tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5563613419777892322024-02-07T00:19:46.782-08:00S.T.E.L.S.T.E.L. - Retail Therapy & Lifestyle BlogSTELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-35147554741999987092013-07-24T22:01:00.002-07:002013-07-24T22:15:42.935-07:00A Twist on your Ballerina & Sock Bun<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've got another simple hair style to share, and I think there are many versions of it out there and you may already be familiar with it as it is very similar to a Ballerina's bun and I think its an easy cheat to the sock bun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But just thought I could share my own version with you. It's really a pretty and very easy up-do, and it's also suitable for little girls. I would think that it would work for hair that is mid-back to long.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here I use mini crocodile clips in candy colours! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXyZVdY0GC-1ieY_kG6OAvYQFvkZ1SfA5sjWiUaLfdWHw-s_6DWxJF5P0-AddzqGgM6sIp0SeBaSjuHfbjFC2a8wvC3OH-sUUfKUGo8t5N4msEcCRJU_K4dDuYqdd5abCe2TWzToexSRe/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXyZVdY0GC-1ieY_kG6OAvYQFvkZ1SfA5sjWiUaLfdWHw-s_6DWxJF5P0-AddzqGgM6sIp0SeBaSjuHfbjFC2a8wvC3OH-sUUfKUGo8t5N4msEcCRJU_K4dDuYqdd5abCe2TWzToexSRe/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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I love these little clips as they look so pretty and girly, and it can also work on little girls.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's an easy up-do that you can use for everyday styles - school, work, weekend... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I did a little tutorial, excuse the video quality as I tried using my phone this time round..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here you go!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzVRcUdiYKpKtD-R71yTrFTlX7VgtUiDN9Ht4MO5fi0IBFp76nWiAJs-pXuhFpa2NDs-XgqOhmK017DQfUjXg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In the video my hair is slightly damp after a shower, and I find it easier to manage with damp hair, but it also is still easy to do with your hair already dried.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Also I find that if you do it with damp hair and leave it on for a few hours to dry in the bun, when you let it down later your hair will be in soft and wavy curls - yay no heat curling!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So I didn't manage to get good pictures on the same day of the video, but here are photos of the same style with my hair already dried.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPanUR4KhKrEzqDoCSuXQypi7s1IL-BvSiBeletezlRTRmK34S6ksheJqRN37EakxA3tIUHrmdx4mpFwXlkNk2e87psdi3gaSiI5UijjIy0OmEpMAwhSgXen-z8f1CNiVQKl0vjyM737u/s1600/P7240072.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsPanUR4KhKrEzqDoCSuXQypi7s1IL-BvSiBeletezlRTRmK34S6ksheJqRN37EakxA3tIUHrmdx4mpFwXlkNk2e87psdi3gaSiI5UijjIy0OmEpMAwhSgXen-z8f1CNiVQKl0vjyM737u/s640/P7240072.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
My hair is slightly layered, so because of the varying lengths, it can get unwound a bit which explains why some were sticking out of the bun, that's why I think with damp hair is easier as my hair stays in place better.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqGKgQBlIhAAuikKOQg1Jqvl-7McI5_p4HLoAf9LfU9PKWD34yOHNi_xLTJTPWMYKEVIyaWcC6cHg7XiAE6gROMPyWl7bEaNpQEEf-ysdFdyvWfVxkJogJIwgjCNNuQr40emmlUcpHoGy/s1600/P7240074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGqGKgQBlIhAAuikKOQg1Jqvl-7McI5_p4HLoAf9LfU9PKWD34yOHNi_xLTJTPWMYKEVIyaWcC6cHg7XiAE6gROMPyWl7bEaNpQEEf-ysdFdyvWfVxkJogJIwgjCNNuQr40emmlUcpHoGy/s640/P7240074.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
I don't mind the hair coming unwound a little here and there as it is a very casual and easy look.<br />
But if your hair is like mine and are bothered by it and don't want to bun up when your hair is damp, I would suggest using some hair oil.<br />
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Run through your hair with some hair oil with your fingers lightly [too much hair oil can make hair too sleek and greasy], and then create the up-do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9ojbnJbYXg61Ebr7eSoTh4oiqw98j5N9Y22Cv2OEVPqi9-jPsQ2Et-Cxqj2XTwjGvDS50T0A_ete0uUIJU7IGV-z-rDcNHeiZjrRHAykH6BqhkfQRj8PkE9Ql-v61wC-VhRFGdgtfJEA/s1600/P7240076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh9ojbnJbYXg61Ebr7eSoTh4oiqw98j5N9Y22Cv2OEVPqi9-jPsQ2Et-Cxqj2XTwjGvDS50T0A_ete0uUIJU7IGV-z-rDcNHeiZjrRHAykH6BqhkfQRj8PkE9Ql-v61wC-VhRFGdgtfJEA/s640/P7240076.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br />
If you still find some hair coming undone, you can always add more clips or use bobby pins. Another way that I do this hair-do, is to use bobby pins instead of crocodile clips - it's the same direction just use pins instead.<br />
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Using bobby pins looks more grown up and you can transform the style to something more glamorous if you add on your preferred hair adornments.<br />
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But I used crocodile clips in this tutorial as it's easier to demonstrate the basic style.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyAz01PwgQasBsYDMiF50gbhTE_tNz-ZfrfucTyug3tYy9Ent34Tk5lV0_DICwQTjA-busr4bHBDPIIDOqOAQUeL2-0DMflRU3HEbjNnjPNY-4QpFY73jSe1yS8nR4v1iD_zRpTA34k_8/s1600/P7240077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyAz01PwgQasBsYDMiF50gbhTE_tNz-ZfrfucTyug3tYy9Ent34Tk5lV0_DICwQTjA-busr4bHBDPIIDOqOAQUeL2-0DMflRU3HEbjNnjPNY-4QpFY73jSe1yS8nR4v1iD_zRpTA34k_8/s640/P7240077.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>You can also always have the bun higher or lower depending on your preference.<br />
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Hope you found this inspiring and useful!<br />
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<i>Cheers,</i><br />
<i>E.L.</i></div><br />
<a href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstel-blogs.blogspot.sg%2F2013%2F07%2Five-got-another-simple-hair-style-to.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-mJkZybIYIR4%2FUfCvKh-vUNI%2FAAAAAAAABI4%2FEshz5uJYr7M%2Fs640%2FP7240077.JPG&description=S.T.E.L.%3A%20A%20Twist%20on%20the%20ballerina%20and%20sock%20bun!" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-config="above"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-62171141819320159232013-06-21T02:19:00.000-07:002013-06-21T02:19:08.434-07:00A Staycation - Hotel Fort Canning Singapore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Few months ago, after the mayhem of the last show in 2012, my boyfriend and I had a mini staycation.<br />
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I needed to take a break so went online to hunt for good bargains at local hotels - which aren't much to begin with or rather, the bargains aren't really big ones because hotels and spas in Singapore are overpriced anyway. However with that said, it is mostly because our hotels and spas and resorts are actually really really of great standards - so it does translate to the cost.<br />
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Well, we found a pretty good deal with Hotel Fort Canning, and if anyone is visiting Singapore or if you are a local and would like to have a staycation as well, I would suggest it. It was a good price of SGD$200++, which is considered very good bargain in Singapore standards.<br />
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The hotel is beautiful, set in an old colonial building, which used to be the British military building in the 1920s - it is now preserved and updated as the hotel. The interiors are modernly designed and decorated, clean and smells so wonderfully good as you enter their main entrance - I love it when a hotel makes that kind of efforts to seduce all your senses! Staff were helpful and nice as well.<br />
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Their beautiful outdoor grounds are also very popular as a location for weddings. </div>
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There were also complimentary drinks and canapes served for all guests during their stay in the lobby every evening at 6pm.</div>
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Drinks include their wide array of Nespresso - there is gigantic machine with all the coffee tablets available. Red and white wine are also served - canapes include cheese and crackers, mini quiches / bites etc.</div>
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This was a lovely touch to me, as I know many other luxury hotels elsewhere in the world do not provide this service.</div>
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The rooms are clean, modern and cosy - I felt it was a very clever use of the space. It's small, but because of the smart design, you have a luxurious bathroom in the balcony - the high ceilings makes it feel roomy too.</div>
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We were completely comfortable and relaxed in the gorgeous decor and comfortable King size bed. They also had a mini Nespresso machine with some complimentary coffee tablets available in your room - you may always call room service to top up more coffee.</div>
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Hotel Fort Canning is up in the hill hidden in the middle of the city centre - it is among the lush greenery of Fort Canning park. So it's really different from staying in a hotel in the bustling city, it feels like you are away from the city and able to relax in nature.<br />
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So I went for a morning run through the Fort Canning park on my first morning. Ok, for those of you who are unaware, I currently still work and have been working at Singapore Repertory Theatre for the past 3 years, and the company does Shakespeare in the park here in Fort Canning. So I pretty much know my way around the park, but for those who have yet to visit, here are some photos I took during my run.<br />
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All in all, I would say that was a very relaxing and wonderful stay, and if I do find a reason to need another staycation, I will definitely come back.<br />
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Cheers,</div>
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Emilia</div>
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-74805996783651155352013-06-18T03:14:00.002-07:002013-07-24T21:22:42.228-07:00Sparkle! Sparkle! Work that Glitter! ~ E.L.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Trying hard to post consistently from now... I know it's been a long while since we posted a DIY, so here is a simple one.<br />
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I got myself the new Iphone5 and as we all know, with Iphones there are all these really cute and fun accessories. So I'm quite obsessed with iphone cases, even though the boyfriend would chide and say, "It's only one phone that requires one case" And ignoring that, I bought several.... It's a lot like the concept that a girl can't have too many shoes.<br />
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After purchasing a few, I realised I really wanted a more unique one, and that's when I decided to glitter-fy the old ones I have!<br />
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If you've been to kindergarten, then you should pretty much know how to work that glitter, so I hope I don't need to explain the steps in details...<br />
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Basically, you will need an old iphone case, lots of glitter in the colour of your preference and glue.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOH_k75jeyUg3bzlv_WZfk_6Uw15s44UkE6az4GgleuAHIR8291a-dbVYdTrUSLPWx1HX6xvDo7qgPAUBbaunE6InUf-CST52jRDjRsPaDGofdR-8tR8hFg3HVhvsP76yr39eQW_UDKqp/s1600/photo203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOH_k75jeyUg3bzlv_WZfk_6Uw15s44UkE6az4GgleuAHIR8291a-dbVYdTrUSLPWx1HX6xvDo7qgPAUBbaunE6InUf-CST52jRDjRsPaDGofdR-8tR8hFg3HVhvsP76yr39eQW_UDKqp/s640/photo203.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I preferred using my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ranger-Inkssentials-Accents-Precision-2-Ounce/dp/B000S14MNC" target="_blank">Inkssentials Glossy Accents</a> as my glue, because it dries glossy and it's far more durable than normal glue. I tried with Modpodge but I didn't like the effect it gives after it dries - it kind of dulls the glitter effect. Inkssentials Glossy Accents dries glossy but if used too much it will also dull the glittery effect, so use sparingly. I also find that after a few use of the glittered case, the adherence is better as the glitter doesn't fall out in comparison to other glues. </div>
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I used some really cheap glitter I got from a stationary store for my blues and greens, and the onyx black glitter was a gem from <a href="http://shop.marthastewart.com/category/58390007721/1/Crafts-and-Party-Supplies.htm" target="_blank">Martha Stewart's craft</a>.I love Martha Stewart's glitter, it was so fine like powdery sand and it was just as glittery!</div>
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Anyway, so let your kindergarten-self go creative on your phone case - just put a thin to medium layer of the glue on the case and sprinkle the glitter all over it. Let it sit then tilt it to get rid of all the excess glitter, only the ones stuck to the glue will remain on the case. </div>
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And Voila!</div>
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I made one on a plain transparent cover with black glitter, and another was a green-net cover with my blue-green glitter.</div>
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I still had plenty of glitter left over that I decided to glitter-fy my old sunnies too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9udWRuFuqC82zhQ1wp3ABXr1rKMd-54d8pFSeKF_o5FRO4AU3tJiOUBq6aCjRKpUXQZwIFdcH-q8trLeq9wrmGlbJ-bRc_68YGeYfuFkT5MhOzAUEOUtibuQmm7QQUcbJAYfu2IQnRFl/s1600/photo202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz9udWRuFuqC82zhQ1wp3ABXr1rKMd-54d8pFSeKF_o5FRO4AU3tJiOUBq6aCjRKpUXQZwIFdcH-q8trLeq9wrmGlbJ-bRc_68YGeYfuFkT5MhOzAUEOUtibuQmm7QQUcbJAYfu2IQnRFl/s400/photo202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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So hope you're inspired to try out your own glitter projects too!</div>
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<i>Cheers,</i></div>
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<i>E.L.</i></div>
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-10803873703004119932013-06-17T02:04:00.001-07:002013-06-17T02:04:21.920-07:00A Well-loved Sock Cat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Remember the sock cat I made a year ago for S.T.?<br />
If you can't, here's a <a href="http://stel-blogs.blogspot.sg/2012/04/diy-sock-cat-el.html" target="_blank">link</a> back to the previous post on the sock cat I made with a tutorial link for it.<br />
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So if you're wondering the fate of this sock cat, which S.T. has named Chester, here are some clues...<br />
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It is now well-loved by S.T.'s real kitty, Jax! Apparently the kitten grew very attached to the hand-made soft toy since it was adopted by S.T, and now they're inseparable!<br />
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Through sickness and in health...<br />
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As you can see, the sock-cat has withstood quite a lot and yet it has remained intact! Trust me, I'm very surprised and impressed at my own hand stitching!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk1fCkRjMb_LhGKT9I_xdZ2MV6FEI9CuyNmdjjOZNuPzl1H55dvh5t85ByLd9sYVXWX9ngpbx1TtJz8oMjIPnqAZ4HkJi1aNNxeR0hVhyphenhyphencos05EDe7Hz4CUiJQO59NS4ujc6i9WEDbzfS/s1600/jax4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk1fCkRjMb_LhGKT9I_xdZ2MV6FEI9CuyNmdjjOZNuPzl1H55dvh5t85ByLd9sYVXWX9ngpbx1TtJz8oMjIPnqAZ4HkJi1aNNxeR0hVhyphenhyphencos05EDe7Hz4CUiJQO59NS4ujc6i9WEDbzfS/s400/jax4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Thanks to S.T. for sharing the cute photos!<br />
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<i>Cheers,</i></div>
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<i>E.L.</i></div>
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-59178026814503286742013-04-28T10:13:00.001-07:002013-04-29T02:54:49.824-07:00Instagram-ing our little lives!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hello all! Our greatest apologies for the long hiatus! </div>
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It seems we have been absent for months, and I am truly sorry for my own sloppy commitment to blog. I'm going to try my best to write more often!</div>
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Anyway, I hope everyone is doing great and having a wonderful 2013 so far. Mine has been quite a whirlwind, and pretty much going through some huge changes. And I'm happy to say though, that at least S.T. is having a better year! :-) </div>
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So in our absence, we have actually been active on mobiles instead. We have been instagram-ing our lives! So for any of you out there who has been so faithfully following us despite our neglect (which I promise will change!) and are curious to see what we are up to in our daily lives, do follow us!</div>
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FOLLOW S.T.<b> <a href="http://instagram.com/eneres_nat/" target="_blank">@eneres_nat</a></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDPH4swyGrwiLJySImQA5Aai0jhRYvxmB8CrUSPgl2L8F10CFyWIIjVc4Zp1d4c_rTgqxqLuBVls2Xvkr2Gy13Ca8t6u0byUs_WMhkptJL-Y5mTjY4_OQEqUi7EpdiNoptL8_zfb-zW6r/s1600/Screenshot_2013-04-29-00-54-33.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnsXDjhrin7OeRgUaGz5SvqZdo5jKdMvZ24_kxQPXxn2SyTMgSAhZvZWEFEjaPra4QrtKpmM3ckfL_9rtncBWkgojTa5ci1G4k25yR8-wn6Iot3ptMmqXR6mB4SSN92_YaONrAOD8X8-y/s1600/Screenshot_2013-04-29-00-56-07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnsXDjhrin7OeRgUaGz5SvqZdo5jKdMvZ24_kxQPXxn2SyTMgSAhZvZWEFEjaPra4QrtKpmM3ckfL_9rtncBWkgojTa5ci1G4k25yR8-wn6Iot3ptMmqXR6mB4SSN92_YaONrAOD8X8-y/s640/Screenshot_2013-04-29-00-56-07.png" /> </a> </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">And FOLLOW ME <a href="http://instagram.com/emilialew" target="_blank"><b>@emilialew</b></a></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDPH4swyGrwiLJySImQA5Aai0jhRYvxmB8CrUSPgl2L8F10CFyWIIjVc4Zp1d4c_rTgqxqLuBVls2Xvkr2Gy13Ca8t6u0byUs_WMhkptJL-Y5mTjY4_OQEqUi7EpdiNoptL8_zfb-zW6r/s1600/Screenshot_2013-04-29-00-54-33.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDPH4swyGrwiLJySImQA5Aai0jhRYvxmB8CrUSPgl2L8F10CFyWIIjVc4Zp1d4c_rTgqxqLuBVls2Xvkr2Gy13Ca8t6u0byUs_WMhkptJL-Y5mTjY4_OQEqUi7EpdiNoptL8_zfb-zW6r/s640/Screenshot_2013-04-29-00-54-33.png" /></a></div>
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For S.T., she mostly instagrams her life in Shanghai, her new kitten and her cooking and craft! So look through her photos on sights around the great city. As for me, its mostly photos of the things I do, and places I go, and people I love, and just people and things I see.</div>
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Hope to see you on instagram, and will update here with some selected photos off instagram as well!</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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E.L.</div>
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-3885221451233133562012-12-27T02:43:00.001-08:002013-06-17T02:13:20.848-07:00S.T: DIY Ribbon Wrapped Bangle Tutorial<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Months ago, I bought a set of neon pink and yellow plastic bangles and a bunch of random brooches from an old couple who ran a little shop in the wet market selling pre-loved items. Most of the time, the wares on sale are truly worse for wear but once in a while, you do find something truly spectacular. I had completely forgotten that I had scored these tacky-but-oh-I-could-use-them-for-something bangles and oh-so-pretty brooches until yesterday.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">It all started because my cousins wanted to hang out and since we failed to catch a movie, bake cookies and (insert any random activity you can think of) , we decided to CRAFT!</span></div>
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So after much rummaging and a little inspiration, we produced these:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWp0W8eW67OSHnxNP91foDblqdRsHBLffenMqrgKpdvu0vOhSD5V_z9V-zw-auDVSuu7O5uTp6Year6nnU6EWHy__NVsJ5huPu6LMrIIWquAyxjmBh4cGy-EhikmME537vvW3K3lBVHY-/s1600/IMG_20121227_182236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTWp0W8eW67OSHnxNP91foDblqdRsHBLffenMqrgKpdvu0vOhSD5V_z9V-zw-auDVSuu7O5uTp6Year6nnU6EWHy__NVsJ5huPu6LMrIIWquAyxjmBh4cGy-EhikmME537vvW3K3lBVHY-/s400/IMG_20121227_182236.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Aren't they pretty? And they are so easy to make. I made the green one and my super talented cousin D made the white one. I like to point out that I was the one that came up with the idea ( I know I know, I am shameless) and she executed the bangle. And beautifully. Her handiwork is amazing. :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCSJKAEpSn1RtujnbGosGyqyR2Z2UzXNWmuOVLkdW1wLeCpG8xkIQeejxobDY2WCFItGRoOJmrkbIpc6z7RJBfg15UmdJ9mlmNWxSqFrbPJEkBeSkdJoKTgZxac2PKubffCqg-AvtUz-p/s1600/IMG_20121227_182038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisCSJKAEpSn1RtujnbGosGyqyR2Z2UzXNWmuOVLkdW1wLeCpG8xkIQeejxobDY2WCFItGRoOJmrkbIpc6z7RJBfg15UmdJ9mlmNWxSqFrbPJEkBeSkdJoKTgZxac2PKubffCqg-AvtUz-p/s400/IMG_20121227_182038.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Step 1. Cut a long strip of ribbon and finish the edges by flickering it over a naked flame to prevent fraying. Next, take your bangle and on the inside, dab a little super glue. Press the ribbon on to the bangle and begin wrapping. Dab a little more glue on the inside of the bangle each time you pull the ribbon over to the front.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nkW4MKOjWT-pDzDGKVbIVOwhjQT4iLOh7Bf42_fwtcI_J0cOlgZjyN6ykUZav2BUCNCDEImwoWDJLKdonO7L2_Qope5dSpcvgvjNqyIMwN2YDAiLYSVGOrGA-zD-UtL21R73ygW3D7Ko/s1600/IMG_20121227_182123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nkW4MKOjWT-pDzDGKVbIVOwhjQT4iLOh7Bf42_fwtcI_J0cOlgZjyN6ykUZav2BUCNCDEImwoWDJLKdonO7L2_Qope5dSpcvgvjNqyIMwN2YDAiLYSVGOrGA-zD-UtL21R73ygW3D7Ko/s400/IMG_20121227_182123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Step 2. Once you have finished wrapping your bangle, start arranging your doily over it. We trimmed this one down and cut it into few pieces to fit the bangle. Once satisfied, start gluing them down! Next, paint a light coat of clear nail polish over the doily to make it water proof. This step is important.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0z3WbylJ1DWzyf-4HonQB9RmtUzLU1cBWgYcOe5fm70yr8W8bIN5Yf-BT492vr-5GCyj6gNbKo72M3c0kgYn3a-Af7nP8kyZ8hyphenhyphenm9evcWGfQ7E0GNBUsK2SN3pVC2hGn-JaYWFTzhlpr/s1600/IMG_20121227_182202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH0z3WbylJ1DWzyf-4HonQB9RmtUzLU1cBWgYcOe5fm70yr8W8bIN5Yf-BT492vr-5GCyj6gNbKo72M3c0kgYn3a-Af7nP8kyZ8hyphenhyphenm9evcWGfQ7E0GNBUsK2SN3pVC2hGn-JaYWFTzhlpr/s320/IMG_20121227_182202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Step 3. Almost done. Its really pretty the way it is right now but...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SJYYsW-_GZdNx-Kk7ELl1BjJWcVTGmfZqDMEDD_8CL_U1YNLbmgboxYBfbPzvoD55_qX2LjW6dAFeNgnsAqMtgTZ8TDdfdV4o8ckQIy64KFMWQg3l_zfoiZpG8RF1EbCvY8v-FvGI3g_/s1600/IMG_20121226_230930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SJYYsW-_GZdNx-Kk7ELl1BjJWcVTGmfZqDMEDD_8CL_U1YNLbmgboxYBfbPzvoD55_qX2LjW6dAFeNgnsAqMtgTZ8TDdfdV4o8ckQIy64KFMWQg3l_zfoiZpG8RF1EbCvY8v-FvGI3g_/s400/IMG_20121226_230930.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Step 4. A little something extra. A pretty brooch to finish it off! TA DA!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEQY7YMpYMvx61scQgu_ySsv-yhQjkyHGubnwVblQ8K4pHrmEt4Zg5F9TzDGiF8IBFYdZMTRIeDTcmJzn_VItNCdiqukz_T_4G5syxbROveT6gLE_0iP2PZI6LEISy4a80-DxnmLcxqOW/s1600/IMG_20121226_223159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEQY7YMpYMvx61scQgu_ySsv-yhQjkyHGubnwVblQ8K4pHrmEt4Zg5F9TzDGiF8IBFYdZMTRIeDTcmJzn_VItNCdiqukz_T_4G5syxbROveT6gLE_0iP2PZI6LEISy4a80-DxnmLcxqOW/s400/IMG_20121226_223159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Happy crafting!</div>
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X.O.X.O<br />
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-25025111170146097342012-12-24T16:32:00.005-08:002013-06-17T02:13:55.300-07:00MERRY CHRISTMAS!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello hello!<br />
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I am back in sunny Singapore for Christmas and its so nice to get away from the cold and be surrounded by the warmth of friends and family!<br />
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Its been a mad rush since I arrived at 5 am on the eve of Christmas eve and I have been all tangled up in ribbons and wrapping paper. Here are some fun and pretty ways to wrap your present without spending a pretty penny on fancy wrapping paper!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0ym-VMMIPwL122P8bd2gbj5n_neYcwDtbaRdZuL5j6sVW_zQl6tyL0UsyS8VUiNr1osRQKHUhBfPKyf2jnJ5_FO03kpQoioHD7Bdn_f9PECZjichCIy2NIyzOuVgMKtJOjTEBOlTBO7e/s1600/20121224_212512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0ym-VMMIPwL122P8bd2gbj5n_neYcwDtbaRdZuL5j6sVW_zQl6tyL0UsyS8VUiNr1osRQKHUhBfPKyf2jnJ5_FO03kpQoioHD7Bdn_f9PECZjichCIy2NIyzOuVgMKtJOjTEBOlTBO7e/s320/20121224_212512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98C0Yg-XXaPebkadzAqJ5qoCfxpuhcnabgl8IhArisHBb1PDPKk6ZQzukuwoHnFPyACmTf4PE3LVktZbvf0AeQEYFlMBrPTzYlMkngX4VZ0OGKzH3MOnPf9MlNp6gDNkGt19SJRn1PB7H/s1600/gift+wrapping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" eea="true" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98C0Yg-XXaPebkadzAqJ5qoCfxpuhcnabgl8IhArisHBb1PDPKk6ZQzukuwoHnFPyACmTf4PE3LVktZbvf0AeQEYFlMBrPTzYlMkngX4VZ0OGKzH3MOnPf9MlNp6gDNkGt19SJRn1PB7H/s320/gift+wrapping.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWaMAqHXwljqFblWW3Ibhyw0D0kYBozveplUPl6oYQgqDfRAhnzx7KWOZVePocOJN-oUUBYeKnto4J80_Seng2NI4N8fj1wJiPKWR2F3ODPP3SPWPFz09Z8a2suq37OHSgNN9S6dQCEa8/s1600/wrapping.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVWaMAqHXwljqFblWW3Ibhyw0D0kYBozveplUPl6oYQgqDfRAhnzx7KWOZVePocOJN-oUUBYeKnto4J80_Seng2NI4N8fj1wJiPKWR2F3ODPP3SPWPFz09Z8a2suq37OHSgNN9S6dQCEa8/s640/wrapping.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
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Yes, yes, I got some inspiration from Pinterest but hey, who doesn't?<br />
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And if you are in need of a quick present for a guy, why not make text cuff links? I managed to find some pre-made resin domes for cuff links and in a matter of minutes, voila! A Christmas present!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq1c9eXFR_S3Gf_-0uqWjPyhROrmkj5ryUMMQ-54OUqhpN137NXvXUi5GxdOPNHiKQF0FujVfiuYZ8-DaCkJVcJ8sT2-3jQEgXtHaBGZ3FqXKM3qgKwBHJ46wNADVqpxojc_fkvylH6M5/s1600/cufflinks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq1c9eXFR_S3Gf_-0uqWjPyhROrmkj5ryUMMQ-54OUqhpN137NXvXUi5GxdOPNHiKQF0FujVfiuYZ8-DaCkJVcJ8sT2-3jQEgXtHaBGZ3FqXKM3qgKwBHJ46wNADVqpxojc_fkvylH6M5/s640/cufflinks.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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MERRY CHRISTMAS! </div>
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X.O.X.O<br />
S.T</div>
STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-25547288178230989742012-11-19T05:45:00.001-08:002012-11-19T05:45:53.426-08:00S.T: Perfect Sunday Brunch: Chocolate Chunk Scones and Homemade Blueberry Jam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Lazy Sundays are something I look forward to every week. I love getting up early in the morning just to take it slow. It starts with a drowsy dawdle into kitchen, poking around the fridge, cupboards and drawers until I get inspired to either hit the egg beaters or leave something out to defrost for later.<br />
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This weekend, I had the Gorilla's Dad staying with us and as a treat, I decided to make something oh-so-English and downright scrumptious. So, my usual Sunday morning dawdle led me to make:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHS3Lp1qVDDTpXcEl6q25BKs96JiE-zpg-eA43Wq-n4Ga-g0uO8Ms4RYZjWTEYMXbhOH5wjHG4_mz5yItGTQV3NZ4AnMSa3Wt8aFaJ2f3z_Cqoz3-h4m3QNvUwhv1sJf1BqU1wi43zR8b1/s1600/Dark+chocolate+chunk+scones+with+homade+blueberry+jam..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHS3Lp1qVDDTpXcEl6q25BKs96JiE-zpg-eA43Wq-n4Ga-g0uO8Ms4RYZjWTEYMXbhOH5wjHG4_mz5yItGTQV3NZ4AnMSa3Wt8aFaJ2f3z_Cqoz3-h4m3QNvUwhv1sJf1BqU1wi43zR8b1/s400/Dark+chocolate+chunk+scones+with+homade+blueberry+jam..jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Bittersweet Chocolate Chunk Scones with Homemade Blueberry Jam, served with a pat of Lurpak spread.</div>
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I love scones, they are the epitome of indulgent brunches and high teas. I love the fluffy yet crumbly, dense texture and how well they go with clotted cream and jam. Unfortunately, I don't have access to the best dairy and making my own is a bit of a stretch. I settled for spicing things up with bittersweet chocolate and homemade jam. </div>
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Both the scones and jam are super easy to make, the jam especially. With the import tax being ridiculously high here, it makes a lot more sense to make my own jam. Plus, I know how its going to taste before opening the jar and I have full control over how tart, how sweet and how pulpy my jam is going to be. </div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Bittersweet Chocolate Chunk Scones</b></h3>
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<b>(Adapted from Good Housekeeping Chocolate Collection)</b></div>
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<b>Makes 8 Large Triagular Scones</b></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>75g unsalted good quality butter,diced</li>
<li>225g self raising flour, plus extra to dust</li>
<li>1/2 tsp of baking powder</li>
<li>1 tbsp white granulated sugar</li>
<li>150g good quality *Bittersweet Chocolate</li>
<li>1 medium egg, beaten</li>
<li>6 tbsp of milk</li>
</ul>
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<b>Method:</b></div>
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1) Preheat oven to 200 degrees C ( 180 fan forced). Line your baking tray with non-stick baking paper. </div>
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Sift baking powder and flour into a large bowl. Add the sugar. Rub in the diced butter until mixture </div>
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resembles fine breadcrumbs. Set aside.</div>
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2) Roughly chop up chocolate into chunks and fold into the butter and flour mixture. Combine the beaten egg and milk together. Make a well in the dry mixture and pour the egg mixture in. </div>
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3) Stir lightly with a round-ended knife until the mixture just comes together into a soft dough, adding a splash more milk if it looks too dry.</div>
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4) Turn the dough out on to a lightly floured surface and press into a rectangular shape about 1inch thick. Using a pastry cutter, cut the dough into triangles. If you have a proper scone cutter, shape dough into a circle and stamp out circles with your cutter. Place the cut dough onto prepared sheet and bake for 10-15 min until risen and golden. Cool on the wire rack.</div>
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<b>Tips: </b></div>
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* You can use any kind of baking chocolate, from dark to milk or white, whatever catches your fancy.</div>
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-If your oven is very hot, you can change the temperature to 160 degrees (fan forced) and bake for 20-30 mins. It prevents over browning and maintains a light texture. </div>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Homemade Blueberry Jam</b></h3>
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<b>Serves 4</b></div>
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<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>125g fresh
blueberries</li>
<li>¼ cup of
granulated sugar</li>
<li>Juice of ½
lemon</li>
</ul>
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<b>Method:</b></div>
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1) Rinse the blueberries and remove any that spoilt. Place blueberries, lemon juice and sugar into a deep</div>
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saucepan. </div>
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2) Place the saucepan over medium high heat and stir constantly. Using a masher, gently mush the the blueberries a little to create a slight pulp. The blueberries will start to liquefy and keep stirring and bring mixture to a boil.</div>
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3) Once the mixture has reached boiling point, turn the heat down and simmer till most of the liquid has evaporated and mixture thickens. Pour the mixture into a serving bowl. Set aside to cool. Mixture will continue to thicken.</div>
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Tips:</div>
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-The blueberries might squirt so do be careful, a deep saucepan can save you from a nasty scald.</div>
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-It takes awhile for the mixture to thicken, so do be patient and don't panic.</div>
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-You can easily triple the recipe and add a little salt as a preservative. Jam can be stored in canning jars and refrigerated up to 2 weeks. </div>
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-If you like a less mushy jam and enjoy having full blueberries in your jam, skip mushing the blueberries and let them naturally reduce. </div>
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- I don't like my jams too sweet so this is the perfect level of sweetness for me. Taste the fruit before deciding how much sugar you would like to add. </div>
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-34377319874216488812012-11-19T02:08:00.000-08:002012-11-19T05:48:58.834-08:00S.T: The perfect get away: Moganshan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello hello,<br />
<br />
One of the perks of living in China is China's Golden Weeks (we have three in total) and during a golden week, everyone gets a whole week off from work (7 days to be precise).<br />
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So, for this holiday (1-7 October), the Gorilla and I decided to escape the smoggy bustling city of Shanghai and set off to explore the mountains in Hangzhou, Moganshan. (莫干山)<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">View of a bridge at sword pond lake. </span></div>
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We spent 3 days and 2 nights there and we returned with aching thighs and smiles on our faces. First discovered as a holiday destination by the Europeans who dotted the landscape with Victorian style houses, Moganshan is currently the quick weekend getaway for the residents of Shanghai. It is perfect for those who want to escape the city and be surrounded by the unspoiled beauty of nature. Here are some of the views we took it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqixw5gQHVegt8Oaz_UZtiRBYzRUA3FOA-gbf59RAE2vfwgVk7s9GSDFBC4j9peTEKpuDOuewwxvg4wg1kaIhNLXIroIi-IuWtGIgnvR9_ewKfESvHSPdhgEp_WLuXL2taj8qjtQAk5Mz/s1600/20121001_171640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqixw5gQHVegt8Oaz_UZtiRBYzRUA3FOA-gbf59RAE2vfwgVk7s9GSDFBC4j9peTEKpuDOuewwxvg4wg1kaIhNLXIroIi-IuWtGIgnvR9_ewKfESvHSPdhgEp_WLuXL2taj8qjtQAk5Mz/s640/20121001_171640.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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(The Gorilla had to scale the rocks to get this shot. My fear of heights overwhelmed me and I couldn't join him on this climb.)</div>
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I definitely recommend going to Moganshan if you want to spend your days just wandering aimlessly and taking in the sights. </div>
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Getting there: </div>
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By train: </div>
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If you are coming from Shanghai, its a 45 min train ride on the bullet train from Shanghai HongQiao Station to Hangzhou. Once at the train station, you can take a taxi that will drive you to Moganshan ( about 1.5hr ride if there is no traffic) or alternatively, you can ask the place you are staying at to arrange for a driver to pick you up at the station( which is what I did). </div>
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By Bus: </div>
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There is a public bus for you to take from either Shanghai or in Hangzhou itself. I honestly cannot vouch for this option but some do. I would suggest to check out trip advisor or google it thoroughly before going as schedules and numbers change frequently.</div>
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Places to stay:</div>
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We stayed at the Moganshan House 23 ( a villa that has 6 bedrooms, you can choose to rent one). Its beautiful and pricey. The staff is friendly and wonderfully tucked away.</div>
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Another place to check out ( for a more hostel feeling), check out Bamboo Guest House. Its on the other side of the mountain and its more for cycling and hiking).</div>
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Things to eat:</div>
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-The produce on Moganshan is fresh, organic and delicious. If you aren't fussed about hygiene( its China, come on), try eating at the local restaurants. 农家菜(Nong Jia Cai) is the cuisine of Moganshan and its delicious.</div>
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Fresh Bamboo Shoots with Broad Beans and Carrots</div>
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Deep Fried Potato Patties</div>
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Sweet and Sour Pork</div>
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Strange Beer that tastes like water and makes you wanna pee alot.</div>
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Note: All locally produced beer ( Moganshan Beer esp) is exceptionally light and makes you wanna pee. Not much taste.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-_AXVAZcviNaNDPLyKL29EDZAMIWV1huRYHxQbr3QEXrnsa4k7kVqvNmvhPuUZTY_n8TuAvO7qFFL6_ZXecBuSnCsKO_shzD-C3Y6t3IQrpmSArt1OoDck2X5R-A3IZpHy0wqGwYQ_Gf/s1600/20121003_130834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC-_AXVAZcviNaNDPLyKL29EDZAMIWV1huRYHxQbr3QEXrnsa4k7kVqvNmvhPuUZTY_n8TuAvO7qFFL6_ZXecBuSnCsKO_shzD-C3Y6t3IQrpmSArt1OoDck2X5R-A3IZpHy0wqGwYQ_Gf/s320/20121003_130834.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The restaurant we ate at was on the roof of this building.</div>
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Another place to eat with cuisine closer to home ( think pastas, sandwiches and freshly baked cookies and cakes) is Moganshan Lodge. I didn't take any pictures but they made killer GIANT CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES! hehe. </div>
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So do visit Moganshan, its really beautiful. A great resource is C-trip, its a go-to site if you intend to go to China.</div>
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XOXOX</div>
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S.T</div>
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-40208274038000044692012-10-28T00:44:00.000-07:002012-10-28T20:58:25.913-07:00Make a Hat carry-on<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Lovely long weekend here in SG, and the weather was perfect! SG's warm, humid and sunny days are for summery hats. But I rarely bring a hat out with Me because my cute straw hats are such a hassle to take around. I prefer the straw hats to the soft cloth kinds just because they look so much prettier, haha.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRK2G4UE9uWuZY-GUe4NRbPc4BNGXPMmHYPNWt9TvARdQRK5W0vd3YIuYIHN9Ki9I2aUuzxcn-QP-oLTND-mG4bp9fZwEfZs66rOJwuhmHCcNWZ26qBOiK0zOYz-lcVSAExMEGKfvIsvW/s1600/Screenshot_2012-10-28-15-15-43-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbRK2G4UE9uWuZY-GUe4NRbPc4BNGXPMmHYPNWt9TvARdQRK5W0vd3YIuYIHN9Ki9I2aUuzxcn-QP-oLTND-mG4bp9fZwEfZs66rOJwuhmHCcNWZ26qBOiK0zOYz-lcVSAExMEGKfvIsvW/s1600/Screenshot_2012-10-28-15-15-43-1.png" /></a></div><br />
Well, hats are not just adorable, stylish or cool accessories, they're extremely useful in the blazing heat ( that is common here in SG). They shade you from the rays, and protect your head from heat burn. And now I've found a quick and so easy solution to carrying my hat around! I have a few straw hats that I usually don't use because they are too big to be kept in my totes or purses, but now I've got the perfect and cutest solution! I'm so psyched by it and it puzzles me why this was never thought of before! OK so I've not tried looking up on the web for it, who knows another crafty blogger might have beaten me to it, but never mind! I'm sharing my idea here!!!<br />
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My cute straw hat<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27LVpQlvqwJlS4EK_oEpqJ5l1kicSi8C_-kMdexgJsGjgc5f3V4s0IdjNBhku5VOHFplnxdH7K0RCm0io1IDttCcthop_6sK-8jxwcrCX8KGFM5auKLG5LLr3-IbJMJ6-4pfctTDaMg4A/s1600/image-2-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg27LVpQlvqwJlS4EK_oEpqJ5l1kicSi8C_-kMdexgJsGjgc5f3V4s0IdjNBhku5VOHFplnxdH7K0RCm0io1IDttCcthop_6sK-8jxwcrCX8KGFM5auKLG5LLr3-IbJMJ6-4pfctTDaMg4A/s640/image-2-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
So the prototype was really basic, I snipped a small hole on the inside lining of my straw hat and tied a Long ribbon through it. Then tie the ribbon that is attached to the hat, to a loop or handle or anywhere you can string the ribbon to on your bag. See below, so easy! And there you have your hat attached to your handbag and you can go out with it slinging on your bag without any hassle! And just untie it and wear the hat when you're in the sun! Soo easy right?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5def4PRSJch1dGXdo2BV6gmhnALkPvOui-wKRm9v2UU4JPTrG2CaCzTyI6aOzprH46gzsQse85Pl7JEG7T_e485QTd6J5uxkIwIBDtbVJwLeBtEoczznZohibmthz5ubWXycdmBpkhexm/s1600/image-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5def4PRSJch1dGXdo2BV6gmhnALkPvOui-wKRm9v2UU4JPTrG2CaCzTyI6aOzprH46gzsQse85Pl7JEG7T_e485QTd6J5uxkIwIBDtbVJwLeBtEoczznZohibmthz5ubWXycdmBpkhexm/s320/image-1.jpeg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSjZcWUsa3zASXk4vDWFn8SNvHrxa7e5vwsCT_KLkbb5nKQWIHU3UEW7eUK2MGOl7Wv-bWU24tE-oNKM5L9YRbF1oTrCTeDtpNIH949iE4Uh6rI1AfFjBfEKezdfSwDJMKf7j5lCG3Qh_/s1600/image-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSjZcWUsa3zASXk4vDWFn8SNvHrxa7e5vwsCT_KLkbb5nKQWIHU3UEW7eUK2MGOl7Wv-bWU24tE-oNKM5L9YRbF1oTrCTeDtpNIH949iE4Uh6rI1AfFjBfEKezdfSwDJMKf7j5lCG3Qh_/s320/image-1.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was so pleased with this idea that I decided to make it far more durable. So this what you'll need to make a hat carry-on loop for yourself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Your hat, sewing kit, ribbon, and a ring clasp.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UAuyVsUmij-jTiZfOs7fjNVxl80BMinScu4BljwVA7POoY8x1BA6imMoCO0u1FIEvoPqH70G8HS_6u7mawHIdw4LH_F1qTFCf60NXZsrZBSQzZGKjdoIGG80PAqAbzQxaJFpWWR3osMV/s1600/image-3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3UAuyVsUmij-jTiZfOs7fjNVxl80BMinScu4BljwVA7POoY8x1BA6imMoCO0u1FIEvoPqH70G8HS_6u7mawHIdw4LH_F1qTFCf60NXZsrZBSQzZGKjdoIGG80PAqAbzQxaJFpWWR3osMV/s640/image-3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">First, you cut a length of ribbon, no need for it to be too long, maybe about the length of your palm. I use ribbons because they're easier as the sides are all finished and they won't fray. Except the parts where you cut, you can always burn them so that it seals the tips from fraying, or for me I just hem it up. So just loop the ribbon in half, and sew the tips together like below:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji05AWKjdMX6DNaLA0qsz7Tk5Sa_aQZdi6tNqvELT520x_Ssp_WaW7hmeW8lnlYOR-49TF9renTfyzaXjBvQd4trNwBxjZ1HrTJnceiMOTwmnqm6dmiNCsUhQiU409rbiwFkybA79B6iUE/s1600/image-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji05AWKjdMX6DNaLA0qsz7Tk5Sa_aQZdi6tNqvELT520x_Ssp_WaW7hmeW8lnlYOR-49TF9renTfyzaXjBvQd4trNwBxjZ1HrTJnceiMOTwmnqm6dmiNCsUhQiU409rbiwFkybA79B6iUE/s640/image-4.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Then all you need to do is sew this ribbon loop to the inner lining of your hat, like so:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdAOaLRDYVgUj9KugdRExwauo8uQ_p1QtIb0eGoh1sZKbvutVP6Nrnh9X2rLL-KJO2cEFMbyo9sRypLwAZfClvysGWKa8SAiamWxuyJpGKxagIObxc5IEXGcxSVCK1Bb1xnTPplfIux98/s1600/image-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxdAOaLRDYVgUj9KugdRExwauo8uQ_p1QtIb0eGoh1sZKbvutVP6Nrnh9X2rLL-KJO2cEFMbyo9sRypLwAZfClvysGWKa8SAiamWxuyJpGKxagIObxc5IEXGcxSVCK1Bb1xnTPplfIux98/s640/image-5.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After that, you're pretty much done! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">All you have to do now is hook it to your bag! Using the ring clasp, just hook it onto your bag's handle or loop etc! And you're ready for your day out in the sun with your hat! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SR_3D7ISeebLqQCa-Ts-z3iwS2keAkC4Yb2CVW1R0g9rbcgrrfMDh8mJeg_Fxl7DnMQhm11oALUHiopvhCmVT6CSEWVmfsvyangfn2KZAzKlXhH1ldzggREcbbCXVADkQQ3HBbc_Wy6Z/s1600/image-7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SR_3D7ISeebLqQCa-Ts-z3iwS2keAkC4Yb2CVW1R0g9rbcgrrfMDh8mJeg_Fxl7DnMQhm11oALUHiopvhCmVT6CSEWVmfsvyangfn2KZAzKlXhH1ldzggREcbbCXVADkQQ3HBbc_Wy6Z/s640/image-7.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And no hassle of carrying your hat around all day with you! It will just hang on to the side of your bag, and there is no additional bulk or getting your hands full!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy46jrO467nSbNCXOJ1USS1BLoFPzO6lva_yCuBoVTKp0uN1nyro1QTilgsMZP62THpX_WaCs1BW0gC22YlHwXy9c2ywXjshI2nlbJ_3uNyg_721geU1YfiN1fjDMdPKB43PKkbXFddSIb/s1600/image-10-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy46jrO467nSbNCXOJ1USS1BLoFPzO6lva_yCuBoVTKp0uN1nyro1QTilgsMZP62THpX_WaCs1BW0gC22YlHwXy9c2ywXjshI2nlbJ_3uNyg_721geU1YfiN1fjDMdPKB43PKkbXFddSIb/s640/image-10-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And when you want to wear your hat, unhook it and leave the ring clasped to your bag, and hide the ribbon inside your hat as you wear it. Easy peasy!</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Enjoy your day out!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cheers,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">E.L.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fstel-blogs.blogspot.sg%2F2012%2F10%2Fmake-hat-carry-on.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-5eQst4WFL_0%2FUIzhpHadSUI%2FAAAAAAAAA5k%2F_UBtOznSh94%2Fs640%2Fimage-9.jpeg&description=Make%20a%20hat%20carry-on" class="pin-it-button" count-layout="horizontal"><img border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png" title="Pin It" /></a>STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-91690671168932989772012-10-27T23:24:00.005-07:002012-10-28T01:00:19.782-07:00Hair tips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy Sunday to all! It's been too long since we've shared anything here, so I'd like to write a part 2 to my previous post about <a href="http://stel-blogs.blogspot.sg/2012/08/taking-care-of-your-hair.html" target="_blank">Taking care of your hair.</a><br />
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This is a follow up to updAte you on the effectiveness of the products after a long period. So in that previous post I was using L'occitane's volumising shampoo, And it has been about 3 months now. The effects of the shampoo is, in all honesty, really terrible for my hair!<br />
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It was over drying my hair that it became so hard and stiff. I was using the Moroccan hair oil treatment with it at the time ( also seen in the previous post), which was the only thing that made it soft and bearable. But I had to use it everyday in order to save my hair, even skipping it a day will result in a big unruly stiffened mess on my head, because of this shampoo. However I do have to say that I think it is helping with the volumising effect, as it promises. My hair does feel fuller, but it was giving more texture in them rather than more hair growth - I guess that's why it was so stiff.</div>
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And this is where Organix repairing awapuhi ginger conditioner comes in! I got it after I finished the Moroccan oil treatment, and I must say this conditioner is far more effective! And it really does leave my hair silky soft and luscious even after shampooing with the volumising shampoo! </div>
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I definitely feel better about my hair now. If you asked me if I'd get L'occitane's shampoo again, I might if I'm going to use this conditioner, but I think I'm more likely to try out the other organic products instead.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hair Tips:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Trim your hair at least 1-2 inches after every 3 months, if every 6 months trim at least 3 inches. This gets rid of the dead ends and let's the new hair grow out healthier without the frizzy split ends</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. If you follow my steps of hair care, here is what I do daily: shampoo, condition in shower - leave it on for 5 mins so do a scrub down while you leave it in. Then after shower, towel dry hair, and when its still slightly damp, slather on organix vanilla silk serum (seen in previous post). Blow dry, then slather on more of the serum - the first application was to protect hair from the hair dryer, then the second application is to keep it moisturised, this should be done even when using curling iron too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3. Never colour or bleach hair! This is the worst thing you can do to your hair and scalp!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4. If you can afford it or have time for it, do a hair mask or treatment for your hair at least twice a month. At a salon or even a home one with a drugstore product is good enough.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope this helps you to a better hair day!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cheers,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;">E.L.</span></div>
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-90840152006704662432012-09-23T05:46:00.001-07:002013-06-17T02:15:26.904-07:00Some Monkeys and a Little Whimsy ~<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Yay! Finally some updates from S.T. all the way from China!<br />
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On another note, my aunt from UK came home for a visit few weeks ago, and while she was here I got to spend some rare quality time with her kids. I am obsessed with their British accents! It's such a thrill to hear small children speak in whole sentences with that rounded accent!<br />
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And so before they returned home, I made them some sock monkeys! I found this great tutorial on another blog on how to make them, it's super easy and it looks so professionally done that my aunt and cousins could not believe I made them. You can find the full tutorial <a href="http://www.craftpassion.com/2012/04/how-to-sew-sock-monkey.html/2" target="_blank">here</a> [btw Joanne, the other blogger is genius at crafts!]<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0ElGdSxm-EZGz4neLdOFU4GbqELGe9jnGD4VjpnzrWTAPWzv_jmpFOBwwWf_ysnA8aTamj_aexpyP2dhqf_ZMdjRfxFJeU9z-UBMUaF4AkEneVKyR4Bot479FvEhOiOF6pgYO2RZcWYd/s1600/monkeys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0ElGdSxm-EZGz4neLdOFU4GbqELGe9jnGD4VjpnzrWTAPWzv_jmpFOBwwWf_ysnA8aTamj_aexpyP2dhqf_ZMdjRfxFJeU9z-UBMUaF4AkEneVKyR4Bot479FvEhOiOF6pgYO2RZcWYd/s1600/monkeys.jpg" /></a></div>
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And when one of my friends saw it she instantly wanted one, so with her birthday just around the corner, I made her one too. I also made her a bookmark. The bookmark was inspired by S.T. actually, she made one before, with just the locket frame, and in it she had printed out the a favourite quote from a book of the person that she was giving it to.<br />
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Being inspired, I made one with my drawing instead, and the one here features my favourite drawing of the Eiffel Tower. I felt the whole feel of the bookmark is rather whimsical, as the back of the locket frame I've also added a quote - <span style="background-color: #edf1f7; color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: underline;">“</span>If we choose, we can live in a world of comforting illusion.<span style="color: #003399; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><u>" - </u></span></span>Avram Noam Chomsky<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ml58Vjgv4bYCcN9pSYe-P0bNFjWLMMshDY9k15qolx5YzjBcOK1-haRBKeQjLd3tOhzS6gvau9SkfM2nNBR4dsG7nVYmWtunO9XxnPnS5rmZTmYHleHB9RDcovn_N6ucUaXIAvy_udxf/s1600/IMAG0276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ml58Vjgv4bYCcN9pSYe-P0bNFjWLMMshDY9k15qolx5YzjBcOK1-haRBKeQjLd3tOhzS6gvau9SkfM2nNBR4dsG7nVYmWtunO9XxnPnS5rmZTmYHleHB9RDcovn_N6ucUaXIAvy_udxf/s1600/IMAG0276.jpg" /></a></div>
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Get inspired! till next time...<br />
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Cheers,<br />
E.L.</div>
STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-44571908385903504232012-09-17T02:49:00.001-07:002012-10-06T19:26:12.752-07:00S.T: Cocktail: YuZu Daydream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello hello,<br />
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Its been an exciting week in Shanghai, with the start of school term and Autumn making its way into this part of the world. The days are beautiful, with lots of sunshine and cool breezes, almost like an English summer. I have so much to blog about, so much to share but I guess I'll pick my battles. <br />
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Teacher's Day recently passed and the school I'm teaching at gave everyone a jar of Citron tea, or as what I call it, Yu Zu. Its declicious and a popular beverage served at Japanese and Korean restaurants. Its also easily available at supermarkets. <br />
<img id="il_fi" src="http://media.agriculturesource.com/product/imgage/Agriculture&Food/2011122713/da53c9b053fb6003155a5791ed1ea5b9.jpg" style="padding-bottom: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px;" /><br />
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It looks like a jam concentrate and to drink it, you simply dissolve it in water and the result is a tangy, sweet and chunky beverage that bears a semblance to honey lemon teas.<br />
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So guess what I did with my jar?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVA7aLmzhbbVwtcyoYbDyNM8Mmh1qxffj9vZzOoPVn1uMmYynWMv6VKqlID5i8NqOLUx2oVYSqTx6pzbQkiNt_wZTWc_ihvBZHUhJM9TcR-DA-XdQqHcEzpEysX3nUY0axhqapzgYJTH5/s1600/PhotoGrid_1347542354922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVA7aLmzhbbVwtcyoYbDyNM8Mmh1qxffj9vZzOoPVn1uMmYynWMv6VKqlID5i8NqOLUx2oVYSqTx6pzbQkiNt_wZTWc_ihvBZHUhJM9TcR-DA-XdQqHcEzpEysX3nUY0axhqapzgYJTH5/s640/PhotoGrid_1347542354922.jpg" width="531" /></a></div>
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Yup, I boozed it up and it made one TASTY beverage. </div>
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Its absolutely delicious, refreshing and the alcohol hits you hard because you can't taste it. You guzzle it like a HumVee guzzling gas. Not a pretty picture I know but still. Gorilla decided to name it YUZU Daydream. And yes, it will send you into a hazy stupor of happiness and giggles.</div>
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<strong>YUZU Daydream</strong></div>
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3 Tbspns of Citron Jam</div>
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300ml of Tonic Water</div>
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60ml of Bombay Saphire Gin</div>
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1. Mix Jam and Gin together. </div>
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2Add the tonic water and stir till well cmbined. </div>
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Serve chilled.</div>
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Try it, its the perfect summery cocktail.</div>
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X.O.X.O</div>
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S.T</div>
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-73776982380849134542012-09-05T07:13:00.000-07:002013-06-17T02:14:14.020-07:00Greetings from Shanghai! -S.T<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello all!<br />
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Its been quite a hiatus for me, having moved to Shanghai and almost after 2 glorious months, I finally managed to get the VPN working and hence, able to blog!<br />
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Its been quite an adventure, having to go back to dealing with messy paint and screaming children to checking out live jazz bars in Shanghai.<br />
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Here is just a quick visual summary of what I've been up to:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEe-32ir_GwPMjI_Qo_ZYeDiKCtyYlMFrd3yzC24G44UKp1U_ji3X2quSYbfXm5MGMIYe1uh0V054ABzDpYSX_K96M_qUmHTC42X_UKCGGMwltizvnHWTH6R-my8kVfyjuQE2ep42254q/s1600/PhotoGrid_1346716696002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNEe-32ir_GwPMjI_Qo_ZYeDiKCtyYlMFrd3yzC24G44UKp1U_ji3X2quSYbfXm5MGMIYe1uh0V054ABzDpYSX_K96M_qUmHTC42X_UKCGGMwltizvnHWTH6R-my8kVfyjuQE2ep42254q/s1600/PhotoGrid_1346716696002.jpg" /></a></div>
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Its been a great adventure and like anywhere new, you have to embrace everything that happens with a great sense of humour and adventure. :)</div>
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I'll be blogging more about the nightlife, great bargain shopping places, craft shops and recipes so keep watching this space! :)</div>
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XOXO</div>
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S.T</div>
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-90007664541374060972012-08-07T03:54:00.000-07:002012-10-27T23:28:27.536-07:00Taking Care of your Hair<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
If you have been following our blog, you would know that I've tried dyeing my hair about a year ago due to greys, and as much as I liked the idea that I can cover my age, and my reviews on the hair dyes still stands - I regret dyeing my hair!<br />
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The chemicals in hair dyes are terrible for your hair and scalp! And honestly I'd really rather have my greys than what the dyes did to it! So until I explore natural hair remedies to cover greys - that are not harmful to hair or scalp - I have been trying all ways to recover the softness in my hair.<br />
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I am all about departmental brands or herbal natural remedies when it comes to beauty aids - mostly because I cannot afford the luxurious brands or facials every month etc. If you can then great for you! Go do that because yes it is true, money can really buy you better skin, better hair, better health and better everything!<br />
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So for the middle class folks like me, we have to experiment... and I did. So here is the best result thus far in repairing my damaged hair.<br />
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My Hair 2 months ago-</div>
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Ok bad photo, but good enough to see how frizzy and split my hair was... you can see the ends of my hair are now brown as it gets that way after the chemicals in your hair dyes are stripped over the months of washing.. </div>
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At this point, I was using Dove intense repair series. It was wonderful when I used it before dyeing my hair.. but after, not so much. Considering that the intense repair series is supposed to help hair that are damaged by chemicals, it did not really help. </div>
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So I tried getting a hair trim at my neighbourhood saloon - bad move! The silly scissors that is half-comb and half-blade that is used for thinning the hair [to get the layered effect] is really bad, it gives split ends! And that was what the saloon used and I ended up with plenty of split ends... But still workable.</div>
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I then decided to bite the bullet a little, and bought Organix hair products. I've always seen this brand on the shelves, and for frugal people like me, this is much higher priced than most other products in a pharmacy. But I was desperate, so I got the Moroccan Argan Oil leave on conditioner and Vanilla Silk Serum at about $15 each. I also ventured a little further for my pockets, I went to L'occitane and bought the Volumising shampoo.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFaOq86EPJS9ZIqmmaPPqIHzk3SRuYMCF_s2cy9EjuC8mcKrC_HP8yrhaIOVV7z4fSEMLRQMGLggERP7FJxjyBFRqoLSahce_snh1Gi9bo92XLWQAWhbOSB0Sh5NGGm84rr1ABIebjIvL/s1600/vanilla_silk-serum_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVFaOq86EPJS9ZIqmmaPPqIHzk3SRuYMCF_s2cy9EjuC8mcKrC_HP8yrhaIOVV7z4fSEMLRQMGLggERP7FJxjyBFRqoLSahce_snh1Gi9bo92XLWQAWhbOSB0Sh5NGGm84rr1ABIebjIvL/s1600/vanilla_silk-serum_0.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhtQ8j8SbKDu2aWXUjCKWNudJPWMo_DFZxJexZ8ZtfTZgQpiiG0bHO6b3S3G5-VLxTipbqxNzIF66Zl8RMCMUFNomNCVXIFAWA7mp3cehF5W8MYju9D_j2h8P5Q4ymubUsM5pBL7M9u6R/s1600/loccitane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRhtQ8j8SbKDu2aWXUjCKWNudJPWMo_DFZxJexZ8ZtfTZgQpiiG0bHO6b3S3G5-VLxTipbqxNzIF66Zl8RMCMUFNomNCVXIFAWA7mp3cehF5W8MYju9D_j2h8P5Q4ymubUsM5pBL7M9u6R/s320/loccitane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ok firstly, I wouldn't suggest the L'occitane shampoo to everyone, I got it on impulse and got sucked in by the store's warm and sweet smelling and dreamy marketing strategies. It's really expensive considering it's only a 500ml bottle of shampoo [that's gonna end up down the drain anyway] at $53. But I do like the idea that it's supposed to be for volumising, because I have very thin hair, and have quite bad hair fall.</div>
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I liked this collection as they are all organic products, and I'm quite conscious these days about Parabens - especially after using Korres [no parabens in Korres products is the biggest selling point - ok to digress a bit.. Parabens is an ingredient in plenty of beauty products that has been causing some controversy as research has shown that breast cancer cells have shown a presence of Paraben in them - although no solid proof has linked that the ingredient of Paraben in beauty products are the cause of breast cancer.., but then again, if you can avoid it, why not right?] So none of these contains Parabens, and the all natural and organic oils etc sounds all so delicious for my hair!</div>
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So my routine is - Shampoo, leave on the conditioner, towel dry hair and apply serum to hair. The bottle for the conditioner says for ultimate effects, apply conditioner then wrap in warm towel - but I'm too lazy. I started doing the conditioner like once in 2 weeks, and the serum after every shower. But these past couple of weeks I've been doing it every evening.</div>
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Hair now-</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAc0t9Q9joZTEGmXvhFkYq5SpEtbHgSF7ORolZXSZWSTXAu5a_EcNc1k5o2EmUwOCs6iWlTHZ1Su20-Lx8ZzhXfalOB4IYiQS_JZqVdpnspozSg_5q7TXQsBJd1djckH2zo6tuYG7E4k_/s1600/hairafter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikAc0t9Q9joZTEGmXvhFkYq5SpEtbHgSF7ORolZXSZWSTXAu5a_EcNc1k5o2EmUwOCs6iWlTHZ1Su20-Lx8ZzhXfalOB4IYiQS_JZqVdpnspozSg_5q7TXQsBJd1djckH2zo6tuYG7E4k_/s640/hairafter.JPG" width="298" /></a></div>
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Okok bad photo, I just took it while in the office... but hey even so, you can see the difference! I can feel the difference too! My hair is back to it's softness from before the hair dyes! And it's far less tangly too! </div>
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I find that the one product that made the biggest difference was the Moroccan Argan Oil conditioner. It really left hair so soft and silky. The serum is pretty good too, just that if applied to completely dry hair, it gets really sticky and heavy - so don't use too much of it. The Shampoo is good too, but it doesn't lather as much, of course considering that it is supposed to be mostly natural ingredients - its volumising effect has yet to show much results but who knows, maybe in a couple months!</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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E.L.</div>
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p.s. see my follow up on these products <a href="http://stel-blogs.blogspot.sg/2012/10/hair-tips.html" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-75008341337878605662012-07-30T09:44:00.003-07:002013-06-17T02:14:37.353-07:00Gift Ideas - Fun Packs & Kits<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been awhile since a new post and this is because I've been lazy and S.T.'s trapped in China which of course blocks out Google.... So till she figures how to manoeuvre round the internet blockages from the chinese government, we will not be receiving any updates from her.... Ah well.... then it is up to me to fill this space!<br />
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So in my absence, we've celebrated a couple of occasions that warrant pressies! Who doesn't love presents right? And what's better than just receiving a gift? RECEIVING PLENTY OF GIFTS!</div>
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Well that's sorta the idea... so if you can remember from the last post [or so], our colleague S.M. was leaving our company and moving on to another job, so our company gave my other colleague, I.A. and I a budget to get a farewell gift on behalf of the whole company. After much dallying and not knowing what to get, I.A. came up with an idea to put together a Rainy Day Kit for S.M.!</div>
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Awesome idea! Because with the small budget we got a variety of fun stuff to put together and made it into a Rainy Day Kit! It consisted of all the fun things a girl needs on a rainy day -</div>
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A book to curl up with, facial masks, bath & body lotions, chocolate, fudgey lip balm, mints, a princess pen, and nail polish. We also burned her a CD with all the songs we've shared with her throughout her time with us in the company! That was such a fun and personal bit, but so hard to narrow down the song list!</div>
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It was such a hit with S.M. that it gave me brilliant ideas for my cousin R.'s belated birthday pressie. I haven't met her in months and thus missed her birthday in March, so I think she deserves a little luxury. In her pack, it's called the "Self-Indulgent Pack"</div>
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In R's 'Self-Indulgent Pack', it has all the stuff a busy modern day woman would need to unwind and relax on a day off. I got her a set of the J<a href="http://www.korres.com/default.aspx?page_id=173" target="_blank">apanese Rose bath and body milk with lip balm from Korres</a>, I got her a travel Book about Europe by my favourite author Bill Bryson [R.'s an avid jetsetter who is obsessed with Paris], and I got a nice container and filled it with soothing teas for her and also made a CD compilation of relaxing music. Plus a touch of additional luxury, if she wants to step out, a little sparkle to add on to her party dress - I made her pair of Aventurine Earrings.</div>
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The next pack was for D. I also missed her birthday in March, so I made her a pink girl pack!</div>
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In her pack, I got her a nice glass bottle and filled it with yummy cookies and tied a pretty pink bow, facial packs with nail polish all in pink, bath and lotion in pink, and a girly pretty romantic novel - all wrapped up in pink!</div>
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And last but not the least..... My BF's birthday! Which was just this weekend that passed! I got him a theme of blue accessories.</div>
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A pair of <a href="http://www.rivieras-shoes.com/" target="_blank">Rivieras Leisure Shoes</a> and an <a href="http://www.armaniexchange.com/category/accessories/mens+watches/mens+pop+color.do?sortby=" target="_blank">AX Pop colour watch</a> - both items he had been eyeing and wanting to get for himself. Of course staying in theme, both were in the shades of blue!</div>
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And so with a personal creative touch, I made him a birthday card with quotes from our current favourite TV show - <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/happy-endings/" target="_blank">Happy Endings</a></div>
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I created the font from scratch and printed it out to make the card, here is a copy so you guys can use it to if you want ;)</div>
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And yes, I am very broke now from all the spending, but so happy to see my loved ones happy with what I got them! This gift pack ideas are wonderful and actually with the right budget and the little effort of shopping wisely while thinking of what the person you are buying for might appreciate - this gift pack ideas make great presents and can save you alot of moolah!</div>
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Hope it inspired some of you out there!</div>
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<i>Cheers,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>E.L.</i><br />
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-67003608589054434662012-06-13T12:14:00.001-07:002012-06-13T12:14:36.367-07:00Korres - Beauty products<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Korres' values are about using natural Greek herbs to make up at least 80% of their beauty products. Basically stressing the fact that they are trying to use less of artificial, chemicals that can be harmful to our bodies. You can learn more about their research and motives for their all natural products <a href="http://www.korres.com/default.aspx" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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Before S.T. left the company, she worked with Korres on a marketing tie-up, which resulted in Korres giving us a ton of complimentary samples and cash vouchers for our staff. Awesome!<br />
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The samples includes a White Tea Facial Cleanser, Thyme Honey Mask, Showergel Basil Lemon, and Shampoo Aloe and Soapwort.<br />
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I've tried the samples and was in all honesty not very impressed with the products.<br />
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The White Tea Facial Cleanser was really nothing special, it wasn't drying as the product promises, but it didn't really leave my skin spectacularly soft either. To be honest, it did not lather so well, and at the end I felt like it did not clean as much as it should. So I used more of it, then it felt cleaner. But I washed my face again right after with my Simple facial cleanser. I felt it wasn't spectacular but did its job moderately, and felt my Simple Facial cleanser was actually better.<br />
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The Showergel Basil Lemon was also quite average. The smell was nice, and it did lather better than the face cleanser, but overall my skin wasn't buzzing with excitement. I think I felt softer and smoother after the first time I tried my Netrogena Rainbath..<br />
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The Shampoo Aloe and Soapwort was actually a disappointment. It did not leave my hair silky and soft at all.. it wasn't drying either, but it just felt like it did the basic minimum of cleaning with some lingering smells of freshness. To be honest my hair is shinier, softer and silkier using my Dove Intense Repair shampoo.<br />
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The Thyme Honey Mask was good. I tried it on my arm, it felt more like a moisturiser than a mask. It's supposed to be applied thickly all over the face and left on for like 10-15 mins than rinse - I think - but I wiped mine off and it feels like the softness retained better. Skin did feel softer and moisturised, just that the smell can be quite off putting to those sensitive to weird smells.<br />
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All their "soapy" products claim to be "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Formulated with vegetable-derived soap substitutes—deeply cleanses and refreshes without dehydrating the skin." And products also claims to be Paraben free - Paraben is a common chemical used as preservatives in beauty products, it became a controversial product when it was found that paraben is present in breast cancer tumors. So I guess for that fact alone, it is quite a good factor to be a Korres convert - but just to note that it is not proven that Paraben is a cause for cancer - not link has ever been found.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: -webkit-auto;">I may not be tooting Korres effectiveness in its beauty outcome, but I will give them credit for pulling off the all natural products with their not-horrid results. I guess I had high expectations, considering that they do charge alot of money for their products, with facial creams at $90 over - I thought they would blow me away at their results. But I guess being limited with their all natural ingredients it is rather hard to pull off miracles. After all beauty these days do not come <i>naturally...</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I may not have found their showergels and shampoos much to toot about.. but I do have to say their Multi-Vitamin compact powder is really making me contemplate converting from Chanel forever!</span></div>
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It is apparently loaded with Vitamin C and E, so good for skin, and it has this new skin mimetic ingredient which [I guess] mimics your complexion to have a more natural coverage. It's for oily skin as it is mattifying - I have a problematic T-Zone so I feel this helps! And actually I'm in love with how light-weight it is and how natural it looks! Of course it has no Paraben and artificial dyes or fragrances - so it treats your skin well.<br />
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I have not found a compact powder that can compete with Chanel's which are always flawless, but this one can be quite a competitor as it has all its goodness as a factor. Of course Chanel's Natural matte powders or their Lumiere collection is flawless - it literally feels like silk on the skin and so light but full natural coverage. Well... for the price of Korres MVpowder which is $61, it feels more worth it to buy Chanel's refills which are at $60. I got Korres this time round as I had the cash vouchers. So in all fairness, if I did have to purchase a full priced one, I will still go back to Chanel.<br />
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Hope this helps you make your decision on Korres!<br />
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<i>Cheers,</i><br />
<i>E.L.</i><br />
<br /></div>STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-50265340737576816282012-06-13T11:31:00.002-07:002012-06-13T12:15:08.896-07:00L'Entrecote Singapore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
On a recent meet-up with a couple of dear friends, we decided on treating ourselves to dine in L'entrecote.. For those of you unfamiliar with its background, originally a French Bistro based in Paris, it has set out to take the world with restaurants popping around the globe's famous cities like New York, London and here in Singapore as well!<br />
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It's famed for it's hearty 2 servings of steak with their secret sauce and a free flow of fries! This is their only main course, so the only choices you need to make are your appetisers and desserts.<br />
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L'Entrecote Singapore is beautifully located in one the several old peranakan buildings and amongst the pre-war Shophouses in Duxton Road. With it's European interiors and impeccable service, the entire experience was lovely!<br />
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The high glass ceiling of the restaurant [right above our table!] and lightbulbs in whisks lighting adds a whimsical touch.<br />
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We picked a couple of appetisers to share... or rather my friends shared the Escargots and I shared the Duck Foie Gras Terrine.<br />
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What was the most loveliest touch [in my opinion] was the welcome complimentary drink! I didn't exactly catch what it was - I think it was Vodka something... Although they did charge us an extortionate $9++ for still water.... always feel the charge for water in any place is an arrogant and obnoxious business tactic... but felt like it could be forgiven considering the $29++ for their perfectly cooked medium rare steaks in large portions with free flow of fries were worth the total expenses.<br />
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All in all a wonderful restaurant, good food great service wonderful friends... <a href="http://lentrecote.sg/" target="_blank">Check them out!</a><br />
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<i>Cheers,</i><br />
<i>E.L.</i></div>STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-59643167604321726062012-06-12T12:07:00.000-07:002013-06-17T02:15:08.749-07:00Saying Farewell<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I guess it's official, and we should announce it here now... S.T. has left our company [as in our real-life job... not this blog] to embark on a new adventure! She's relocating with her boyfriend! To China! YAY for her!!!<br />
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Personally I'm so happy for her, I totally support this huge change because life is too short to hesitate at grand opportunities... And as much as she's whining about how she will not enjoy China, I truly hope she will learn to see how lucky she is!<br />
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So not only did S.T. left the company, we've been having big changes in manpower as more colleagues left as well... Including my wonderful Intern-then-became-part-timer-because-she-was-so-awesome colleague... Sam! She finally graduated from LASALLE College of the Arts [I went there too, and was her senior! How cool is that??] and got a full a time job at the Esplanade. She was a great help to us all at the company, and I've watched her grow and learn and totally know that she will rock at her new job!<br />
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Of course, this was a cause for a congratulatory celebration! And what other way can I do it but to send them off with a few hand-made goodness...<br />
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Farwell Card with hand-embroidered Bookmark with Sam's initials, hung a pretty ballerina charm onto it for the dancer in her...</div>
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I also made a her one of my <a href="http://stel-blogs.blogspot.sg/2011/12/gemstones-and-art-jewellery-shop.html" target="_blank">Roman Leaves cuff bracelet</a> - she was admiring it the last time I wore it.</div>
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For S.T. I also made a hand embroidered bookmark with leaf charm hanging off it...<br />
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I also made her a pair of dangly earrings with a drawing of Cat Silhouettes! She's been asking for me to draw her a pair since forever and I finally made it! I ran out of those glossy resin-like stuff so I actually used scotch tape here as mod-podge kept bleeding my drawing [I had to redo it a million times because of mod-podge! So not trusting that silly stuff again!]<br />
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But of course scotch tape did not last long, water still managed to seep through, thankfully S.T. had resin to lay over it before any horrid damage was done!<br />
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The Cat silhouettes were all personally hand drawn, not a stencil, so if you look closely both of them look slightly different!<br />
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Writing my goodbye messages... it was definitely a tear-jerking moment...<br />
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Here are some packaging ideas, used a white paper bag, with paper doileys and silver ribbons... looks gorgeously romantic without the effort!<br />
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For our day of farewell, we went out to the ArtScience Museum to catch the Harry Potter and Warhol exhibit, and had an indulgent dessert at Max Brenner's after dinner... Maybe we'll fill you in on it in another post..<br />
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For S.T. fans out there, not to worry! She may be in a different part of the world from me now, but she will still be writing in now and then with updates on her new life over in China! That's the beauty of the internet!<br />
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[Let's just hope blogger isn't banned in China or something... hmmmm.... ]<br />
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And I will be missing their companionship at work... Truly blessed to have met and made such wonderful friendships...<br />
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<i>Cheers,</i><br />
<i>E.L.</i><br />
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-43409258739919431492012-05-21T08:20:00.000-07:002012-05-21T08:29:51.056-07:00Lace Skirt Obsession! ~ E.L.Last weekend, I finally took on the challenge to sew myself a Lace fitted skirt!<br />
Lace has always been a favourite for me, even before this recent trendiness surrounding it. Here are just a few examples that I have been gawking at. Of course to purchase one will probably cost me a bomb, and to be honest I have yet to see any in the local stores selling any that looks close to any of these.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.laurenconrad.com/post/friday-favorites-21" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-X_2vabMhtZKbGpPYPgyMdaVFmF9qPnqvlT7Ns8NVhlHtl6DyT5CoW40IDYPmiXCxc7SCmuiZ5Q1-Mw00wSXfCHC1Rhdjkb8S6gSSfNN9x04wV2v6Fhyg-QUqXo-doJv7hQcTg4Vv75V/s200/lace1.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://www.obaz.com/game/product/738/617" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_QzbJGOIM35Ch9j05seZ3y8l-Th6hOmqTJdE78o_iFhTwrIk63TXdFae-WzYLg97eOM0WxgIMvEtbyFzCdDQNxu62V9J_bFgWpANt088jbgxCD-sKxnKgv_WHAQkhag9v_i-2qDpUrEl/s200/lace2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.saboskirt.com/lace-skirt-burnt-orange-p-430?osCsid=6521200e78b58feaab76cd23d33b02c4" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj77aVzrAt_XjtUG6nQ9aeMaPcc6Vfgo-68e5GGPhjB6wW9pw1M5bd7tNsMZnq5rd12q3RT_pn4g4rrG5mJwSLLeUVK9RQi8DYB_SsL0N-RkKGEyHAFCZ1KzTGjJERLDKitVmRSyFmLwoeQ/s200/lace3.jpg" width="132" /></a></div><br />
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Most of those off the racks are of poor quality with fraying lace or lace that looks tired out, and the most popular trend for this style here is the awful shorts version with layering of lace!<br />
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No offence to anyone who likes this style but shorts on my wide hips and chunky thighs are a no-no.<br />
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Wielding a needle and a scrap left-over satin, I purchased some gorgeous white crochet lace from Chinatown, and took on the challenge to make myself one! Lace, by the way, to buy off a ready made garment out of good lace cost a bomb, and so does it when you buy them raw per yard from the shops! Cost me $17 for half a yard! Which is like 42"... that's pricey for me since I'm always looking for bargain materials only... but if you think about it.. to buy the ready made would be pricier!<br />
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And here was how it turned out<br />
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Skirt & Blouse - Made by yours truly<br />
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Gold gladiator cuff bangle - Aldo [could not help myself when I saw it at the store!]<br />
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Red Leather tote - <a href="http://ishopsoonlee.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Soon Lee</a> [birthday gift from the BF 2 years ago!]<br />
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Shoes - from one of those cheap stores in Far East Plaza<br />
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And yes, this clothes are all hand-sewn, the blouse was done ages ago, thought it made a good match with the skirt. Had to keep amending to make the fit for the skirt right, but I think I nailed it!<br />
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The blouse I made probably only cost me like $2 or something - it was from some left over cloth from another dress I made. And the total cost of the skirt was only the $17 lace I had to get as the satin lining I made was leftover scrap from somewhere I cannot remember!<br />
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It is crazy affordable to make your own clothes, and I hope I've inspired you to try it as well!<br />
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<i>Cheers,</i><br />
<i>E.L.</i><br />
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<br />STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-38751662975415009602012-04-30T22:13:00.001-07:002013-06-17T02:14:54.114-07:00DIY Sock cat! ~ E.L.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Months and months ago, when I naively believed that I will have plenty of free time, I promised S.T. that I will make a sock cat for her. For those who don't know, S.T. loves cats... she not only has her own pet cat, she takes care of all the strays in her neighbourhood too... Yes. She loves Cats.<br />
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So she bought me a pair of this cool colourful stripey socks to make the cat out of, and I never got to it till 2 weeks ago when I finally took some time off work!<br />
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I did not really know how to go about it, so I did a quick search online, and came across this really easy and great tutorial. <a href="http://community.babycentre.co.uk/post/a11193015/sock_cat_tutorial" target="_blank">Check it out here for the full how-to guide on making your own sock cat!</a><br />
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It turned out pretty awesome! Here's how our cat turned out looking!<br />
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The socks S.T. gave me were knee length, so I made its legs as long as the socks were. And gave it shiny black eyes with old buttons from my mom's collection.<br />
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So do give it a try, makes a great gift for baby showers!<br />
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Update:<a href="http://stel-blogs.blogspot.sg/2013/06/a-well-loved-sock-cat.html" target="_blank"> Check out where this sock-cat, Chester, is now! </a><br />
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<i>Cheers,</i><br />
<i>E.L.</i><br />
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STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-61495645613625903332012-04-06T06:50:00.003-07:002012-04-06T07:17:14.669-07:00S.T:Belated Birthday Post - 19 Feb<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been meaning to post about this but haven't had a chance. My birthday was on 19 Feb and instead of a full day and night of sin and debauchery, I decided to do something equally just as fun. I decided to craft and bake.
On the day before, I spent it with family, and received wonderful presents, and one of my favourites, BUTTONS!</div>
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So with my fun stash I made myself a button and charm double necklace
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The flower is actually a button, a real find! For the top necklace, I drilled a hole through said button so that I could loop the pearl into it. Both necklaces are seperate so I could wear them on their own or together.<br />
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And then, if that wasn't enough, I made myself a ring too
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Of course, it wouldn't be a birthday if there was no cake!
This year, I decided to make a </div>
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<b>Creme Brulee Cupcake!
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It looks ugly but its oh so yummy.
For this recipe, I made everything from scracth, from the caramel sauce that goes into the batter to the creme brulee itself. It was alot of work but it was a success!
Since this wasn't an order and more of an experiment, I first decided to play with my oven settings. I baked different batches at different settings and had the most interesting results:
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Left: Over-filled and over-baked. Middle: Standard Perfection Right: Close to perfection<br />
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The one on the left was baked at 25 mins, slightly over-filled and was baked with the fan off.<br />
The one in the middle which I find the most perfect) was baked at 15 mins, perfectly filled at slightly under 3/4 of the liner and baked with the fan on.
The one on the right was baked at 20 mins, filled slightly under 3/4 of the liner and baked with no fan on.<br />
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Conclusion: The Fan in the oven is important for making cakes rise and giving cupcakes that perfect dome top.<br />
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Also, the texture was fluffier, moist and less dense, which is ideal for a cupcake like this, as the creme and caramel topping add alot of heaviness and crunch already.<br />
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So, I decided to bake the remaining batches at the ideal setting and got this:
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Then of course, once cooled, you have to "core'the cupcakes, which basically means removing the centers so that you have space to fill them out
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VNrvHxlI8TmoHqQxkQl7oLnFeRmshOz0A2y3N-h-joeEpk2s5ggQujp1B6a9kA2OMSowzU6tXZWZuTxAOTbqWVxX5qoVTWqvyqRqAUfeoGiUdWiqppx8F2PcBsWODhI9q5jP-C5dKgxx/s1600/SAM_2731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VNrvHxlI8TmoHqQxkQl7oLnFeRmshOz0A2y3N-h-joeEpk2s5ggQujp1B6a9kA2OMSowzU6tXZWZuTxAOTbqWVxX5qoVTWqvyqRqAUfeoGiUdWiqppx8F2PcBsWODhI9q5jP-C5dKgxx/s640/SAM_2731.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Save the centres! Use them to make rum truffles and they are absolutely delicious! I'll post about them another time.
Okay, so fill the centers with creme brulee and you get this:
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Here is a little video that I created: </div>
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The video was filmed by the Gorilla, who ran the Urbanathalon Race on my birthday.
Perhaps the best thing he did was run through the finish line while holding a giant flag that said
Happy Birthday. He coordinated this with his mom so that she could pass it to him once he finished the last obstacle and was on the last leg of the race. Upon seeing this, the Emcee got the whole crowd to sing to me Happy Birthday which was very, very sweet. Okay, okay, I know I'm a lucky girl.<br />
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Anyhow, I know everyone just wants the recipe. I modified it from Beantown Baker, Deliah Smith and Simply recipes. Enjoy!<br />
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<b>Creme Brulee Cupcakes- Makes 24</b><br />
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<b style="background-color: white;">Cupcake: </b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b>Originally Adapted from Beantown Baker.</b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><a href="http://www.beantownbaker.com/2009/04/creme-brulee-cupcakes.html" target="_blank">(click here for the original)</a></b></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour</span><br style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">3 teaspoons baking powder</span><br style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">1/2 teaspoon salt, plus a pinch for the egg whites</span><br style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature</span><br style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">1-1/2 cups sugar</span><br style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">2 eggs, separated</span><br style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">1 cup milk </span><br style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">*3 tablespoons caramel syrup( made from scratch) </span><br style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">1 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #222222; line-height: 21px;">Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celcius, 160 if you have your fan setting on.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Mix flour, baking powder, and salt together. and set aside. Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add caramel syrup and vanilla.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sift 1/3 of the flour into the batter and fold it into the batter. Fold in 1/2 of the milk. Repeat until all flour and milk have been incorporated into the batter.<br style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff but not dry. Gently fold whites into batter.</span><br style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><br style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;" /><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Spoon batter into cupcake papers, filling cups about 2/3 full. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool.</span></span>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Once cooled, core the cupcakes and fill with it the Creme Brulee custard. Working quickly, create the sugar crust by sprinkling sugar and melting it down with a blow torch. serve immediately. You can keep it in the fridge but it starts to condense after two hours, which is not ideal.</span></span></span><br />
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<b>Caramel Sauce:</b><br />
Taken from Simply Recipes, <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/caramel_sauce/" target="_blank">click here for ingredients, steps and super helpful photos!</a><br />
The caramel somehow tastes more like butterscotch though, and keeps really well. I used leftovers for a pound cake!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 Cup of Sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6 Tbsp (85 g) butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Place sugar in a heavy bottom pot. On a moderately high heat, melt the sugar until it reaches a deep amber colour. Working quickly, whisk in the butter. Once the butter has fully melted, turn the heat off. Count to three and add in the cream. At this point, the entire mixture will start to foam and bubble so be careful! Set aside to cool. Mixture will thicken.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<b>Creme Brulee:(to be prepared a day in advance)</b><br />
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Adapted from Delia Smith. <a href="http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/sweet/creme-brulee.html" target="_blank">Click here for the original</a><br />
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570ml of Double Cream ( I use Milac, its THE BEST)<br />
6 large egg yolks<br />
4 teaspoons cornflour<br />
a few drops of vanilla extract<br />
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Caramel crust:<br />
110g of granulated sugar<br />
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Mix the egg yolks, cornflour and vanilla extract together. Set aside.<br />
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Heat up the cream till it reaches boiling point. Once boiling, mix in the cream together with the egg yolk mixture, stirring all the time. Return the mixture to the pot and continue to boil, until the mixture thickens( which is very fast, within a minute or two. Take note not to overheat it, it will get lumpy. If it does, just take it off the heat and stir.<br />
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Once thickened, take it off the heat, pour it through a sieve and let it set in a bowl to cool. Cover the bowl with a clingfilm, taking note to pat it down so that it covers the surface of the custard( this prevents a skin from forming). Put it in the fridge and let it set overnight.<br />
(you can always pour this into ramekins and just eat it with the caramel crust without the cake.)<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Have fun!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">X.oX.O</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">S.T</span></span>STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-51362474277501575632012-03-17T11:15:00.001-07:002012-03-17T11:54:01.002-07:00A Courtship ~ E.L.Oh dear... I think S.T. and I are just too busy to blog more often these days! Terribly sorry for leaving this site so dead for so many weeks, just that it's been a crazy 2 months at work, and we are expecting this hectic schedule to go on till July! We're losing sleep, losing hair, and whatever that's remaining on our heads are growing gray! Yikes! We're praying desperately just to get through these next few months in one piece!<br />
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For those of you curious readers... S.T. and I don't just share this blog, but we are also real-life friends and colleagues. And just a little more information on what we do, we work in a theatre company in the Sales and Marketing team, and so the months prior to our performances is the most crucial and our necks are on the line..<br />
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Alright, I shall not bore you any longer with my whining of our jobs! Rather recently, a close friend of mine met a girl... And being completely new at the game of courtship, seeks my help in wooing her! So with her birthday coming up then, he commissions me to make her a unique gift!<br />
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He wanted the weave-band watch, and he was willing to splurge on a Fossil watch face as well!<br />
I made it to his liking, and also threw in an extra accessory, one of my Chan-Luu inspired bracelets, this time made out with luxurious Jade beads.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExrNSamL9jwmavegYCeNdB6XZjcuhmHxH6EDl-Yq3Z5p8Ik3sJhqLhGOw_i9rFnIlXpNdsBqCHnGnFV3IicmFRmHi3F6j-G3_u03qGb0kWz_4x2Fu0RQ1NzAVieYtjyEM8x8Qo5c8nL3Q/s1600/IMAG0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiExrNSamL9jwmavegYCeNdB6XZjcuhmHxH6EDl-Yq3Z5p8Ik3sJhqLhGOw_i9rFnIlXpNdsBqCHnGnFV3IicmFRmHi3F6j-G3_u03qGb0kWz_4x2Fu0RQ1NzAVieYtjyEM8x8Qo5c8nL3Q/s640/IMAG0137.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFyIcrWA34QN577j9cHcn36g9QW96PjDqWpmaOTCq01vZ1R6lK9qpCoKRIsQY0z1IyYK_Ygyi1gvPzS9Y34Is1Dw1P5plg0b0bnxsgvfzspbW_UH2776Y2dGEEIgSHCFoQYdwGB2VgtJk/s1600/IMAG0138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFyIcrWA34QN577j9cHcn36g9QW96PjDqWpmaOTCq01vZ1R6lK9qpCoKRIsQY0z1IyYK_Ygyi1gvPzS9Y34Is1Dw1P5plg0b0bnxsgvfzspbW_UH2776Y2dGEEIgSHCFoQYdwGB2VgtJk/s640/IMAG0138.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So just thought this could be an inspiring post to you all out there! </div>
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Happy crafting!</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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E.L.</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="http://assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js"></script>STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-40387743023797383602012-02-10T09:07:00.000-08:002012-02-10T09:29:07.435-08:0014 Feb: A dish, a date and a gift!<div style="text-align: center;">
As 14th of Feb looms near,
Couples begin to fear,
For many fret,
And oft break sweat,
To give to someone they hold dear. </div>
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Ah yes, 14th of Feb, better known as Valentine's Day, is much celebrated and also, much afeared, by couples all around the world, fretting over gifts, dates and budget constraints.
We decided to put together our top 15 ideas for Valetine's Day.
Here are some fun things for inspiration"<br />
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DISHES
1) Chocolate dipped strawberries.
They are quick, easy and oh so sexy... <a href="http://www.baco.co.uk/recipes/chocolate_dipped_strawberries.shtml" target="_blank">Recipe found here</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.baco.co.uk/images/recipes/Choclate_Dipped_Strawberries-rd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"></a><a href="http://www.baco.co.uk/images/recipes/Choclate_Dipped_Strawberries-rd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.baco.co.uk/images/recipes/Choclate_Dipped_Strawberries-rd.jpg" width="705" /></a></div>
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2) Fondue/Both Cheese and Chocolate
Nothing is more intimate than dipping meat into hot, steamy cheese or
lapping up rivers of chocolate with marshmellows and feeding each other. <a href="http://starsearchrecipes.blogspot.com/2011/04/cheese-fondue-crock-pot-recipe.html" target="_blank">Recipe found here</a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWw7JPcIoeg/Ta2Z-jmY8bI/AAAAAAAAAzo/v1pl-4G16f0/s1600/cheese_fondue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="display: inline !important; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="375" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWw7JPcIoeg/Ta2Z-jmY8bI/AAAAAAAAAzo/v1pl-4G16f0/s1600/cheese_fondue.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
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3)Chocolate Lava Cake
Enough said.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2sv_GHqtrQ" target="_blank">Watch how its done</a></div>
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4) Beer Pancakes
I know this sounds wrong, oh so wrong but oh so good! Beer enables your pancakes to rise and be deliciously fluffy with a malty, sweet after-taste. This recipe is amazing and I have used it many times. <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/beer-pancakes/" target="_blank">Click here for the recipe.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihavY_m4P1AKdO13mkBoufSyJKEQ5NGKWRMzb7022RQk7ATQTTLy-TjIHHmW4ueAs0qZeqkEIIFtubep5ghZdpalYdZ3ijZSQEXDnAA_6f-PYiJog5DSUmdE8LYiWbgrkGEkl844PX8fcM/s1600/beer+pancakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihavY_m4P1AKdO13mkBoufSyJKEQ5NGKWRMzb7022RQk7ATQTTLy-TjIHHmW4ueAs0qZeqkEIIFtubep5ghZdpalYdZ3ijZSQEXDnAA_6f-PYiJog5DSUmdE8LYiWbgrkGEkl844PX8fcM/s1600/beer+pancakes.jpg" /></a></div>
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5) HIS/HER's Favourite Dish
This is a cop out, I know, but seriously, this is the best present. It doesn't matter if it sucks, its the thought that counts. :)<br />
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6) For those of us who aren't very savvy in the kitchen [This is definitely from E.L.], choose to splurge a little and get a nice jar of cookies! The Grand Hyatt's Mezza9 does these awesome double chocolate cookies that are fudgey-gooey on the inside, which are very popular and not madly expensive.<br />
A jar is currently going for about SGD$28.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.soshiok.com/article/11343" target="_blank">Click this link to the original review</a><br />
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7) For those with tight budgets, you can of course craft something for your other half! And what better place to get ideas for this then from us!<br />
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I will always remember an advice from one of my guy friends a long time ago, always give a practical gift to a guy because men are not fussed about pretty little things. So do away with that doily-heart buntings, furry teddy bears and frilly little nothings! Make him something useful!</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">And this makes a great gift unisex gift idea - a daily planner! Make one or buy one! </span><a href="http://bee-inspired.blogspot.com/2012/02/diy-notebook-sketchbook-whatever-i-want.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">Here is a great tutorial on how to make one</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHR0vEBpANVYU2wWvBCYjkBckQP-lcWqEJd1lmcoLIicRlTOHcaAg2AwJ1liW3wit5B7e6dy2M4M-0V8OANjPc_A2YK_9LnxahKxlIIb3GrE2rTkh0Rlu56Nu1I-xDHNqnYAi22wWt80cl/s320/book(a).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHR0vEBpANVYU2wWvBCYjkBckQP-lcWqEJd1lmcoLIicRlTOHcaAg2AwJ1liW3wit5B7e6dy2M4M-0V8OANjPc_A2YK_9LnxahKxlIIb3GrE2rTkh0Rlu56Nu1I-xDHNqnYAi22wWt80cl/s320/book(a).jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">8) However, guys still do like accessories as much as us... </span></div>
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A leather wrist cuff - <a href="http://stel-blogs.blogspot.com/2011/08/el-boyfriends-birthday-and-art.html" target="_blank">click here for the original post on this</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNV3muw0d9zYbK7wzhXBdoKXmfdpM8ZgFGb8XInOGwkB1pOrHW-GKJBiIS3LMIGSA40G4bUx_SCnOUQInRgV449HSJoA4ugGG7HbprKnoQ66fCj5heoM7yWjhZAWz34oR2HMp4uiFobrjF/s640/aarobrac.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNV3muw0d9zYbK7wzhXBdoKXmfdpM8ZgFGb8XInOGwkB1pOrHW-GKJBiIS3LMIGSA40G4bUx_SCnOUQInRgV449HSJoA4ugGG7HbprKnoQ66fCj5heoM7yWjhZAWz34oR2HMp4uiFobrjF/s640/aarobrac.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Creative Cuff links - <a href="http://stel-blogs.blogspot.com/2011/06/st-its-gorillas-birthday.html" target="_blank">click here for the original post on this</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ueLDvze2FcVvVbSMP2K8k5GrlT0sF0vq-luatAAo16339i_sqPU1FMnTDvStUuTWLRXMfy6k4D-BF_-ZLnddrL1DtRf_pvWaAK2ubMqI0lw_vK1j0lp1DTobMUhprumHDx5AxS3eDF_p/s400/cufflink+close+up+out+of+box.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ueLDvze2FcVvVbSMP2K8k5GrlT0sF0vq-luatAAo16339i_sqPU1FMnTDvStUuTWLRXMfy6k4D-BF_-ZLnddrL1DtRf_pvWaAK2ubMqI0lw_vK1j0lp1DTobMUhprumHDx5AxS3eDF_p/s640/cufflink+close+up+out+of+box.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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9) Make a photo collage or decorate a plain photo frame and have your photo in it. Much like the ones we did for our flea <a href="http://stel-blogs.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html" target="_blank">here</a>..</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeA-ROYhsk4G79FBu542ABCe7m2_xhR1PxmH2mtv8xsm7s-e3m5Xl4F1opBg5tFstKf_Dr0JWtcxdRgq4u-AZmLBfbDWdI_l2OoyvN5zEOMntzd3LgBuxSy6bByPSW6YEvEompOsJzvBl4/s640/PB054126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeA-ROYhsk4G79FBu542ABCe7m2_xhR1PxmH2mtv8xsm7s-e3m5Xl4F1opBg5tFstKf_Dr0JWtcxdRgq4u-AZmLBfbDWdI_l2OoyvN5zEOMntzd3LgBuxSy6bByPSW6YEvEompOsJzvBl4/s640/PB054126.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Or A wonderful project is to do these photo transfers like this fellow craftster has done. <a href="http://whollykao.com/2011/12/30/the-photo-to-wood-transfer/" target="_blank">check out her blog here.</a></div>
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10) Another crafting project that is inexpensive, unisex and completely original at the same time is to create your own design T-shirt! Get a plain white T-shirt, some fabric paints and let your creative juices flow! Paint a Pollock onto the T-shirt - the easiest technique and it will turn out looking cool no matter how unskilled you are in painting.</div>
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I did one for the B.F. last year [E.L.] - but I used fabric crayons, and I replicated one of his own art works onto the T-shirt. Below is him wearing it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrvdRn6hijR_FbbPkKQ3V2bx4DYQoTC0MWmbsuQm31_Iwk_hla7UJKKZrZo7F8y916P8AKQ7NXlr0MIIrGSCgzA4ROTb-lxqcPOUkIkBnYh_dDu46BnGBFW0C67WvGhe5bUFUR_xW2Hgm/s1600/180526_10150142345404460_667479459_7874273_653939_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrvdRn6hijR_FbbPkKQ3V2bx4DYQoTC0MWmbsuQm31_Iwk_hla7UJKKZrZo7F8y916P8AKQ7NXlr0MIIrGSCgzA4ROTb-lxqcPOUkIkBnYh_dDu46BnGBFW0C67WvGhe5bUFUR_xW2Hgm/s640/180526_10150142345404460_667479459_7874273_653939_n.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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11) We've also got some suggestions on what you can do together that are affordable and really quite romantic. First up... Rent some romantic comedies and stay in! Go on a rom-com movie marathon, and make-out and neck in the cinema or the couch - just like when you were so young once that you just don't care! ;)</div>
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12) Go for a massage together! Be it a big splurge in a spa or even an affordable 40 mins foot reflexology massage will do you both alot of good! You get to spend time together and enjoy the healthy benefits of a good massage. A great place to go that is also affordable is
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">L.C. Fu Li Hua Foot Reflexology. The masseuse really know where the ache is and will help you with it!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><a href="http://www.listings.com.sg/detail.asp?listid=525&BranchID=0" target="_blank">Click here for more information on the place.</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.singaporeguide.jp/pic/00500013/00500013_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.singaporeguide.jp/pic/00500013/00500013_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">13) Go on a picnic! Pack some lunch and head out to the park! The Botanic Gardens will be a lovely place to lie out on a mat or a lazy stroll through the orchid gardens.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.asiaexplorers.com/pics/national-orchid-garden-singapore-botanic-gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.asiaexplorers.com/pics/national-orchid-garden-singapore-botanic-gardens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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14) Visit a Museum... just do it... any of it! The National Museum, The Singapore Art Museum, The Peranakan Museum, the Asian Civilisation Museum, The ArtScience Museum... And most of the time the entrance fees are really affordable!</div>
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15) Get active! Put on your sunblock and flip-flops, and go kayaking! In Singapore, there are quite a few places you can go, and it's cheap! At SGD$15 an hour, both you and your dearest can paddle away into the serenity of open waters... </div>
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<a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz239/bdebritto/Kayaking/KayakPaddleLodge_2010_01.jpg" target="_blank">Go to this website for more information on where you can kayak in Singapore.</a></div>
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<a href="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz239/bdebritto/Kayaking/KayakPaddleLodge_2010_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i831.photobucket.com/albums/zz239/bdebritto/Kayaking/KayakPaddleLodge_2010_01.jpg" /></a></div>
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Great! Now you are armed with these invaluable romantic and fun ideas, you have no excuse to not go out there and impress your loved one! If you have more suggestions, put it down in the comment!</div>
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And for those singles, don't let the couples have all the fun, do a big group outing with all your friends and exchange gifts as well! Valentine's Day is also known as The International Friendship day after all! [As far as I know anyway.. when I was single, it was what I celebrated with my girlfriends!]</div>
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Happy Valentine's Day!</div>
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<i>xoxo Cheers xoxo</i></div>
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<i>S.T. & E.L.</i></div>
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<br /></div>STELhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16467011039395247342noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-556361341977789232.post-47679945098120106562012-02-06T06:46:00.000-08:002012-02-07T19:25:54.680-08:00S.T: World Nutella Day Feb 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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World Nutella Day is Feb 5, and in sunny SG, I'm late by a day but some people out there in this world on the other side of the are still celebrating it!<br />
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Bascially, World Nutella Day is this crazy idea started by two Nutella obsessed girls and the world is better for it! You can read more here: <a href="http://www.nutelladay.com/participate/">http://www.nutelladay.com/participate/</a><br />
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To be honest, I've been sick today and hence, finally have the time to blog. In honour of this tremendous occasion, I would like to share with you my very own take on Pierre Hermes' Nutella Tart. Created for his wife who loves this confection to no end, this tart is simply divine. I posted about this sometime back but never really gave the recipe.<br />
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For my version, I used my very own hazelnut shortcrust recipe modified from my mom's shortcrust and used extremely dark chocolate for the base. I also took liberties and decorated with white ganache.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO2xdSDylKQ-6JNpyo_E9o16I35basfg1lQr7oe9HhwOHWRdXvVpTYeqNIq6ao2342jGrxbEcCgTqPRJgJdw9jc-hcqobC9l6vj34tVCKqMiTyNBiOesaKXUtVhs1g8tF8aoG34XGlAIL/s1600/nutella+tarts+side+by+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnO2xdSDylKQ-6JNpyo_E9o16I35basfg1lQr7oe9HhwOHWRdXvVpTYeqNIq6ao2342jGrxbEcCgTqPRJgJdw9jc-hcqobC9l6vj34tVCKqMiTyNBiOesaKXUtVhs1g8tF8aoG34XGlAIL/s640/nutella+tarts+side+by+side.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Its absolutely delicious, its soft and creamy inside, almost like a lava cake and the pastry just melts in your mouth.<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the crust: </span><br />
<br />
<ul style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2cup of butter
</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons icing sugar
</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/2 cups of plain flour
</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup of self raising flour or ground hazelnuts</span></li>
<li class="plaincharacterwrap ingredient" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(With self-raising flour, you get a puffier crust, ground hazelnuts give a slightly heavier but more flavourful crust )</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">For the filling:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">2/3 cup Nutella</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">4 3/4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">7 tablespoons, 3 1/2 ounces, unsalted butter</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">1 large egg at room temperature, stirred with a fork</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">3 large egg yolks at room temperature, stirred with a fork</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">2 tablespoons sugar</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: initial; font-family: inherit; line-height: 22px;">1 cup hazelnuts toasted, skinned and cut into large pieces (I omitted this and made white chocolate ganache)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: initial; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: initial; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the topping</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: initial; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup of cream</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: initial; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup of white chocolate</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: initial; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22px;">Method: </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 22px;">Preheat oven to 180 degrees C<span style="color: #333333;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 22px;"><b>For the crust:</b> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. In a large bowl, cream butter and icing sugar. Stir in sifted flour, ground hazelnuts and beat until mixture comes </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;">together to form a dough that will be slightly sticky.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Spread the dough into the pan and poke holes in it using a fork.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Place a baking sheet over the pie shell and fill with baking beads. You can use green/red/soya beans as well.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4.Place in the oven and bake the crust for 20 minutes. Once done, set aside to cool to room temperature. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S This method is called blind baking and for this recipe, you don't want to over bake the crust as it gets baked again with the filling.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>For the filling: </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1.Spread the Nutella evenly over the bottom of the cooled crust and set aside.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2.Melt the chocolate and butter in separate bowls over simmering water or in the microwave. Allow them to cool until they just feel warm to the touch.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3.Use a small whisk to stir the egg into the chocolate, gently and taking care not to agitate the mixture. You don’t want to beat air into the ganache. Stir in the egg yolks a little at a time, followed by the sugar. Stir in the warm butter. Pour the ganache over the Nutella in the tart shell. At this point, if you opted for putting nuts at the top, scatter the nuts now.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Bake the tart for 11 minutes. The cent<span style="color: #333333;">er of the tart will still be a little jiggly and the top will be dull, like a cake. Remove the tart from the oven and slide onto a rack. Allow the tart to cool for at least 20 minutes or until it reaches room temperature. Please note that baking time varies, on your oven, the depth of your pie tin and size of your pie tin.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333;"><b>For the topping:</b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Place the cream and white chocolate in a metal bowl. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water, careful to not let the water touch the bottom. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Gently stir the chocolate and cream mixture till smooth and melted.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Drizzle over the top of the Nutella tart.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">For the </span></span><span style="line-height: 16px;">original</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"> recipe, </span></span><a href="http://lemonsandanchovies.wordpress.com/2010/07/20/nutella-tart-courtesy-of-pierre-herme/" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 16px;" target="_blank">click here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I hope you enjoy this and do let me know if you have any queries! This is best eaten on the day, at room temperature. Left overs( which almost never happen) can be placed in the fridge and warmed up the next day!</span></span></div>
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X.O.o.X<br />
S.T<br />
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