Officially 19!! ♡♡

I'm not really a big party person. As long as I get to eat and be slightly more pampered than usual, I don't really care for having a raucous birthday bash.

Had my birthday meal at Hachi Restaurant with my parents on Friday (26th July - the actual day) and went with their Omakase.

Omakase literally translates into "I'll leave it to you". Thus, there is no set menu and every dish is a surprise. 

Don't remember all of the course names as I gave up taking note after the 1st course, but I'm sure the pictures will make up for it.

All pictures are in order of courses.

Ginger seaweed, mountain flower & yam

Sashimi

Chicken and melon

Fresh XL oyster

Tempura

Wagyu beef

Cold soba noodles

Gome (black sesame) ice-cream

In true Samantha fashion, my greediness knows no limits.

After that filling meal, I was adamant that I still had some extra space in my tummy.

You see, my tummy is divided into several different compartments - dessert has one all to itself and was jealous that the proper food compartment was more than stuffed.

Headed to Antoinette @ Mandarin Gallery.

Got their famous strawberry shortcake & iced latte.

Walked around Orchard Road for abit with my parents.

The best present was probably making my mother who usually drives from building to building in town, walk along Orchard Road.

For dinner, my brother joined us but I didn't manage to take any pictures as I was too wrapped up in eating.

My birthday cake!!

Hello kitty salted caramel flavor!!

Felt so bad when I eventually had to mutilate hello kitty :(

Not being narcissistic, but my birthday is definitely my favorite festivity of the year!

Can't believe I'm officially 19!! The last year I get to celebrate my birthday ending with a "teen"!

Only keeping the positives in my life as turning 19 marks the start of a fresh chapter in my life - I'm determined to do 19 proud!!!!

Also, thank you to all who wished me on my birthday!! I wasn't expecting any of it and really appreciate every single one of you!!

xxxx

my week (in pictures!)

From catching up with friends from uni to celebrating my birthday, it's been a rather hectic yet eventful week - thus the lack of updates.

I will be heading to Bangkok this coming week so watch this space for updates and the lot :)

Thought I would share a collection of some pictures from this past week and let them do most of the talking.

ps/. I'll be doing a separate post on my birthday (actual day was on Friday, 26/07) which will probably be up by the time this post is up :)

Wednesday

Met up with 2 of my really good friends from university and spent the whole day being tourists in my own country, with the exception of my hot date who had crossed the causeway just to meet up with us (truly honored) ;)

Met up with VA before lunch and went to Antoinette @ Mandarin Gallery for a late 11a.m "breakfast" 

If breakfast came in the form of a slice of heavenly matcha opera cake + iced latte everyday, I would probably wake up in time for it.

Met JY for lunch at one of my favorite places - none other than Fat Cow!

Had the usual - Fat Cow Donburi (wagyu beef + truffle) w/ onsen tamago

This picture definitely speaks a thousand words. Pretty sure it's screaming "eat me! eat me!"

After lunch, we hopped in a cab and headed to Sentosa to begin our journey as tourists for the day.

Our first stop was S.E.A Aquarium. Having the largest underwater aquarium in your country is kind of a big deal.

It's definitely comparable to Underwater World - only just bigger, and without travelators.

Being naive, I was expecting the aquarium to be relatively empty as it was a weekday. But of course, tourists like to roam about on weekdays as well. The place was jam-packed - not being punny, but there was a sea of people.... 

Stingray - up close & personal

Seajelly / jellyfish ?

These 3 are a unique species of underwater creatures.... hahh, only kidding ;)

SL, VA & JY ~ my fellow tourists for the day!

Starfish at the petting area

grumpy fishy

imagine how much he would cost in a restaurant.. yumm

lobster. 

yum.

ugly shark

Finding Dory!

"Just keep swimming, just keep swimming"

After checking out the S.E.A Aquarium, we then took the tram to ride the Luge & Skyride. Worked well in helping us burn off the extra calories from lunch.

We only got to ride it once due to time constraints but I definitely want to go back soon!

:P :P

on the skyride!

if you're wondering why I look so awkward, it was because I was trying really hard to grip my shoes as they were threatening to fall into the trees below. that's why.

Ended the day with a cold soba noodles and of course, onsen tamago @ Shin Kushiya, Vivocity.

Saturday

Went to lunch with friends from uni whom again, also had to cross the causeway.

Went to Sun with Moon for lunch and bought some Garrett popcorn before rushing back home for my birthday celebration!

 

Saba & salmon kamameshi + teapot soup (lunch set)

Look out for my birthday post!

xx

Carousell - Items for sale!

As I've been clearing out my closet recently, I've rediscovered clothes that have just been left hanging on its hanger, all forgotten. Sometimes I buy a piece of clothing thinking I'll wear it ONE DAY.. I'm sure this may sound familiar to some ;) Most of them I've hardly even worn.. Others have not been nearly as lucky to grace my body & venture beyond the confines of my closet.

All of them are still in 100% mint condition so obviously, throwing them away would be a waste.

Finding out about Carousell couldn't have been better timing since I've been spring-cleaning my closet.

Basically, it's a Singapore based website (sorry if you're not living in SG :() that allows you to find a new home for your pre-loved items. You'll also be able to browse other people's items for sale - always tempting ;) Plus, they also have an app which you can download on your phone (available on iphone, not sure about other phones..) so you can shop/sell on-the-go! 

I created an account and have already uploaded 4 items. Will be uploading more items soon!

If you want to see the stuff I'm selling, create an account so you can check it out! My Carousell username is >> fashfoodx (carousell.co/fashfoodx)

Tell me if you guys create an account / already have one and I'll follow you!

xx

Celine PHANTOM - Review + What's in my handbag/purse!

The iconic Celine Luggage is everywhere. More often than not, I usually spot at least one person carrying the 'luggage' whenever I venture out to town.

Decided to be more special (and also because at the time Harrods did not stock a luggage..) and show the luggage's cousin some love instead - the Phantom. I'd like to think of it as the "dark horse" of Celine's collection.

I got this beauty probably a little over a year ago at Harrods. When I saw it on display, it was one of those things which I knew I had to get or regret.

So glad I did especially because classic black is so hard to track down nowadays. Plus, we all know that black is the new black :)

There aren't too many reviews about the Phantom so I thought I would do a mini review for those of you who are interested!

Just some points:

1) Weight

This bag is definitely heavier than your standard bag even when empty, probably due to the leather.

As it isn't a shoulder bag and instead, rests on the nook of your arm, it can get uncomfortable throughout the course of the day.

Despite all this, I still think it's worth it!

2) Space

This bag is definitely very roomy, thus balancing out the weight issue!

It has a lot of depth and could definitely be used this as an overnighter (all the essentials, obviously not if you're a heavy-packer).

Despite the space, I tend not to go too overboard when I'm using this bag on the go though as this may add to it's weight.

3) Material

There may be other textures available for this bag but mine is in the smooth leather. With the smooth leather, you've to be cautious as scratches tend to show up more obvious than it probably would on say, caviar/pebbled leather. But of course with any designer bag, you've to be careful anyways if you want to maintain its mint condition.

4) "Wings"

What sets this bag apart from the luggage are its "wings". The "wings" can be folded in/out which adds to the bag's versatility, allowing for different looks depending on how you want to wear it.

 Phantom spreading its "wings" :)

CELINE on CELINE

Mini Celine bag charm!

On top of the mini review, thought I would throw in a 'What's in my handbag/purse' segment as well since I enjoy peeking into other people's handbags as well.

As I mentioned above, I try to prevent myself from loading this bag to the brim due to its weight so these are my main essentials. Of course if I were using a lighter handbag, I would probably go to town on fitting my whole life in there.

 Top-secret contents.. for your eyes only ;)

1) Iphone 5

I bring this with me everywhere I go. Seeing as how this is my UK phone and does not work in Singapore, I carry it around solely for its camera function! While people lug around ginormous DSLR's, I'm content with my trusty iphone 5.

Best part of the phone is my case though. 

It's a phone case.... It's hello kitty.... It's bedazzled.... It's shiny.... But wait, there's more.. *suspense* It's a MIRROR! The hello kitty face actually opens up to be a mirror.

Whenever I'm in lectures and take my phone out/open up the mirror, I'm pretty sure most people judge me. HAHA

I also take my iphone 4 which serves as my Singapore phone although I didn't take a picture as its uglier compared to my iphone 5 so didn't see the point.. hahah.

2) Chanel WOC (wallet on chain)

This is not my regular wallet as I do switch from time to time. But for now, this is the house for my $$$$.

3) MIU MIU Cardholder

This is just extra storage for the cards I don't keep in my wallet.

Really comes in handy in organizing my cards.

4) Laura Mercier hand-cream in fresh fig

One of my favorite hand-creams! Proof: This is my 4th tube since I got introduced to it last year.

Love that its quite compact so it can fit perfectly into almost any bag, big or small.

Don't know if the Laura Mercier in Singapore carries this as I haven't checked but I get mine from the UK so if they don't stock it here, you can get it there or order it online :)

5) Fujifilm polaroid camera

Don't know whether the polaroid craze has spread to other countries yet but its definitely prevalent in Singapore! 

If you're from Singapore and you haven't heard of polaroids before this, feel very ashamed!

I love the cute film you can use to print your pictures on. This is almost always with me whenever I go out with other people so we can take a picture and it gets printed out instantly :)

6) Sunglasses by Sting Eyewear

I usually carry a pair of sunglasses around with me, especially with the relentless Singapore sun. Plus I think a pair of nice shades makes a great accessory!

This pair is by Sting Eyewear - pretty sure the Sting in this brand is Sting, the famous singer?

Hope my mini review of the Celine Phantom was helpful and you enjoyed taking a glimpse at the contents of my handbag/purse!

xx

SUN with MOON + Sneak peek ;)

Had to run some errands (code for shopping) in town yesterday so had lunch at Sun with Moon @ Wheelock Place to fuel up beforehand.

We have their VIP card so we get a discount whenever we go. Conveniently enough, I really like the food there too. Shocker considering we bought the VIP membership there right? hahah ;)

Their lunch sets are really good value - many options for a reasonable price.

My mom and I ordered the same lunch sets except with different sides. She ordered the soft shell crab tempura as her side and I went for the chicken teriyaki.

♡ FOOD GLORIOUS FOOD ♡

My set - Came with an array of sushi and sashimi (i.e. salmon, avocado maki, rainbow maki, tamago egg, salmon sashimi) + miso soup + dessert (peach konyaku jelly & grapes) + an optional side (chicken teriyaki)

All of this for $19.90 (usual price)!

ps/. I promise this isn't a sponsored post. Good yummy things just have to be shared :)

My chicken teriyaki. 

All mine! (yes, I get possessive over food)

My mom's set - the same exact set as me except the optional side. She got the soft shell crab tempura instead.

Close up of the sushi & sashimi platter

SUN with MOON Japanese Dining Restaurant & Cafe

Address: 501 Orchard Rd #03-15, 238880

Phone:6733 6636

**

Sneak peek of an upcoming post!

I've been in the mood to spring clean my wardrobe and am slowly sorting through my stuff.

My wardrobe has magically turned into a never ending treasure trove. I've been rediscovering items that I forgot even existed.

Here's a sneaky look at one of the items that's going to make an appearance in my upcoming post featuring a glimpse into my wardrobe/closet ;)

Strapless velvet jumpsuit: Asos (asos.com) *bought last year but you can still find similar jumpsuits on Asos*

Gold chain belt: Vintage Chanel

Be excited for new posts!

I welcome your suggestions for future posts as well so if you've any requests, drop me a comment! You can find all of my humble spaces on the inter-web under the 'Contact' tab above.

xx

fashionfoodx MAKEOVER

As you can probably tell, I just did a makeover of my blog site. It used to be the Rilakkuma themed background. Even though I loved it, I thought it was time for a cleaner look. I may bring it back in the future. Who knows. But for now, do you guys like this layout? xx

HAUL (ft. Harrods & YSL)

Having insomnia is not always the best. But as the old saying goes, "when life gives you lemons, make lemonade". So when my mom and I couldn't sleep one night, we decided to online shop instead! (sorry not sorry, father).. 

Thought I would just share some of the things we ordered online from Harrods, because frankly, who doesn't enjoy reading/watching hauls?

A very interesting cardboard box....

Ordered 2 bracelets from Valentino + an iphone 5 case from Stella McCartney!

1) Valentino - Rockstar wide bracelet (RED x gold studs)

If you've seen my latest outfit of the day post, this made an appearance.

I love anything red and this is no different. It gives a pop of color to any plain outfit.

This is part of Valentino's newest season, which is probably why I haven't seen too many people wearing this - so if this starts becoming a hot item, you know who started it first ;) hahah

2) Valentino - Rockstar wide bracelet (BLACK x gold studs)

Evidently, you can never have too many colors ;)

3) Stella McCartney - iphone 5 case

Let's just say your phone will not be falling out of this case anytime soon - not necessarily a negative though. At least your phone will be secure.

But although its slightly difficult when taking out your phone, this strap attached to the inside of the phone case is meant to make it easier when pulling out your phone. 

Anyways, I'm sure once you've used this case over a period of time, the leather will start to stretch out and it'll probably get easier to take out your phone overtime.

Got these YSL arty rings recently as well. If you've read my earlier posts, you would've probably figured out that I'm more or less an arty addict. Couldn't resist adding more colors to my YSL arty collection. My excuse - they're no longer in production so I might as well! (as some might say.. YOLO)

1) Dark blue stone x gold plated

I've been wanting to get this color for ages but haven't really seen it around. So when I laid my eyes on this, I just had to snap it up!

I especially love the subtle gold specks in the dark blue stone! ahhhh, what a beauty.

2) YSL Arty version 2.0 (?)

I'd like to think of this ring as the (not-so) ugly duckling of the bunch.

I probably should know all the arty jargon.. but I don't. Is it called the YSL Arty as well? If anyone knows, please let me know. 

Anyways, I thought this was quite a unique piece, especially since all my other arty rings are the same design despite being different colors.

This also has more of a vintage feel to it than the regular arty rings.

the ring ft. my cupcake nails!

I digress but can I just say something? I can't believe I've had these nails for the past 3 weeks now.. they're still looking as good as new despite my nails having grown quite alot. No signs of chipping whatsoever. Also quite surprised that the 3D rainbows are still intact and have not budged, considering how rough I can be at times.. hahh.

3) Coral x gold plated

Initially, I thought I wouldn't like this color as much as the rest. Now, it's actually one of my favorites!

ps/. Luxurazzi was selling the dark blue + coral arty rings on our instagram page. However, we've sold out as we only had 1 piece of each and as they're no longer in production, they are especially popular.

But fret not! If YOU would still like an arty ring, follow us at luxurazzi on instagram (www.instagram.com/luxurazzi) as we'll be posting more arty rings + other items soon!

& since you're reading this.... you can be the first to get your hands on them! You can pre-order! :) To pre-order, simply email luxurazzi@hotmail.com to say you're interested & we'll send you an email with all the different design options you can choose from!

100% authentic + brand new!

We do local (Singapore) delivery + international delivery too!

Hope you enjoyed this mini haul and if you would like to see more hauls in the future, request for them!

You can find me at:

ask.fm/fashfoodx

twitter.com/fashfoodx

instagram.com/fashfoodx

xx