Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
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Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
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Cruise to Redang

May 28, 2010 by Regina Chow 4 Comments
We were itching to get away from the sunny island of Singapore, so we decided to book a Superstar Virgo cruise to Redang on the spur of the moment.
Before we left, friends warned us that we would probably be bored to death on the ship and that the food served on board is pretty horrible. Well, having low, or no expectations, worked to our advantage because we ended up enjoying ourselves very much despite the poor service.
The service crew typically do not speak unless they are spoken to, so you will not know what is going on throughout the entire cruise unless you ask. The crew also takes pride in making useless announcements that can only be heard if you step outside your cabin, which really bewilders me.
Nonetheless, I guess when work keeps you on your toes all the time, being able to unwind and relax with nary a worry becomes a luxury. We spent most of our time crazily gorging ourselves with food, watching movies, exploring the ship, sipping wine on the balcony and finally, here comes our favourite activity – sleeping! I know it doesn’t sound all that exciting, but it’s wonderful to be able to lead such a sedentary lifestyle every once in a while.
Here’s what I wore on the first day.
One of my favourite ribbons from Korea.

For our dinner on the first night, we had western fare at one of the ballrooms. That was when we noticed that there were hardly anyone around our age, except for a handful of filial sons and daughters accompanying their parents. The fact that we actually enjoyed the cruise is probably a sign that we are aging prematurely!

The appetizer was buffalo wings with onion rings. The presentation was very gourmet-like, but honestly, the buffalo wings were just normal chicken wings.

For the main course, I had chicken with dumplings. Once again, the chef placed more attention on the food presentation instead.

JW had dory fish with rice, which turned out suprisingly decent.
Just when I was about to give up on the food on board, there came the yummy cheese platter and ice-cream. I must say that was a pretty good ending to our first meal.

After the meal, we retreated into the comfort of our cabin to bask in the gentle sea breeze and catch a glimpse of the night view in the company of good wine.

I woke up bright and early the next morning at about 6.40a.m. because I was determined to catch the sunrise! I must admit that after taking this shot, I went back to sleep because someone refused to wake up although he was all excited about going out for breakfast just the night before.

We finally got out of the cabin at about 10 a.m. By then, breakfast had ended, so we settled for some peranakan food in one of the restaurants.

Apple Juice vs latte.

Ayam Penyet – This was pretty tasty but I found the meat a tad too dry for my liking.

Satay sticks with rice. This was delicious!

Then, it was time for us to change into our beachwear! We took a dip in the pool and outdoor jacuzzi before heading to Redang.

Redang Island is located in the east coast of Malaysia and is a popular holiday destination for tourists and Malaysians alike. With its long stretch of pristine beach against the dazzling turquoise ocean, this island is almost paradisical!

The best part is, you can still find remote areas along the beach, perfect for chilling out with a glass of freshly squeezed juice.
We finally settled down at a cozy spot outside Coral Redang Island Resort. Look, there’s hardly anyone in the background at all! We practically had the beach all to ourselves, save for a few Caucasian patrons.

When you are blessed with beautiful weather, a private beach complete with the love of your life and immaculate service, what more could one ask for?

This is pure, unadulterated bliss indeed.

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One of my favourite dresses

May 28, 2010 by Regina Chow 8 Comments
I’ve had this dress for years, but it always draws compliments whenever I wear it out. I wore this again recently to catch Chicago at the Esplanade with Jolene and Karen. This was the same dress that I wore to attend the World Gourmet Summit dinner at Jaan in 2009, but I didn’t take a full-length picture then. This is a Korean piece.
I suppose the understated elegance of the blush nude colour, feminine ruffles and well-tailored silhouette all play a part in making this alluring dress stand out from the crowd. The modest length also means that this takes me from work to after-work events and functions. This is definitely one of my favourite dresses from my wardrobe.

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A special union

May 23, 2010 by Regina Chow 2 Comments
I attended a very special solemnization ceremony recently at Laguna Country Club where the humourous couple, HY and ZQ, took great pains to put up an entertaining performance for their guests. There were games, a hilarious MTV that they filmed by the sea and an engaging rendition of “Nobody” by The Wonder Girls on stage that was performed not just by the couple, but by their entire family!

The wedding favour was a deck of playing cards with love quotes printed on every card. I thought this was one of the most meaningful and useful favours that I have received to date.

The exchange of vows was riddled with unexpected humour that was typical of the couple. πŸ™‚

,

Their rendition of “Nobody”. The best part was, everyone enjoyed themselves immensely and there was no signs of stage fright at all!

Finally, here’s what I wore that day – a reconstructed vintage lace peplum dress from The General Store at Club Street.



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Riders Cafe & Octa Cafe

May 19, 2010 by Regina Chow 6 Comments
In a food paradise like Singapore, it is no wonder that gatherings always take place in cafes and restaurants in the company of glorious food.
Karen, Jolene and I have been talking about having brunch at Riders Cafe for eons before we finally made it there successfully one fine Sunday morning, undeterred by the scorching sun and sweltering heat.
After all,who could resist the temptation of having a meal in a quiet respite amidst lush greenery and galloping horses, away from the concrete jungle.
Be enveloped by Mother Nature as you enjoy a delicious breakfast/brunch in the comfort of warm service and flowing conversations.

We were famished by the time we arrived at Riders. Karen and I ordered iced chocolate, which unfortunately turned out mediocre as it was basically just a mixture of chocolate milk and Hershey’s chocolate syrup.

JW and Karen had pancakes for their mains. The light and fluffy pancakes topped with creamy butter, whipped cream and fresh blueberries were absolutely gratifying and a joy to devour! I already have my sights set on this for my next visit.

Jolene and I had the Riders Breakfast Set. This is the usual set that I order on the rare occasions when I do manage to crawl out of bed in time for brunch on a Sunday.

I relish the crunch of the bacon which goes so well with the runny yoke of the sunny-side up eggs. The savoury potatoes, baked beans and buttered toast with jam also add texture and variety to the overall taste. This is absolutely divine!

I also brought along a very thoughtful belated birthday gift from Jolene that day. I have just started learning cooking, so she decided to get me a handy cookbook and cooking utensils to encourage me to whip up more delicacies!

But here comes the surprise! Who would have thought that cookbooks and utensils could come in the form of earrings? Aren’t they pretty? πŸ™‚

JW tried his best to take a close-up photo of my earrings. All I can say is, the best is yet to be…LOL

After a heavy meal, it was time to work off all those fats by going shopping at Parco@Millenia Walk. Aside from my daily walks to the train station, shopping, otherwise known as mall walking, is the only other form of exercise that I partake in.
This photo below encapsulates the essence and intensity of shopping as an activity. When girls shop together, they virtually enter another realm and become totally oblivious to their surroundings as well as how much they have in their pockets.

The harsh reality that their credit card limits have burst only hits them at the cashier, by which time turning back is no longer an option.

That is when they consider the only other viable option – suicide.

You know I was kidding about the last part right?! πŸ˜›

Anyway, when hunger finally got the better of us again, we made a pit stop at Octa Hotel for tea after Jolene left. Contrary to popular belief, this hotel is actually a Japanese shop-cafe.

We were dazzled by the wide selection of beautiful crockery as well as intricate jewellery and gift items found at the shop. This shop exudes the elusive wow factor that one can only find in Japanese retail establishments.

It is true when they say that the magic behind every successful shop lies in the smallest of details. Everything in the shop, from its decor to the products and service, is the epitome of perfection.

Every table top is decorated with a touch of class.

I indulged in the Strawberry Parfait which came with generous servings of berries, ice-cream and my favourite – cornflakes! Absolutely sinful but I couldn’t care less!

Karen, on the other hand, had mushroom soup. Unlike the rich, creamy soups that one would usually expect, this was very light, almost broth-like. Yet, this soup brought out the aroma and flavour of the mushrooms as the essence permeated the soup base.

Now, what did I say about attention to details? I really loved their choice of lace curtains as this softened the ambience of the cafe, making it more intimate and welcoming.

Our parting shot at the end of our afternoon tea session.

In case you were wondering, I wore the Anna lace dress from ClubCouture that day. It’s incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I had a dinner at a club that day so it made sense to up the glam factor a little.

Here, I accessorized with a sequinned bow belt and then played down the feminity of the ensemble with a pair of fierce cage heels.

Check out the sexy cut-out back detail! This lovely number scored numerous compliments from friends and relatives alike.

Don’t you just love simple dresses with an unexpected twist and an element of surprise? πŸ˜‰
I’ve been pretty busy lately with gatherings and events, but do stay tuned for more updates on my short getaway and of course, my favourite outfit posts! πŸ™‚
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Mum’s Birthday @ Dian Xiao Er

May 16, 2010 by Regina Chow No Comments
I love to go to Chinese restaurants for meals, especially when I am out with friends and family. Some of my favourite Chinese restaurants include Royal China@ Raffles Hotel, Peach Garden, and Dian Xiao Er. Out of the three, Dian Xiao Er is the most affordable, but the quality of the food is certainly not compromised.

JW and I took my mum to the Dian Xiao Er branch at West Coast Plaza recently for her birthday celebration. We try to spend time with both sets of parents as often as we can, and while work takes us away from our filial responsibilities at times, we always make sure that we meet at least twice a month and are around for their birthdays.
We usually order the family set menu, and it was no different this time except that we added a tofu dish to complete the meal.

The Angelica Herb Duck was a clear favourite. The savoury gravy was full of herbal goodness, definitely a perfect complement to the crispy skin and succulent meat. Likewise, the baby kai-lan dish was absolutely delightful. The unexpected pairing of salted fish and lime added a burst of flavour to the baby kai-lan, and was a refreshing change from the traditional oyster sauce.

Another favourite dish of mine has got to be the Mongolian Spare Ribs. These spare ribs were marinated with a rich, tangy sauce and cooked to golden perfection. It was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Just looking at this photo alone makes me salivate!!

The Emerald Tofu is a new dish developed by the restaurant. It is a nutritious concoction of wheatgrass, tofu and delectable bits of prawns and broccoli. I found it a tad tasteless, but I guess food with high nutritional content usually tastes a little blend.
My parents and brother enjoyed the meal so much that they are now Dian Xiao Er converts too.

By the end of this post, I have already decided that I will be having Dian Xiao Er for dinner. In fact, I have been heading there so often that I can clearly remember that the family set menu for 2 persons cost exactly S$45.45.

My Verdict
Food: 9/10
Service: 7/10
Ambience: 7/10

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Ma Maison

May 7, 2010 by Regina Chow No Comments
I used to frequent Ma Maison at Bugis Junction for their value-for-money set lunches when I used to work in the vicinity. The ambience alone is a huge draw for many of its patrons, especially if you appreciate interior decor.

Ma Maison, which stands for My Home in French, serves Japanese-style Western food. It is famous for its hamburger steak which comes with a rich, flavourful sauce that has been simmered for 28 days!

The wooden pillars and chairs, coupled with the floral table cloth and brick walls remind me of a little cottage in the European countryside. All it needs is a cozy fireplace to complete the look!

Old vintage bottles serve as candle holders. Unique isn’t it?

The menu cover feels like luxurious leather and the quality is probably even better than what some fine dining restaurants provide.

After much deliberation, these were the dishes that we ordered:
1) Camembert Cheese Fritters – Appetizer
The fritters were fried to golden perfection and the generous portions of cheese fillings will leave you wanting more!

2) Corn Soup

3) Hamburger Steak (Original Sauce)

4) Black Pepper Hamburger Steak

When making payment, all you need to do is bring this vintage-looking huge brass key to the counter. What an apt way to end the meal in a cottage!

Heading off for my weekend getaway now! Enjoy your weekend babes!

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Universal Studios

May 3, 2010 by Regina Chow No Comments
Universal Studios, located within Resorts World Sentosa, opened its doors to the public in March 2010. We wanted to wait till the initial hoo-haa dies down before making a trip there, but JW managed to secure the tickets at a discounted price, so off we went on a date! This was about a month back, but I only had time to sort out the photos recently.
I was mesmerized by the beautiful landscaping and magnificent building structures. The theme park really makes you feel that you have teleported from one city to another, and in some cases, transported back to the time when dinosaurs ruled and mummies came alive (Was there even such a time?! Haha but I think you get the drift).





I am not a fan of theme park rides, but JW cajoled me to take a couple with him. I obliged rather unwillingly, and even regretted embarking on some rides.
One such ride would be the Enchanted Airways, which is a mini outdoor roller coaster ride, because we were unfortunate (well, it was fortunate for JW) enough to get hold of front row seats on the roller coaster.
Being in the first row was thrilling, but it also meant that I wasn’t able to anticipate what would happen next and how the route would pan out. My heart was in my throat!! I heaved a sigh of relief after the ride came to an end and almost wanted to strangle my husband to death.
Oh, but that didn’t stop me from taking ANOTHER roller coaster ride. I figured I couldn’t be more fearful of another roller coaster ride after my spectacular front row view on Enchanted Airways, so I queued, albeit rather grudgingly, for our next roller coaster ride, The Revenge of the Mummy.
The path leading to the indoor roller coaster was dark and menacing, giving a foreboding sense of the horror to come. I was pretty much prepared to be scared out of my wits before the ride even commenced.
The lighting was so dim that the photos all turned out really dark.
As with all other fear gripping rides, this ride started off at a comfortable pace, giving you the opportunity to marvel at the intricate Egyptian drawings, sculptures and special effects.

Just when I forgot that I was on a roller coaster ride and that the initial slow speed was just the calm before the storm, the cart came to an abrupt stop before it descended at lightning speed backwards!!

That was when the terror unfolded before my very eyes. Ok honestly, I couldn’t really see because it was so dark inside, and I was grateful for that as it helped to cushion my fear. The backward descent was truly unexpected, and I knew I was in for the worst.

I grabbed hold of the handrail as tightly as I could and recoiled into the plastic seat, slipping lower and lower into oblivion so that I wouldn’t feel the full effects of the G force. πŸ˜›

This was no mean feat for a coward like yours truly, but I eventually emerged victorious. Unlike me, JW was smiling like a cheshire cat throughout the ride. I suppose he got his much needed adrenalin rush *rolls eyes*.

The other attractions were pretty average except for the Shrek 4D show. It was sheer fun and I could even feel spiders crawling on my legs! We almost went on the Jurassic Park ride but chose not to as I’ve taken it before at the Universal Studios in LA.

The most exciting ride in Universal Studios is the Battlestar Galactica roller coaster, but it is currently still closed due to a technical glitch. Thank goodness…I wouldn’t want to be conned into taking another roller coaster!

To calm my nerves, we also took many strolls along the streets. My favourite street is New York Alley.

The red brick buildings and cobbled floors glow a deep red under the sunlight, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.


Travel further down the main street of New York and you’ll see a 1960s inspired drive-in cafe complete with retro cars in old Hollywood glamour style!

We stopped by two cafes for food along the way. The first stop was Celebrity cafe at Hollywood Street that served milkshakes, waffles and ice-cream. The milkshakes were of a very thick consistency and absolutely delicious! I had waffles as well, but it paled in comparison to what you can get in most cafes.

We then adjourned to Loui’s NY Pizza Parlour for the Original NY pizza. The pepperoni pizza exceeded our expectations. It was so good I wish I had saved my stomach earlier for this (waffles are really filling!).

Celebrity Cafe

Loui’s NY Pizza Parlour

All in all, we had an enjoyable time at Universal Studios. We both agreed that this is a place that we will revisit for sure!

Here’s a final parting shot of us. πŸ˜‰ We’ll be heading out of town this weekend for a short getaway so I’ll see you when I get back!
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Can-can & Bows

May 1, 2010 by Regina Chow No Comments
I fall prey to dresses with bows and tutus or can cans. This lovely piece is from Mango and I can’t help but gush about how pretty the floral print can-can skirt is. The denim bustier also adds structure to the flowy feminine ensemble. In case you didn’t notice, check out the big denim bow at the side! This is, without a doubt, one of my must-haves this summer. πŸ˜‰
I have yet to wear this out but it’s only a matter of time before it sees the light of day!
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About Me

Hi! My name is Regina and I am a style, beauty and travel enthusiast who enjoys writing, photography and letting my creative juices flow.

My blogging journey has been nothing short of exciting. I was recently named the winner of Her World Magazine’s Estee Lauder Style Superstar Awards 2016. My blog was also awarded Best Fashion Blog (Grand Winner) at the Singapore Blog Awards 2014. The year before that, it won Best Online Shopping Blog at the Singapore Blog Awards 2013.

Additionally, it is listed as one of the 10 interesting blogs on Singapore by AsiaWeb Direct (http://www-singapore.com/blogs.htm). I was also featured on both local and international mainstream media for my views on style, fashion and online shopping:

The Straits Times (14 Oct 2014)

The Business Times (14 Oct 2014)

My Paper (13 Oct 2014)

CNBC ("Pricey Singapore: Savvy shoppers go online" - 28 Dec 2014)

For advertorials/partnerships, feel free to contact me at regina.chow@gmail.com.

Thank you!

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