Latest fashion obsessions

This is a gift from my brother. I've been wearing it quite a lot, especially if I'm wearing very simple outfits. It's the easiest way to spruce it up.

Paez (pronounced "Pice", rhymes with "nice) shoes, gift from HM. They're the MOST comfy shoes I've ever worn in my life!

It's an Argentina brand that has just came to Singapore. The Argentine people are the first to create "alpargatas", a type of casual shoe that's first introduced to the country by Basque immigrants in the 19th century. The sole, in particular, is super soft - it makes me feel like I'm stepping on carpet/carpet grass all the time.

By the way, when you try on the shoes, make sure they feel very, very snug. That's because the shoes will eventually stretch and go with the shape of your feet after you walk in them for around 6-8 hours. Find out more about Paez here.

Another pair of shoes that I acquired recently was from this brand called Carattere.

Peekaboo!

Mismatched shoes! Aren't they the cutest thing!

Guess who I saw at MBS?

Guess who I bumped into when I was at Marina Bay Sands around a week ago?

Yes, you're not seeing things... It's  Raul Meireles and Jonjo Shelvey from Liverpool FC, who were in town for their 2011 Asia Tour. I went up to them, asked them for pictures, they obliged, and even bought me a drink later. They are cool like that.

Raul and Jonjo playing at the MBS infinity pool

Another shot of them playing ball.

The Liverpool hunks posing in a shot for me.

A sneaky shot of them at an interview.

Okay I lied. These pictures were sent to me by a PR from MBS. But hey, a girl can dream, can't she? Plus, I know you guys will be interested in them, no? :)

Tianpo's Borealis Collection at the Singapore International Jewellery Show

I have to commend Tianpo for their ultra stylish designs. Last year, at the Jewelfest, their bejewelled hair accessory took my breath away.

 

This year,  at the Singapore International Jewellery Show (SIJS), held from 27-31 July at the Marina Bay Sands, they're unveiling the Borealis™ collection.

The collection is named after the Roman goddess of the dawn, Aurora. The aurora borealis (or Northern lights) is one of the most magnificent naturally occurring phenomenon.

Inspired by the aurora borealis, the highlight of the collection is the beautiful yellow gold Borealis necklace. Embellished with Citrine, Champagne Quartz Green Amethyst, Peridot and Topaz, I think the necklace doesn't overwhelm but is chic and statement-making. And I think that's what all precious jewellery should be like - it shouldn't look like it's wearing you, instead of the other way round. 

The Borealis™ necklace will be available exclusively at Booth H02 during SIJS 2011at a special price of $16,500 (U.P. $23,580). It will be showcased alongside other wearable TianPo jewellery inspired by nature’s abundance of exquisite gems and precious metals.

Get an anniversary ring from Goldheart Pure Blue Collection

I remember writing A LOT about engagement rings and wedding bands when I was writing for Female Brides and Her World Brides. Yet, little has been heard about anniversary rings - well, at least for me. So it's interesting to know that Goldheart's latest Pure Blue Collection features anniversary rings.

Anniversary rings are given to each other to commemorate the years you have shared, the commitment and fidelity you've given each other, and a pledge to continue to stay in love for the days to come. I think this is kinda cool and a girl wouldn't probably mind having another stone in her jewel collection :p

From left: Engagement ring, a pair of wedding bands and an anniversary ring from Goldheart's Pure Blue Collection

The key stone in this collection is blue sapphire, which is symbolic of fidelity and purity. The colour blue also represents the grandeur of two souls that come together as one. In terms of design, lots of thought has also been put inside. Every ring in the Pure Blue Collection features an embedded sapphire in the inner shank (yes, inner, not outside that's shown to the rest of the world). This represents a promise that needs no words, and as a personal and intimate testimony to a couple's love.

At a Catholic wedding, the wedding rings are an important part of the ceremony. The priest will bless the rings, and the rings are a sign of love and fidelity that the couple promise each other. And a promise that goes something like, "With this ring, I wed thee" is given. As a true blue Catholic girl, picking a pair of rings that has deep significance is extremely important. It will, after all, serve as a reminder to you, everyday after you wed, of the vows that were exchanged at the altar.

The Pure Blue Collection also features engagement rings and wedding bands and is available from now at all Goldheart Boutiques islandwide.

Mooncakes to get: From Fairmont's Sze Chuan Court

I know it's not quite mooncake festival yet. But actually I'm kind of used to "celebrating" Mooncake Festival at this time. You see, magazines writers typically work on the publication two months before the month it's for. In other words, while it's July now, mag writers are working on the September issue (which hits the news-stand in around mid to end-August).

Anyway, now that I'm doing digital publication, it's kinda different. I aim to get the news across to you in the fastest way possible. And I think it kinda makes sense, because if you do purchase mooncakes for your own consumption or as gifts, you SHOULD do a good consideration before purchasing the mooncakes that you want.

I was invited by Fairmont Singapore to the "To The Moon And Back" media party. Held at Ink Bar, the party is really kinda fun. I brought Lingx along with me.

My guest, Lingx, and me!

The star of the night is definitely the creative mooncakes that the chefs at Sze Chuan Court has prepared for us. Created by Chef Mandy Yeo, these mooncakes will be available from 3 August to 12 September.

The mooncake "buffet" spread.

The traditional baked mooncake flavours include:
Olive Kernel in White Lotus Paste ($50 per box, four per box) - A "healthier" choice that feels less oily and has an interesting texture.
Double Yolk in White Lotus Paste ($55 per box, four per box) - Everyone's favourite traditional mooncake. It's not too sweet so you can have more of it.
Single Yolk and Macademia Nuts in White Lotus Paste ($53 per box, four per box) - Besides trying it for the interesting addition of macademia nuts in the mooncake, also check out the unique peach shape that it's made in.
Roasted Pine Nuts in White Lotus Paste ($50 per box, four per box) - This has a nice fragrance to it.
Mini Baked with Yolk in White Lotus Paste ($50 per box, eight per box) - Traditional mooncake in fun size!

You can also pick four flavours from the above list you like, pack them in one box and enjoy it at $55 per box.

Double Yolk in White Lotus Paste.

The Snow Skin Moon Cake flavours are also amazing. They all come in mini size by the way, so you can easily try a few flavours at the same time. The flavours include:

Durian ($53 per box, eight per box) - This is a new creation to the ensemble this year.
Dark Rocher Chocolate ($50 per box, eight per box) This is also a new creation. Those who enjoy Ferrero Rocher shouldn't miss this.
Rum & Raisin Chocolate Truffle ($52 per box, eight per box) - Like the ice-cream that you love, but a little more subtle and fills you up a bit more.
Champagne Truffle & Chocolate Ganache ($53 per box, eight per box) - My favourite mooncake flavour in the ensemble. Bite into the ultra-soft skin and experience the champagne "bursting" in your palate.
Baileys Chocolate ($52 per box, eight per box) - Probably my second favourite one. Well, I think you could tell that I'm a bit of an alcoholic :p

Or choose any four flavours that you like (except durian) and get eight pieces of them in one box for $53.

Snow skin mooncakes spread.

There were also fringe activities at the party, including the very artistic and talented Mr. Yip who helps you write (or should I say, draw?) your name and tell you what elements can be found in your name.

The amazing Mr. Yip.

Artistic writing.

Chef Mandy also did a demonstration. Someone at the party was impressed, and turned around to tell me, "She completed one mooncake in just 30 seconds!"

Demonstrating the making of a snow skin mooncake.

The chef giving an impressive demonstration.

"It's so easy, everyone can do it!" says the chef.

There was also hand massage available, administered by the therapists from Willow Stream.

Us waiting for our hand massage.

Can you read what the calligraphy says? Our names!

The party, as you can see, was a lot of fun :) Oh, the photographers at the party also took a lot of pictures of us, and get them printed immediately for us to bring home as souvenirs.

I'd also like to highlight the creativity and beauty of the boxes that the mooncakes come with.

Beautiful boxes.

A very thoughtful touch.

Look at the details!

Love the intricate details!

For enquiries, you could call the Mooncake Hotline (Yes, you didn't misread this. They have a special hotline because they're that popular) at 6338-8785 or email fairmontsingapore.mooncakes@fairmont.com or fax your orders to 6338-8529. You can also get more information at http://www.fsfestiveorders.com from 3 August.

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I will be sharing about other mooncakes over the next few days. Watch this space!

Fisherman's Market comes to Singapore, at The Central

Fisherman's Market, a premium Japanese-Western seafood buffet restaurant is finally in Singapore, at The Central. The Japanese company that runs this brand has more than 110 food concepts all over the world.

I was invited for its media tasting last week and the first thing that struck me is the massive size of the restaurant. The two-storey restaurant takes up 10,000 sqft in total, and can seat a total of about 360 people.

Another impressive feature of the restaurant is that it boasts of a river view. Most "window seats" that restaurants offer don't really have a very good view, but what Fisherman's Market has is pretty good.

I invited Thaddeus to be my guest at the tasting. He has a blog too, do visit him and show him some love.

And here's me, looking slightly fatigued after a hard day's work.

Let me bring you around the restaurant and have a look at the spread it offers:

The above is the cheese fondue, an a la carte item at the restaurant. Simply make an order by placing pegs that are found on your table at the ordering counter, and the dish will be served hot to your table. The cheese fondue is also one of my favourites at the restaurant. The warm cheese seems to go really well with any food (yes, it's not just limited to the bread, broccoli and potato that it's served with!) so go on and try dipping other foods into it.

No self-respecting seafood restaurant is complete without a good spread of sushi and sashimi. These are made on-the-spot by native Itamae (or sushi chefs). If you're looking for fanciful or "creative" sushi, Fisherman's Market may not be the place to go to, but you'll definitely be satisfied by the all-time-favourites.

Another not-to-miss item at the spread is the DIY ice-cream. I know it sounds really ridiculous to some since ice-cream is not something that most people will look out for at a seafood buffet restaurant. The ice-cream is super creamy and soft and there are many different types of toppings available

By the way, if you're thinking of going for its buffet, remember it's only available for dinner, and it's priced at $39.90++ (Mon-Thu) and $49.90++ (Fri-Sat). At lunch, it offers an a la carte menu consisting of sandwiches and appetizers.

Fisherman's Market is located at #01-15 and #02-17 The Central.

Ramadan Iftar Delights at Asian Market Café

This year's Ramadan is from 1 August to 30 August. And as our Muslim friends break fast in the evening, why not join them at Fairmont's Asian Market Café where the usual buffet spread is made more interesting with Middle Eastern and Malay fare.

Buffet spread at Asian Market  Café  

Dessert spread at Asian Market  Café.  

Look forward to authentic and traditional Middle Eastern specialities such as Harira (Moroccan Soup with Tomato, Lentil and Chickpea); Fattosh Salad (Mixed Vegetables with Pita Bread); “Ouzi-style” Lamb Leg from the live carving station; and Samak Sayyadiyah (Pan-roasted Gulf-style Fish Fillet with Spiced Arabic Cumin Rice).

Ramadan dishes

Besides the more exotic cuisine, you can also feast on delectable Asian highlights comprising Ayam Berempah (Malaysian Roasted Spiced Chicken); Sayor Lemak (Malaysian Mixed Vegetables); and Tiram Daging Lembu (Malaysian Black Pepper Beef). End your sumptuous dining experience with a variety of sweet indulgence such as Umm Ali (Egyptian Bread Pudding); Muhallabi (Turkish Milk Pudding); and Kadayif (Turkish Baked Pastry with Sugar Syrup and Fresh Cream).

Ayam Berempah

Sayor Lemak

Tiram Daging Lembu

The sumptuous buffet is complemented by live action stations and salad, appetiser and dessert stalls - usual highlights at Asian Market Café. To further enhance the traditional breaking fast experience at Asian Market Café, television monitors will be placed around the restaurant indicating Salat al Isha (the time to break fast) and each table will receive a complimentary plate of dates, dried fruits and a serving of Ayran (Yogurt Drink) for diners. To provide additional convenience for diners and guests, Fairmont Singapore offers separate male and female prayer areas adjacent to Asian Market Café. If you ask me, I think that's very thoughtful of the hotel.

Live Carving Station

The Ramadan Buffet is only available for dinner and is available at $55++ per adult / $30++ per child (6 – 12 yrs)

Asian Market Café is located at Level 2, Fairmont Singapore.
Lunch: Daily – 12:00pm to 2:30pm
Dinner: Sun to Thu – 6:00pm to 10:00pm / Fri, Sat & PH – 6:30pm to 10:30pm
High Tea: Sat, Sun & PH – 12:30pm to 4:30pm

Call +65 6431 6156 or email dining.singapore@fairmont.com for reservations.