August 9, 2010

  • Advertorial Feature


     

    Gorgeous summer is still in swing and I'm loving pastel shades for that airy look! Feel delightfully pretty in light,

    calming colors of pinks, beiges, nudes, and other soothing tones.


    I recommend you get your fashion fix from Yesstyle.com, the mega Asian shopping website - with so many

    brands and endless stylish items to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice. But to start off, here are my personal

    selections from Yesstyle to help you get pastelized :)

     

     

    CLICK :

    Bejeweled Rosette Chiffon Dress

    Blossom beautifully in this pale pink frock.

     click to view

     

     

    IZABEL:

    Sleeveless Ruffled Cocktail Dress 

    Simple yet unique, this dress with wonderful layered hues will take you from day to night.

     click to view   

     

     

    SPICY HOLIC:

    Floral Print Jumpsuit

    Soft and adorable.

     click to view

     

    ODDmolly:

    Draped Wrap Skirt

    A truly elegant piece.

     click to view 

     

     

    CLICK:

    Lace-Sleeve Top

    Delicate lace sleeves add romantic touches to this top.

     click to view 


     


    BBon-J:

    Wrapped Playsuit

    Well-tailored piece with nice designer details.

     click to view 

     

     

    JOANNE KITTEN:

    Strapless Bandage Satin Party Dress

    Show off your curves in this sexy lilac number.

     click to view 


     

    XUNIA:

    Twist-Front Diamante Cocktail Dress

    This diamond pale green dress will make you look like a princess.

     click to view 

     

     

    MIKKO:

    Croc-Grain Color-Block Tote with Shoulder Strap

    Alligator creasing and metallic pastel panels make this a standout bag.

     click to view 


     

    FLOY SHOES:

    Embellished T-Strap Sandals

    Pretty sandals for a unique flair on a casual day out.

     click to view 

     

    FLOY SHOES:

    Lace-Up Wedge Sandals

    These lilac wedges add a sweet spunk to your outfit. Pair with shorts or a mini dress.

    click to view

     

     

    Free international shipping on orders above US$150!!! Only at


                     


August 3, 2010

  • O○ ☆TuRninG JaPaNeSe*∩_∩*づ~~

    Tanoshimou ne!




    It was my friend's mega wacky-kawaii birthday celebration at The Sail's poolside BBQ.



    We all came dressed to the theme ;)   Who doesn't like an excuse to don costumes?



    Ichi, ni, san.... peace!


    Konichiwa~   the welcome booth


    Colorful assortment of gameshow characters and ninja warriors:



     





    This guy wins best costume of the day hands down!


    Well..... Japanese ARE kinky people...



    Haha, Cookies the doggie was not spared either and had to don a cute kimono





     
     


    Playing beer pong.


    Nutty Twister




    Hold it right there! Time for your SHOT of vodka!





     


     






    Dancing to Justin Bieber's "Baby"


    The supersoaker  and waterbombing action begins!  Everyone was running around, ducking
    and getting wet!




    *Butter* cup babies
     

     Still hungry.




    And of course the birthday girl got thrown into the pool ;D

    Mata kite ne, omedetou!


July 29, 2010

  • Interview with Rick Warren by Paul Bradshaw

    This is an absolutely incredible short interview with Rick Warren, author of the 'Purpose
    Driven Life ' - the international best-seller and a long-time #1 on New York Times Best Seller
    list. He is also pastor of Saddle-back Church in California.

     

    I hope readers out there will be blessed and encouraged reading this :)

    People ask me, What is the purpose of life?

    And I respond: In a nutshell, life is preparation for eternity. We were not made to last forever,
    and God wants us to be with Him in Heaven.

    One day my heart is going to stop, and that will be the end of my body--but not the end of me.   I
    may live 60 to 100 years on earth, but I am going to spend trillions of years in eternity. This is the
    warm-up act - the dress rehearsal. God wants us to practice on earth what we will do forever in
    eternity...

    We were made by God and for God, and until you figure that out, life isn't going to make sense.
    Life is a series of problems: Either you are in one now, you're just coming out of one, or you're
    getting ready to go into another one.  The reason for this is that God is more interested in your
    character than your comfort; God is more interested in making your life holy than He is in
    making your life happy.

    We can be reasonably happy here on earth, but that's not the goal of life. The goal is to grow in
    character, in Christ likeness.

    This past year has been the greatest year of my life but also the toughest, with my wife, Kay,
    getting cancer. I used to think that life was hills and valleys - you go through a dark time, then
    you go to the mountaintop, back and forth. I don't believe that anymore.

    Rather than life being hills and valleys, I believe that it's kind of like two rails on a railroad track,
    and at all times you have something good and something bad in your life. No matter how good
    things are in your life, there is always something bad that needs to be worked on.  And no matter
    how bad things are in your life, there is always something good you can thank God for..  You can
    focus on your purposes, or you can focus on your problems:
    If you focus on your problems, you're going into self-center-edness, which is my problem, my
    issues, my pain.' But one of the easiest ways to get rid of pain is to get your focus off your-self and
    onto God and others.

    We discovered quickly that in spite of the prayers of hundreds of thousands of people, God was
    not going to heal Kay or make it easy for her- It has been very difficult for her, and yet God has
    strengthened her character, given her a ministry of helping other people, given her a testimony,
    drawn her closer to Him and to people.

    You have to learn to deal with both the good and the bad of life.

    Actually, sometimes learning to deal with the good is harder. For instance, this past year, all of a
    sudden, when the book sold 15 million copies, it made me instantly very wealthy. It also brought
    a lot of notoriety that I had never had to deal with before. I don't think God gives you money or
    notoriety for your own ego or for you to live a life of ease. So I began to ask God what He wanted
    me to do with this money, notoriety and influence. He gave me two different passages that helped
    me decide what to do, II Corinthians 9 and Psalm 72.

    First, in spite of all the money coming in, we would not change our lifestyle one bit... We made no
    major purchases.

    Second, about midway through last year, I stopped taking a salary from the church.

    Third, we set up foundations to fund an initiative we call The Peace Plan to plant churches, equip
    leaders, assist the poor, care for the sick, and educate the next generation. Fourth, I added up all
    that the church had paid me in the 24 years since I started the church, and I gave it all back. It
    was liberating to be able to serve God for free.

    We need to ask ourselves: Am I going to live for possessions? Popularity?  Am I going to be
    driven by pressures? Guilt? Bitterness? Materialism? Or am I going to be driven by God's
    purposes (for my life)?

    When I get up in the morning, I sit on the side of my bed and say, God, if I don't get anything else
    done today, I want to know You more and love You better. God didn't put me on earth just to
    fulfill a to-do list. He's more interested in what I am than what I do.

    That's why we're called human beings, not human doings.

    Happy moments, PRAISE GOD.
    Difficult moments, SEEK GOD.
    Quiet moments, WORSHIP GOD.
    Painful moments, TRUST GOD.
    Every moment, THANK GOD.

    ***
    Great song on my playlist

July 26, 2010

  • Get Feline-Inspired

     

                                     


                          LAUNCH OF PAWFECT FRIENDSHIP SPECIAL COLLECTION

                                  GUEST APPEARANCE BY SING SHI XIN HUI 石欣卉

                                         HOSTED BY *yours truly* DAWN YANG

     

            

     

    The launch will feature a fashion showcase of the hottest bags from Carlo Rino, a brand for chic and fun young ladies

     brought to you by the Bonia group. Project Superstar finalist and now Warner Music Mandopop artiste Sing Shi XinHui  

    石欣卉  will also present a few key songs from her latest album, “Truly” and share her inspirations behind the design for

    the PAWFECT  FRIENDSHIP Collection.


    LIVE ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE AND “MEET & GREET” SESSION

    Date: 30 July 2010, Friday       Time: 6:30pm     

    Venue: TANGS Orchard Showcase Window (Facing Lucky Plaza) 

     

    Don't miss this opportunity to see your idol live!

    I'm very glad too that Carlo Rino has invited the Cat Welfare Society to the event, in a show

    of support for responsible pet ownership.

     

    :About PAWFECT FRIENDSHIP Collection:

    The feline-inspired PAWFECT FRIENDSHIP Collection is a design collaboration inspired by Sing Shi Xin Hui 石欣卉 and

    her love for cats.

     

    PAWFECT FRIENDSHIP (what a cute and apt name!) describes the bond between people and their pets, and similarly,

    the relationship between women and their bags. We can't resist stylish bags, neither can we resist the charms of adorable

    little creatures, right girls? ;)

    I'd love to get a shitzu one of these days.

    Look at them. Resistance is futile.

     

    The collection features a very special paw-print design presented in two series:


    Feline Indulgence

     


    Furry Ally

     

     

     

    There is even a limited edition kitty carrier for you to tote your pet around. Only 6 of these!

     

     

    With the team at the Bonia/Carlo Rino showroom, spoilt for choice.


    I myself got the Furry Ally #3, that comes with a fuschia pink feline key chain as an accent. It retails at S$170.00.

    What do you think, nice? :)

     

    FIRST 100 GUESTS to arrive at the launch on 30th July will receive exclusive door gifts, which includes a Carlo  

    Rino catalogue featuring Sing Shi Xin Hui 石欣卉 and a Limited Edition Carlo Rino purse!

     

      FIRST 50 GUESTS to purchase a bag from the PAWFECT FRIENDSHIP Collection at TANGS on 30th July

    will receive a copy of “Truly”, the latest album of Sing Shi Xin Hui 石欣卉.

     

       TANGS SPECIAL! For TANGS members, purchase any Carlo Rino bag to receive a Limited Edition Kitty Coin

    Pouch, compliments from Carlo Rino! Promotion starts from 30 July 2010. While stocks last!

     

        In conjunction with the launch, Carlo Rino is also giving away 3 sets of PAWFECT FRIENDSHIP Collectibles,

    which consists of a FURRY Folder and a FELINE Key Chain to their Facebook Fans!

     

    Check out the Carlo Rino Singapore Facebook Fan Page for more details to win!

     

    RSVP to the launch event here


     

    See you this Friday evening at Tangs~


July 24, 2010

  • The Best T-Shirt Slogan Ever

    Indeed I've realized the truth and power of this :)

  • Launch of The Fullerton Bay Hotel

    The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore is newly built on the waters and is the latest addition to the
    sparkling
    Marina Bay waterfront, offering breathtaking architecture and striking interiors
    alongside spectacular views
    of the Singapore skyline.



    This luxury hotel truly embodies contemporary luxury and refined elegance with a dash of
    old-world charm.


    Guests enter the hotel through the lobby at the historic Clifford Pier, an important historical site
    that saw the arrival of many of Singapore's early settlers. The hotel's exquisite interior designs
    are richly-steeped in Singapore's illustrious history; design wunderkind, Andre Fu used vintage
    nautical maps and commissioned contemporary art that reflects the celebration of heritage and
    modernity in the Lion City.


    Fell in love the moment I stepped in.

     


    When the hotel first opened its doors, I was excited to check it out.

    We celebrated a girlfriend's birthday with dinner there at Clifford.


    Clifford restaurant is a modern brasserie, illuminated by splendid floor-to-ceiling windows
    overlooking the bay. Guests are greeted by an opulent 800-bottle fine wine library and vintage
    furnishings in warm gray, burnt orange, and dark aubergine set against ivory French paneling
    and herringbone oak floors.

        



    Roasted cod fish, saffron-chorizo ristotto, parmesan emulsion


    Duo Hokkaido sea scallop & Boston lobster carpaccio, black truffles vinaigrette


    We adjoined to drinks on the rooftop.


    Lantern is a stylish rooftop bar and pool, an urban oasis with enthralling 360 degree views of
    the now glammed up Singapore skyline.



    “Lantern derives its name from Clifford Pier’s historical Chinese name - “Red Lantern Pier”.
    It was a landing point for Singapore’s first immigrants and red lanterns used to hang from the
    pier as a guide to seafarers.”


    We chatted over drinks and softly blowing breezes as we tapped our feet to sensual beats from
    the live Latin singer and band, making it a sexy chill evening to remember.




    That Friday night was relaxed and peaceful with few other patrons besides us....

    ...... Compare that to the very next night on Saturday, during the Above at Lantern party!


    Yes, that's the iconic and towering Marina Bay Sands in full glorious view.


    Friend had booked a cabana, thank goodness for not standing the whole night in heels!




    Isn't the place amazing?
     




    Rates for a room start at around SGD400 if I'm not wrong.... wish I could book a room and stay
    there for a few nights....  ;)

    Would you?


July 20, 2010

  • Advertorial Feature


    For many people out there, nothing gets you ready to take on the day better than a hot cuppa

    coffee.  I know plenty of friends who are caffeine junkies.

     

    Personally, I'm not particularly a big coffee drinker, although I do indulge sometimes.

     


     

    And perhaps at some point or another,  you may have probably wondered which should you

    have – coffee, tea? (or me? hurhur)

     

     

    Extensive research has been conducted on the health benefits of tea and coffee.

     

    Coffee may linked to a handful of health benefits, but it can also lead to hypertension, caffeine

    related problems and heart disease. Acks!

     

    Experts agree that compared to coffee, tea is unquestionably better for your heart…. and has

    almost no negative side effects!


    The health benefits of tea far outweigh that of coffee and is a much better alternative, being

    chock full of beneficial nutrients and high levels of anti-oxidants, which help purge the human

    body of toxins and reduce risk of cancer.

     

    Even if you don’t finish reading the following list of tea-drinking benefits, at least you’ll be

    impressed by the longggg list ;P

     

     

    - Unlike coffee, tea has almost no carbohydrates, fats or proteins.


    - Tea contains tannins and catechins which have been associated with cancer and heart disease prevention


    - Tea has been shown to act as a stress-reliever.


    - Tea contains the polyphenol quercetin, which may interrupt the oxidation of LDL or "bad cholesterol". It

    may also lower blood pressure and blood sugar, suppress aging, prevent food poisoning and skin disease

    and act as an anti-viral. Quercetin can also act as a natural COX-2 inhibitor, providing pain-relief similar to

    pharmeceutical versions like Vioxx and Celebrex.


    - Tea decreases triglycerides and free fatty acids in your bloodstream, while coffee contains cafestol, a

    fat-like chemical that actually can increase your cholesterol levels.


    - Tea contains EGCG and theaflavins which can suppress the enzymes required for cancer-cell growth,

    thereby slowing the progression of some cancers. (Some research suggests that the antioxidants in tea may

    neutralize this effect, however).


    - Tea is a digestive aid, it flushes the digestive system.

    - Tea contains L-theanine, which has been shown to boost mental alertness and help the body's immune

    system.


    - Oxalates found in tea can bind with free iron in the bloodstream, which can help the body fight HIV.


    - Polyphenols in green tea can reduce intestinal inflammation related to IBD.


    - Tea can help prevent diseases like Alzheimer's


    - Tea may also be a significant factor in strengthening bones against oseoporosis


    - Tea lowers your blood pressure


    - Tea can help prevent kidney stones

     

    (from teaviews.com)

     


    Another two reasons I thought of to convince you to make the switch to tea!

    :Simplicity

    If we talking about drinking at home, to get the best possible flavor out of coffee, you must

    grind your own beans just before brewing and use a good coffee machine.



    Tea leaves on the other hand, requires no preparation, wasteful filters or expensive gizmos in

    order to extract the best possible flavor - simple drop them in hot water, strain and pour.


    Easy peasy!

     

     


    :Vanity

    Tea won't stain your teeth, but coffee will.


     

     

    See the world of difference? 'Nuff said.

     

    Truth be told, I have always been a big fan of water. That is my preferred drink most of the

    time, save for fruit juices, the occasional glass of wine and irresistible milo dinosaurs at supper.





     

    However UK Public health nutritionist Dr. Carrie Ruxton at Kings College London says,

    "Drinking tea is actually BETTER  for you than drinking water.

    Water is essentially replacing fluid. Tea replaces fluids AND

    contains antioxidants, so it's got two things going for it."


    .....How true!


    So I've taken this piece of good advice and started drinking more tea.

    Not just any tea mind you.

     

     


    Life Compact's special SOD Tea


    The consummate anti-oxidant is Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD).

    Studies have shown that SOD neutralizes the free radicals that can lead to wrinkles and
    precancerous cell changes. SOD is even being researched as a potential anti-aging treatment,
    since it is known that SOD levels drop while free radical levels increase as we age.

    The SOD Teas are also enhanced with essential minerals such as Potassium, Calcium, Iron,
    Zinc
    and Magnesium... all natural, preservative free.... and NO CAFFEINE :)

     

    Specialized extraction methods ensure that only the best quality tea leaves are used in Life
    Compact SOD Teas

     

    I’ve tried the 4 different flavors, and while varying slightly they are all smooth and laced with

    a delicate taste. Nice to drink.

     

     

    1. SOD Tea Original

     

    • Neutralize & reduce free radicals damage
    • Support the immune & digestive system
    • Relieve fatigue & aid sleep

     

    2. SOD Tea Lemon


    With lemon essence added - Rich in vitamin C which helps colds, flu, fever and gum health,
    etc.

     

    3. Brown Rice Signature Tea

    Formulated with SOD tea, brown rice and job's tears etc., catering to those in their golden
    years. Great to get some for your parents and grandparents and bless them!


     

     

    4. SO-Slim SOD Tea

    Now this is my favorite!

    I even made sure I got TWO boxes.

     

    Because I’m a girl, I’m vain, and now that I’m in my twenties my metabolism has slowed
    considerably. Long gone are the days when I could eat to my heart’s content and remain skinny
    as a stick.

    These days I have to watch my diet a bit more.

     

    As you can see, there have been points in my recent past, where I got a little chunky and
    chubby.

    But..... Food will always be one of my greatest loves and I can never resist pigging out! What's
    a makan-lover to do then?

    The So-Slim SOD Tea is thus a Godsend in weight management.

    No point trying out dangerous slimming pills, remember the Andrea de Cruz case? Go the
    natural, healthy way.

    -      Fructus Garcinia & Pysllium Husk helps curb appetite, so I don’t overeat like I tend to.

    -      Semen Phaseolus (don't ask me why it's called that!) is a natural carbohydrate blocker which
    accelerates breakdown of starch. And we all know too much bad carbs often lead to weight
    gain.

    -       Probiotics promotes a healthy gastrointestinal system




    I recommend taking 1 sachet before or after lunch and dinner.


    The convenient packaging makes it easy to tuck some away in your handbag for times when

    you are out.


    Mix it with a cup of cold or room temperature water and drink away.



    Add ice if desired.

     


     

    Ahh.. refreshing.

    I feel slimmer already knowing that I'm at less risk of putting on the pounds ;)


    Of course, remember that keeping a well-balanced diet is just as important in weight loss!

    Check out some photos from Life Compact's SOD Tea event at Chevron House in Raffles
    Place that I attended last week:

     


    Snaking lines that left me flabbergasted. All queuing up for some good stuff, for them it's worth
    the wait and sweltering heat.




    Everyone gets their free box of the popular SOD Tea


    Life Compact's nutritionist explaining the benefits and uses of the different teas.


     


    Talking about my SOD Tea experience

    Buy SOD Tea online HERE!

    or at NTUC, Watson, Unity, Guardian, Prime and selected medical halls

     Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
    3 John 1:2

     

July 19, 2010

  • Remembering Breakfast with Him

          

             Moon River, wider than a mile,

             I'm crossing you in style some day.

             Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,

             wherever you're going I'm going your way.

             Two drifters off to see the world.

             There's such a lot of world to see.

             We're after the same rainbow's end--

             waiting 'round the bend,

             my huckleberry friend,

             Moon River and me.



    "You know what's wrong with you, Miss Whoever-You-Are? You're chicken, you've got no guts.
    You're afraid to stick out your chin and say, 'Okay, life's a fact, people do fall in love, people
    do belong to each other, because that's the only chance anybody's got for real happiness.' You
    call yourself a free spirit, a wild thing, and you're terrified somebody's going to stick you in a
    cage. Well, baby, you're already in that cage. You built it yourself. And it's not bounded in the
    west by Tulip, Texas, or in the east by Somaliland. It's wherever you go. Because no matter
    where you run, you just end up running into yourself."

July 14, 2010

  • Food Porn

    Because I'm feeling hungry in the middle of the night.

    Overcome with the sudden compulsive urge to share my gastro photos.

     



    Baked eggs and oozy cheese, just the way I like it.


    Choco-Nana sandwich. Generous slices of banana and strawberries on a bed of creamy nutella,
    all encased in icing-sprinkled toast.


    Brunch for my mama on Mother's Day.

     

    .....next to the exuberantly-coloured Alkaff “Art” Bridge.

    Verdict: ambience and decor is somewhat lacking, food is alright.

    Epicurious at The Quayside

    #01-02 The Quayside, Robertson Quay
    Tel: 6734-7720


     



    Whats not to love about a café that claims to serve ‘honest to goodness home cooked food,
    healthy salads and plenty of smiles’



    A little knick knack section.


    Retrooooooooo~*




    Sorry. Still sleepy.


    Chai Spice Brûlée Salmon with Smoked Red Capsicum Risotto & Mango Ginger Chutney.

     

    Blown away by this dish. Salmon was perfectly done, the different flavors and textures were a
    delicious medley of delight. Would come back and order this again.




    Pancakes served with Fresh Cream & Gula Melaka Syrup


    Ingenious idea to use Gula Melaka instead of the usual maple syrup for a sweet local twist! Fantastic, must try.


    Food For Thought

    420 North Bridge Road
    Singapore 188727
    Tel: 6338 8724



    Across the border...


    Ramly burger.


    Their version of Hokkien Mee.

    I still prefer ours.


     

    Get just your des(s)erts.




    After this I'm going to gleefully peel the rainbow kueh layer by layer ;)



    Now this one's the clincher.......


    ARMY COMBAT RATIONS.

    Hahaha.

    Don't ask.

    "Spicy lentil with chicken". Not too shabby at all to have in the jungle.


    Up the sinfulness with a chunk of butter.



    After all the eating I had been doing,  it was no wonder I agreed to go rollerblading with V to feel
    better. A little hesitant after 10 years... but... he's really good at it so I knew I was in his safe hands!




    The pro. No guards.

    The chicken with full body armor.


     For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.
    Psalm 107:9