Titanic - real objects 'n' real stories

The ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands has been hosting the Titanic artifacts exhibition since end October 2011 (it runs until the 29th April 2012) 

Anyway, I have been so wanting to see this but my Mr Man had decided he 'would not like it'.  As he was away all last week and I am still not allowed a 'champagne brunch' (until lent is over at least), Mr Man suggested he treat me to Titanic :-)

Absolutely, fantastic exhibition :-)  Very interesting and easy to follow, my boys loved it too.  For my boys, the 'best bit' was the 'actual' ice berg and the outside promenade.  For me, it was the little snippets and stories about the 'real people' who travelled on Titanic.  Perhaps a little 'dark' but I loved the fact that every visitor got a replica of a boarding ticket along with the name and info relating to that person...at the end you need to check if you survived the disaster.

My Mr Man and my boys were first class gentlemen :-)  Me, I was a third class passenger, 15 years old from Lebanon, travelling along with my husband who was a wealthy shoe merchant (perhaps the 1912 Jimmy Choo!? ;-))

1912 Jimmy Choos :-D

It was the first time we had visited the ArtScience Museum.  Of course, we've all seen it from a distance and marvelled at the white lotus flower style structure but up close (for me personally) it doesn't look quite as impressive.  Queueing 'n' purchasing ticket service leaves a lot to be desired...I always wonder what can be so difficult and cause a debate when simply purchasing entrance tickets.  If you can remain calm in the queue then the exhibits and interior are definitely worth seeing.


Surprise, surprise...on Sunday evening, we watched Titanic the movie from start to finish...all 4 hours of it!  It's easy to see why it won 11 Oscars, fabulous :-)  For me, I never tire of seeing Jack 'n' Rose fall so passionately in love...and Céline Dion never fails to make me sniffle 'n' sob!

Gorgeous Leo xx

I highly recommend the Titanic exhibition.  Something else I'm forever recommending is BellaBox but...!  I've now discovered 'Vanity Trove' and I shall be sampling their box of beautiful surprises very soon :-)  I'm also very excited to attend a 'special' SkinInc, Reebonz 'n' Vanity Trove event this week :-)  Can't wait to blog about and share my afternoon here...

The VT beauty box...
so excited to get my March box of beautiful surprises

I'm off now to decide what to wear and get my nails sorted out, they look a bit shabby today!

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

Sunday, Champagne 'n' Richard Branson

When a Sunday includes a Champagne brunch at a 'posh' hotel the world really does seem like a better place :-) such a perfect way to keep smiling even though it's the last day of the wk/d ;-)

Our very first place of residence in Singapore was Great World Serviced Apartments and our 'local hotel' for Sunday brunch was the Grand Copthorne Waterfront...

Super happy memories from our many, many Sunday afternoons

by the Singapore River ;-)

My boys especially enjoyed the Easter Sunday Special...lots of yummy goodies for the 'kids' ;-)  Honestly, anything and everything was made of chocolate with a cute bunny 'n' chick theme :-)

When our family visited at Christmas time we treat them all to Christmas Day brunch at this good favourite... Yep, as we've become 'regulars', I was able to choose our fave spot in the big bay window over looking the Singapore River. Perfect, perfect :-)

I did intend to recommend all Singapore residents to reserve their table in Brios Café for Sunday Brunch but.....having contacted their F&B Manager I am informed that Brios Café is now hosting 'Afternoon Tea with sparkling wine'.  Gosh, how disappointing!  Looking on the bright side, I guess me 'n' my Mr Man will just have to try that out and yes, I'll review and let you know how it is...:-)

Over the last 11 months Mr Man and I have very much enjoyed familiarising ourselves with this Sunday brunch concept here in Singapore...

Conrad Centennial, Marriot Orchard, Pan Pacific

Pan Pacific refreshment :-)

Me 'n' Richard Branson ;-)
Pan Pacific, Singapore

Pan Pacific...although the Champagne 'n' food was wonderful, the setting of the café was not my 'personal' favourite.  I did enjoy the company though :-)  We happened to brunch at Pan Pacific during the 'Formula 1 night race' weekend...a bit of celebrity spotting never fails to make me smile :-)

Combining business 'n' wife tagging along travels...me 'n' Mr Man have also brunched in China and Vietnam (so far)...not on expenses though :-)
Ritz in Shanghai, Intercontinental, Ho Chi Minh City...

Market 39, Intercontinental,
Ho Chi Minh City

 

My most recent Sunday Brunch was in January at the Ritz Carlton in their Greenhouse.  We were there to celebrate my Aunty's (special) Birthday. It really was fabulous...

I have a thing for desserts ;-)

Option of Vintage Champagne or Rosé Champagne...also a cocktail station - I discovered the Mojito...absolutely amazing and now my fave cocktail, yummy ;-)

Oh, yes....anyone who knows me personally will know that I do Sunday brunch for the seafood course, desserts 'n' champagne but I am informed the real food is really good too ;-)

I'm finding it hard to believe we have been in Singapore 11 months!  How fast this time has gone...almost our leaving France/arriving in Singapore anniversary...Wow!

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

SPCA, Personal Assisting 'n' Art...

Monday morning took me to Mount Vernon Road and my little 'job' in the SPCA shelter...

Anyone in Singapore who is thinking of getting a pet... PLEASE, please take at look at the animals up for adoption. There will most certainly be an adorable and perfect, pooch, kitty, bunny or hammy waiting just for you :-)

http://www.spca.org.sg/

On Sunday I got myself proper organised for a very 'arty' day...

How many Mums intend to, and love the idea of, a day doing arty stuff with the kids...what happens, we need to tidy round, clear a space and dig out paper and paints. That's happened to me since forever!

finally organised...let the messy time begin :-)

Me and my boys had loads of fun creating 'n' crafting and now have a permanent art station (table) on the balcony...yes, we shall be creating some masterpieces 'n' having lots of fun too ;-)

To be perfectly honest, for a few days over the weekend I didn't feel much like smiling. I'd had my feathers well and truly ruffled by a certain individual :-( 

Ruffled feathers to fit my mood :-/

I hate conflict and am generally the person that really avoids it all but 'some people' like a bit of a good old conflict and actually thrive on the attention it involves ;-) I'm for sure not going into the 'histoire' but heck I was annoyed! Anyway, for now it's time for a spot of SUMO :-D and I'll get back to life, fun 'n' smiling... :-)

http://www.coolchaser.com/graphics/tag/smile

 

Once again, Mr Man is away and to keep myself busy this week...I've got myself started on some course work assessments. ICS Personal Assistant course to be exact. The whole concept of the correspondence course is excellent, making it easy to study from home wherever your home may be.

 

My dream PA job - all the clothes 'n' shoes ;-)

This is my third course with the International Correspondence School and this one has started off very interesting and pretty straight forward...mainly common sense stuff which I'm pleased to say I have a lot of :-). Today's topics...the role of the PA, office equipment and behaviour in the office 'tact and diplomacy'!

Love that - tact and diplomacy...yep, I've got that sorted too :-)

Ah well, it's good to be smiling again...you can't beat a bit of Skype with friends 'n' family to put life back on track :-))

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

Iron Lady 'n' painted nails...

Last week I finally made it to the cinema to catch 'the iron lady' :-)

The movie received some bad reviews in Singapore, but I'm happy that didn't put me off from checking it out for myself.  I do think it is necessary to know what MT was all about and understand the ins and outs of her time in parliament and as Prime Minister. The story would be quite lost on younger generations and non-British folks.

Meryl Streep is magnificent in the role...

actually, quite spine tingling-ly, alike the iron lady herself. The whole casting was fantastic and the actors were very, very much like their real life characters. Hats off to the casting team :-)

There are some quite shocking clips in the movie (riots re poll tax and miners strike) but the story would, obviously, not be complete without these incidences being mentioned. All in all, a movie well worth seeing :-)


Over the last month I have become a little obsessed with my nails. Before which, I was very much a nibbled nail and always pale pink-y nail kind of girl...

The Moustaffa Centre have some really inexpensive polish and a massive selection of fab colours. Yes, these are proper 'cheap' compared to OPI but the quality is great and I find them so easy to paint on, not at all clumpy or streaky and also I'm not having it all chipping off the very next day. (add to that my 'special' drying method and the polish really is 'as hard as iron' :-))

I'm off now to paint my nails green with a hint of blue sparkle...a perfect combination for wearing with my new blue dress :-)

If I can pin my Mr Man down for a minute before he jets off to China again

I'll get him to take a pic of me wearing my lovely new dress...

Post about Sunday brunches 'n' Champagne in Singapore (and region) coming next... :-P


kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

sit-ups 'n' no alcohol...

Did you eat pancakes on Tuesday? I did, one perfect pancake, absolutely covered in Nutella 'n' golden syrup :-) yummy :-P

So, now we are in the period of Lent....how many people will be giving up 'something' for these 40 days and 40 nights?  What will it be...?

In past years I've gone without a variety of things (mainly food) chocolate, cheese, coffee and wine (I did excellent with them all...except coffee and wine :-( This year I'm going for the BIG one... ALCOHOL in every form! yikes! Will I succeed, I don't know, I hope so!

As well as a heck of a lot of encouragement and will power, I decided I may be in need of a little incentive for completing this task.  My Mr Man asked what I might want...?  Well, I've had my ears focused on some beats by Dr Dre for a month now....

 

Aren't these just a perfect incentive :-)

So, whilst doing this crazy 'no alcohol' thing, I've also decided to up my exercise routine and hit the gym a bit more often...



I started on Tuesday with a run with 'my girl' Rhiaaaaaannnaaa (the iPod version;-)), the weather got too hot so I headed into the gym. I managed 3.5k in just over 20 mins, next 2k rowing. On Wednesday, just for extra pain, I did yoga class for 1 1/2 hours! The stretching yoga did do me a lot of good but 'damn that downward dog pose'! 'cos my arms 'n' shoulders are proper aching. Got to think positive...no pain no gain 'n' all that :-)

I'm off now to 'over-indulge' in exercise, facebook 'n' water...but I promise - no alcohol :-)

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

mia Bellabox 'n' that fabulous Potion...

I have been receiving BellaBox since it's launch in October 2011.  This monthly box of beauty goodies just keeps on getting more 'n' more beautiful and the items within more 'n' more exciting it does not fail to make me smile :-)

I've had my fave products and have purchased online from the Bella Shop (order while the product is in the current monthly box and postage is free...now how fab is that :-))

My personal faves are...

http://bellabox.sg/brands/index/view/brand/Oscar%20de%20la%20Renta/







http://bellabox.sg/brands/index/view/brand/Davines/

During the last week I've see 'rave reviews' on various blogs and Facebook posts for Faust's Potions.  Yes, I'm going to dive in there and say I am loving 'n' smiling at this product too but with a slight twist on it's intended use...

I'm for sure not using this after partying 'n' drinking until the early hours!  For me, the 'Awake' potion has worked extremely successfully for those early school mornings with my boys, I'm calling it my 'energy potion' and the fact it tastes far better than 'red bull' is a fab bonus! ;-)

Also, the 'Sleep' potion has had 'some' success on me too.  I'm a terrible sleeper when my Mr Man is away on business so decided to try out this 'Sleep' potion.  I will say, it did not actually 'knock me out' and 'make me sleep' but I for sure did not feel as 'depressed' from lack of sleep as I normally would.  So, yes ladies, these here Faust's Potions are useful to us mothers 'n' wives who don't actually get out partying every weekend but need some 'Sleep 'n' Awake' time throwing our way too ;-)




http://bellabox.sg/brands/index/view/brand/Faust%27s%20Potion/

Go on girls 'n' ladies order now while you can enjoy 'n' benefit from the 5 for the price of 4 Faust's @ Bellabox promo

Ah, mia Bellabox (the February edition)...

 How full of love it truly is xx

Here's some pics of what I got in my lovely box...

I am personally loving Ansley Cosmetics 3D shimmer & powder

and DKNY's Pure fragrance :-)

The Ansley powder gives excellent coverage

and the shimmer is perfect for giving just that right amount of glow ;-) 

DKNY's Pure is exactly what is says on the bottle, the scent is so very pure 'n' simple

I think it's absolutely perfect for everyday use.

Yes, in this crazy world we all need a little scent of calm :-)

Oh, how many days before mia Bellabox March edition arrives at my door?  I personlly can't wait :-)

If you've not already subscribed to this most beautiful box I recommend you click here now, I promise you'll be smiling that you did :-)

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

Air Show, Breitling 'n' Bonifacio

My boys and I spent Sunday morning at the Singapore Air Show, lots of smiling, oooing 'n' aaring at the jets. Massive, massive set up at the Changi Exhibition Centre. The air displays were fab, here's a few pics...so sorry I didn't make a video recording would have loved to have shared the absolutely awesome jet noise with you!!

Also loving the control tower sponsored by Breitling ;-)...like Breitling 'n' vote for my 'creative' pic here...hey, if I win the contest I promise to name you all personally with links to your blogs or web sites!  xx ;-) merci et thx in advance guys 'n' girls.

Today it is our wonderful helper's Birthday and on Sunday evening we decided to treat her to dinner in a Philippine restaurant...Bonifacio. I was a bit unsure as to what food would be available, I am not really ambitious when it comes to trying new foods.  Heck, the only thing I know to be made in the Philippines is San Miguel ;-)  I was pleasantly surprised, here's a few pics with the names and ingredients...

from top left...inside the resto, pork bbq, beef kaldereta, Boni Halo-Halo,

leche flan, San Miguel, tsokoleit, pininyahong manok

kaldereta - stewed beef in tomato sauce with carrot and potato

Boni Halo-Halo - banana, nata, ube beans, sorbet

Leche flan - custard and caramel

Tsokoleit - chocolate and honeycomb cake

Pininyahong manok - chicken and pineapple with coconut cream

Personally, I would recommend the chicken and pineapple dish with garlic rice and of course a bottle of San Miguel yummy :-)

I'm off to the cinema now to catch the Iron Lady.

kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)

Funny, clever 'n' very sexy...

Another movie to make my faves list is 'Friends with Benefits' :-) Yes, it is very, very similar to 'No Strings Attached' but in my opinion the very funny Woody Harrelson, the clever-ly arranged flash mob scenes and the very sexy Mila 'n' Justin make 'FWB' far, far better :-)

I saw the movie a while ago on a plane trip and really was laaaaarrrrfing out loud (much to the embarrassment of my Mr Man:-)).


The DVD I bought here in Singapore was, quite pleasantly and more surprisingly, not cut to pieces 'cos of censorship laws.  The very gay sports editor played by Woody Harrelson is too funny and, as it's set in my most favourite city in the world, New York, it really is a brill movie!  (anyone for beer 'n' tennis? ;-)

My Mr Man got back this weekend after having spent a full week away from Singapore.  Yes, he was away for Valentine's Day so, his 'very unromantic' gift was waiting for him on his return a Tefal Moulinette Blender? I know, I know, well I did say 'unromantic'...there is method in this madness, my Mr Man makes the yummiest hummus ever but since leaving France we've been without a blender to use. 

So, our Saturday afternoon/evening went something like this...

Me being excused in order to catch up on my week's sleep deprivation

Mr Man shopping for ingredients, Cold Storage @ Kallang Leisure Park

Mr Man making a Middle Eastern themed supper (recipe here...yummy)

me (eventually) waking up ready for drinks, food 'n' (delayed) V Day romance ;-)

 

Tomorrow is my wonderful helper's Birthday.  Tonight we are taking her out for dinner at a Filipino restaurant...she'll be introducing us to some Filipino delights...review of Bonifacio coming tomorrow.

 

Some other stuff coming soon... Champagne @ the Ritz and other Sunday brunches, 'mia bella' February BellaBox 'n' more on living, loving, laughing 'n' smiling in my beautiful Singapore.

Closing Time now for this post xx :-)


Kisses 'n' smiles from me xx :-)