friday reminder...

sparkle...

What a long week so far and it is only Wednesday! 

So a pretty and sparkly and shiny outfit to inspire me today.  I love the contrast of textures between the sequins and the knit.   An unlikely coupling but it just works...  The unlikely, the unexpected, the unpredictable are often the most wonderful.

via Phuong on Pinterest

hart of dixie..

Last night I watched the pilot episode of Hart of Dixie, the new show starring one of my favourite style icons, Rachel Bilson.  Charming little show about a NYC doctor finding herself in a small town in Alabama.  I am obsessed with her styling on the show - the clothes and shoes are gorgeous!  See the below pics from the pilot.  So pretty.  I can't wait to see more.

the elegant hedgehog...

To say I love books is an understatement.   When I have spare time, I usually devour them pretty quickly.  On our recent mini break, things were no different and I started and finished The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery during the course of the long weekend.  AM lent it to me after Jo gave it to her as a birthday gift.  Yay for sharing books!

Originally written in French (and thankfully translated into English so I could enjoy it!), this book is charming, beautifully written and delightful.  Bittersweet and brilliant, this has got to be one of my most favourite reads ever (big call I know).  I won't give you any plot summaries. You.must.read.it.

Source: via Phuong on Pinterest

ms r...

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bell sleeves. drop waists. simple silhouettes. colour = Roksanda Ilincic S/S 2012 collection. LOVE.

drool over the entire collection here.

poolside...

I am blogging today from a cozy daybed on the balcony of our totally lush suite in Chiang Mai - I feel so completely spoilt and relaxed.  It is lovely!

We plan to meet some elephants, hit some temples perhaps a cooking class and of course eat some amazing Northern Thai food.  But the main agenda for the next few days will be lots of laziness, reading, sitting by the pool and much needed rest.  Trying to keep things simple and trouble free, I want my biggest concern for the next few days to only be "what poolside outfit shall I wear?" :)

I am inspired by these gorgeous shots from the 2011/2012 High Summer Swim collection from Zimmermann... the lace, the ruffles, the floral!

However I think my Forever 21 floral maxi dresses, Cotton On oversized linen shirts and H&M bikinis will suffice this time around...

one year...

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Remembering a year on... I think Pete would've have agreed with the above.

Pete, we love you. we miss you so very much. we are all better people because of you. xx

apple...

I am jetting off to New York in a couple of weeks for work. 

Other than work, the trip will also entail catching up with some mates (Liz and John who already live there and Brisbane Food Adventures and her husband who are visiting at the same time). mini uni reunion - exciting! 

 

 

 

Awesome posters and prints from paris vs nyc. Hmm, I may have to purchase...

window shopping...

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I have previously blogged about Haji Lane - one of my fave streets in Singapore.  I took Jac there on the weekend so I thought it was a good chance to tell you about some of my favourite stores if you are ever stopping by!

• Green Poppies:  come here for your fill of cute stationery and on trend but affordable clothes.  I was very tempted by a cream lightweight blazer but figured I didn't really need to add another jacket to my wardrobe especially when I live in a tropical climate... even though I secretly think I may go back and buy it - what can I say, the aircon is cold in my office!
• Soon Lee:  lovely little emporium filled with books, accessories and clothes. They were having a book sale on the weekend so I bought a hard cover copy of Little Women (my all time favourite childhood classic) and The Beautiful and the Damned
• Threadbare and Squirrel: Cuteness. Jac bought a great pair of earrings from here.
• Salad Shop: come here for pretty homewares
• Grey Homme: clothes for the boys
• Pluck: vintage store serving yummy ice cream and apple crumble
• Dulcetfig: vintage store and they also have a cute little and friendly shop cat who always says hello
• Tangers: cheap and pretty clothes

Haji Lane is located in the Arab Quarter/Kampong Glam area which is a wonderful area to explore - there are heaps of beautiful fabric and textiles stores, shops selling perfumes and oils and colourful shophouses.

For some respite from your shopping, check out newly opened coffee place Maison Ikkoku (which we very happily discovered on the weekend) or have some nasi padang and a milo dinosaur at Kampong Glam Cafe. yum.

happy day

Today is the Mr's birthday and also my sister's and brother-in-law's 2 year wedding anniversary.  Such a happy day!  

We had quite the celebration on Saturday night for the Mr's birthday on the Zsofi rooftop - lots and lots of sangria, yum tapas, amazing friends and of course some late night karaoke.  Tonight I am taking the Mr out for dinner at a surprise and secret location (my present to him, as I have no idea what to buy him!) and we are also taking a couple of days off at the end of the week and having a sneaky long weekend in Chiang Mai.  Yay!

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happy friday!

Our longtime and good friend Jacqui arrived last night and is visiting us for a couple of days before she heads to London.  She is moving over there and off to start a new and exciting adventure with her lovely fella.  Hope there is lots of champagne drinking and dancing on the tables over there for you Jac! <3

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escape...

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As some readers already know, I have two mums who I look up to completely and admire.  They are both amazing, strong women who have been through and survived so much in their lives.  Wars, boat journeys, love, loss - they have both been through so much already.  Fortunately for them, in recent years they have been able to enjoy some respite with the luxury of overseas holidays and adventures after having to look after us kids for so long and not needing to run around after us as much!

My dear mama just got back from a one month trip away where she visted family in the States and Canada and also undertook a whirlwind tour of some major US cities with some of her friends.  She had an amazing time and like with all mum's adventures, she has regaled me with stories of how cheap things are and how good the food is (especially the viet food!).  It isn't the first time she has been away on her own leaving papa T at home for extended periods of time :) **  

Cath, equally adventurous, is about to embark on an an amazing trip to India and fortunately for us will be stopping over in Singapore on her way home.  India is a place I am dying to get to so am very interested to hear what she thinks.

Here's to adventurous mums! xx

**Don't worry, papa T gets holidays too and the Mr and I are off to Vietnam with him, mum and Cath in November.  

happy birthday pete..

Today would've been my second dad's 64th birthday.

September will always be a tough month.. whilst it does mean the celebration of the Mr and brother in law's birthdays and my big sister and bro's wedding anniversary which are all such happy and wonderful days, it also signifies Pete's birthday and the month he so suddenly and unexpectedly left us.

Happy Birthday Pete. We miss you so very much.  We'll have a glass of lovely red for you tonight.  Let's also hope the Wallabies win in the rugby on Saturday for you  xx

Source: etsy.com via Phuong on Pinterest

Source: via Phuong on Pinterest

tuesday tunes...

It's a Band of Horses kind of day... their albums are on high repeat in my office today. LOVE.

stripey...

It has been STEAMY here in Singapore! - and it seems more so than usual.

I am dying for some rain so it cools down a little... so to combat the heat, today's work uniform consists of a lightweight stripey navy and cream jersey dress purchased recently in Sydney, complete with pockets (how i love pockets!).  I totally dig stripes.

Source: matchbookmag.com via Phuong on Pinterest

Source: via Phuong on Pinterest

a sunday playlist....

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

sunday morning...

We woke up early this morning so the Mr and I walked down to Little India to explore the Tekka Market.  I was so delighted to see lots of fresh herbs so we bought up and I am making Goi Cuon for dinner tonight.  I will also be testing out the new food processor and making some basil and walnut pesto while the Mr spends his day watching rugby! (he is obsessed)

The only thing missing from Tekka Market I think is a fresh flower stand... oh how I love fresh flowers and brown paper! 

Source: tumblr.com via Phuong on Pinterest

via Phuong on Pinterest

friday happiness is...

(a) waking up to a phone call from two friends in Paris who are now engaged!
(b) knowing it is Friday after a long week...
(c) planning birthday surprises for the Mr...

(d) knowing that a glorious weekend awaits. xx

via Phuong on Pinterest

via Phuong on Pinterest

rodeo show...

LOVE the Spring/Summer 2011 lookbook from Aussie label, Rodeo Show.  Capturing lots of my favourite elements - lace, ruffles and bows.

happiness is...

yummy home cooked noodle soup dinner followed by cups of tea and mini magnum ice cream...

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coffee snob...

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Going out for breakfast on the weekend and drinking an amazing cup of coffee is one of my favourite past times.  It makes me happy.

The good thing is that it seems like little indie coffee shops have been popping up all over Singapore lately which is awesome for a coffee snob like me :)  What can I say, we are completely spoiled in Australia with being able to buy amazing coffee on every other corner so it is hard (and almost sacrilegious in my book!) to get excited by Starbucks.

So here is my list of current fave spots in Singapore:

• Kith: My number one favourite and where the Mr and I spend most mornings of the weekend.  Good food, good coffee, lovely staff.  The additional bonus is that breakfast at Kith always ends up with a visit and a good chat with Sean and Jac next door at Vanguard.   Visit Vanguard for vintage bikes, books and all round pretty stuff.
• Forty Hands:  Big call but probably the best coffee of all the places but unfortunately gets a little packed on the weekends so you have to battle with the crowds.  Yummy toasted sandwiches (why does everything taste better toasted?), generous servings.  Yummy truffle fries.  Check out my fave book store, Books Actually which is across the road.
• Orange Thimble:  Recently opened, we went here for the first time over the weekend and will be back.  Art meets coffee.  Yummy coffee and sandwiches. Simple and good. 
• Restore:  Pretty vintage furniture (including some beautiful chairs - god I love chairs), toasted bagels with cream cheese and coffee. What more can you ask for?
• Smitten:  Only serves coffee - excellent coffee.
• Loysel's Toy and Papa Palheta:  Excellent coffee and a little hidden away.  Two gems.
• Oriole: Yum coffee from our friend Keith. He also owns Bedrock which is one of our favourite restaurants here in Singapore.

Toby's Estate is opening a Singapore branch and roasting place shortly too so very excited about that!  Will report back once we visit.

Now if only someone would open a decent coffee place close to my office... hmm maybe I should?  :)

outsiders...

Rupert Grint and Tom Felton (aka Ron and Draco) for Band of Outsiders' Fall/Winter 2011 campaign.  Shot on vintage polaroid film.  Pretty... and helps with the Harry Potter withdrawals :)

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Happy Father's Day

Thinking of and missing both my dads today.  xx