Noah's Ark

Like I said previously, we did the less touristy stuff during our vacay to Hong Kong last December. So instead of the usual Disneyland stopover (which I made ZX go with me twice already, before we had kids, so I think I should spare him the torture - anyway, Bielet was too young for most of the rides and ditto for Ocean Park...), the alternative was Noah's Ark instead.

This place is a fairly new attraction located at Tsing Yi. From the website, there seemed like quite a few activities to immerse ourselves in, like the Ark Garden, Ark Expo, Solar Tower, Nature Garden etc. There's even a hotel/resort within its premises, but the exorbitant price was enough to put us off! Entry to the attractions cost us adults HKD155 (close to SGD25) each and Bielet's admission was FOC. [Child rates are HKD125 for 3-11yos.]

You kind of have to follow the set route, that is, enter the Ark Garden first then go into the Ark Expo (inside the massive structure of an Ark replica). The first thought that scurried through my mind when we roamed the Ark Garden was, "HUH you mean we travelled all the way here just to see fake animals?!" Sorry, but I was expecting a zoo of sorts with pairs of animals housed together across the various storeys of the ark. [That's like not possible to maintain but hey, it's called Noah's Ark right?] But still, it was rather nice to get up close to the animal figures, which a lot of attention to detail had been paid, and we could point out each one to Bielet. (The animals in the zoo tend to be a tad too far away to see clearly. And frankly, where else can you get all these animals in a single spot?)

On to the Ark Expo, there were some more fake animals but also sections of insects, creepy crawlies, birds and smaller (more manageable) animals. Bielet was wholly entertained with a couple of kiddy games ala puzzle bobble where she could whack the digital bubbles to pop them and release butterflies and all. She tried to make friends with some other kids too, but let's just say her socialising skills were wanting.

ZX's favourite part of the exhibition was probably that on the joint Turkish-Hong Kong expedition to Mt Ararak, in search of the remains of Noah's Ark. It was interesting to find out more on that bit of history (especially cuz I'm only familiar with the biblical version and not real-time happenings, check out Wikipedia on other searches for the elusive ark here). But what I liked most was the collection of Noah's Ark-related paraphernalia. It was an entire space of arks and animals figurines, from cutesy Precious Moments-esque models to kitschy animal charm bracelets. Bie: so predictable.

Was hopeful that the gift shop would carry some of the items, but alas, the shop was a complete letdown. Lunch at the in-house Harvest Restaurant was also disappointing (although there is no other eatery to choose from anyway). Bielet agreed and hardly touched her food before settling into her midday snooze.

My porridge with duck and veggies - looked better than it tasted

ZX's wrap with salad - tasted better than it looked

A whiles away, actually opposite the ark and a long hike away, we reached the Solar Tower. ZX has a fascination with outer space so we really went there for him. Other than the gallery, there was also this big telescope (not sure what the actual technical term for the space alternative is) but the cloudy weather meant vision was blocked. Shucks. [And frankly, if like us, you have already been to the Hong Kong Space Museum - then please just skip this altogether.] But ZX and Bielet had fun fixing up little structures of multi-coloured blocks and shapes.

Oh, and a word of advice: if you are taking the Park Island bus from the Tsing Yi MTR station, get off at the bus stop after the one where you see the grand sign "Noah's Ark". We got off at the first stop (after verifying with the driver, mind you, although granted we asked in Mandarin cuz we don't speak Cantonese) and had to walk such a long way to the main entrance of the park, past the flyover and all. [For the record, we walked past this way again, and beyond along the beach and some really big condo projects with gazillion blocks, as we wanted to ferry back to Kowloon.]

Tough luck if you come to this entrance/exit, cuz it's the service one for hotel staff and guests only. Hence, ZX and Bielet poring over the map towards the right!

Not that I should complain though, I rather fancy nice, long walks with ZX - as long as the weather is cool and he's backpacking Bielet most of the time. Lol. We enjoyed the attraction somewhat (it's the only full-scale ark replica in the world! Quite inspiring to imagine being in the original ark, battling thunderstorms outside and bobbing up and down in flood waters!) but don't think we'll be coming back again. Once is quite enough for us :))

In the shuttle bus from the MTR station to the ark. Not sure what the father-daughter duo were pointing at, but the dude at the back sure ain't amused...

Perfunctory snaps at the Christmas deco photo point. Lol.

WHW

Red long sleeved top with gingerbreadman motif (gift from Big P Aunty), White pants with 'I heart mom' print  (from Granny), Socks with orange hearts from Fox Baby, Oscar The Grouch sneakers from Stride Rite, Purple Lady and the Tramp sweater from Fox Baby

WBW

White asymmetrical tee with Charlie Chaplin motif from Shilin Night Market, Pink leggings from Giordano, Black cardi from Cotton On, Brown boots from Timberland (pictured here folded down with inner pink floral pattern)

MHW (Part 2): Blueprint Emporium 2013

Had a really happening weekend hence a series of posts I've dubbed MHW, or My Happening Weekend. Lol.
Mamas can be happening too, okay ;))

Went for high tea at Delicious (read here) and SAM, the first of our museums for Children's Season, too (post to come)!
---

(Source: Blueprint)

While this year is the fourth time Blueprint is running, it marks the first time that I'm attending. What a joke actually, cuz my bank account is at the 'poorest' it has ever been in these four years -_-
But since my sis was game to check out the supposedly-awesome designers, I tagged along too!

For the masses (read: public), the event was held between 18 and 19 May with more than 180 designers showcasing their samples/limited ed items/off-season collections, over three zones on the third level of F1 Pit Building. Think there was some sort of grouping among the zones (like the 'French Pavilion' in zone C and the Taiwanese labels in zone B) but us two just headed to the back and worked our way to the front. As my sis was heading to work, we only had 4 hours (now, 3 because we arrived late), altho it was still bright and early (the event kicked off at 11am and we arrived at midday) - by the time we left, there was a snaking queue just to get into the lift! Had to fuel up *excuse the pun* for our shopping first. Thankfully there was Tiong Bahru Bakery and Broadcast HQ, cuz my sis loves the former's coffee and I had an awesome beef pao from the latter. 

While I loved running my fingers through the organza collars, loud prints, silky dresses and shiny fabrics, I had to keep reminding myself that a mainly stay-at-home-bum cum home-based-freelance-writer doesn't need so many fancy clothes. But it was such fun just going around with my sis (who shopped a storm!) and who also purchased two items for me - so much for no birthday presents. 

{Triologie}
One of the local brands which my sis and I stumbled onto, which features very wearable pieces: check out their collections here. There was a 20% off items at the emporium so there - reason enough. I got a simple, classy black A-line top with faux leather detailing at the back from their Hi-Summer Cruise 2012 Collection: Wizard of Oz. This staple can take me anywhere, even when I start work again next year. Yays.

(Source: Asia Fashion Inc)

We got to speak with Sylvia, the lady behind the brand, and she was very warm and open about her inspirations and even giving us more details about the pieces we were keen on. That's what's nice about these sort of events, actually, because you get to meet the people behind the threads :))

My sis also got herself a flowy maxi dress with a lovely romanticised digital print of Paris from the label's latest S/S 2013 collection (among others in her stash). And let's just say we are eyeing several more pieces from the online store! Below are just some that I'm lusting after from the collection :))

(Source: Triologie)

{Chun Ting Li}

A Taiwanese startup label that was only recently founded in 2012, I was immediately drawn to the unusual silhouettes and curious details: check out some of their designs here. My Chinese is super pok but it was so nice to hear the familiar Taiwanese accent of the guy there (we figured he's the designer and man behind the clothes?) - oh, and his cute, boyish looks didn't hurt either! ;))

I tried a couple of dresses and then saw the below version in black. Sold. I totally love the baroque architecture panelling on the dress, in chiffon too, which adds to the dreamy and mysterious feel, eh? Plus it has cutouts (at the shoulders and back, with a cool, gold clasp just for the sake of it). As luck would have it, the dress was going at 50% off too. Awesome discounts right!

When I 'modelled' the dress for ZX at home later on, he commented that the cutouts looked like there wasn't enough cloth for the dress -_-" My hubby has no fashion sense okay...

(Source: Chun Ting Li)

Well, if I shaved off half my weight and grew many more inches, then perhaps I would look like how it is meant to be - that is, like the model above. Lol. Sorry, not gonna happen.

Also, some other brands/items that I liked are (actually there were some more I liked but let's not be so chonghei otherwise this post will never end):

{Ong Shunmugan}
This local brand was so popular with the crowd that our many attempts to try on some pieces we liked were severely foiled. Undoubtedly inspired by the gorgeous cheongsam (among other Asian influences), the label has many ethnic pieces that would fit someone who looking for a modern take on the Chinese classic: see their intricate pieces here. The pieces are produced in limited quantities (or one-offs) and available only through their "atelier, website and a tightly curated guerilla gallery".

Here is the two-piece Tessellation suit that I fell in love with (but the one I was eyeing was in a different pattern of light green with subtle pink motifs instead). Guess I have to make a trip to their store cuz it ain't available online either.

(Source: Ong Shunmugan)

{Emblem}
If you need edgy accessories to jazz up your ootd, look no further than this label: see more from the label here. I was besotted with the cool handmade water snake clutches that have actual lionhead knockers! (Yes, as you can guess, I really dig oriental inspired pieces...) Only thing is, why do I need another clutch? Sighs.

(Source: Emblem)

{Cassey Gan}
This Malaysian brand has only recently launched but it already has some really promising pieces, imo: see the collection here. My sis got her hands on one of the gorgeous maxi dresses with a mysteriously haunting digital forest print (and a sheer bottom skirting). We got to say hi to Cassey, who was wearing a similar-but-custom-made maxi dress, and her partner Jacqueline; and they shared that you can request customisation of these pieces too.

(Source: Cassey Gan)

Guess which dress my sis bagged? :))

{Asama}
Hailing from Thailand, this label offers a vibrant selection of the cutest scarves, bags and tops: check out their facebook page. Some of the scarf designs I really like are below! (All pics from Asama.)

Back to School

Love of Beauty

Love Thailand

But as with the other gorgeous accessories, I currently have no use for them. Plus not deep enough pockets to fulfill all my sartorial whims too... 
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So anyways, while the international emporium is over, Blueprint still has their ongoing local movement, W.E.D. (Wear Emerging Designers), for us to show support for our local emerging designers! Wednesdays are the days to show your love, and if you're on instagram, check out the hashtag #WEDonWED (Wear Emerging Designers on WEDnesdays). I was spotted on one such Wednesday a couple of months back - see my 5 seconds of fame while wearing my favouritest Hansel dress and bright yellow Pazzion loafers. Lol.

(Source: Hansel)

Wanna show your support but don't yet have a piece of these designers? There are still a couple of weeks where you can stock your wardrobe from select stores in the Haji Lane and Marina Bay cluster (now until 16 Jun 2013). Then from 17 Jun to 14 Jul, get your stash online. Like the Blueprint fb page, if you haven't already, to get updates and also get your W.E.D. pic-badge here to enjoy discounts during your shopping trip!

Happy Shopping!! :)) I did!! (All thanks to Jie!!)

:: Delicious Shades of Chocolate ::

Day 90. Finally!

Yes, after what seems like eternity (and definitely not a mere three months worth of clothes), I've arrived at the goal of my look 9-0. Woohoo!

For this monumental event, I *of course* chose to don my favouritest and best dress ((: Why it's my most-loved frock is pretty much evident, eh? But other than it being in my choice colours, its interesting range of textiles are unconventional and make such a lovely touch - polyester, linen and leather. And I reserve it for happy events, which mean something to me.

The first time I wore this was when I watched Lion King at MBS with my sis. The show was utterly spectacular and remains my all-time favourite musical ((:

Anyway, please accept my apologies for the very delayed post. I fell terribly ill about 3 weeks back and was busy trying to regain my faculties plus finish up my work commitments. All's well and ends well though, because I'm feeling very much better (hence this post). Hee.

I've actually got a few more outfit posts but not sure if I'll continue blogging here?

:: WBW ::

Dress : Lemode Fashion (Celine)

Animal Resort VS Zoo (Part 2)

Since my last post on Animal Resort, I've yet to update on our outing to the zoo so here it is :))

I love going to the zoo because there is no other place which offers you the experience of so many animals at once. It, however, is quite tiring eh? All that walking around - especially when you are carrying a 10kg kiddo. Unlike the Animal Resort, I'm sure everyone else has been to our Singapore Zoological Gardens, so here are just our personal five reasons that we love going to the zoo, zoo, zoo. You can come too, too, too!

one
Getting up close to some of our fave animals

Parrots!

Horses, ponies, goats!

Giraffe!

Zebras!

two
Learning interesting nuggets about the animals

Bielet identifying the array of African wildlife

Getting cornered by a pygmy hippo who can hold its breath underwater for six minutes!

three
Taking pics with animal sculptures that are super life-like!

G'day Kangaroo!

Ah Meng memorial. Bielet seemed to take very fondly to the smiley orang utan figure, sayang-ing it each time we took a pic :))

four
Getting around using the coolest sign posts

five
Creating happy memories at every possible photo point ;))

Bielet rushing to the stage of the Animal Friends Show in her excitement to see the dogs and cats, and back to her seat when she heard the barks and meows in oddly close proximities

Us awaiting the start of the Animal Friends Show!

Taking on Simba's safari ranger ride

Bielet trying to 'blind' Papa as a furry creature hangs out nearby. FUNNY

Bushed baby as Papa heads for a Icy Slush to cool down from carrying her all around the zoo.

"Big Smile," says Bielet as she does her signature pose

"Wait! Let Mama into the picture!"

Yay! All smiles as we all pose for another family shot! - With a family of elephants in the background, no less :))

We really enjoyed ourselves, especially as Bielet loves animals. Unfortunately we went before Kai Kai and Jia Jia arrived so we missed out on that big spectacle. The admission fee (with tram rides) was $25 for each adult and Bielet's was FOC. With her nearing her second birthday though, a lot more attractions will need to be paid for - like half an air ticket for our Australia holiday in December...

The last time I came to our zoo was for a work retreat. It was a ball of fun, and quite frankly, one of my best memories of my time with colleagues. There's always something about getting out of the office and placing yourself in less than familiar situations (like running around the zoo doing silly antics to get our clues for the next station with your boss and staff alike?). We had a little personality test - and I was an outgoing peacock type... what?! - and a zoo plushie for remembrance. I still have the cute little penguin too!

So if you ask me, between the zoo and Animal Resort, I very much prefer the tourist attraction because of its variety. If you like the laidback vibe and not want to be ketok by high prices, then head to the resort instead ;))

WHW

Singlet with gold glittered snowflake pattern from Gap, Khaki coloured skirt from Suntec

WBW

Printed singlet from Bugis Village, Blue denim shorts from Cotton On, Yellow and black bag from uni bazaar, Heart shaped sunnies from Accessorize