A 2 minute Hair Tutorial specially for Bubblegum!



Steps to make pong pong hair tutorial.

Step 1 : Have a claw clip like this ready.
Step 2 : Grab about 1/3 hair from top of head.
Step 3 : Slowly lift hair & twist. (as seen in picture 5)
Step 4 : Push ponytail until desired height of pong pong hair.
Step 5 : Kiamp hair with clip!

Spray some hairspray if fringe is messy, comb alittle and u are good to go!
Make sure clip is securely fasten, else it will loosen during the day.

Have fun!
:D

I hope it's in time for CNY ya, keke.

Will not be around for the first day of the lunar new year so here's a fast one wishing everyone a blessed, blessed new year!

I pray for hope, for health, for wealth and most ultimately, I pray for LOVE for every single one of you. :)
May ur days be filled with plentiful love in the year 2009.

For those who found it, please treasure it.
For those who are waiting for it, trust in The Lord for he has greater plans for you.
Keep believing, keep hoping, and it will come soon.


Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5

Have a fun Chinese New Year!
Take care, everyone.

xoxo
elaine

Edited to add:
Tags will be replied after I come back from Switzerland!

Jungle Boy: "I know why u always make ur hair high high."
Me: "Why"
Jungle Boy: "Becoz u so short, need to make it up in height."
Me: "What the ..."

Jungle Boy very irritating can.

I am still sick.
:(

Its terrible nursing a flu and having a gizillion things to do!
But Im glad that amidst the maddening crowd in Orchard, I managed to get some clothes for CNY!
And yes, I had to shove, push and elbow my way thru just to pay!

Who say recession ah?
Those people should just go Orchard.

I bought this for Jungle Boy.
:)

But I got it in short sleeve.


Talking about being sick, I think I caught the flu in Milan becoz it was way too cold and its all becoz I was shopping the whole day!

Jungle Boy keeps harping on the fact that I should'nt have gone out at all (what?? He mad is it...?) and that if I would have just stayed in the whole trip, I wouldnt be sick.

But to get the flu for Chanel?
I think its bloody worth it!
:D

And oh ya, of coz the lovely Duomo.. picturesque as ever.
Even in winter, coz the skies were cloudy & all.



I liked my hotel too.



The Chanel boutique is about 15 mins away from the main street in Duomo so I had to walk alittle.

I remember going there last summer and it was so hot, I was sweating like a pig.
And this time, it was so darn cold I had to wear thermal underneath and wrap myself up in layers.

I dun think its fun to dress up in winter!
In fact, I pretty much hate the cold becoz I feel like a dumpling under all the jackets!

Along the way to Bag Heaven.



Walking alone along the streets of Duomo.



I had to take the tram back and it got dark pretty fast in winter.
It was pretty daunting balancing all the shopping bags and handling my sniffling nose at the same time.

Not only that, being out alone at night in a foreign country can get alittle scary at times becoz not every country is same safe as ours.
So thats why I never take Singapore for granted, I love how I can be out at night and hail a cab, or even take a midnight bus home..coz in some countries, u shouldnt even be out when the sun sets.
:(

Anyways.. the *magnifico loots from Milan!

Chanel:
-Maxi Jumbo Bag in Black Caviar
-Brown Sandals

Louis Vuitton
-Mini Noe
-Small Neverfull



I am a happy girl!
And a very broke one too...

Please dun ask me how much are these, I dun really want to remember!
:p

Bye guys, have to go back to the real life tomorrow.

Working on weekends suck, but I have a greeeat reunion dinner on Sunday to look forward to!
My parents are having dinner with Jungle parents this year so I guess we're bringing the relationship a step closer.
:)

God bless.
Happy Chinese New Year to all!
I wish u health, wealth and happiness in the new year.

xoxo
elaine

Edited to add:

Beauty Review!

Shills Foam Esthe Pack

Mediterranean islands Olive extracts is a natural anti-aging ingredient that provides the skin with elasticity and moisture. Arbutin repels yellow skin tones and melanins giving you a clean, white and watery skin!

Added with herbal Wood Grass essence and Hamamelis extract, it purfies the pores and removes dead skin. Its unique yeast formula can also soften and moisturize the skin. Just like a facial SPA with plenty of creamy bubblies giving you freshness throughout the day!



My Review:
I saw this product featured on Niu Ren Wo Zui Da once and I remembered it being very cute. Then I walked pass John Little today and I bought it!
I like how unique it is, u massage some gel on ur clean face and it gets foamy first before melting totally into ur skin.
Then u wash it off with water and it did brighten my skin alittle after one application.
My face felt smooth, and applying moisturiser was a breeze.

Cost: $ ($19.40 after discount.)

TAGS REPLIED!

Wendy: U VERY BAD LOR! Really very BFF lor u... psst. Meet me next week ah!

sand: Heheh!

bubblegum: Alamak... I still owe u the tutorial.. :(

sillyme: Wah lau eh, tai tais dun work! But I work alot can! :( LOL!

joey: Yes yes! I agree with u.. thats why I die die oso had to try it out when I was there. :)

levine: Thank u! But sorry I dun (cant) answer any questions about work. :)

hielaine:Yes.. but the old one in the couple is HIM.. Im still young. :P

ping: To u too babe! GONG XI GONG XI! :D

Note from author:

Dear all,
Thank you for ur continual support to my little blog.. a private (not quite sometimes, I realise.) place where I pen down my favourite memories.

But to those who are new, I do appreciate it if u dun ask me anything about my job or the work that I do... else I might get into trouble becoz I am not at a liberty to divulge anything about ANY company.
(Read first archive)

And to those who like reading my nonsense, I would also appreciate it if my readers dun post my link in forums/ or any websites that might invite unwanted visitors here.
(I've been getting hits from the sammyboy forums. (???) I oso not sexy can!)

Let's make a pact, alright?

Can we keep this place a little secret please?
Else I might be forced to make this private & I really dun want to inconvenient anyone.
:(

Thank you all very, very much.
From the bottom of this little blogger's heart.

love,
elaine

Off to run some errands in town then having a quick round of shopping before dropping by Jungle Boy's office!
Going to church tonight first then having a supper date with Jungle Boy.

Yesterday, while spring cleaning the room, I found a crushed note in one of my bags.
An old love note from Jungle Boy from eons ago.

He wrote, " Can I date u out tonight? Dinner at Akashi then to the movie 881 u so want to watch."

How sweet.
:)

He came home later that night & I told him all about it.

Me: "Darling u see u last time so sweet."
Jungle Boy: *reads the note* "Now recession u noe, cannot afford Akashi anymore."
Me: "!@#$%^^"

Sigh.
Perils of a Jungle relationship.

I am sick.
:(

Jungle Boy: Sick girl dun spring clean ok.. I come back clean..
Me: Dun wan. I dun want you to know how many shoes I have.
Jungle Boy: U think I blind is it??

Just a typical conversation in the Jungle household.

Another blog post in a day!

Back from lunch with my chummies and dear friend brought her 4 month old baby along.
Yue En is the cutest today, I even caught her yawning!

Then as if to tell Aunt Elaine she can do much better, Baby went ahead to sneeze right infront front of me!
Absolute cuteness overload.. I do lurve my friends' babies!
:D

WhiteDog Cafe


However.. I think I should start from the very beginning ya?

I flew to Jakarta, Indonesia for a short trip the week before and it was my first time to the city where I literally thought I had died and gone to Birkin heaven!

I think its BECOZ it was seemingly the only bag Indonesian tai tais covet and well, if they can afford 10 maids there, whats a mere bag to them?

I swear I saw Birkins in all sizes and colours.. and the Bag Fanatic in me had to very much stop herself from snatching all of them!
I think I even saw a very rare pink 35 in ostrich.

Did I faint?
Yes, I think I blacked out alittle.

Did I run up to any one of them to tell them that when I grow up I just want to be like them?

Not really coz they all looked so damn polished and immaculate, I didnt want to risk the police sending me to a mental hospital in Indonesia.
So tak glam, right!

My Room


We took a cab to the Mega Mall, it cost us around $10 sin dollars and it took 40 mins... in good traffic.
And it was supposed to be 'near'!

The Mall


I walked around alittle and went for lunch.
Then I had time to burn so I did the cheapest thing I can afford to do to be a tai tai for a day... (When in rome..)

Washed n blow my hair!



For the curious, I didnt tong my hair in the picture from my previous blog post.
Hehee.. I experienced the ultimate skill the Indonesian hairstylists have in blow-drying!
They took my limp wet hair and with just a round brush & hairdryer.. he twisted n curled my hair into shiny bouncy locks!
(Wendy.. U can do that for me anot one day?)

I was in awe.
I mean.. they dun even use curling tongs over there!
Painstakingly blowing my hair a section by section and it just cost me $8!
I want to live there can?

No wonder the Indonesians dun wash hair themselves.

My day passed quickly and then I was back to reality & yes.. back to washing my own hair.
:(

Then it was a day of dinner and shopping with my besties.
I lurveee my besties to death, really.. they make me laugh so hard I can pee in my pants!
The pictures are all about Wendy becoz she's a baby when it comes to chilies.
N when she ate a teeny weeny piece of chili by mistake,- her ears turned red!

Hahahahah we had fun so much laughing at her.. BAD FRIENDS hor!

Us at Xian De Lai, Bugis.


I'll plan another dinner, girls... we'll go for dessert to appease the poor thing this time ya!
Else later she'll *BFF us again.

Okies I got to go,sweets.
I feel alittle under the weather and I took some flu medicine so I guess I better turn in early tonight.

Looong day tomorrow with dinner & partying!
Time for me to rest, pictures of Milan and my loots next.

xoxo
elaine

P.S
*BFF = Bad Friend Forever

Edited to reply tags!

Bubblegum: Hehe ya I have *BFFs... :( Alrighty I'll post a Marge Simpson hair tutorial for u soon! Hopefully this week coz Im on leave! :D

Jen: Oooooh thank u, I lurve my Rimowa too! I paid $410 for it. :)

melo: I use PICASA 3 software for my pictures coz I dun like posting them up one by one.. takes too long to load the blog sometimes!

sillyme: How true! But I got so used to this name.. N I dunno what else to call myself? :(

Fan: Recession u noe!! LOL omg I have to stop buying shoes & bags soon! But thank u for reading too, I appreciate it. ;)

DN: Nope.. wasnt around in town on Tuesday. :)

Qi: Actually my eyes aint big! Haha.. I think my false lashes have plenty to do with it.. heh!

polarie: I tell u.... my life is not happening when my next bill comes lor! Wahahahhaha :P

ping: Thank u! Wendy cut my hair, but it was styled in Jakarta. :)

Cupcake: Thank u babe! I will try my utmost to blog more.. I hope! Take care n I love ur name! Keke!

hello: Hehe I think u would knoe the answer by now babe! ;D

lingz: Thank u n yes I got it from Blogskins.. author Stephanie.

bikegal81: Will post them up next! Hahahhahah n yessssss its all mine!!! :D :D
(P.S Jungle Boy disown me already... keke!)

Bye guys!
Will be back soon! :)

Hi everyone!!
Im finally back from cold, cold freezing Milan and I cant explain how thankful I am for the blazing heat in Singapore!
Not only that, as much as I love spaghetti & meatballs.. Im still very much a char kway teow girl at heart.
:)

Alrighty, I have to run now~
Going to meet loved ones for lunch at WhiteDog Cafe!

Back soon with pics & will reply tags then too.
God bless, loves.

xoxo
elaine

P.S
I've been a bad bad girl.. sigh.

Going off tomorrow and yes.. I got sidetracked (instead of packing my bag) with a trip to the mall with Jungle Boy and we bought lotsa food there!
I love the festive feeling with cheery chinese new year songs going 'Ti to long tong chiang dong chiang...' blasting in every shopping centre in Singapore.
Quite fun to listen, albeit for awhile, lar.

So now my bedroom is a mess of food, clothes and things I have to pack into my new big big cargo bag!
Very excited becoz I lurve all kinds of bags!
(Yes.. even luggage bags)

I chose a champagne gold colour coz it looks quite luxurious, yet this brand is pretty sturdy & lightweight.

Rimowa Four-wheeler Luggage Bag


Jungle Boy likes the colour but he's alittle worried about it being flimsy.

Him: "Later all ur thing drop out."
Me: "Why? U scare all my chanel & LV drop out izzit..? Then u buy somemore for me lor."
Him: *quickly walks away*

I realised thats the only thing to say to get him off my back.
Works like a charm.. every single time!

Ok guys.. off to watch Miami Ink, my ultimate favourite tattooed men on tv!
:)

xoxo
elaine

Hellooooo!
Ok ok I know lar its been ages since I last blogged but its becoz I've been so bloody busy!
Er.. actually busy doing pretty much nothing.
:p

Sometimes it gets really hard settling down and doing something proper the whole day.
I have a gizillon errands to run and mostly I will start to do something.. only to be interupted by realising that I have another thing to do.
Then I leave the first thing Im doing hanging halfway in the air, while I do the second thing..to be disrupted by someone/ or something that needs my attention.
Sigh.

This usually goes on til late and then I get so exhausted I forget what I actually have to do.
:(

Like, I edited my cruise pictures nearly a week ago but Im only posting it up now!
(Later,in this post.. I mean.)

I am quite, quite embarrassed lar.

Esp when I have my friends (Eg, My darling Silver) telling me to blog more often.
Okie dokie, new year resolution for 2009 : BLOG MORE OFTEN YA!

And of coz, the obligately resolution for Jungle Boy : NOT TO BUY SO MANY SHOES & BAGS BECOZ RECESSION YOU NOE.

But it really doesnt help when Im going to Milan, Italy tomorrow.
Boo.

I mean, how not to get anything when I've been such a good girl this year?!
Yes, it might be only two weeks INTO the year, I hear you I hear you.. but still.

For example, I firmly resisted an offer from Jungle Boy to get another camera OR a new laptop for my belated Christmas present.

Just becoz I think and I really thought it over real hard I can assure you as the colour pink was involved in both cases.(Manufacturers getting very smart by making gadgets in pink I concur.)

And how do u resist pink?

But I did and I will continue to do so...!
Until either my laptop or camera becomes such a wreck then heehee...*evil laughter*

Okies, back to my conslidated pictures from my cruise in the beginning of the year.

SuperStar Virgo offers so much more than first class dining and entertainment - it takes you to places where the sun, sea, people and culture blend colourfully well.

Every deck onboard SuperStar Virgo teems with endless fun, entertainment and activities. As you cruise to the most exotic parts of Asia on this floating five-star resort, its more than 25 outlets of food and beverage, entertainment and recreation outlets will impress you.

Im thankful for my family who very kindly sponsored me & Jungle Boy a balcony room!
:D
They're bigger and pretty airy as compared to the other bunks.
And I like how the sun shines into out room when we wake up in the morning for breakfast.
We get to go out to the balcony area, drink a cup of tea and relax, listening to waves from the deep blue sea below.



The cruise ship has 13 decks of bunks and activity function rooms like a library, an arcade, restaurants, discos and lounges.
We explored the place alittle but becoz the both of us have been there before, this trip was more for us to take a short break without going too far or travelling too much.

On the second day of the trip, Star Cruise even prepared a huge buffet for all guests at the pool deck!
It was absolutely lovely, with the sun setting in midst of a live band singing and the waft of delicious food with chefs cooking it right infront of you.



A very short, but rejuvenating trip that u can go once in awhile to recharge and get away from the hustle & bustle of our urban lives in the city.

Ok, got to go do something else!
Haha.

I have bags to pack and clothes to choose for my long trip tomorrow!
Waiting for Jungle Boy to come home then we'll head to the supermarket after dinner.

Back soon I hope with my tons of pictures from my Jakarta trip earlier this week, dinner with my besties from last week and yacht pictures from Sunday with Jungle Boy's friends!

Bye everyone!
Have a blessed week.

xoxo
elaine



Edited to add:
TAGS REPLIED!

fan: Thank u thank u! Yup I had a great time, & yes.. I deleted my old blog. Well,to start anew also good lor! :p

evillin32: Thank u too! Happy new year to u, & Im glad u got to my archives.. LOL!

polarie: My life is lagi boring I can tell u! Work work & work these days.. cant wait to Chinese new year but guess what.. I wun be around! Boo hoo hoo to me. Not so envious now rite.. :P

Scooby: No problem at all! Sorry if I dun reply quickly sometimes, but if u have any more urgent enquires, feel free to email me instead. I tend to reply alot faster in emails. Hee!

Qi: Yes I wear grey lenses from FreshLook monthly disposables. They cost $42 a pair and I like it becoz they look rather nice. But no big eye effect though.
Hths! :)

holly: Sorry, but I dun (becoz I cant) reply questions regarding that particular company. But Im pretty sure its website has all relevant information on ur enquires. I wish u luck! ;)

bubblegum: U mean my 'PONG PONG' hair? Friends say can hide a bun inside, Jungle Boy say I look like Marge Simpson so u sure u like it?? Keke.. but will do a tutorial soon if u like it! No prob! :)

ladysilver: I think u more BLISSFUL lor!!! Got cutie baby & lovely hubby to buy u so many things! Not like my Jungle Boy.. only know how to treat me chicken rice eat... sob.

cherry: I buy got 50% discount bo? ;)

Ok bye guys!
I welcome more tags becoz y'all do brighten up my mundane life! Peace out.. Love.

Hi guys!
How has the new year been so far?
I hope its treating u well.
:D

Peektures from waaaaay long ago!
BBQ, shopping, dinner, New York & then some.

*WARNING*
LONG POST AHEAD!

I'll start from the very beginning.
Keeping in touch with ex-colleagues who had firmly become close friends is a lovely thing to do.
The world doesnt function solely with two people and Im grateful to be surrounded by family & friends at the end of the year.

Sometimes we like having hi-teas in afternoons, but we love our BBQ sessions most!
To drink, make merry and eat like there's no tomorrow.

The BBQ was a blast, and we had so much fun talking & talking non-stop.
(The girls la, mostly!)



I love buying presents for little ones, and since I have no kids (yet!) I relish giving kids tokens becoz no matter how small the gift is, these innocent ones will always be just glad to receive something!

N I really think that is the spirit of Christmas isnt it.
An innocent and childlike enthusiasm in accepting presents, regardless of how much it costs and whats its worth.

Its not what u give, its really the thought that counts. And I treasure every little thing my friends & family have given. To me, thats priceless.
:)

Little sweethearts.



Haha and yes.. I refused any Xmas present from Jungle Boy this year becoz recession u noe?
LOL.

Seriously, I just didnt feel I need anything.

After my birthday holiday in November, I realised I am quite, quite contented really.
Why, I already have almost everything I need from the man and I dun need another expensive present to justify his love for me.
Hee.

Not only that,- I have a job so mostly, I can buy my own stuff.
I know of people who will ask ask ask for things, but I've always felt that its more meaningful to buy something urself.

What if one day he couldnt afford it anymore?
Will u still love him?

Or what if he got so sick of u demanding gifts n more gifts?
Men arent that stupid, trust me.

Blood, sweat & tears will make u treasure the item so much more.

At least u can look back next time and think, "Hmm.. I bought this with my bonus last year", or "I worked really hard for this " instead of, "Oh, this man bought me this" or "That man bought me that."

But this excludes wedding rings, anniversary gifts, push presents & such of coz.

I once knew a girl who bought herself an engagement ring becoz her bf was too stingy (not no money ah) to get her a decent one.
Needless to say, they didnt last. The last I heard, they quarrelled over the wedding and good for her,- she called the bloody thing off.

If a man doesnt bother to get u a proper ring within his means before the marriage, I shudder to think about AFTER the marriage.

**

Here's another outing becoz my best buddy is back!
Pardon the monkey faces becoz sometimes I get alittle bored with the 'pretty pretty' pictures n its fun to be silly!
Actually got more la, but dun wan to scare u all.



I love it when she's back becoz she's my most cocky, unbrashed, truthful confidante.
The only one who listens to all my whines, she'll put me straight and scold me proper when I need it.
Sometimes she sugarcoats it becoz I have a fiery temper, but she'll never fail to tell me straight up whevever Im being a b*tch.
N trust me, u'll need people like that becoz u noe they'll never stab u in the back by pretending everything's fine & dandy when its not.
I call her my Reality Check.

Ya la sometimes I hate it when she's too truthful... like telling me how fat I am!
><

Then I flew to New York for a week and spent Christmas there with my closest friends.
It was cold there, but u feel very warm & much loved when people specially take time to bring u out.

Italian Dinner On Christmas Eve.
It was Mimi's birthday too.



After afew glasses of wine & food, we adjorned to Hooka, or rather,- commonly known as Sheesha here.
And continue drinking the night away, as it was Christmas after all!



After Hooka-ing, we took the subway from Union Square to Times Square where we did the Rockefella Christmas Tree annual visit.

Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres (89,000 m2) between 48th and 51st streets in New York City. Built by the Rockefeller family, it is located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, spanning between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. It is the largest privately held complex of its kind in the world, and an international symbol of modernist architectural style blended with capitalism.



We had so much fun on Christmas Eve's dinner that we even planned for a road trip to Atlantic City!

Atlantic City is a city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, USA. Famous for its boardwalk, casino gambling, sandy beaches, spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean, and the inspiration for the board game Monopoly, Atlantic City is a resort community located on Absecon Island on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

It was my first time there and I was so so excited!
We booked a suite for the night and we were dying to try out the restaurants there, and of coz, we cant wait to play a hand of Blackjack too.
Hee!

We started the day by first having breakfast at Jason & Mimi's apartment in Flushing,Queens NY is a mere 15 mins away from my hotel if the traffic's good.
But a hell alot further in reality, coz the traffic in New York can be a real killer.

I loved how small but cosy the house was, totally perfect for a young couple living in New York.

I've always envisioned owning an apartment of my own with my special someone, but Jungle Boy's parents are just like my own daddy mummy so I really dun think I can live without them too!

So I've always felt how extremely fortunate these people are.
:)



Then we played Guitar Hero!
It wasnt my first time but sadly, the only thing I can confirm is how much I sucked in it.
But being bad in a game turned out to be a whole lotta fun becoz they werent much better too!
The game was only a day old in the house so I guess by the next time I'm there, they'll all do much better while I would still suck in it!
:(

After pulling ourselves away from the game (with much difficulty I can tell u that), we headed for New Jersey, Atlantic City.
It took us about 3 hours driving there and we snacked alittle, talked alot & drank Starbucks.

On the way & at the lobby.



We checked in, had some issues with the room ( we expected a bigger one but all suites were full for the holidays), settled in comfortably with a second choice, then headed for lunch!



I think we mainly ate, drank & gambled the whole trip.
:p

Located at Caesar's Palace, we had some beer & food at The Trinity, an Irish styled pub with different kinds of beer and alot of food!
We were spoilted for choice, but I think we did well by choosing the Burger & Steak, Shepherd's Pie and Fish & Chips.
They even had 'curry' fries, and it was delicious!
We washed it all down with beer and took many pictures, hee.



With some time to spare, we walked around the place and explored the area.

Atlantic City is like Vegas, a man-made entertainment centre that never sleeps.
People walking along The Broadwalk, people gambling in various casinos or just dining in one of the many highly acclaimed restaurants there is a typical night out.

Around our hotel.



For dinner, we trooped down to the ground level where we eagerly tried the famous Bobby Flay Steakhouse.
Reservations were full and despite booking earlier, we only managed the 9.30pm slot!
However, they graciously seated us when we arrived early.
(Very hungry by then haha.)

Robert William Flay (born 10 December 1964 in New York City) is an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, Iron Chef, and television personality. He is the owner and executive chef of six restaurants: Mesa Grill and Bar Americain in New York City; Mesa Grill in Las Vegas; Mesa Grill in The Bahamas (Atlantis Paradise Island, Nassau); Bobby Flay Steak in Atlantic City, New Jersey; and Bobby's Burger Palace in Lake Grove, New York & in Eatontown, New Jersey.

The decoration was impeccable, quite romantic even,- with its low lights and subtle music. The service was pretty efficient too.The wait staff was ever ready, despite having a full house and brownie points for them when we didnt have to wait long for the food.

A sommelier came over to introduce the wines but being quite the alcoholic we were, we pretty much knew what we wanted.

Portions were big and we all were so full by the end of dinner.
(Darn the bread basket!)

It was not a cheap dinner (around $300++ USD) no doubt, but experiences like these dun come by often.
:)



The waiter had actually gave us the wrong bill,(abt 180 USD, from the couple next to us) but we didnt want him to pay up the difference so we actually came clean and told him about the bill.
After the great service, I think it was really the least we could do.
Well it was Christmas, afterall.

But Karma was kind to us in return coz we all won on the tables later that night!
Not alot, but quite enough to recoup my Victoria Secret loots earlier on in the day.
:P

I only won $65 USD, but Im quite happy coz Im not really a gambler to begin with.

I truly reveled in the atmosphere, -it was great fun playing Blackjack with friends next to u!
We drank, poked fun at each other's cards and generally had a really good time that night.

After collecting our winnings, we celebrated the end of a terrific night but, wat else.. drinking & partying!

We stumbled back around 4am and I totally knocked out while Jason went for round 2 at the casino.
(I know, damn hardcore la someone! Haha!)



We left the next day in high spirits, alittle tired from all the drinks no doubt.. but nothing a really big cup of Toffee Nut Latte cant cure!
:D

And then there were all these memories that I will definitely remember for life, and I am absolutely blessed by God for everything that I have.

A walk down 5th Avenue.



Sometimes I walk into Tiffany & Co just to breathe the same air that Audrey Hepburn once did in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Thats like totally weird I know, but I can never explain my fascination with Holly Golightly.
There aint going be another one like her, ever.
Period.

Well, I hope u enjoyed this post, guys.
So sorry for being so late!
But now u know what the hell I've been up to lately, hee.

Pictures from my cruise up next, too tired now.
Am going to watch TV and go do my hair tomorrow by Wendy!
:)

God bless, take care.

xoxo
elaine

If love had a name, it'll be called Jungle Boy.
:)



**Edited to add:**
TAGS REPLIED!

Jace: U are welcome sweetheart. :) U're like a little sister to me too, & I hope u enjoyed ur birthday!

LBT's Fab: LOL! Maybe he used to read my blog before we got together, but it might be too mushy for him to read it now! :P

Sand: Ahhhhahahaa.. er... my bag collection?? Its nothing much really!!

Reader: I use Picasa. U can try to google for it n download. Its very easy to use too.

Mag: I use glitter to line my lower eyelids! I dun apply much makeup, (I usually go without foundation) except my false lashes, so sometimes the glitter makes me look much more made up than I really am!

Fiona: I get it from USA, but its a brand called ARDELL that even Watson's carry. They cost $8.90 here, n $2.99 USD thats why I stock up over there instead. I would apply mascara on my false lashes too. One pair can last abt 2 months with daily wear.

Fan: WAHAHAHHAHA. U all very clever lor ask me to show my bag & shoe collection! Hope u had a great Christmas too! God bless. :)

Elysee: I did mine at Far East Plaza, Beauty in Vogue Salon. I use Ardell lashes available in Watson's & I am using a Sony camera. Hths ya!

Polarie: Of coz I reply ok! Hehehehhe! Sometimes I get alittle busy so bo bian cant reply in time but I'll try usually! N yes I had such a blast with the girls that night & I feel really blessed with them in my life. Esp with my job n I feel bad making everyone accomodate to my hectic schedule just for a dinner! :(

trace: I use a clip claw to get the height. Maybe I would do a post soon with some pictures to show it to u alittle better. I cant really explain it words tats why! :P

Scooby: Hi dear, she works in Twister Monsoon! Hougang Mall's branch becoz they just opened one at Jurong Point hence the confusion I guess. Im going tomorrow!

Wendy: I draw them on coz I have no guts to do eyebrow embroidery! ><

sally: U can save around 20-25% buying it from European countries as compared to Asia. (Provided u manage to claim tax)

polarie: *HUG* Happy new yr to u too darling!

Fan: Happy 2009 to u too babe!!! I hope u have a blessed year with great buys too! (I need to save money liao la! haha recession u noe?):P

willy: To u too! :D

Mich: If u go through my archives, I do have a post on skincare. Or are u asking about my makeup?

51: Thanks for dropping by. :)

Ladysilver: *KISS* I got ur sms! But I was sleeping hehe! Im good and I wish u n ur family n baby Enzo a very blessed new year. May he grow up healthy n happy always! The sweetest n cheekiest little LD baby. *muack
:)

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!

Im awfully sorry to be late, but I had the most wonderful Christmas in New York~ !
Then I got back with barely enough time with a trip to church and to do the countdown with Jungle Boy and then tonight, we're going for a weekend cruise!

I noe, my name is BEE.. Busy Bee.
:p

Will be back on Sunday, then I'll blog with more pictures okie?
Tags will be replied then, too.. Im so sorry everyone! :(

Bye all, God bless.
xoxo

"Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to." -Bill Vaughan

Love,
elaine

Christmas In New York

A 2 minute Hair Tutorial specially for Bubblegum!



Steps to make pong pong hair tutorial.

Step 1 : Have a claw clip like this ready.
Step 2 : Grab about 1/3 hair from top of head.
Step 3 : Slowly lift hair & twist. (as seen in picture 5)
Step 4 : Push ponytail until desired height of pong pong hair.
Step 5 : Kiamp hair with clip!

Spray some hairspray if fringe is messy, comb alittle and u are good to go!
Make sure clip is securely fasten, else it will loosen during the day.

Have fun!
:D

I hope it's in time for CNY ya, keke.

Will not be around for the first day of the lunar new year so here's a fast one wishing everyone a blessed, blessed new year!

I pray for hope, for health, for wealth and most ultimately, I pray for LOVE for every single one of you. :)
May ur days be filled with plentiful love in the year 2009.

For those who found it, please treasure it.
For those who are waiting for it, trust in The Lord for he has greater plans for you.
Keep believing, keep hoping, and it will come soon.


Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5

Have a fun Chinese New Year!
Take care, everyone.

xoxo
elaine

Edited to add:
Tags will be replied after I come back from Switzerland!

Jungle Boy: "I know why u always make ur hair high high."
Me: "Why"
Jungle Boy: "Becoz u so short, need to make it up in height."
Me: "What the ..."

Jungle Boy very irritating can.

I am still sick.
:(

Its terrible nursing a flu and having a gizillion things to do!
But Im glad that amidst the maddening crowd in Orchard, I managed to get some clothes for CNY!
And yes, I had to shove, push and elbow my way thru just to pay!

Who say recession ah?
Those people should just go Orchard.

I bought this for Jungle Boy.
:)

But I got it in short sleeve.


Talking about being sick, I think I caught the flu in Milan becoz it was way too cold and its all becoz I was shopping the whole day!

Jungle Boy keeps harping on the fact that I should'nt have gone out at all (what?? He mad is it...?) and that if I would have just stayed in the whole trip, I wouldnt be sick.

But to get the flu for Chanel?
I think its bloody worth it!
:D

And oh ya, of coz the lovely Duomo.. picturesque as ever.
Even in winter, coz the skies were cloudy & all.



I liked my hotel too.



The Chanel boutique is about 15 mins away from the main street in Duomo so I had to walk alittle.

I remember going there last summer and it was so hot, I was sweating like a pig.
And this time, it was so darn cold I had to wear thermal underneath and wrap myself up in layers.

I dun think its fun to dress up in winter!
In fact, I pretty much hate the cold becoz I feel like a dumpling under all the jackets!

Along the way to Bag Heaven.



Walking alone along the streets of Duomo.



I had to take the tram back and it got dark pretty fast in winter.
It was pretty daunting balancing all the shopping bags and handling my sniffling nose at the same time.

Not only that, being out alone at night in a foreign country can get alittle scary at times becoz not every country is same safe as ours.
So thats why I never take Singapore for granted, I love how I can be out at night and hail a cab, or even take a midnight bus home..coz in some countries, u shouldnt even be out when the sun sets.
:(

Anyways.. the *magnifico loots from Milan!

Chanel:
-Maxi Jumbo Bag in Black Caviar
-Brown Sandals

Louis Vuitton
-Mini Noe
-Small Neverfull



I am a happy girl!
And a very broke one too...

Please dun ask me how much are these, I dun really want to remember!
:p

Bye guys, have to go back to the real life tomorrow.

Working on weekends suck, but I have a greeeat reunion dinner on Sunday to look forward to!
My parents are having dinner with Jungle parents this year so I guess we're bringing the relationship a step closer.
:)

God bless.
Happy Chinese New Year to all!
I wish u health, wealth and happiness in the new year.

xoxo
elaine

Edited to add:

Beauty Review!

Shills Foam Esthe Pack

Mediterranean islands Olive extracts is a natural anti-aging ingredient that provides the skin with elasticity and moisture. Arbutin repels yellow skin tones and melanins giving you a clean, white and watery skin!

Added with herbal Wood Grass essence and Hamamelis extract, it purfies the pores and removes dead skin. Its unique yeast formula can also soften and moisturize the skin. Just like a facial SPA with plenty of creamy bubblies giving you freshness throughout the day!



My Review:
I saw this product featured on Niu Ren Wo Zui Da once and I remembered it being very cute. Then I walked pass John Little today and I bought it!
I like how unique it is, u massage some gel on ur clean face and it gets foamy first before melting totally into ur skin.
Then u wash it off with water and it did brighten my skin alittle after one application.
My face felt smooth, and applying moisturiser was a breeze.

Cost: $ ($19.40 after discount.)

TAGS REPLIED!

Wendy: U VERY BAD LOR! Really very BFF lor u... psst. Meet me next week ah!

sand: Heheh!

bubblegum: Alamak... I still owe u the tutorial.. :(

sillyme: Wah lau eh, tai tais dun work! But I work alot can! :( LOL!

joey: Yes yes! I agree with u.. thats why I die die oso had to try it out when I was there. :)

levine: Thank u! But sorry I dun (cant) answer any questions about work. :)

hielaine:Yes.. but the old one in the couple is HIM.. Im still young. :P

ping: To u too babe! GONG XI GONG XI! :D

Note from author:

Dear all,
Thank you for ur continual support to my little blog.. a private (not quite sometimes, I realise.) place where I pen down my favourite memories.

But to those who are new, I do appreciate it if u dun ask me anything about my job or the work that I do... else I might get into trouble becoz I am not at a liberty to divulge anything about ANY company.
(Read first archive)

And to those who like reading my nonsense, I would also appreciate it if my readers dun post my link in forums/ or any websites that might invite unwanted visitors here.
(I've been getting hits from the sammyboy forums. (???) I oso not sexy can!)

Let's make a pact, alright?

Can we keep this place a little secret please?
Else I might be forced to make this private & I really dun want to inconvenient anyone.
:(

Thank you all very, very much.
From the bottom of this little blogger's heart.

love,
elaine

Off to run some errands in town then having a quick round of shopping before dropping by Jungle Boy's office!
Going to church tonight first then having a supper date with Jungle Boy.

Yesterday, while spring cleaning the room, I found a crushed note in one of my bags.
An old love note from Jungle Boy from eons ago.

He wrote, " Can I date u out tonight? Dinner at Akashi then to the movie 881 u so want to watch."

How sweet.
:)

He came home later that night & I told him all about it.

Me: "Darling u see u last time so sweet."
Jungle Boy: *reads the note* "Now recession u noe, cannot afford Akashi anymore."
Me: "!@#$%^^"

Sigh.
Perils of a Jungle relationship.

I am sick.
:(

Jungle Boy: Sick girl dun spring clean ok.. I come back clean..
Me: Dun wan. I dun want you to know how many shoes I have.
Jungle Boy: U think I blind is it??

Just a typical conversation in the Jungle household.

Another blog post in a day!

Back from lunch with my chummies and dear friend brought her 4 month old baby along.
Yue En is the cutest today, I even caught her yawning!

Then as if to tell Aunt Elaine she can do much better, Baby went ahead to sneeze right infront front of me!
Absolute cuteness overload.. I do lurve my friends' babies!
:D

WhiteDog Cafe


However.. I think I should start from the very beginning ya?

I flew to Jakarta, Indonesia for a short trip the week before and it was my first time to the city where I literally thought I had died and gone to Birkin heaven!

I think its BECOZ it was seemingly the only bag Indonesian tai tais covet and well, if they can afford 10 maids there, whats a mere bag to them?

I swear I saw Birkins in all sizes and colours.. and the Bag Fanatic in me had to very much stop herself from snatching all of them!
I think I even saw a very rare pink 35 in ostrich.

Did I faint?
Yes, I think I blacked out alittle.

Did I run up to any one of them to tell them that when I grow up I just want to be like them?

Not really coz they all looked so damn polished and immaculate, I didnt want to risk the police sending me to a mental hospital in Indonesia.
So tak glam, right!

My Room


We took a cab to the Mega Mall, it cost us around $10 sin dollars and it took 40 mins... in good traffic.
And it was supposed to be 'near'!

The Mall


I walked around alittle and went for lunch.
Then I had time to burn so I did the cheapest thing I can afford to do to be a tai tai for a day... (When in rome..)

Washed n blow my hair!



For the curious, I didnt tong my hair in the picture from my previous blog post.
Hehee.. I experienced the ultimate skill the Indonesian hairstylists have in blow-drying!
They took my limp wet hair and with just a round brush & hairdryer.. he twisted n curled my hair into shiny bouncy locks!
(Wendy.. U can do that for me anot one day?)

I was in awe.
I mean.. they dun even use curling tongs over there!
Painstakingly blowing my hair a section by section and it just cost me $8!
I want to live there can?

No wonder the Indonesians dun wash hair themselves.

My day passed quickly and then I was back to reality & yes.. back to washing my own hair.
:(

Then it was a day of dinner and shopping with my besties.
I lurveee my besties to death, really.. they make me laugh so hard I can pee in my pants!
The pictures are all about Wendy becoz she's a baby when it comes to chilies.
N when she ate a teeny weeny piece of chili by mistake,- her ears turned red!

Hahahahah we had fun so much laughing at her.. BAD FRIENDS hor!

Us at Xian De Lai, Bugis.


I'll plan another dinner, girls... we'll go for dessert to appease the poor thing this time ya!
Else later she'll *BFF us again.

Okies I got to go,sweets.
I feel alittle under the weather and I took some flu medicine so I guess I better turn in early tonight.

Looong day tomorrow with dinner & partying!
Time for me to rest, pictures of Milan and my loots next.

xoxo
elaine

P.S
*BFF = Bad Friend Forever

Edited to reply tags!

Bubblegum: Hehe ya I have *BFFs... :( Alrighty I'll post a Marge Simpson hair tutorial for u soon! Hopefully this week coz Im on leave! :D

Jen: Oooooh thank u, I lurve my Rimowa too! I paid $410 for it. :)

melo: I use PICASA 3 software for my pictures coz I dun like posting them up one by one.. takes too long to load the blog sometimes!

sillyme: How true! But I got so used to this name.. N I dunno what else to call myself? :(

Fan: Recession u noe!! LOL omg I have to stop buying shoes & bags soon! But thank u for reading too, I appreciate it. ;)

DN: Nope.. wasnt around in town on Tuesday. :)

Qi: Actually my eyes aint big! Haha.. I think my false lashes have plenty to do with it.. heh!

polarie: I tell u.... my life is not happening when my next bill comes lor! Wahahahhaha :P

ping: Thank u! Wendy cut my hair, but it was styled in Jakarta. :)

Cupcake: Thank u babe! I will try my utmost to blog more.. I hope! Take care n I love ur name! Keke!

hello: Hehe I think u would knoe the answer by now babe! ;D

lingz: Thank u n yes I got it from Blogskins.. author Stephanie.

bikegal81: Will post them up next! Hahahhahah n yessssss its all mine!!! :D :D
(P.S Jungle Boy disown me already... keke!)

Bye guys!
Will be back soon! :)

Hi everyone!!
Im finally back from cold, cold freezing Milan and I cant explain how thankful I am for the blazing heat in Singapore!
Not only that, as much as I love spaghetti & meatballs.. Im still very much a char kway teow girl at heart.
:)

Alrighty, I have to run now~
Going to meet loved ones for lunch at WhiteDog Cafe!

Back soon with pics & will reply tags then too.
God bless, loves.

xoxo
elaine

P.S
I've been a bad bad girl.. sigh.

Going off tomorrow and yes.. I got sidetracked (instead of packing my bag) with a trip to the mall with Jungle Boy and we bought lotsa food there!
I love the festive feeling with cheery chinese new year songs going 'Ti to long tong chiang dong chiang...' blasting in every shopping centre in Singapore.
Quite fun to listen, albeit for awhile, lar.

So now my bedroom is a mess of food, clothes and things I have to pack into my new big big cargo bag!
Very excited becoz I lurve all kinds of bags!
(Yes.. even luggage bags)

I chose a champagne gold colour coz it looks quite luxurious, yet this brand is pretty sturdy & lightweight.

Rimowa Four-wheeler Luggage Bag


Jungle Boy likes the colour but he's alittle worried about it being flimsy.

Him: "Later all ur thing drop out."
Me: "Why? U scare all my chanel & LV drop out izzit..? Then u buy somemore for me lor."
Him: *quickly walks away*

I realised thats the only thing to say to get him off my back.
Works like a charm.. every single time!

Ok guys.. off to watch Miami Ink, my ultimate favourite tattooed men on tv!
:)

xoxo
elaine

Hellooooo!
Ok ok I know lar its been ages since I last blogged but its becoz I've been so bloody busy!
Er.. actually busy doing pretty much nothing.
:p

Sometimes it gets really hard settling down and doing something proper the whole day.
I have a gizillon errands to run and mostly I will start to do something.. only to be interupted by realising that I have another thing to do.
Then I leave the first thing Im doing hanging halfway in the air, while I do the second thing..to be disrupted by someone/ or something that needs my attention.
Sigh.

This usually goes on til late and then I get so exhausted I forget what I actually have to do.
:(

Like, I edited my cruise pictures nearly a week ago but Im only posting it up now!
(Later,in this post.. I mean.)

I am quite, quite embarrassed lar.

Esp when I have my friends (Eg, My darling Silver) telling me to blog more often.
Okie dokie, new year resolution for 2009 : BLOG MORE OFTEN YA!

And of coz, the obligately resolution for Jungle Boy : NOT TO BUY SO MANY SHOES & BAGS BECOZ RECESSION YOU NOE.

But it really doesnt help when Im going to Milan, Italy tomorrow.
Boo.

I mean, how not to get anything when I've been such a good girl this year?!
Yes, it might be only two weeks INTO the year, I hear you I hear you.. but still.

For example, I firmly resisted an offer from Jungle Boy to get another camera OR a new laptop for my belated Christmas present.

Just becoz I think and I really thought it over real hard I can assure you as the colour pink was involved in both cases.(Manufacturers getting very smart by making gadgets in pink I concur.)

And how do u resist pink?

But I did and I will continue to do so...!
Until either my laptop or camera becomes such a wreck then heehee...*evil laughter*

Okies, back to my conslidated pictures from my cruise in the beginning of the year.

SuperStar Virgo offers so much more than first class dining and entertainment - it takes you to places where the sun, sea, people and culture blend colourfully well.

Every deck onboard SuperStar Virgo teems with endless fun, entertainment and activities. As you cruise to the most exotic parts of Asia on this floating five-star resort, its more than 25 outlets of food and beverage, entertainment and recreation outlets will impress you.

Im thankful for my family who very kindly sponsored me & Jungle Boy a balcony room!
:D
They're bigger and pretty airy as compared to the other bunks.
And I like how the sun shines into out room when we wake up in the morning for breakfast.
We get to go out to the balcony area, drink a cup of tea and relax, listening to waves from the deep blue sea below.



The cruise ship has 13 decks of bunks and activity function rooms like a library, an arcade, restaurants, discos and lounges.
We explored the place alittle but becoz the both of us have been there before, this trip was more for us to take a short break without going too far or travelling too much.

On the second day of the trip, Star Cruise even prepared a huge buffet for all guests at the pool deck!
It was absolutely lovely, with the sun setting in midst of a live band singing and the waft of delicious food with chefs cooking it right infront of you.



A very short, but rejuvenating trip that u can go once in awhile to recharge and get away from the hustle & bustle of our urban lives in the city.

Ok, got to go do something else!
Haha.

I have bags to pack and clothes to choose for my long trip tomorrow!
Waiting for Jungle Boy to come home then we'll head to the supermarket after dinner.

Back soon I hope with my tons of pictures from my Jakarta trip earlier this week, dinner with my besties from last week and yacht pictures from Sunday with Jungle Boy's friends!

Bye everyone!
Have a blessed week.

xoxo
elaine



Edited to add:
TAGS REPLIED!

fan: Thank u thank u! Yup I had a great time, & yes.. I deleted my old blog. Well,to start anew also good lor! :p

evillin32: Thank u too! Happy new year to u, & Im glad u got to my archives.. LOL!

polarie: My life is lagi boring I can tell u! Work work & work these days.. cant wait to Chinese new year but guess what.. I wun be around! Boo hoo hoo to me. Not so envious now rite.. :P

Scooby: No problem at all! Sorry if I dun reply quickly sometimes, but if u have any more urgent enquires, feel free to email me instead. I tend to reply alot faster in emails. Hee!

Qi: Yes I wear grey lenses from FreshLook monthly disposables. They cost $42 a pair and I like it becoz they look rather nice. But no big eye effect though.
Hths! :)

holly: Sorry, but I dun (becoz I cant) reply questions regarding that particular company. But Im pretty sure its website has all relevant information on ur enquires. I wish u luck! ;)

bubblegum: U mean my 'PONG PONG' hair? Friends say can hide a bun inside, Jungle Boy say I look like Marge Simpson so u sure u like it?? Keke.. but will do a tutorial soon if u like it! No prob! :)

ladysilver: I think u more BLISSFUL lor!!! Got cutie baby & lovely hubby to buy u so many things! Not like my Jungle Boy.. only know how to treat me chicken rice eat... sob.

cherry: I buy got 50% discount bo? ;)

Ok bye guys!
I welcome more tags becoz y'all do brighten up my mundane life! Peace out.. Love.

Hi guys!
How has the new year been so far?
I hope its treating u well.
:D

Peektures from waaaaay long ago!
BBQ, shopping, dinner, New York & then some.

*WARNING*
LONG POST AHEAD!

I'll start from the very beginning.
Keeping in touch with ex-colleagues who had firmly become close friends is a lovely thing to do.
The world doesnt function solely with two people and Im grateful to be surrounded by family & friends at the end of the year.

Sometimes we like having hi-teas in afternoons, but we love our BBQ sessions most!
To drink, make merry and eat like there's no tomorrow.

The BBQ was a blast, and we had so much fun talking & talking non-stop.
(The girls la, mostly!)



I love buying presents for little ones, and since I have no kids (yet!) I relish giving kids tokens becoz no matter how small the gift is, these innocent ones will always be just glad to receive something!

N I really think that is the spirit of Christmas isnt it.
An innocent and childlike enthusiasm in accepting presents, regardless of how much it costs and whats its worth.

Its not what u give, its really the thought that counts. And I treasure every little thing my friends & family have given. To me, thats priceless.
:)

Little sweethearts.



Haha and yes.. I refused any Xmas present from Jungle Boy this year becoz recession u noe?
LOL.

Seriously, I just didnt feel I need anything.

After my birthday holiday in November, I realised I am quite, quite contented really.
Why, I already have almost everything I need from the man and I dun need another expensive present to justify his love for me.
Hee.

Not only that,- I have a job so mostly, I can buy my own stuff.
I know of people who will ask ask ask for things, but I've always felt that its more meaningful to buy something urself.

What if one day he couldnt afford it anymore?
Will u still love him?

Or what if he got so sick of u demanding gifts n more gifts?
Men arent that stupid, trust me.

Blood, sweat & tears will make u treasure the item so much more.

At least u can look back next time and think, "Hmm.. I bought this with my bonus last year", or "I worked really hard for this " instead of, "Oh, this man bought me this" or "That man bought me that."

But this excludes wedding rings, anniversary gifts, push presents & such of coz.

I once knew a girl who bought herself an engagement ring becoz her bf was too stingy (not no money ah) to get her a decent one.
Needless to say, they didnt last. The last I heard, they quarrelled over the wedding and good for her,- she called the bloody thing off.

If a man doesnt bother to get u a proper ring within his means before the marriage, I shudder to think about AFTER the marriage.

**

Here's another outing becoz my best buddy is back!
Pardon the monkey faces becoz sometimes I get alittle bored with the 'pretty pretty' pictures n its fun to be silly!
Actually got more la, but dun wan to scare u all.



I love it when she's back becoz she's my most cocky, unbrashed, truthful confidante.
The only one who listens to all my whines, she'll put me straight and scold me proper when I need it.
Sometimes she sugarcoats it becoz I have a fiery temper, but she'll never fail to tell me straight up whevever Im being a b*tch.
N trust me, u'll need people like that becoz u noe they'll never stab u in the back by pretending everything's fine & dandy when its not.
I call her my Reality Check.

Ya la sometimes I hate it when she's too truthful... like telling me how fat I am!
><

Then I flew to New York for a week and spent Christmas there with my closest friends.
It was cold there, but u feel very warm & much loved when people specially take time to bring u out.

Italian Dinner On Christmas Eve.
It was Mimi's birthday too.



After afew glasses of wine & food, we adjorned to Hooka, or rather,- commonly known as Sheesha here.
And continue drinking the night away, as it was Christmas after all!



After Hooka-ing, we took the subway from Union Square to Times Square where we did the Rockefella Christmas Tree annual visit.

Rockefeller Center is a complex of 19 commercial buildings covering 22 acres (89,000 m2) between 48th and 51st streets in New York City. Built by the Rockefeller family, it is located in the center of Midtown Manhattan, spanning between Fifth Avenue and Seventh Avenue. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. It is the largest privately held complex of its kind in the world, and an international symbol of modernist architectural style blended with capitalism.



We had so much fun on Christmas Eve's dinner that we even planned for a road trip to Atlantic City!

Atlantic City is a city in Atlantic County, New Jersey, USA. Famous for its boardwalk, casino gambling, sandy beaches, spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean, and the inspiration for the board game Monopoly, Atlantic City is a resort community located on Absecon Island on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

It was my first time there and I was so so excited!
We booked a suite for the night and we were dying to try out the restaurants there, and of coz, we cant wait to play a hand of Blackjack too.
Hee!

We started the day by first having breakfast at Jason & Mimi's apartment in Flushing,Queens NY is a mere 15 mins away from my hotel if the traffic's good.
But a hell alot further in reality, coz the traffic in New York can be a real killer.

I loved how small but cosy the house was, totally perfect for a young couple living in New York.

I've always envisioned owning an apartment of my own with my special someone, but Jungle Boy's parents are just like my own daddy mummy so I really dun think I can live without them too!

So I've always felt how extremely fortunate these people are.
:)



Then we played Guitar Hero!
It wasnt my first time but sadly, the only thing I can confirm is how much I sucked in it.
But being bad in a game turned out to be a whole lotta fun becoz they werent much better too!
The game was only a day old in the house so I guess by the next time I'm there, they'll all do much better while I would still suck in it!
:(

After pulling ourselves away from the game (with much difficulty I can tell u that), we headed for New Jersey, Atlantic City.
It took us about 3 hours driving there and we snacked alittle, talked alot & drank Starbucks.

On the way & at the lobby.



We checked in, had some issues with the room ( we expected a bigger one but all suites were full for the holidays), settled in comfortably with a second choice, then headed for lunch!



I think we mainly ate, drank & gambled the whole trip.
:p

Located at Caesar's Palace, we had some beer & food at The Trinity, an Irish styled pub with different kinds of beer and alot of food!
We were spoilted for choice, but I think we did well by choosing the Burger & Steak, Shepherd's Pie and Fish & Chips.
They even had 'curry' fries, and it was delicious!
We washed it all down with beer and took many pictures, hee.



With some time to spare, we walked around the place and explored the area.

Atlantic City is like Vegas, a man-made entertainment centre that never sleeps.
People walking along The Broadwalk, people gambling in various casinos or just dining in one of the many highly acclaimed restaurants there is a typical night out.

Around our hotel.



For dinner, we trooped down to the ground level where we eagerly tried the famous Bobby Flay Steakhouse.
Reservations were full and despite booking earlier, we only managed the 9.30pm slot!
However, they graciously seated us when we arrived early.
(Very hungry by then haha.)

Robert William Flay (born 10 December 1964 in New York City) is an American celebrity chef, restaurateur, Iron Chef, and television personality. He is the owner and executive chef of six restaurants: Mesa Grill and Bar Americain in New York City; Mesa Grill in Las Vegas; Mesa Grill in The Bahamas (Atlantis Paradise Island, Nassau); Bobby Flay Steak in Atlantic City, New Jersey; and Bobby's Burger Palace in Lake Grove, New York & in Eatontown, New Jersey.

The decoration was impeccable, quite romantic even,- with its low lights and subtle music. The service was pretty efficient too.The wait staff was ever ready, despite having a full house and brownie points for them when we didnt have to wait long for the food.

A sommelier came over to introduce the wines but being quite the alcoholic we were, we pretty much knew what we wanted.

Portions were big and we all were so full by the end of dinner.
(Darn the bread basket!)

It was not a cheap dinner (around $300++ USD) no doubt, but experiences like these dun come by often.
:)



The waiter had actually gave us the wrong bill,(abt 180 USD, from the couple next to us) but we didnt want him to pay up the difference so we actually came clean and told him about the bill.
After the great service, I think it was really the least we could do.
Well it was Christmas, afterall.

But Karma was kind to us in return coz we all won on the tables later that night!
Not alot, but quite enough to recoup my Victoria Secret loots earlier on in the day.
:P

I only won $65 USD, but Im quite happy coz Im not really a gambler to begin with.

I truly reveled in the atmosphere, -it was great fun playing Blackjack with friends next to u!
We drank, poked fun at each other's cards and generally had a really good time that night.

After collecting our winnings, we celebrated the end of a terrific night but, wat else.. drinking & partying!

We stumbled back around 4am and I totally knocked out while Jason went for round 2 at the casino.
(I know, damn hardcore la someone! Haha!)



We left the next day in high spirits, alittle tired from all the drinks no doubt.. but nothing a really big cup of Toffee Nut Latte cant cure!
:D

And then there were all these memories that I will definitely remember for life, and I am absolutely blessed by God for everything that I have.

A walk down 5th Avenue.



Sometimes I walk into Tiffany & Co just to breathe the same air that Audrey Hepburn once did in Breakfast at Tiffany's.

Thats like totally weird I know, but I can never explain my fascination with Holly Golightly.
There aint going be another one like her, ever.
Period.

Well, I hope u enjoyed this post, guys.
So sorry for being so late!
But now u know what the hell I've been up to lately, hee.

Pictures from my cruise up next, too tired now.
Am going to watch TV and go do my hair tomorrow by Wendy!
:)

God bless, take care.

xoxo
elaine

If love had a name, it'll be called Jungle Boy.
:)



**Edited to add:**
TAGS REPLIED!

Jace: U are welcome sweetheart. :) U're like a little sister to me too, & I hope u enjoyed ur birthday!

LBT's Fab: LOL! Maybe he used to read my blog before we got together, but it might be too mushy for him to read it now! :P

Sand: Ahhhhahahaa.. er... my bag collection?? Its nothing much really!!

Reader: I use Picasa. U can try to google for it n download. Its very easy to use too.

Mag: I use glitter to line my lower eyelids! I dun apply much makeup, (I usually go without foundation) except my false lashes, so sometimes the glitter makes me look much more made up than I really am!

Fiona: I get it from USA, but its a brand called ARDELL that even Watson's carry. They cost $8.90 here, n $2.99 USD thats why I stock up over there instead. I would apply mascara on my false lashes too. One pair can last abt 2 months with daily wear.

Fan: WAHAHAHHAHA. U all very clever lor ask me to show my bag & shoe collection! Hope u had a great Christmas too! God bless. :)

Elysee: I did mine at Far East Plaza, Beauty in Vogue Salon. I use Ardell lashes available in Watson's & I am using a Sony camera. Hths ya!

Polarie: Of coz I reply ok! Hehehehhe! Sometimes I get alittle busy so bo bian cant reply in time but I'll try usually! N yes I had such a blast with the girls that night & I feel really blessed with them in my life. Esp with my job n I feel bad making everyone accomodate to my hectic schedule just for a dinner! :(

trace: I use a clip claw to get the height. Maybe I would do a post soon with some pictures to show it to u alittle better. I cant really explain it words tats why! :P

Scooby: Hi dear, she works in Twister Monsoon! Hougang Mall's branch becoz they just opened one at Jurong Point hence the confusion I guess. Im going tomorrow!

Wendy: I draw them on coz I have no guts to do eyebrow embroidery! ><

sally: U can save around 20-25% buying it from European countries as compared to Asia. (Provided u manage to claim tax)

polarie: *HUG* Happy new yr to u too darling!

Fan: Happy 2009 to u too babe!!! I hope u have a blessed year with great buys too! (I need to save money liao la! haha recession u noe?):P

willy: To u too! :D

Mich: If u go through my archives, I do have a post on skincare. Or are u asking about my makeup?

51: Thanks for dropping by. :)

Ladysilver: *KISS* I got ur sms! But I was sleeping hehe! Im good and I wish u n ur family n baby Enzo a very blessed new year. May he grow up healthy n happy always! The sweetest n cheekiest little LD baby. *muack
:)

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!

Im awfully sorry to be late, but I had the most wonderful Christmas in New York~ !
Then I got back with barely enough time with a trip to church and to do the countdown with Jungle Boy and then tonight, we're going for a weekend cruise!

I noe, my name is BEE.. Busy Bee.
:p

Will be back on Sunday, then I'll blog with more pictures okie?
Tags will be replied then, too.. Im so sorry everyone! :(

Bye all, God bless.
xoxo

"Youth is when you're allowed to stay up late on New Year's Eve. Middle age is when you're forced to." -Bill Vaughan

Love,
elaine

Christmas In New York