twentyeleven

New Years Eve tonight! I cannot believe yet another year has already flown by. This was a monumental year for me. I won't go into details about how I matured and became more independent etc during my gap year - there is an array of selections available on google for that (search "why gap year").  I did become more mature and independent etc during it though, albeit unknowingly. In fact, in hindsight, opting to take a gap year is one of the best decisions I have ever made. I also started a new chapter of my life as I begun university this September. Not to mention, all the little things that have also made this year so special: stood in two places at once for the first time (Rome and Vatican City) this summer! emerged as a finalist in my first case competition (KPMG International Case Competition), took an 11-hour overnight train in China to Mongolia (this make sound easy, but take it from me, it is not)... Moreover, for the first time, I've actually written proper resolutions to the upcoming year so I'm thinking it's a good start already? Maybe, possibly.

winter splurges

1. Vanessa Bruno Até Wool-blend Coat US$680.00
2. Chloé Strap-detailed Leather Boots US$995.00
3. Lanvin Chinese lamé T-shirt US$1,350
4. Burberry Brit Hooded Wool-felt Duffle Coat US$895
5. Valentino Studded Leather Driving Gloves US$425
6. 3.1 Phillip Lim Wrap-effect Silk Crepe de Chine Dress US$675
7. Alaîa Curve-wedged Suede Ankle Boots US$1,360

It’s that time of the year where everyone, at least I am, is rushing to finish Christmas shopping; ergo, it's that time of the year where the concept of giving is, arguably, most pronounced. Is it terrible that I’m still adding items to my wishlist? Here are a couple of things I would love to splurge on right now. I love the absence of a collar in Vanessa Bruno Até’s coat, and the Burberry Brit duffle coat is a classic. The shimmery Lanvin top and Valentino gloves would be perfect this Christmas, and I absolutely adore the orange, which has been a staple color this season, of the classic Phillip Lim dress. Love both shoes – could definitely dress them up and down. The Alaîa shoes in particular, for their (somewhat) subtle wedges! I always strive to find height, by whatever means necessary.

christmas market

I encountered my first German Christmas market while I was in Birmingham just a week ago. It was short and sweet. My team and I had made it through to the final rounds for the UK division of the case competition, and we'd been invited to Birmingham to compete once more. It is as such that I was only able to catch a glimpse of the market as we hurried from the train station to the office building, and back. It was short and sweet, but not forgotten. During that brief moment, I had a sudden vision of myself enjoying a hot cup of mulled wine while strolling through the plethora of stalls. It was good, and I was determined to make it a reality. I've just returned from the Edinburgh Christmas market, and it did not disappoint. I especially relished walking through all the stalls and seeing all the beautiful, intricately-made crafts they had to offer. Took my all not to buy everything...

   

silver bells

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! My favorite time of the year. This means I can finally start playing Christmas songs!! While my all-time favorite has got to be Silver Bells, I have to admit… I’ve been playing JBieb’s Mistletoe a lot more than I'd care to admit. You can listen to my Christmas playlist here, enjoy!

tweed yes please

Ralph Lauren's Annual Rugby Tweed Run has officially found itself on my to-do list for 2012. Having lived in St Andrews for over three months now, I have come to realize that no, tweed is not limited to the elderly and will not age you so long as you dress accordingly. Some inspiration...

love list

The winter season is well underway here in Scotland, and with holidays looming closer and closer, I'm starting to feel festive. These are some items that I'm loving and, not to mention, will be perfect for dressing up and down during the holidays. (Admittedly, I have developed a little bit of an appreciation for sparkle since laying eyes on that Rachel Gilbert dress, and it has begun to emerge in all aspects of my life, including my clothing choices.)

1. Dannijo BEA Holiday Necklace – US$945.00
2. Miu Miu Glitter and Suede Peep Toe Ankle Boots — US$623.00
3. Markus Lupfer Reindeer Sequined Merino Wool Sweater — US$480.00
4. Topshop Cream Faux Fur Gillet — US$135.00
5. Dannijo Sinatra Necklace — $318.00
6. Tucker Pleated Silk Skirt — US$460.00
7. Marc by Marc Jacobs Cutout Panther Brass Cuff – $80.00

leggoo

I’ve been playing this in the mornings as I change and get ready. Nothing like a good song to pump you up for class!

sparkle and batik

Danielle and Jodie Synder, the dynamic sisters behind Dannijo (get it?!), have been on my radar for awhile now… and while I was looking through some photos (very tastefully) taken inside Jodie’s apartment, I found some dresses that I fell in love with. The first is by Rachel Gilbert. I know glitter is trendy, but I've never been big on clothing that sparkles. It just doesn't work for me. I may just have to retract my statement, however, because that gown is a beauty. Similar ones can be found online at Net-a-Porter and TheOutnet. The dress on the right, a Timo Weiland creation, reminds me of batik and watercolor paintings. I love everything about the photo; the painting, the dress, the shoes (McQueen) and of course, the necklace (Dannijo!) - they come together to form a perfect composition. The concept of using clothing as forms of artwork and decoration had never previously occurred to me. It is also the perfect excuse to indulge in a nice dress.

zazzza

I've had this playing on repeat all week long, yet I still can't seem to stop playing it! It has become something of a packing anthem for me, as I prepare for Scotland.

lamb loins with orange mint

We were so busy devouring the final product, that I forgot to take a picture of it. I volunteered to make dinner and I thought I would try something new and summer-y. Indeed, the combination of mint and zesty-orange made for an exquisite summer meal, and was very well-received within the family. At least, that’s what they told me... one never really knows.

scraps of europe

Europe has been phenomenal thus far. It feels so great to be back. H experienced his first English pub while we were in London, while I indulged in quality fish-n'-chips. We were so lucky in Paris, and arrived during a big music festival and, equally important, on the first day of sales! Naturally, lots of shopping ensued. We're in sunny Rome now, and I could not love it more. I realize that I'm beginning to sound rather rhetoric with my continuous declarations of love for Europe - but really, I love it. Having grown up in the fast-paced, modernized, financial hub that is Hong Kong, it is simply a marvelous change of pace. On that note, here are a couple of little things that have made me happy along the way:

I love chalk-board cheese platters

A quirky restaurant in Rome with arguably the best pizza, ever

summer of twentyten

Packing for Europe has sent me into a whirlwind of nostalgia. I can't believe it's been over a year since I graduated. That summer, the summer of twentyten, was perfect. I can't think of a single thing that I would change. It is so sad though. I essentially saw all my friends every day for fourteen years, and now I'll only ever really see them during holidays. It's been an amazing past few weeks seeing everyone again. I didn't realize how out of touch I'd been while I was in Beijing. To be fair though, that could have just a little something to do with exactly the fact that I've just spent about ten months in the People's Republic of China, where the only form of social networking available is 人人 (which I did embrace and make an account on....I have 1 friend, H) and good internet connection is very hard to find. Nostalgia aside, I absolutely cannot wait for Europe!

salmon and lemongrass cream

I've been waiting to recreate (what looked like) a delicious dish that I saw in a restaurant while I was in Beijing. Did not have the courage to buy the 'fresh fish' offered at my local supermarket there, but I jumped at the opportunity as soon as I arrived back in Hong Kong. The result: Salmon with lemongrass cream, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. So good, and so well worth the wait.

l’atelier joel robuchon

Just to clarify, I don't normally do this.... but I had lunch at L’Atelier Joel Robuchon the other day, and it was so delicious a meal that I felt obliged to take photos and share them here. Apparently, it's an Asian thing. I only put up photos of the main and dessert, but rest assured, the other three courses were just as, if not more, good. Unfortunately, at the time I only had my iPhone on me so please note that the 4 megapixel-phone-cam does not do any of the dishes justice. I loved that we could see straight into the kitchen from where we were sitting. The chefs were so proficient and precise, but so spontaneous at the same time. The red and black minimally decorated kitchen was very elegant in its simplicity: crystal vases filled with fruits and vegetables compromised of most of the decoration, and ensured that the food wasn't distracted by the grandeur of the restaurant...if you get what I'm saying.

Viande Teppenyaki grilled beef flank (medium-rare), French beans with shallot confit.

Dessert Refreshing grapefruit sorbet with “dita” flavored jelly.

taping boxes

 This has been somewhat of a stressful week. Exams are underway and packing has commenced in our apartment by all housemates but one, so my living environment has slowly transformed into something of a hectic mess. I arrived in Beijing with two suitcases. How is it that I am leaving with 3 suitcases and 5 boxes......and counting. As it is, none of us have the time to dedicate to cooking a proper meal and have resorted to quick-and-easy ones instead. One of my favorites thus far, is this Crispy Chicken Recipe which was just scrumptious with sweet chilli sauce! (If you don't have any at home, mixing honey and chilli together does the trick.)

circles

Circles. I love circles. There is something so calm about them that always puts me at ease. My entire IB Art Higher Level exhibition revolved around this concept of circles.

zipping down

Spring is finally upon us here in Beijing. It’s about time. Layering thermals, puffer jackets, heaters, electric blankets – it’d been getting old. The sun out with a little bit of wind makes for a relaxing combination which I am very much enjoying. Now that the weather is bearable, I have several plans for the rest of my time here. Unfortunately, that makes up of about one and a half weeks. That said, I tend to adhere to the philosophy “better late than never”, so with that in mind, my goal now is to tick off as much as possible on the list before my departure. This includes… maximum consumption of bubble tea and Peking duck, a day trip to Houhai Lake, watch the sunrise at Tian’anmen Square, and to ride my beloved moped as much as possible!!

beijing kindergarten

Once, occasionally twice, a week I get up at 6am to teach English at a kindergarten. It is an hour away by car; a long and tiresome journey which I find myself regretting every single time until we finally arrive at the reception and I’m greeted happily by my enthusiastic little ones. There is a little bit of a language barrier, but we manage! It is actually incredibly fun and motivating trying coming up with innovative ways to communicate with the children. It is nonetheless a very humbling experience, through which I'm also getting to experience Beijing like a local. Food included; I cannot honestly say that the lunches I'm provided with do not give me 拉肚子...because they definitely do, but, like a trooper, I eat them anyway. I didn't realize how attached to my students I'd become until I found out today, that one of them who I'd named Peter had left. His family couldn't afford the fees anymore. It was very sad. Most of the children there hadn't ever seen a foreigner until they met me, and that initial meeting produced many different reactions. They were all hesitant, but none as much as Peter. He cried, and cried, and cried. He was terrified. It took a long time until he began to trust me, and we were just beginning to 'understand' each other, if you will. Now he's gone. Just like that.

my life is average

Today, H took me boat pedaling only to find, and I kid you not, the Men in Black, equipped with water guns, chasing Ronald McDonald, defending himself with a bottle of 白酒 (Chinese liquor), around the lake. MLIA

the bookworm

 I was pleasantly surprised today, when H and I stumbled across The Bookworm, a cafe/library/restaurant/bar/event space. What a find. I’m just sorry that we only discovered it towards the end of our stay in Beijing. Bookshelves filled every wall, every corner of the space. The visual effect was, tremendous, to say the least. I loved its congeniality and sense of discovery; As an avid reader, I am very firm in my belief that books are portals of knowledge, adventure, whimsical discovery... To quote Emily Dickinson....,

There is no Frigate like a Book

To take us Lands away

Nor any Coursers like a Page

Of prancing Poetry –

This Traverse may the poorest take

Without oppress of Toll –

How frugal is the Chariot

That bears the Human Soul –

martini monday

Today was probably one of my better Mondays in awhile. The weather in Beijing has warmed up significantly, so H and I decided celebrate accordingly and traded (what would have been) a morning of work for a morning relaxing in the beautiful Sanlitun village. We ate at my favorite cafe, Paninio Teca, which I just love for its exhaustive variety of sandwiches, followed by a screening of Pirates of the Caribbean 4 in 3D. We ended the day with a couple of martini’s at Lush in Wudaokou.

 A collection of olives that look deceivingly good

Spotted this wine cooler in a vintage shop, very innovative

fresh

Hello! I came to the realization yesterday, that, seeing as I spend so much time frequenting the blogosphere, I really should have one of my own. So here I am, and welcome to my world.