Happy Holidays

Hello lovelies, I guess everyone’s in a holiday mood by now. So I’m keeping this short. Here’s wishing you:

a wonderful Christmas

surrounded by your loved ones

a tableful of delicious food

and lots of bubbly

Merry Christmas

[Image: source]

Handmade Festive Cards

I used to make Christmas cards when I was a kid. That stopped when I thought it was much easier and faster to buy them. Then when I moved to Japan, I learnt that many of my Japanese friends had a practice of making their own nengajo (new year cards). They often made a little collage with their family photos and printed it on cardstock. I loved that there was a personal touch to these cards. So I began making my own festive cards again. 

This year, my cards spoke of my love affair with MT tapes. I used simple materials and had a fun time coming up with varied designs. Here are a few. 

Do you make your own cards too?

SK-II Skin Transformation Part 2

Do you remember the SK-II trial that I blogged about? Well, it's already the 7th day today! So what are my thoughts?

Initially I was a little concerned about the extra time I had to spend in the bathroom, to apply more things on my face. You see, I was previously a straightforward wash-tone-moisturise girl (hey, that's already 3 steps!). But I found that I got used to it after a while, especially when I knew I was doing good for my skin! We all deserve self-love and giving a little more time to oneself is just that. On the whole, I find my skin tone to be slightly more even as compared to before (yay!). This is based on just 7 days so I'm looking forward to more improvements with continued usage. 

If you still don't know about SK-II and the magic word, Pitera, read more about it here. Also check out their festive sets which come in a cute little red box (I'm a delighted owner of one).

Thanks, SK-II for having me on the trial!

[Feature] - Hummingbird in Spoonful

Are you a reader of Spoonful zine? If you like the idea of sitting down with a cup of tea, block off the hustle and bustle of life, enjoy a short inspiring read that at the end leaves you with a smile, you need to get your hands on a copy of Spoonful!

Issue 6 of this publication is fresh out of the oven and the theme for this issue is ‘hummingbird’. I’m delighted to have made a hummingbird wall hanging mobile specially for this issue! You will find a picture of it in the Objects of Affection section, together with the awesome creations of other talented folks (thanks, Anthea, for having me!). My hummingbird wall hanging mobile is currently listed it in my Etsy shop here. 

Buy your copy of Spoonful or subscribe to it over here!

[Top 2 images: Spoonful]

SK-II Skin Transformation

Recently, my lovely friend, Sarah and I were thrilled to be invited for a 7-day skin transformation with cosmetics brand, SK-II. It is a 7-day trial for us to transform our skin to crystal clarity! I have heard a lot of praise for SK-II previously but had never tried the products. This is my chance to test it out for myself!

It started with us having a one-on-one skin test and counseling session at the SK-II counter. There was a detailed explanation of our test results by the friendly SK-II consultant. So, my skin condition is generally good but there are still a few areas in which I could improve on. I also took the opportunity to ask some skin care related questions. Hehe! After that, we were each presented with a SK-II festive coffret set that catered to our skin needs (feeling pampered!). Sarah and I both received the Pitera Revival Set, which is centered on the Facial Treatment Essence.

I am of course excited to try it out and looking forward to seeing the improvements to my skin! What better way to treat my skin after all that sun exposure during my island getaway last weekend. Yesterday night was the first time I used the products. Guess what? I’m going to track and share my skin results over here. At the end of the 7 day, we’ll see if this is a yay or nay. Exciting! 

Read more about SK-II over here.

[Shanghai] - Out & About + Suzhou

Hello! Today’s post will be the last in our [Shanghai] series. I’ll wrap it up by taking you with me to enjoy some of the Shanghai sights!

Some of Shanghai’s famous sights.

I also made a day trip to Suzhou. A place I’ve been wanting to visit since years ago. Finally made it there! There’s a Chinese saying which when literally translated goes: Above, there is heaven; below, there are Suzhou and Hangzhou. It’s an expression which conveys the beauty of Suzhou and Hangzhou (should put Hangzhou as one of my places to visit next). 

It was a day trip so I didn’t have time for much but Suzhou enchanted me with its beauty nevertheless. Red leaves, peaceful rivers and ponds. A quiet stroll. An appreciation of the rich history.

That's it for now! I hope you've enjoyed this Shanghai series :)

NEW Plushie - Superhero Meng

I’ve been wanting to show you the latest plushie I made! Introducing, Super Meng! He wears a detachable superhero red cape and has cute freckles. All my plushies so far have got English names and I thought it’ll be fun to give this one a Chinese name! What do you think? Super Meng is available in my Etsy shop. 

I’m happy with how Super Meng turned out and am thinking of making a whole range of superhero plushies. Hehe!

On a separate note, I’m going on a short getaway this weekend! Hope to come back with some photos. If I don’t, it’ll be because I spent too much time lazing at the beach with a book in one hand, and a beer in the other :p. See you next week!

[Shanghai] - Le Petit Jardin

There will be a few more posts to our [Shanghai] series but today’s post will be the last on a cafe. I hope you’ll like it! 

Le Petit Jardin resembles a vintage shop from the outside but upon entering, you will feel as if you’ve stepped into someone’s house. There is seating available in 2 rooms which are clearly furnished with old Europe in mind. Think dark and warm colour palette. Beyond that, you’ll enter what resembles an indoor garden. Gentle sunlight filtered by the white drapes floods the entire area. Hanging lamps, books, shelves and flowers adorn this cozy space.

Perfect place for afternoon tea! You’ll feel as though you were invited to a friend’s quaint and beautiful house. Did I like it? Of course, I did! :)

Hearts and Crafts: The People that Make Hermès

A little while ago, I was invited for the private screening of the film "HEARTS AND CRAFTS: The People that Make Hermès", in which Hermès pays homage to the numerous Hermès métiers. It was interesting to go behind the scenes and gain a better understanding of what goes into the making of these luxury items. The documentary film, I thought, is a celebration of artisan craftsmanship and about a quest for excellence. It reinforces my beliefs that the fineness of handmade is irreplaceable. 

Hermès is now offering a public screening of this inspirational film this month! Here are the details:

Event Date & Time:

14 to 16 December, 8pm

Event Date & Time:

17 - 18 December, 4pm

Venue:

Cineleisure Orchard

Cost:

$12.00

Ticketing Details:

http://www.cathaycineplexes.com.sg

For more information on the film, head over to:

http://www.lesmainsdhermes.com/en/

[Shanghai] - Cafe Hopping

Hello December! I feel like it’s now officially ok to start playing Christmas carols. Also, I am itching to do some shopping. Haha.

I’m continuing the [Shanghai] series with more pics from my cafe hopping. I got to say, it’s those that look simple, rustic and “undecorated” which I love the most. What about you? What’s your favourite cafe like?

I recently finished making a new plushie and am looking forward to showing it to you here!