sure most has never heard of! Instead of the usual flavourful ramen in thick pork/chicken broth, he has deconstructed it and come up with the "Umami Ramen", a dry version that does not have the oily soup but packs the same burst of flavour directly in the noodles.

Umami is a very Japanese term. Other than the four tastes - sweet, sour, salty and bitter, the Japanese are familiar with the fifth taste known as Umami. It stands for savoriness and is best described as the 'natural flavour' or 'natural tastiness' of ingredients. There is actually no English translation of Umami.

My guess is that it's that so-called "sweetness" that my grandmother used to refer to when drinking soup. (E.g. "这个汤很甜.") I knew it wasn't "sweet" but something else. Umami is that "something else" which we often mistakenly describe as sweet because there is no word for it!

Chef Morizumi explains that this special ramen is made using charcoal, which is essentially good for the body. That's why charcoal is sometimes used for detoxification. Also, the ramen is boiled using special water (forgot the science behind this). Apparently, because it is not cooked with a broth made of animal origin, this ramen is suitable even for vegetarians.

This time round for "Celebrity Chef's Table" the charcoal ramen was served with juicy grilled pork and bamboo slices.

The Umami Ramen is very light, not overly greasy and didn't make us feel like we stuffed at all. It was light and surprisingly equally as tasty as the typical soup ramen Singaporeans have grown to love.

Sadly, if you're drooling, you can't really have this at Viva Japan Cafe. While the cafe does serve Japanese cuisine, but this very yummy dish is only available from the e-commerce store. You can order and whip up this at home.

You can also bring home crafts and artworks featured at Viva Japan Cafe through the e-commerce store.

Another initiative under the "Cool Japan" project is 100 Ambassadors. Eh! Say first, we are not part of the community of selected influencers! We were invited to the event as guests. :P

Anyway, the 100 Ambassadors are goodwill ambassadors that will help support the "Cool Japan" movement. They will attend most of the monthly events and document their experiences on the 100 Ambassadors website.

Viva Japan Cafe

Level 56, ION ORCHARD (ION SKY)

10am - 10pm

Tel: +65 6636 5156

Email: vivajapancafe@gmail.com

More updates and promotions can be found on their Facebook Page.

XOXO,

Carrie

A Very Cambelles Christmas (2011) Part II

2011-12-28T15:02:00.000+08:00

The past couple of years, Christmas wasn't an occasion we'd make an effort to spend together. But I guess as time flies by, the less "sparkly" events are what takes the cake. It's more important to spend time with the people who matter and who love you than anything else.

So this year, we decided to pop by Nat's place for Christmas dinner. Nat's half Brit, so her house is always brimming with a full feast come Christmas. Be it the pre-requisite Christmas Turkey, Hearty Mashed Potatoes, Christmas minced pies and sinful sausages, her house has everything you'd want to stuff yourself with during the festive season!

Check out the mad spread all home-made by Nat and her family! Look at how delicious the meats and vegetables are. This year, the giant turkey was christianed Tukkey by Nat. We had a great time devouring parts of Tukkey. Sorry my once-feathered friend!

Not forgetting the crispy Bread sticks (I love Bread sticks) and beautiful Christmas Snowy Cake they made. It was so pretty, no one could bear to eat it!

The highlights of Christmas was definitely the uninhibited feasting and of course Nat's elaborate Christmas decorations.

The cheesecake was creamy and tasted oh so good. I also ate till I almost exploded. Tis' the season to grow fat and jolly!

Rachie enjoying the avocado and sour cream dip. The dip tastes fantastic with the Bread sticks! I had myself four freaking bread sticks. Could not resist!

Jill finally came with her kid brother, Jon (see chicks) and we promptly got her to chow down.

Of course, we had the Christmas tradition of giving each other little gifts. Here's us girls with our loots (from each other)!

Here's a couple of photos of us ripping up our gift wrapped presents. :) Happy smiles all around! You could really tell we put a lot of thought into putting together our gifts!

And then of course, then came our epic Secret Santa! The presents were labelled by Barry, Nat's brother and we all drew our numbers for our gifts. Interestingly enough, none of us drew our own gifts! First time lucky for us!

While the rest of us took photos of us with our Secret Santa gift, Jill was so excited, she started working on hers - a mini lego kit. She didn't give up until she put both lego Meerkats together.

So that was how we spent Christmas - with friends and food! :D How did you spend your Christmas?

Next up is the New Year. Oh man, gonna be so fat.

XOXO,

Carrie

The Cambelles Countdown - Best Parties of 2011

2011-12-27T01:02:00.057+08:00

Johnnie Walker Jet Black Party 2011

This party is one of the most anticipated and exciting events of the year. The exclusive by invite-only Johnnie Walker Jet Black Party was held at the Red Dot Museum this year. With free-flow Johnnie Walker Black Label all round in every imaginable combination - whiskey cola, whiskey soda, whiskey whatever-you-like. Check out our Johnnie Walker Jet Black Party 2011 Entry on our ultimate party experience.

This party is definitely going down into The Cambelles little black book of parties to always look forward to every year.

UPHORIA Party with Sony

The Cambelles were really privileged to be invited to the exclusive UPHORIA Party with Sony at SCAPE featuring Sony artistes, Mike Posner and Train. The world famous acts were in town to bring crowd favourite hits to the audience. What really stuck out and made the experience super memorable was that we had 3 pairs of VIP tickets to give to our readers! So we could party with The Cambelles readers!

Here are some videos we caught on a Sony HDR-PJ10E courtesy of the folks from Waggener Edstrom. Really sharp and awesome footage, thanks to the capabilities of the Sony camcorder. Check out our playlist of videos from Sony Uphoria here.

Train with the Trainettes from Singapore performing Hey Soul Sister.

Mike Posner belting out his hit song - Cooler than Me.

Rachie's Black Leather Party
(Filter Members Club)

Rachie turned 23 this year with a bang. To make things a little more exciting, she decided to throw a theme party - Black Leather. The best way to make party guests feel really "into it" is to challenge them with a theme. Which girl doesn't like playing dress up?

It was one hella crazy party with more than 20 girlfriends all party rocking at Filter Members Club.

Rachie got to meet Atrak on that night too! Yay! She's a groupie of every awesome DJ!

So that's the top 3 parties for 2011. We'll be posting up more reviews of the year.

Stay tuned for our favourite beauty products for the year.

Hands up in air,

Rachie & Carrie

A Very Cambelles Christmas (2011)

2011-12-26T04:29:00.000+08:00

There's no better way to spend Christmas than over a laugh (or rather lots of laughs) with friends while doing the silliest of things like being a klutz or being teased about a "secret girlfriend". The Cambelles spent it at Natasha's place where we had an amazing festive spread of all things decadent and sinful.

A highlight of the night was most definitely the Secret Santa programme. There were some really funny gift moments which you might consider for next year's Secret Santa with your friends!

We still have the photo post coming right up! The long weekend may be over, but another one is just around the corner!

Love,

Carrie

Winners of The Cambelles Christmas Giveaway!

2011-12-24T00:58:00.001+08:00

Winners Announcement

First off, a Merry Christmas Eve to you girls. Not forgetting a big flying kiss and lots of love to everyone of you who took part in our first super major giveaway. We're really glad you babygirls are loving what we have to give!

We've done our random number generating and have picked the winners. Lucky you!

If you were wondering, Set 4 was forfeited as Christina Ong was the only 'like' and she already won Set 3. :)

Please send an email by 26 December 2011 to rach.carrie@gmail.com to claim your prize.

We are organising meet ups at two locations: Vivocity (Daily) and Raffles Place MRT (Weekdays 12pm - 2pm/6.45pm - 7.00pm). In your email, please state your preferred date, location and suggested time for the pick up!

Congratulations y'all! Looking forward to seeing your emails!

Part-time Santarinas,

Rachie & Carrie

Pantry at The Stables

2011-12-23T01:12:00.002+08:00

We've always been avid foodies, but boy-oh-boy with all the good food we have been tasting this year end, The Cambelles is slowly turning into a food blog (minus all the technical descriptions).

Our latest stomach filling adventure was to Pantry at The Stables, the latest outlet of The Marmalade Pantry (Ion Orchard). Following the success of the Ion Orchard outlet, The Marmalade Pantry has opened it's second outlet at Bukit Timah Saddle Club (near Eng Neo) with a more family-oriented concept. Psst! I hear they're setting up a little kids playground to keep the young ones entertained! It's so heartening to see a restaurant that goes out of its way to cater to the kiddos (no need for names, we all know which atas establishments have banned kids).

It's definitely away from the bustle of city life for sure. It's a little remote and is a good fifteen to twenty minutes walk from the main road, so do travel by car or grab a taxi. But the travel is completely worth it for the unique "secret garden-isque" atmosphere.

Photo Credit: FoodNews

Tucked away in lush greenery and plenty of foliage, get close to nature at the beautiful al fresco dining area or dine in the comforts of the luxurious interior which boasts a modern meets rustic look with the designer natural ash timbre chairs and lantern lamps that adds to that colonial feel. The lifestyle concept of old meets new is all the rage these days!

Photo Credit: FoodNews

My recommendation is to dine inside after nightfall and outside in the day/early evening to admire the great view.

When I was there for dinner, it got a bit dark and I was seated at the al fresco area. While the al fresco dining area was most definitely cosy and I could see that many diners preferred the atmosphere outside, I would have preferred staying indoors. And I say this because I love looking clearly at my food to take in all the colours before I dig into it. I find it more appetizing that way. But that's just me.

Expect new yummy signatures by Chef Robin Ho at Pantry at The Stables in addition to all-time favourites! The desserts, famous cupcakes and delightful Gryphon tea selection remains but there's a host of mouthwatering ala carte starters and mains to really get your appetite going.

The a la carte menu is available from Tuesdays to Fridays, 3pm to 11pm.

Starters

For something tangy and with a good crunch, check out the Mexican Chicken Salad. Served with crispy tortilla, bite sized chunks of chicken and a mix of fresh vegetables like rich avocado, chick peas/grams, juicy spiced corn, red, green and yellow peppers doused in salsa. With the rich flavours, it really opens up the palate. There's a lot going on in the dish. There's even a distinct dash of cumin in the salad.

The tortilla does tend to get soggy if you don't chow down on it quickly, so it's best eaten immediately.

This is mad delicious. This is my favourite starter from all the ones I popped into my mouth. The Pan Seared Haloumi Salad is heavenly! I loved the slightly sour but still sweet Roma tomatoes. The watercress herb were herby but not overwhelming, plus who can resist that mildly salty Haloumi!?

Haloumi is popular type of Middle-Eastern Cheese made from a mixture of goats' and sheep milk. Some research tells me it's not just a hit in the Middle East, but in Greece as well! I can see why, on top of the great taste, the chewy texture is really appetizing. It makes you want to take another mouthful with every bite. This dish is great for vegans and those who want to shy away from a meaty starter.

Mains

I am a carbo-hungry pasta freak, so no guesses on which main is my must-try. I devoured every morsel on my plate. I left not a drop of the delightfully creamy sauce. Pantry at the Stables has created a Spaghetti Carbonara with a twist - instead of the regular eggy yolk in the centre, they have placed a poached egg on top. Upon biting into the poached egg, the yolk is perfectly runny and just goes so damn well with the already sinful cream sauce.

With most Singaporeans being lovers of anything remotely creamy, this is a sure-fire winning main that caters to most Singaporean palates.

If you can't go a day without your red meat, here's the Steak and Eggs.

Served on a sizzling skillet with smashed peas. There's a hint of truffle oil in that green pea mash. Even if you hate your greens, you'll love this dose of it though! The brown sauce is served on the side so you can add it to your own preference. I wasn't in a meat eating rampage that night and I felt that the beef was a little chewy and tough without enough fat. So overall I do think this is a little pricey. But then again, if you've gotta have your beef, you gotta have your beef.

The Parmesan Chicken is part of the dinner set meal. To be honest, the chicken was a little dry for my liking. However, the cheesy crumbs gave it an interesting crunch and the pairing with broccoli and toasted almonds was a pretty nice touch.

If you'd like to have something a little healthier, the Pan Roasted Red Snapper is a good option. It's coated with a fragrant browned parsley crust and drizzled with a tangy tomato sauce. I was expecting the snapper to be moist and juicy but like the chicken, it was pretty dry. The snapper however tastes fresh, no worries on getting anything fishy!

Desserts

I can safely say that Pantry at the Stables does not disappoint with their irresistible selection of desserts. The sweet treats are clearly where this bistro's strengths lie!

The Lemon Brulee Tart is refreshing and comforting. I guess it's called a Brulee tart because the sugary top is torched just like Creme Brulee. I loved the combination of the crumbly tart with the lemon custard.

I will definitely order the Sea Salt Caramel Cheesecake on every visit. I will even revisit just to have my slice of this wonderful cheesecake. What can I say? It's just superb. The cheesecake is smooth, thick and delicious with just the right amount of saltiness and there's a little crunch from little nuts inside. Sea Salt anything is a yes for me and this cheesecake literally "takes the cake" (pun intended). I'm in love. It's a good portion, a thick slice, so I recommend sharing it with a friend.

The Granny Smith and Stem Ginger Pudding is a nice fluffy slightly spiced pudding which is delicious when eaten with the salted caramel ice cream. I don't quite have a sweet tooth, but I'm really loving all these desserts.

You can't see it from here but once you break apart the Chocolate Ganache Tart, the thick chocolate oozes out from the centre. It's extremely decadent but not too sweet. One mouthful of the tart and one mouthful of the vanilla bean ice cream makes for a wonderful way to end the meal.

Also, don't miss out on the potent cocktails or the refreshing Gryphon teas. If you're up for something to get you relaxed, either the fruity daiquiris or the tea (in particular have the Marrakesh Mint Tea) works.

This is really a great place for intimate meals with good friends, a romantic place for dates and really the perfect spot for families with kids.

Pantry at The Stables

55 Fairways Drive, Singapore 286846 (Former Mimolette)

Tel: 65 6467 7748

Website: www.themarmaladepantry.com.sg

Thanks to FoodNews for the invitation to Pantry at The Stables!

Love,

Carrie

LOL X'mas Videos for the Week

2011-12-22T00:41:00.001+08:00

It's our LOL Videos for the Week (Christmas Edition).

I Gave My Kids a Terrible Present - Jimmy Kimmel Challenge

Jimmy Kimmel, America's biggest troll, is at it again after his funny Halloween Candy Challenge (click here if you haven't seen it). He gave parents a task to basically troll their kids by giving them a terrible present and recording their reactions down. It's always funny (at least on your end) to give a dud present and re-watch that moment on record. I once gave a toilet paper wrapped in wrapping paper to an ex. He was so excited, and thought it was clothes. Needless to say he was punk'd! I eventually gave the real gift to him. Watch how these kiddos react to their shitty Christmas gifts!

Mad TV - Parents forgot to buy Christmas presents

I love to watch the parodies on Mad TV and this parody is about how the parents had forgotten to buy Christmas presents. The kids woke up on Christmas morning with no tree or presents! The forgetful mum and dad had to search for a backup plan fast and some truth will be revealed at the end. Of course, it's the process of the truth unravelling that's hilarious.

Whose Line Is It Anyway - Christmas Hoedown

I absolutely love Whose Line Is It Anyway. The skits and impromptu challenges are always knee-slapping funny. The guests have to come up with something funny on the spot with suggestions from the live audience. Of course, here is the Christmas version of the regular "Hoedown" segment where they bellow silly made-up lyrics to music that the pianists whips up.

We promise not to disappoint in our gifts like the above videos. Here are the gifts all nicely wrapped and you could be getting one of them!

~~How to take part in the Giveaway*?~~

~~'Like' The Cambelles Facebook Fan Page~~
'Like' the photo of the Giveaway Gift Set you'd like from this album (You can like as many gift sets as you want, but your name will be disregarded for the other items in the event you win a gift set.)
~~Winners will be randomly selected~~
Up your chances of winning by following us on Twitter and sharing the album link on twitter! (Don't forget to make sure you tweet @cambelles while you're at it! Also, do post a comment on the chosen gift set with your twitter handle.)

*Giveaway is only open to Singapore residents and will close on 24 December 2011, 11.59pm.

Part-time Santarinas,

Rachie & Carrie

Travel Photography Tips & Tricks

2011-12-20T01:03:00.007+08:00

Step 1: Choose the right camera

What gear you use may be important but the most important thing is to make sure you're comfortable using it and lugging it around! Having the most awesome camera isn't going to be very useful if you're reluctant to pull it out of your camera bag because it's too much of a hassle!

Liz recommends lightening up on the gear and keeping it to basics. Her mantra? "One camera, one lens!" Bring along the right camera. The key words here are:

Portable
Maneuverable

She suggests using a camera like Sony's SLT-A77 which features a convenient Xtra Fine LCD with 3-way tilting, allowing for great convenience and flexibility. Shoot from extremely high or low angles or even from the side without a hitch!

The Cambelles have used DSLRs and point-and-shoot and while everything pops on a DSLR, a point-and-shoot can really be helpful at times when you don't want to struggle with changing lenses or adjusting too many settings. Use what comes easy to you. When you're on a trip, the last thing you want is to realise all your photos are overexposed, blur or underexposed once that moment is long over!

Step 2: Pick your sidekick accessories

Always make sure you're prepared with your accessories. James makes it a point to have one spare battery packed, enough memory cards (at least one per day) and a good tripod for stability. "Bring a good one or none at all!"

For us, The Cambelles, because we love filming videos and for convenience sake we do it on the same camera we use to shoot out photos, we have to ensure we have enough space on our memory cards. We bring a spare with us everywhere just in case!

Photo credit: James Chong

Step 3: Research

"Check Lonely Planet forums and be very wary of 'commercialised' information you find online," says Liz. Speak to the locals and interact with them. After all who knows as much of the local community than the ones nearest to the ground, right?

James recommends utilizing Google to scope out photo opportunities even before you head over to your destination. That way you can check out what kind of visuals have already been taken.

Photo credit: The Cambelles

Step 4: Composition

Composition is what makes or breaks a photograph. Afterall, you can have the best equipment but produce the flattest photos.

Liz is always ready. She observes intently and this helps her with anticipating what happens next. She is then able to capture that perfect shot as the action unfolds. Everything might be happening beneath your eyes and yet you might not notice them if you're not observant.

There is also no right or wrong ways of composing a photograph. "If your mind is free, your eye will start to see." Don't force a certain shot and get too overwhelmed by the "right" framing. Don't over-think, just shoot.

Photo credit: Liz Loh-Taylor

Step 5: Post Production

Post production in James' opinion is totally acceptable and encouraged in moderation. It enhances the colours and brings out emotions if done right.

It's about enhancing the essence of a beautiful shot. Even though post production can be extremely helpful to every photographer, Liz feels that a photograph should have originated from the moment it was taken and not conjured up after - so over doing it is a no-no.

At the end of the day, a photo reminds you of where you've been, what you've seen and how you felt at that very moment. Post production can very effectively help you create that moment in time once again. Sometimes as amateur photographers we might not know our equipment that well. Tweaking of the contrast, adjusting the exposure or even changing it from colour to black and white, can work its magic on the shot.

Photo Credit: The Cambelles

Step 6: Get started with shooting for

Sony World Photography Awards 2011

If you've read those tips and can't wait to start shooting, why not take part in this year's Sony World Photography Awards? The Awards are open to entries till 4 January 2012.

There is the Professional, Open, Youth and Student Focus competitions this year with interesting categories such as 'Nature & Wildlife', 'Enhanced', 'Split Second' and 'Low-light'.

Check out http://www.worldphoto.org for more details on Sony World Photography Awards 2011.

Love,

Carrie

The Cambelles' Christmas Giveaway! [Closed]

2011-12-19T23:56:00.003+08:00

Hohoho! Merry Christmas babygirls (and some of you big boys)! To mark a great 2011 and to thank you, our lovely readers for supporting us we have decided to pull together some of the things we love and use very regularly and pack them into little gift sets just for you!

We would love to give each and every one of our readers a little something, but unfortunately, we're not that rich (yet). :P Nevertheless, we have 6 awesome gift sets for 6 lucky winners.

Gift Set 1: Beauty Fanatic

For the girl who loves her cosmetics, you now have a spanking new pretty fuschia makeup pouch to fill up with your lippies, eyeshadow pots, blushers and more. That's not all! You also get a $10 Takashimaya Gift Voucher to buy even more makeup items to add to your ever growing collection. And just because we're so generous, we've thrown in a few Face Q masks which we absolutely adore and have raved about here and a H&M Star Lipgloss which comes in handy this festive season as a Christmas tree decoration!

Gift Set 2: Squeaky Clean and Refreshed

After an long day with makeup on, all you want some time for your skin to breathe. We are giving away a Meltie Ice Cream Melting Cleanser (Lemon). This amazing cleanser is a definite repurchase for us. Check out our review here. Rejuvenate and refresh your face after your face is washed with an indulgent face mask. We are giving away My Beauty Diary Earl Grey Tea and Macarons Sheet Mask and Chocolate Truffle Sheet Mask. This sure sounds like a yummy way to get squeaky clean!

Gift Set 3: Seduction

Want to smell really good and have seductively smooth skin? With the Victoria's Secret Strawberries and Champagne body lotion, you can. Don't let it end there. Continue to set the mood with the accompanying Rose Aromatherapy set. Get romantic this Christmas!

Gift Set 4: Whip my hair back and forth

Reinvent yourself a new look for Chinese New Year and change your hair colour. Dye your hair with Liese Milk Tea Brown. Rachie has been a user of Liese Bubble Dye and she is one big fan. You can also do a face mask while waiting for the hair dye to set in with My Beauty Diary Strawberry Yogurt and Pearl Powder Sheet Masks. See! We've got it all thought out for you baby girls!

Gift Set 5: Bye bye water retention and tan lines

Feeling bloated? We are giving away a bottle of Waterex! Perfect for those days when you've had one too many MSG-laden Ramen pig outs. Worried about getting tanned under the hot Singapore sun? Then you will also get a bar of Papaya soap for whitening! It's two great products to get you feeling great in your own skin.

Gift Set 6: Party Rock

This is perfect to get you party ready! For a hot date or night out, this figure flattering bandage dress in a playful shade of pink and blue is sure to grab the attention of everyone while still hiding bulges. Pair that with this cute lipstick and nail polish earrings and H&M Coral Ring and you're good to go.

~~How to take part in the Giveaway*?~~

~~'Like' The Cambelles Facebook Fan Page~~
'Like' the photo of the Giveaway Gift Set you'd like from this album (You can like as many gift sets as you want, but your name will be disregarded for the other items in the event you win a gift set.)
~~Winners will be randomly selected~~
Up your chances of winning by following us on Twitter and sharing the album link on twitter! (Don't forget to make sure you tweet @cambelles while you're at it! Also, do post a comment on the chosen gift set with your twitter handle.)

*Giveaway is only open to Singapore residents and will close on 24 December 2011, 11.59pm.

Part-time Santarinas,

Carrie & Rachie

Weekend Party Marathon

2011-12-18T14:00:00.000+08:00

It was the end of my exams. No more mugging and camping at home or school! It's time to let loose and what's a better way to gather all your girlfriends and head out to dance the night away. Find out how what happened when I did two nights of party rocking!

I haven't done such two weekend party nights in a row for long time! I used to go out partying on Wednesdays, Friday and Saturday back in the days. Definitely got to pass the Party Queen throne to someone. Hahaha

No prizes for guessing where are we heading tonight! ;)

Putting my hands up,

Rachie

What's in your shopping cart?

2011-12-17T03:43:00.001+08:00

Everyone is busy shopping for Christmas presents but don't forget to shop for your Chinese New Year clothes! It is always better to buy earlier because you might meet with unfortunate situations like it is sold out, dress on backorder, shipment delayed or lost package. It can be very frustrating so I always like to plan early in advance. The Singaporean "Kiasu" spirit yo!

Here are some of the dresses that are currently in my shopping cart. I can't wait to see them and try them on!

Lace Collar Cheongsam from Vaingloriousyou.

TFNC Sequin Dress from ASOS

Vero Moda Envelop Sleeve Waisted Dress also from ASOS

What do you think of them? Share with us some of the blogshop/online stores that you like to shop at!

Checking out now,

Rachie

The Moluccas Room - Savoury and Sweet for High Tea

2011-12-15T00:27:00.092+08:00

Brunch is all the rage these days with all-day breakfast places popping up like colonies of mushrooms. It's the happening hipster cousin of lunch and breakfast, not too blah, not too heavy and perfect for those odd tea time hours before dinner. But do you remember when high tea reined king?

Forget the eggs and toasted bread dishes, think leisurely afternoons, sipping from a cuppa warm fragrant tea and having a light bite of this and that - a bit of sweet and a bit of savoury - at a little cosy corner.

Thanks to the lovely folks at FoodNews (Hi Karen!), we have discovered the perfect hideaway for our tea times - The Moluccas Room at "The Shoppes" Marina Bay Sands. We were invited to taste The Moluccas Room's tea time offerings!

The Moluccas Room marries authentic Indonesian cuisine with French cooking techniques - a delightful and unique oriental and western union that is definitely as easy on the eyes as it is on the taste buds! The reinvented Indonesian cuisine is the brainchild of Indonesian-born Chef Alicia Tivey who aims to bring out the best flavour of Indonesian food by incorporating western techniques.

The Moluccas Chocolate Society

$28++ for 2 persons

Chocolate lovers rejoice! You will definitely enjoy with this decadent concoction. Crunchy gourmet nuts, preserved fruit and their unique Gula Melaka Macaroons (doesn't it sound so exotic?) are served with a spicy Belgian Chocolate dip. The chilli and chocolate combination may sound strange, but it tastes pretty good together. The price may seem a little steep at $28 for a serving of fruit, nut and chocolate but don't forget that it comes with some very delicious and chewy Gula Melaka Macaroons which is well worth its price tag!

The Moluccas Posh Tea Society For 2

$32++ for 2 persons

It's a sweet v.s savoury showdown. This was the perfect tea time set for Rachie and me. I really love my salty snacks while Rachie has an insatiable sweet tooth. With the Moluccas Posh Tea Society set, we don't have to fight over our favourites anymore! :P A girl has to eat what she wants to eat afterall.

There are 6 different yummy selections in canape type servings so you get a bite of everything from the sweet to the savoury. Have a taste of the Lapis Legit, Gula Melaka Macaroons, Battered Bitter Ballen, Lemper Ayam, Udang Serabi and Martabak Telur Istimewa.

Lapis Legit also known as the traditional thousand-layer spiced cake delicacy, Kueh Lapis

From Left: Gula Melaka Macaroons and Udang Serabi

The Gula Melaka Macaroons are very yummy indeed. The macaroons are Rachie's favourite of the lot. The sweet traditional taste of Gula Melaka presented with a chewy macaroon shell is so unique, we've never had something quite like this!

As for the Udang Serabi, it's a spicy prawn blinis served with The Moluccas Room's very own home-made mayonnaise sauce. Extremely tasty and with its small size, you really want to pop another and another (and another) into your mouth!

Martabak Telur Istimewa

Think a Crispy Samosa but remove the potatoes and veggies and imagine one with an tangy eggy aftertaste. It's actually a home-made pan-fried savoury egg pancake with a secret sauce. I don't know what's in the secret sauce, but this one really whet my appetite. But then again, anything that tastes eggy does!

From Left: Battered Bitter Ballen and Lemper Ayam

I loved the Battered Bitter Ballen. Biting into the deep fried ball of sin results in an explosion of flavour. The croquette holds within a creamy chicken ragout bechamel sauce.

The Lemper Ayam is sticky rice with spiced chicken filling. It really packs a punch with its spiciness. I thought the chicken was a little dry though but its hard to go wrong with this combination here.

If sharing isn't quite your cup of tea, have a go of the offerings from the a la carte dessert menu!

Left: Serabi and Sri Kaya Creme Brulee

Sri Kaya Creme Brulee

$12++

The caramelised crust of this creamy Creme Brulee is extremely crisp. Under the crispy outer layer is a delicious coconut custard fragrantly flavoured with pandanas. It comes in a spicy variant as well (Pandan and Gula Melaka flavour) which was very satisfying and really pandered to my palate. The winner for me though was the very special home-made Indonesian flavoured ice cream which came with the Creme Brulee. Om nom nom!

Serabi

$12++

The Serabi is an Indonesian pancake with creamy jack fruit pulps and generous drizzles of molten palm sugar sauce. I'm not exactly big fan of jack fruit but the pairing of pandan and jack fruit is quite pleasant. The accompanying ice cream is also a great treat.

Pisang Saleh Coconut Milk Sorbet

$12++

This looks so good, the moment it was served we couldn't wait to dig in. The grilled banana slice is accompanied by home-made rich coconut milk sorbet. This was very sweet but not the least bit "jelat" (sickening).

To wash the sweetness down, have a cup of gourmet Gryphon tea. There is an assortment of quirky flavours that you don't quite often see. Take for instance the Apple Strudel or the Aloe Vera... Just sniff away and choose one that tickles your fancy!

We recommend having the Aloe Vera because it smells so good. There's no need for sugar in any of these teas from Gryphon because they are so fragrant! If you're more traditional, have a pot of their Earl Grey. Good stuff.

The Moluccas Room is our latest hidden gem and we can't wait for you to check this place out. I mean, we do know what happens when a place gets popular, but it's too good a place to not share! It has a lovely setting with both al fresco and indoor air-conditioned seating. For now it's a quiet and quaint place for a little chat with friends on a weekend afternoon. The service is great and the music is also easy on the ears. All in all, it's a fab chill out spot. Of course it may get a little pricey here, but for food and drink that's well worth the price.

The Moluccas Room

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

2 Bayfront Avenue, L1-81

Singapore 018927

Tel: 6688 7367

The High Tea Menu is available from 3pm - 6pm

Be a fan and keep abreast of the latest happenings and menu additions via their Facebook and Website.

Love,

Carrie & Rachie

Blood makes you related, Love makes you family

2011-12-13T22:37:00.002+08:00

Remember my favourite quote "What doesn't kill you makes you a Spartan"?

I was reading my old blog (sometimes funny, whiny or emo blog) which is now privatised but I stumbled into a post which was my 1000th post and in that post I blogged about my childhood and depression why I was an introvert. After reading it, I'd like to give you revised version of the blog post in a more optimistic approach to life 5 years later. :)

My childhood wasn't always a good memory. At a young age, I had to accept the harsh reality that my parents are not together due to differences. When my friends would apologise after asking about my family, I'd always tell them, it was better this way. Better apart than being forced living together unhappily right? This changed my perspective that happy family does not have to be together to be complete, love for each other makes it complete.

I wasn't that little girl that addressed all her relatives or was never friendly to strangers. I was just this quiet girl that kept to herself. Till this day, I have to admit that I can be a little socially awkward in the start and it takes time for me to gradually open up.

I was really close to my dad when we stayed under the same roof and I would wait for him to return home from work just to spend time with him. Even though I rarely meet him now but once in a while, he would always contact me or pass me random gifts which are very thoughtful. I think I have that trait from him because I feel happy giving gifts to the people that I love. :)

Always a daddy's girl

I admire my mother for raising us up with very little monthly maintenance. When I turned 16, I started working part time jobs while studying to pay for my expenses. In the past I would sometimes lament about how some of my friends do not have to work and they get allowance from their parents while I had to work hard for it. Now, I understand that she was just trying to make me understand how hard it is to make money and teach me who to be independent. If I wanted something, I either have to make money to buy it or forgo the unattainable materialistic want if I could not afford it. I work hard to earn my keep to pay my bills and pay for my school fees.

She must be having a hard time carrying my fatty baby brother. Hahaha

In my previous blog post, I remembered I talked about how I suffered from depression when I felt that I let my parents down. But what I learnt is that no matter what, your parents and friends will always support you and be there for you. If life can't get any worse, it can only get better. My mum thinks that it's her fault that the family is broken. She thinks that I hate her for that.What she doesn't know is that I not only never blamed her for it, I admire her for bringing us up, trying to make ends meet. I feel bad of my inability to open up to my family.

I've dealt with failures in life. Weight problems and classmates calling me names because of my size. I had exes poking fun about me being fat and one asked me to lose weight or saying that he is not physically attracted to me. I've stayed back a year in secondary school. Lost my sense of direction in my career path and took a break. But who's having the last laugh now?

"I can sum up life in 3 simple words. It goes on" - Robert Frost

My very happening Mum and I on my 21st Birthday Party at Zouk

I feel very thankful to have my family, friends and even the readers of Cambelles. They are the ones who are always there to pick me up when I fall.

"KEEP SMILING!"

From a girl who can't wait to overcome more obstacles Life throws at her.