May Love 2014

May 2014Savoring over some delicious Jean Paul Hevin macarons that BFF got me to cheer me up just when i needed it. Enjoying a lovely weekend brunch with friends over roasted pumpkin and pesto quinoa salad and some french toast dipped with fruits, chocolate sauce and cream. Finally managed to buy “Decorate With Flowers”, the US edition, which i waited a month for. The book is filled with inspiring and beautiful floral design projects. Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring definitely know what they are talking about.

Best way to cool down on a summer night in this hot and humid weather is by eating watermelons, and a lot of it too. Tried out the Cath Kidston themed afternoon tea with some ex colleagues, where the plates, tea pots, and tea cups, and the afternoon tea rack, were all in the distinctive Cath Kidston floral design. It was a happy afternoon over lots of photo taking and eating pretty food in great company. Mothers day was spent over a quiet dinner having our favorite steak, followed by indulging in the Velvet Lady cake i got mom from the Arome Bakery. It was absolutely delicious.

Sunday brunch’ing by myself at my fave spot, High Street Grill, as i always need some “me time” once in a while. I always believe it’s healthy to make time for my own thoughts and reflecting back on life. Staying home on a Friday night to make myself a cuppa tea as i dig into my Decorate Workshop book, which always gives me such great inspirations for interior decor ideas. Summer shopping spree is in full swing and that includes a stop over at Zara and H&M. The vibrant colors and floral designs in their summer collection made me want to bring everything home with me!

I am blessed for each and everyday that was filled with love, fun, laughters, and sharing special moments with people I love and care for. You are my May Love 2014.

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Belated Happy Mother’s Day

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Shouting out loud a very belated Happy Mother’s Day to all the lovely moms out there!!! I love you mom and you are the best mommy anyone can ever ask for. Thanks for the unconditional love and life sacrifices you made for us throughout these years, and still do. I know its been a lot of work! Love you always…

And yes, we all loved and gobbled down the velvet lady cake and McDonald’s macarons like there was no tomorrow!

Photo source: by me

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Easter in Sydney…

sydneyJust a quick hello to let you all know that i’ve recently come back from my 2 weeks Easter holiday in Sydney, and i’ll be back to blogging very soonHere is a sneak peak into what i did and saw throughout my holiday upon stepping foot on the land of the Aussie. Hope you all are having a lovely Easter holiday!

Photo source: all photos by me

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Day Trip in Copenhagen

As i was in Denmark for two weeks last Christmas, i had more than enough time to explore around the beautiful city, Copenhagen, where i met up with friends and family and had a lovely time.  If you ever happen to be visiting Copenhagen but for a shorter stay, I recommend the following places to visit.

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Torvehallerne, a market that opened publicly in 2011, is a place that will definitely excite both your sight and senses. It consists of two market halls where there are endless stalls selling fresh bakeries, cheese, fruits, seafood, savory dishes, and many special Danish delicacies, such as their famous open sandwiches (smørrebrød).

There are also restaurants and cafes inside Torvehallerne where you can sit down and relax, while you enjoy a nice cup of coffee or a cold pint of Danish Carlsberg beer. The food varieties are also plenty if you feel hungry, ranging from Danish open sandwiches, burgers, sandwiches, to even Spanish and Japanese food. I decided to have some open sandwiches that day, and ordered my favorite fish fillet with remoulade sauce, frikadeller (Danish meat ball), and potato with red onions. My friend ate some quite interesting tuna sashimi wrapped in cucumber.

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 After enjoying a much filling meal, you take a stroll inside the market, where you can admire some fresh and beautiful flowers. You can even do a stop over at Summerbird, a prestigious Danish chocolate and confectionary brand. One of my all time favorite are their almonds covered in different chocolate flavors, including raspberry, strawberry, lemon, coffee, seasalt, cocoa, nougat, and many more. It’s a perfect gift to take home for your friends and family.

You also have to try their flødeboller, which is a waffle base with marshmallow like filling inside, and covered in chocolate on the outside. It was my all time favorite snack growing up in Copenhagen. In fact, there was a Christmas tree made of flødeboller inside the Summerbird shop when i was visiting, and it looked sooo pretty and yum.

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If you are in for a bit of history and culture, I suggest you to visit the Rosenborg Castle (Rosenborg Slot), which is a mere 15  minutes walk away from Torvehallerne. This castle was used as royal residences until around 1710, and was also built as a country summerhouse in 1606. This is only one of Christian IV’s many architectural projects back then. To have a full experience of the Rosenborg Castle, and if time permits, take a tour inside the castle to see the real life of a royal back then. You are allowed to take pictures inside the castle but you need to pay for this.

The Knight’s Hall, which is located on the third floor (as shown below in the fifth photo) is one of the rooms that captivated me the most. It was originally intended to be used as a ballroom, and as you walk in, you will be mesmerized by the long hall, along with the golden walls and high ceilings above you. I think the high light of touring the Rosenborg Castle must be witnessing the crown jewels and crown regalia at the basement, where you will find the crown of Christian V and  the queen’s crown.

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To end the day, head over to Tivoli Hotel for happy hour and enjoy some cocktails. This hotel carries the theme of the amusement park, Tivoli, into its interior design and decor, where everything feels very fairytale and dream like. The lobby has these pretty red and green lights along the window, and paired with the iconic Swan Chairs (as designed by Danish designer, Arne Jacobsen) in a very clean white color.

Upon arriving to sky bar on the 12th floor, the crowd was already bustling with everyone chatting and laughing away in their own world. What i really liked about this bar was that their seats were in the form of swings and had a beautiful  night view of Copenhagen right in front. My friend and i decided to become kids again and sat on the swings as we sipped on cocktails and chatted the night away, just as we saw some fireworks up in the air from a distant. And if you are feeling a little peckish, you can head over to Sticks ‘n’ Sushi for some Japanese food, which is on the same floor as the sky bar. Having the best of both worlds, what isn’t there to love, right?

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Photo source: all photos by me

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March Love 2014

marchloveRoaming down rows upon rows of books inside Page One bookstore on a Friday night, and finally treated myself to the “Decorate Workshop” book by Holly Becker, to add onto my interior decoration book collection. Her book is filled with beautiful and inspiring images. Trying a new Korean cosmetic brand, ETUDE HOUSE, where the pretty and girlie packaging of the glow stick and illuminator powder stole my heart away. Enjoying my delish taro and chocolate mint ice cream after work with dad, just because.

Noticing a pattern in my color choices during a shopping spree at H&M, consisting of black, white, and grey – some basic wear colors that i love. I left the shop empty handed and felt this unusual sense of liberation upon me. Taking a quiet stroll at the North District Park after gym, and spotted these beautiful flowers. Spring is definitely on its way. Indulgences at work amongst my colleagues and i, with mouthfuls of these delightful marzipan with plum, strawberry, and grape filling, that i got from Denmark. They are completely heavenly.

Welcoming spring with some pretty shades of pink. Dolling up in pink nail polish and pink blush, while spraying on my feminine Forever and Ever Dior perfume, as i embrace the day ahead of me. Finally starting to write down my thoughts and plans for 2014 in my newly purchased pink diary. It’s always up lifting and motivating to have a vision for the near future and staying organized in our daily hectic life style, while writing down random thoughts and inspirations that comes to mind unexpectedly. Giving Australian beauty brand, Lucas Papaw Ointment, a try after hearing all the rave about it lately. Lovely Sunday chill day where things like a cuppa cappuccino, cookies n cream cheese cake, checking blogs, and reading my Starbucks book, is all i want to do.

I am blessed for each and everyday that was filled with love, fun, laughters, and sharing special moments with people I love and care for. You are my March Love 2014.

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Tivoli Christmas Market By Night

Tivoli is an amusement park in Copenhagen, and being the second oldest amusement park in the world, where it was opened in August 1843, this is definitely a place worth visiting. Tivoli is a fun place for both adults and children, where there are rides for all ages, and you can enjoy Denmark’s famous and delicious soft ice (soft ice cream), as well as other savory foods, while intaking the lovely view of the Tivoli Garden.

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I’ve never been to Tivoli during the winter season so when i found out they were having a Christmas market during December, i was more than thrilled to see it with my very own eyes. The entrance of Tivoli always amazes me and this time was no different, except it looked even more beautiful with it’s dreamy Christmas lights shining amidst the night. There were also some baby reindeers not long after we walked into Tivoli, which is a fun event for those with children and an opportunity for them to learn about animals. Or you can even stand in que and wait to take a photo with santa clause.

There were a lot of shops selling cute Christmas decorations, and some shops serving hot drinks, such as mulled wine, warm waffles with jam and chocolate sauce, and savory food, to fight off the cold weather. One of the best things about visiting Tivoli at night during Christmas, is just how magical the place turns into, with all the pretty lights shining everywhere.

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A few of my favorite spots at Tivoli was the Taj Mahal building lighting up with a beautiful white peacock at the front, the very fairy tale looking swings, and the one that really made me stand still in admiration was the tree that had these lovely red hearts hanging down.

I was also lucky enough to witness the water and light show, just as we were on our way to leave Tivoli, as it was near closing time. The music playing in symphony along with the water, while the lights changed to different colors, was such a beauty.

I will definitely be going back to Tivoli, just a matter of when.

Tivoli - Chinese Stage

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Photo source: all photos by me

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The Floral Effect

The floral trend is one of my favorite fashion staples for the spring season. The vibrant colors and patterns is enough to put a smile on my face, and make me embrace Mr. Sunshine with open arms.

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And the good news is that this fashion trend is a very  simple way of transforming any boring outfit and bring a dose of color into your spring wardrobe. In fact, i actually think this trend can be carried out all year round, when done properly and in proportion. Here are some street style floral outfit inspirations for those that are ready to kick start spring with some fun and color!

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Photo source: weheartit

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Visiting Beautiful Copenhagen

With Denmark being reported as one of the happiest country in the world, it’s no wonder one must take at least one trip, to this wonderful land of happiness. As Copenhagen is my home town, i always go back to visit families and this city never fails to take my breath away.  And my visit back home last Christmas was no exception. If you are ever planning to visit Copenhagen, here are a list of my top things to do so you can make the most out of your trip.

One of my favorite things to do in Copenhagen is to walk by foot as it’s a relatively small city, and just admire the history and architect that this historical Nordic city has to offer. Museums and galleries are always in my agenda when i go traveling, and i feel it’s a fun way to understand more about a country. Amalienborg is the winter residence of the Danish royal family and definitely a must see. Take a walk along Amalienborg Palace, which consists of the four rococo palaces, and take photos of their majestic and historical  buildings.

If you are at the Amalienborg Palace during noon time, you will even be able to experience the change of guards in the court yard, where the Royal Life Guards are dressed in their distinctive black and blue uniform. However, you can also witness their vibrant red and blue uniform during special occasions or ceremonies, such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and etc, within the royal family.

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You can also visit the Amalienborg Museum  if time permits, and understand the history about the Danish royal family. You are allowed to take photos inside the museum but you will need to pay for this. The dining room was one of the rooms that impressed me the most, which was where Christian X and Queen Alexandrine used at the time. The white detailing of the dining table, chairs, and cabinets, along with the golden wall gives it a very royal look. The lovely plates hung on the golden wall were actually wedding gifts for Christian X and Queen Alexandrine in 1898.

And if you want a little souvenir, you can check out their shop where they sell post cards and books relating to the royal family, and some other cute Danish souvenirs. One of my most common souvenir purchases are magnets and postcards and this shop was like heaven for me. In fact, i’m a collector of magnets and postcards for every country or city i visit.

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You can also do a quick stop over at the Marble Church (Frederiks Kirke), which is located on the west of Amalienborg Palace, and is only a mere 10 – 15 minutes walk away. Admiring this beauty from a far or close up is just as exquisite. The dome of the Marble church is also known to be the largest church dome in Scandinavia (according to wikipedia). If the exterior of this church is not enough to impress you, then take a walk into the church itself and experience a magical moment, where you will walk into a space of serenity. The dark and quiet ambiance along with with candles lit up, against these tall concrete walls and a beautiful  ceiling of the dome, was enough to take my breath away.

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After a long day of walking and if you want to take a break but not go too far, then look no further then visiting the Mormors Cafe (Grandmother’s cafe in English translation), which is also near Amalienborg Palace, located on Bredgade 45, Copenhagen 1260. You can find more details on their website here. My friend and i happened to stumble upon this local cafe by accident, as it started to rain, and we were tired and hungry. The cafe has a very traditional homey ambiance to it, with the floral wallpaper, wooden chairs and table, and old white cabinets to display their goodies. It’s almost sort of a moment you experience when you’re visiting your grandmother in her old cottage house.

I’m not sure if this cafe is a popular spot in Copenhagen but it definitely is a cosy and quiet place to chill with friends. I ordered a cappuccino and their home made apple crumble cake with cream, and was more than happy to stay out of the cold. It was just the perfect way to end our night.

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Photo source: all photos by me

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Design & Decor: Wall Gallery

For those that are looking for a creative and stylish way to transform your living space and shy away from the usual and safe white blank canvas wall, apart from coloring your wall to another color, the recently much talked wall gallery interior decor idea is definitely worth considering.

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The beauty about the wall gallery is that it can be seen as a piece of art, and might even stir up a conversation or two for the story behind your design, for occasions that you have visitors coming to visit. The beauty with the wall gallery is that you can choose any images that you like, whether it’s a digital camera developed photo, a printed out photo from the internet, postcards from countries you’ve traveled across the globe, or it can be as simple as tearing out a fave ad from your magazine. The choices are endless. What’s more is that it adds a personal touch to designing your living space, as there’ s always a story behind each image that you select. It could be that very first shot of the La Tour Eiffel you took with your loved one, a family portrait, or option for less personal approach by using images of iconic people from that past that you adore, such as the lovely Audrey Hepburn, which i very much still adore up to this day.

And these gorgeous wall galleries does not only apply to the living room. You can be adventurous and do whatever you think is stylish for your home. Some of the other areas in your living spaces to consider applying the wall gallery concept includes the hall way, office space, bed room, kids/baby room, or even as far fetched as the bathroom. There is also the shelf wall gallery that i find very interesting, where photo frames lean, instead of hanging on the wall, where they stand tall and pretty on the shelf.

What is your view on wall gallery? And what is your favorite living space to apply the wall gallery concept?

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How To Dress To Impress For Spring

With temperatures soaring well into the 20 degrees Celsius perimeter this week, it was clear as crystal that Spring has officially arrived in Hong Kong, and i was more than happy by that. Long gone are the days of wearing layers upon layers of clothes, along with the must have winter gears of scarves, boots, gloves, and etc.  It’s certainly been a grueling cold winter and i am so ready to embrace spring but the only question is, how to dress to impress for the warmer days to come?

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Here are a few tips on how to transform your outfit from those winter days with the bulky looking style to the refreshing and breezy style to welcome spring time in color, and i mean a lot of color. And you will be surprised by how easy this can be done so please read on and be as adventurous as you can be, and try out these spring looks.

large-141. Add a pop of color with your blazer

large-102. Be trendy and put on those floral pants

large-113. Add fun to a patterned top and pair it with a flashy colored skirt

large-154. Bring skinny jeans back to life by wearing them in colors

large-65.  For the less daring, inject a dose of color to accessories, such as a bag

large-76.  Dress up in a bright colored dress for that girlie effect

large-167. Make your neon heels stand out by mixing it with jeans in a dark color

Photo source: weheart it

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