So, this and last week were a little like a slushie attack – the intense workload hitting your face like a cold slap of shaved ice and syrup. Perks you up alright, but also makes you go like ‘whuuuuut’.

I’m actually going to Hong Kong for work tomorrow till Friday. Then, next Wednesday a trip to KL seems imminent. The week after, it’ll be Hong Kong again for a day. My head’s gone a little dizzy just saying that. Phew. But the trips are for exciting new projects, so I’m pumped!

So here’s a cheerful colour-tastic head-trip for you — have a great week and an even greater weekend ahead :-) xx

p.s. Must. get. round. to. uploading. Hanoi. pics!

(black*eiffel)

December highlights.

Bak kut teh at Balestier while shopping for lights – a major deja-vu moment from my childhood. Yibs, do you remember? We came here with Cody (our cousin) when we were kids. :)

It pays to be eagle-eyed in lighting shops – we found these wall lights in a dim corner, hidden from view; after half an hour of (post-)rationalizing where to place them, they’ll go near our dining area and front door.

The prettiest, creamiest cat I’ve seen. L-O-V-E.

Some of the darlingest friends one could ever have. And who keep me laughing even when I’m feeling down.

This is the view from the waiting area near the operating suites at the hospital. One of the most nerve-wracking moments of my life, while waiting for mum to come out of surgery – this Christmas tree reminded me to always be hopeful.

Countdown to the new year in chilly Hanoi – I felt very blessed and loved, and thankful for being able to end the year on a grand note :-)

love affair.

I’ve never been so in love with lace – Valentino’s lace dresses for Spring/Summer 2012 are so wearable and feminine and beguiling at the same time.

(via jeanasohn & Studded Hearts)

A sublime song,

to remind you of rainy evenings and heartache. :-)

(Rachael Yamagata’s rendition of ‘I Wish You Love’)

H&M Spring/Summer 2012.

Vibrant neons, colour blocking, relaxed cuts, thin breathable fabrics – looks like I must be making a trip down to H&M soon!

(via Plussixfive)

Treasure chest.

As we move into 2012, the new place is excitingly becoming more and more of a reality. Tiling work’s complete; to come are cabinetry, lighting points, built-in appliances and fixtures (e.g. toilet, sink, cooker).

We’re trying to make furniture-shopping an ongoing thing just so we find the right item fit for our needs – lately I’ve been thinking of my dresser.

I’ll need it to hold a whole bunch of skincare / toiletry products, makeup, and also my beloved jewelry (my babies!).

This dresser is so gorgeous with the vintage tile, made modern with acrylic shelving and a cute little jewelry rack.

I’m very persnickety about jewelry storage – has to be in a lined drawer with compartments or they oxidise / get tangled together etc. So this Samantha Wills  jewelry chest is really calling my name…

Note to self : fresh flowers in the walk-in wardrobe would make dressing up feel twice as fun :-)

(Pinterest & Samantha Wills)

From zero to hero.

I have a real love/hate relationship with mascaras. They can be tough to apply, flake during wear resulting in eye irritation for my sensitive eyes, and those that stayed on obstinately stay put – all the tugging and swiping required to remove it would cost me a few of my eyelashes.

Then I found Maybelline’s Magnum Volum’ Express mascara in waterproof.

The formula’s a little clumpy, but it elongates and plumps up my lashes beautifully. It doesn’t curl though, so you need to curl your lashes before using. But once you apply, the curl holds all day – even with my slightly oily lids and sensitive eyes. And removal is painless, swift and easy with some waterproof-makeup remover. My lashes don’t feel like dried toast after removing the mascara, and there are way fewer ‘casualties’ along the way.

I’ve fnally found a mascara I can wear all day, everyday! Whee :-) So I thought I’d share the joy with you.

Oh, and Watsons and Guardian pharmacies are running 20% discount on these now, so if you’re keen on trying this baby out, there’s no better time.

Girl.

I wonder if it’s just me “growing up” (or regressing age-wise, depends how you see it) but ultra-girly, feminine detailing has been really appealing to me lately.

These Suno dresses have me drooling. I’m having a white lace / pleat-skirt / embroidered satin moment right now.

(Style Bubble)

Enchanting.

This article helped me revisit the wonderful memories of last year’s Sri Lanka trip.

We didn’t visit Kandy, but it looks so mysterious and enchanting.

(weheart)

Telok Kurau beauty.

Forever a sucker of retro nostalgia, I am in love with this cosy, happy-looking home designed for an architect by FARM. The black and white bamboo blinds, vintage lamps, and old-school wall detailing just make me smile. :-)