My 2nd, Then 1st, Now 2nd Home

This is my 2nd home…

It's a place I visit almost once a year, more than just to visit my lovely family & friends…

And not just for fresh air or breath-taking sceneries…

New Zealand - It's about time I shared about the place I migrated to, then lived and studied in, and finally left but only to return every year or so.

Being Singaporean, let's start with the food in New Zealand - SEAFOOD to be specific!

You can also pick mussels for free, but cleaning them is an challenge…

Then you've got the good old 'barbee' gatherings, complete with steak and sausage sizzles…

Or go on a fruit and macademia nut diet!



Throw in some adventurous stunts…

Or don't be so adventurous!

It's all about FUN FUN FUN!

NZ is home to a bunch of touristy things too…

Tired of the sun? Think 4 Seasons!!! When winter comes, snowboarding is a roadtrip away, without the temperature going below -5 degrees…

Then comes the beautiful flowers in the spring, and snow capped mountains in winter...

Talking about beauty or nature OR BOTH, the south island is exploding with that! Despite being to the south island many times, Mr Yap and I still try to do a roadtrip every time we're in New Zealand because it's great for…

Touring New Zealand is like taking a walk through a geography lesson…

Throw in a great getaway wedding photoshoot roadtrip! Our photoshoot and holiday spanned across two whole weeks from the south to the north island, thanks to our photographer a.k.a. groom - Mr Yap.

Don't forget to take a peep into people's houses during X'mas!

Lastly, don't miss an amazing sunrise or sunset!

It's always great to have such beautiful memories captured in pictures, thanks to Mr Yap! We're looking forward to my next trip home…

(Disclaimer: Scenery images are courtesy from E.K.Yap Photography! Not from stock images. All rights reserved :)

Dressed for Winter

Looking back at the pictures from our Europe winter getaway brought back many memories.

Even though I love the thought of a white Christmas, I'm terrified of the cold. Despite winter clothes being dull and boring, I'm lucky I made some fashion-photogenic decisions to stand out against those breath-taking sceneries.

BRIGHT COLOURS!

I thought of getting myself a beige or bright red winter jacket to escape from the dull black, but in the end I decided not to waste any more money and stuck to my good-old black jacket. And I'm glad for that decision 'coz it meant I could dress it up with coloured accessories!

Also, spicing up my simple black Dr Martens with pink ribbon laces was the best decision for this trip! Pairing it together with a bright scarf brings colourful life to the pictures...

And thankfully, having a favourite colour made mixing and matching my wardrobe easier!

Also, it helps to have some coloured jeans / leggings to add variety to the photos!

I don't have much chances to wear hats in Singapore, but when I found a lovely RED hat that was inexpensive, I bought it! Not only did it keep my head warm and tamed my hair in the wind, you couldn't miss me in the pictures!

Who said winter fashion was boring!

This year, Canada is in the list… maybe it's time to search for some new tops, especially when winter clothes are on hot sales now!

Barbie in the post...

Just 2 days ago, Barbie released a new designer barbie... The moment I saw her, I knew I had to get her. It's not one of my favourite brands, but she'll make a great addition to my designer barbie family... so I couldn't resist.

"She wears a Classic Trench in Tattersall, an exact replica of the popular Coach style, along with a striped sweater and an ultrasuede skirt. The turnlocks on the skirt are exact replicas of the Coach handbag turnlocks. But it’s her red Classic Duffle that marks a fashion milestone: this is Barbie^® doll’s first genuine leather bag, made from start to finish in a Coach factory with the same care and attention given to every Coach bag. The Classic Duffle includes a drawstring dust bag." ~ BarbieCollector.com

Problem was, I didn't have a US shipping address! And it didn't ship internationally. That was how I missed out on the Tokidoki Barbie which was selling at USD 50 direct from BarbieCollector.com, but today at USD 289 on Amazon. I wasn't going to miss out on another great opportunity again!

Thinking fast before it's sold out, I hopped onto our Singapore Post website and signed up for a VPost account! Immediately, I owned 4 new addresses, one in US, UK, Japan and China. If only buying a real home address was as easy!

Today, I'm impatiently awaiting its arrival.

The Coach Barbie will also be available for sale at $195 in Singapore's Wisma Atria Coach store next month... But I couldn't wait!!

In Barbie's World...

You've gotta love PINK in order to survive in Barbie's world! And thankfully, I do!

This Taipei trip, we were lucky to spot the Barbie Cafe when we were shopping around Zhong Xiao Dong Lu. From a distance, the vibrant pink immediately caught Mr Yap's attention. Though I've heard about this Barbie themed cafe, it wasn't part of my Taipei plans, but Mr Yap kept urging me to have a look...

And I have him to thank!

They got the Barbie theme down to a T, right from the entrance all the way to the cute little frilly chairs and pretty waitresses in pink tutus!

I wish I could take home the chair in the waiting area! It would look soooo cute in our cozy corner at home!

Mr Yap and I wanted to have a tea party for two there... However, they had a minimum spend and they sold out of those cute little cakes on display, so we said our good-byes to the cafe and went on our way...

If only they sold Barbie collectibles there too...

Taipei Haul

Taipei has always been on our wishlist again ever since my colleagues joined. Recently, our wish came true as we took this short trip together. I'm really glad to have these big fans of Taiwan as colleagues, introducing us to new things during this second visit of mine!

We took a crystal cable car up to Maokong for lunch and tea, ate their local favourites like lu rou fan and mango snow ice at Ximenting, as well as enjoying some jap bbq at the happening Kanpai restaurant, where we can kiss for free meat! Also, we heard some beautiful voices at EZ5 live house (aka 音乐餐厅), where apparently A-mei has ever made a surprise performance at. We clubbed at Room 18, popular among young Taiwan celebs, but we didn't get to see any, unless you count MTV VJ George!

Of course it isn't complete without great SHOPPING! Like I always do!

Ximenting, Shi Da Night Market, as well as my favourite Wu Fen Pu are really fantastic shopping areas. My biggest success this trip was from Wu Fen Pu, a huge market with rows and rows of little shops that specialises in wholesale, but also entertains a little shopaholic like me.

Having honed my Bugis Street shopping skills, within 1 hour and 15 minutes, I had successfully found quite a bit of awesome steals, while my colleagues had retired for a coffee break in less than 20 minutes.



Some people find street shopping tiring as there are just so many clothes packed into one small store, and so many stores with similar clothes, they just end up browsing in a blur. And they emerge empty handed, not seeing anything they like.

I find that it does take training of some sort... and I realise I usually apply the following quick tips:

1. I'm glad I'm on the slimmer side as most tops are free sized. Most shops do not allow for fittings so I usually go dressed in as light an outfit as possible for easier comparison.
2. I don't need to walk into every shop because there are many duplicated stocks.
3. Generally, the clothes from the stores nearer the entrance are slightly more expensive than the stores that are further in. But when I'm on a hol and time is of the essence, paying a few extra dollars is worth it.
4. I usually take a little bit of time to stand outside each shop and observe the overall fashion style of the shop. I've noticed that each owner has a slightly different fashion style and chances are, they may pick the clothes that suits their style to sell. I usually observe the clothes on the mannequin and on the racks that's in front of the store. It's usually the tell tale signs of the general fashion trend in the store. If I like what I see, I'll walk into the store to explore the racks.
5. Usually, if the clothes appears nicely arranged or on plastic covered hangers, they tend to be a little bit more pricey. I don't rule it out completely because it tends to mean better quality, more unique designs or more wears in the long run.
6. To get into the mood, I'll usually find an easy buy first. Something not too expensive, simple but pretty. Something I'll wear, like a laced camisole or some leggings. Once I've 'opened' my purse, the momentum will kick in.
7. Once I've found one outfit I like, I'll tend to look around the store for another. They are usually more ready to give a bit of discount if I buy more than one. But I'll always remember not to waste too much time bargaining or I'll run out of time shopping!
8. When I'm not sure if I'll ever wear an outfit or when I'm not sure if it's worth the money, I'll leave the shop but will make a mental note of its location. If I find myself still thinking about it at the end of my shopping trip, I'll head back and buy it. On hols, regrets are the worst hangover ever!
9. My motto is "shopping lists are party-poopers". From past lessons, I've learnt that if I stick to lists, I'll end up trying to find "that one" and missing out on the many others.
10. Two pairs of eyes are better than one. I'm so glad I have Mr Yap who shares my fashion style and knows what he likes on me.

LOTD: Arale-Chan!

Ever since I got this pair of specs, Mr Yap loves referring to me as Dr Slump's Arale. I've never watched this cartoon before  - Mr Yap's "time";p - but after googling her a few times, she really grows on you...

So one day, I decided to get really into the role. Digging through my wardrobe to find my own version of Arale's famous outfit... I transformed into her:

Recently on a shopping trip to Bugis Street, I even spotted the Arale cap! But I didn't buy it... kinda regretted it during this photoshoot ;p But my photoshopped wings also does the job...

Online, there are some serious fans who cosplay identical to Arale, right down to the shoes. There's even this adorable little girl who plays 'Arale' so well!!

I can't compare to them... nevertheless, it was a super fun photoshoot. Even my husband enjoyed shooting the dorky looking me!!

Welcome To Your New Home, My Barbies!!

A few weekends ago, Mr Yap and myself were very busy with our new wardrobes! The first thing I did was moving my barbies into their new home.

It’s a simple wardrobe, nothing fancy, but the best part was that we could choose the shelving we preferred… and I chose mine with the sole aim to house as many Barbies as I could, as well as clothes!

My Barbies now have a more specious home. Even though there are still some of them hidden behind, at least most of my favourite designer collectibles can now be seen!

Every Barbie of mine holds a special meaning…

I grew up with Barbies. Even through my tomboy days, my Barbies were stashed in a box at the back of my cupboard, one that I frequently visited. Each one of my Barbies had a name, and each one of them had a unique fashion style. To me, Barbies are the most fashionable dolls and I love buying clothes and shoes for them! My grandmother even sewed dresses for them following my design instructions.



The Start of the Addiction... 

One day in June 2007, I was drawn to the display in a toy shop at Serene centre. Before me stood the Giorgio Armani Barbie, dressed in an elegant grey strapless chiffon top and intricately beaded long skirt. There were also two Barbies dressed in their signature Juicy Couture tracksuits. Instantly, I fell in love with them. At the same time, I couldn’t resist a silkstone Robert Best Barbie in a cute 60s dress… as well as a Lady Camille Barbie. Her princess gown captivated me, and her curly locks were so unique, I couldn't resist.

Another one of my favourite Barbies is Versace. It's a brand that does not need introduction, but the dress that adorns Barbie is the same Versace dress Beyonce and Christina Aguilera wore, only smaller and of a different colour. Flowingly elegant but seductively sexy...

Also, my collection could not have been possible without the help of a friend, who received and re-courier my Amazon purchases all the way from US to Singapore! Without him, Kate Spade, Christian Louboutin shoes, Burberry, Versace Versus, two Christian Dior, Escada, Oscar de la Renta, Calvin Klein, Givenchy, Donna Karen New York, Anna Sui, Hanae Mori would not have made it into my wardrobe!

Why did I buy two Christian Dior barbies? It's a funny story of carelessness, embarrassment and blessing. When my first Christian Dior arrived, she was bare foot :( I don't usually open my Barbie boxes in order to maintain their mint condition. I didn't dare to tell my husband that I ordered a Barbie without shoes and was lazy to go through the hassle of returning the package... so I ordered another one. But a few days before the second one arrived, I decided to open the first box and looked thoroughly. I found the pair of golden shoes tucked neatly below the Barbie stand within the box. So that's the story of my two Barbies and it was a blessing in disguise. Today, I have an opened Christian Dior Barbie standing among my boxes of Barbie and the intricacy of the beading on the Christian Dior dress deserves to be admired by touch!



But my ultimate favourite is my Vera Wang Barbie. Perhaps it's silly, I'm not even sure from what age onwards, whenever I hear of Vera Wang, I think of dream wedding dresses (the power of advertising). So when I saw this Barbie selling at Dollz Inc, I had to get it. This is my only Platinum edition doll in my collection, which means I'm one of 1000 privileged few who owns this Vera Wang Barbie... special? Being from a marketing background, I'm am constantly aware of the silly traps of marketing but I can't help falling!

My collection isn't complete.

I've still got a couple more in my wishlist... just waiting for some sellers to realise they've priced it too high!

Imagine Barbie covered in tattoos, funky skulls, bleached hair and edgy leopard leggings. That's gonna be my next doll, the iconic Tokidoki Barbie! His name is being mentioned on red carpets, in fashion magazines, and on style TV... he's Zac Posen and I want this Barbie couple!!

To complete my dream collection...

There is one Barbie missing from the Mattel family of designer Barbies, and that is none other than the legendary Louis Vuitton, one of my favourite brands...

Goodbye To My Special Bags!!

LITTLE RED TRAIN HANDBAG
2006 - 2013 | Obituary

Little Red Train, nee Handbag, age 7, having served her duties for 7 years, has quietly retired on this May 24, 2013. Little Red Train who was purchased from Korea, was the cherished Handbag of Mrs Yap. Although in the last few years, Little Red Train has been suffering from Peelingitis and wardrobe-ridden, she brought many beautiful memories to Mrs Yap and was her special companion during her first few years of service.

LITTLE LONDON PHONE TOTE
2006-2013 | Obituary

With mixed emotions, we announce the peaceful retirement of Little London Phone, nee Tote, age 7, on May 24, 2013. Coming from a souvenir shop in London, Little London Phone shares Mrs Yap's experiences, having the privilege to travel throughout UK with Mrs Yap. Having suffered from jaundice in the last few years of her service, Little London Phone finally retires to the recycling bin at the Void Deck. She will be missed by Mrs Yap, but also well-wished that she will be able to find peace in her future abode.

LOTD: 5 Years Ago

Yesterday, Mr Yap and I took a trip back to memory lane, looking through our 2008 Taiwan holiday photographs...

"That's a nice top... Why don't you wear it anymore?" Mr Yap commented.

"Oh yah, forgot about it..." [guilty for having too many clothes] "I'll wear it tomorrow!"

And so I did.

Comparing between me then and now, I'm definitely loving my current look. A much better complexion, better makeup skills, slimmer, cute hair cut that makes me look younger, and my signature "Arale" glasses!

The way they do their food...

Last weekend, we went back to Mr Yap's hometown for a dose of protein, calories and cholesterol!

Back in the days when we were dating, these trips were very often. Once in every month or two, we'd head back to Penang to catch up with family, friends, food and shopping!

But nowadays, with his parents here in Singapore, we don't go on these trips as often. The last time I was back was about half a year ago. This trip was long overdue! We were in dire need of a dose of Penang!

Within the span of 2 days, we covered everything on our list and more. Here are some of our favourites!

Penang is known for their hawker food, but you know its good when its crowded! The above Kedai Kopi New Cathay is one example! You can also find Penang Hokkien Mee, Char Koay Teow, Fried Fish Meat Beehoon Soup, and many more here.

Another Penang favourite is their Assam Laksa, and this particular shop is my favourite. There's an option for the Assam Laksa, a sourish spicy base, or the Siam Laksa which is a sweeter curry base. I like the Assam. There's just something about the sourly fishiness that I simply love...

Penang also has many popular snacks, our favourites include goreng pisang and ban chang kueh. Mr Yap dreams about ban chang kueh when he's in Singapore!


He does the regular ban chang kuehs as well as the fancy ones like the Hawaiian Chicken above. Their banana chocolate makes an amazing dessert. Another popular ban chang kueh is the peanut and egg combination...it is one of our must-haves! The key to appreciating them to the fullest is to have them fresh!

If Mr Yap dreams about ban chang kuehs, I dream about these 2 crab dishes below. They are divine. I don't just take namecards from any old store! Only the best!!!

The above baked crab is my favourite Penang dish! No one does it like they do! It's so delish, my photos do not do justice.

So this ends my Penang food trail! There's plenty more amazing food in Penang, till next time!!