Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
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About Me
Fashion
Travel
Beauty
Lifestyle
Personal Thoughts
Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
  • About Me
  • Fashion
  • Travel
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Personal Thoughts
Travel

Taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa

February 17, 2016 by Regina Chow No Comments

I peered out of the window where a vast expanse of mountainous landscape stretched out to the horizon. The view from the Qinghai-Tibet Railway (the world’s highest railway) alternates between snow-capped mountains and meandering lakes against the backdrop of the blazing sun and azure blue skies; a feast for the eyes if you are a nature lover. My eyes were glued to the breathtaking scenery and despite being at an altitude of 15,000 feet, all my worries about possible altitude sickness were cast into oblivion. There was just something extraordinary about this harsh and hostile environment that I found remarkably attractive.

Majestic mountain ranges against azure blue skies
The sun rays began streaming in in the most unforgivable manner at close to 9 a.m. Even in winter, at temperatures way below freezing point, the sun in Tibet is scorching. I remember forcing my eyes open as I wanted to soak in the beauty of what laid before me. At one point, there was an announcement that we were about to pass by Namtso Lake, the second largest salt lake in China and the highest salt lake in the world. I sat up in excitement, armed with my camera, and gasped in amazement when I set my eyes on the sparkling turquoise blue waters that seemed to span across eternity.
Namtso Lake, the highest salt lake in the world
Time came to a standstill before majestic mountain ranges came back into focus, and in the blink of an eye, three long but fruitful hours had passed. All this while, my husband was sound asleep as he was experiencing mild symptoms of altitude sickness.
It is possible to suffer from altitude sickness on the train, since it reaches a highest point of over 16,000 feet above sea level. Barring that possibility and the 15-hour total travel time from Xining to Tibet (or even longer from other cities), I could still completely understand why the Qinghai-Tibet Railway remains highly popular among travelers to Tibet. Mother Nature definitely spent a little more time on the roof of the world, and the Qinghai-Tibet Railway gives you unrivaled access to its raw, untainted beauty.
Raw, untainted beauty of Northern Tibet
Northern Tibet
The train ride itself is also pretty comfortable if you are in the first class soft sleeper berth, which is frequently sold out in the peak season. The staff and fellow passengers are genuinely friendly and surprisingly polite especially if you speak Mandarin. Truth be told, I never felt more relieved to have a relatively decent command of the language. I had a long chat with a college girl traveling alone from Changsha all the way back to her hometown, Golmud, for the Chinese New Year festivities. She gave me a tip or two on places to visit in Tibet as we munched on some snacks before calling it a night. I don’t usually warm up to strangers quickly but in this situation, talking to her felt very comforting and was a much welcomed distraction from the fears of falling prey to altitude sickness.

Me in my soft sleeper berth
I have heard horror stories about the toilets on board but personally, I found the condition of the toilets rather acceptable. Although the train offers meals and the food selection isn’t too shabby, most passengers bring their own food and so did we. We stocked up on Japanese cup noodles (we were overjoyed that they came with slices of meat!), snacks and drinks for the journey. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the train ride and would highly recommend it over taking a plane.
You can take the Qinghai-Tibet Railway from many cities, including Xining (where we boarded), Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Lanzhou. It is necessary to hire a guide for your adventures in Tibet and you can easily book the tickets through your appointed guide.
*****
For more information on battling altitude sickness in Tibet, read my previous post here:
Tibet: Altitude Sickness & Acclimatisation Tips
Why is Tibet worth visiting? Read my latest post about Tibet below:Why Tibet is Worth Visiting

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Fashion

Fashion: Chinese New Year 2016 OOTD

February 9, 2016 by Regina Chow No Comments

 Happy New Year! 

Being
away from home always makes me appreciate what I have back in Singapore. It makes me treasure family ties and friendship even more. Although I
am very much an introvert and am perfectly happy being alone (yes,
believe it or not, I can entertain myself without feeling bored most of
the time), it is comforting to return to warm hugs from friends and
family, as well as engage in free-flowing, no-holds-barred conversations
with these very same people whom I have known for decades. 
They
say familiarity breeds contempt, but if you delve deeper, the beauty of
familiarity lies in how it gives rise to close, intimate relationships
that are unfaltering and able to stand the test of time. I love how I
can be completely honest with close friends and family without having to
worry if anything I said has crossed the line, simply because there
aren’t any lines to begin with.
Dress from Forever New (Kendall & Kylie Collection)// Shoes from Windsor Smith//

Needless to say, it gives me boundless joy to be able to bask in the company of my family and friends as we enjoy the new year festivities. It is also a relief to finally be able to head outdoors without all that extra weight on my shoulders (literally), having been bundled up in layers for many months in Nanjing thanks to winter. This lovely cut-out number hails from Forever New’s Kendall x Kylie Kardashian collection which was
released some months ago and is now completely sold out.I have been a fan of Australian label Forever New for many years now and would highly recommend them for work wear and evening wear. Their quality material, flawless workmanship and timeless designs never fail to impress. I was tempted
by more than just one design in this collection and I wish I had
followed my heart then
What about you?  What did you wear for Chinese New Year and what are some of your favourite labels? 

 Hope
you enjoyed the long new year weekend and here’s wishing everyone good
health, happiness and success in the year of the monkey! I am in the midst of packing for my next trip out of Singapore as you are reading this. I’m taking a short trip this time to the land of smiles and as it is, thinking about it is already making me smile from ear to ear.

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Travel

Tibet: Altitude Sickness & Acclimatisation Tips

February 2, 2016 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

Having received many queries from friends and readers on my recent trip, I will be sharing 6 tips on overcoming altitude sickness and acclimatizing in Tibet based on my personal experience in today’s post.

My
trip to Tibet was a spontaneous decision made less than a month ago. We
had a few days to spare before Singapore beckoned and winter seemed
like the perfect time to avoid the tourist crowds in the land of snows. At the back of my mind however, I was worried that JW and I would fall prey to altitude sickness at the roof of the world.

What is Altitude Sickness?

Altitude sickness is common when you travel to altitudes of more than 8000 feet (2500m) due to lower oxygen levels. There are three types of altitude sickness, the mildest being Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which causes headache, nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

High Altitude Pulmonary Oedema (HAPE) causes breathlessness due to the build up of fluids in your lungs, and may be accompanied by cough, fever and frothy spitum. HAPE can be fatal in a few hours, so do take extra care to descend to a lower altitude if you or your traveling companion experiences this.

High Altitude Cerebral Oedema (HACE) is like a more severe case of AMS, except that symptoms such as headache, nausea and the works progressively worsen and cause unsteadiness, confusion, drowsiness and ultimately, coma. Again, it is important to descend immediately as HACE will also kill you in a few hours.

Who is more susceptible to Altitude Sickness?

Unfortunately, no one is able to tell who is more susceptible to altitude sickness, but the good news is, you can take preventive measures to alleviate symptoms as and when they arise:

1. When you go to Tibet makes a difference

Winter may not be the best time to head to Tibet, but it is remarkably beautiful even at this time of the year.

Winter is probably the worst time to head to Tibet as altitude sickness worsens during this time of the year due to the lack of vegetation and thus oxygen. I think we took a risk by going there in winter, but taking medication before the trip definitely helped (read on to find out more).

Spring and summer are apparently ideal seasons for travel in Tibet but do take note that you would also have to deal with the tourist crowds due to peak season.

2.  How you get to Tibet matters

 

Qinghai-Tibet Railway (credit: Wikipedia)

If you fly straight into Tibet, the possibility of getting serious altitude sickness is much higher as a result of the sudden change in altitude.

On the contrary, taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway would lower the risk or at least lessen the extent of altitude sickness. That said, the train does climb to very high altitudes (up to 15000 feet) between Golmud and Lhasa, which is not ideal for acclimatization. To give you a better comparison, Lhasa is only 11975 feet (3650m).

Based on reviews on TripAdvisor, it appears rather common for travellers to suffer from nausea and vomiting on the train.

For the reasons above, it is generally advisable to acclimatise in a lower highland (about 8000 feet) for 1-2 days before heading to Tibet. You can fly into Xining (7464 feet), capital of Qinghai and tour for 1-2 days before continuing your journey to Lhasa by train.

 

3. Take altitude sickness medication before your trip

Due to time constraints, JW and I couldn’t afford to spend extra time in Xining. We flew to Xining in the day and boarded the train to Lhasa in the evening on the very same day. I think luck was on our side as I only experienced very mild light-headedness while JW had fatigue.

I believe we could have had it worse if not for the medication that we had been taking prior to our trip.

Here are 3 types of altitude sickness medication that you can consider:

i) Hong Jing Tian

 

Hong Jing Tian, 红景天

This popular Tibetan herb helps your body to adapt to high altitudes. Personally, I would highly recommend this herb for its effectiveness and lack of side effects. We took this continuously 2 weeks before the trip and throughout the entire duration of our trip. During the trip, we experienced very mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.

We bought this in China, but if you are heading over from Singapore, you can purchase this from the Chinese emporium at People’s Park.

 ii) Diamox (Acetazolamide)

Diamox is the most commonly prescribed western medication for altitude sickness. If you are based in Singapore, you can only purchase this from pharmacies located in hospitals (I got mine from Guardian pharmacy at Gleneagles Hospital), but before you head down, be sure to first obtain a prescription from your GP.

What I didn’t like about this medication was the side effects. I took Diamox the day before I flew to Xining and I experienced numbness and tingling sensations on my hands, feet and even face, as well as increased urination. I decided to stop Diamox immediately and reverted to Hong Jing Tian, which served me well.

iii) Dexamethasone 

I didn’t take this medication at all and I am no doctor, but based on my understanding, this should only be taken when you experience severe altitude sickness such as HACE. For such cases, Dexamethasone and Diamox might even be taken together.

 

4. Take it slow in Tibet

Walk slowly and have ample rest throughout your trip. The air is much thinner and you might have difficulties breathing, especially when sleeping.

If you can, try to regulate your breathing by slowing it down with longer inhalations and exhalations. I found this particularly helpful whenever my breathing went out of whack.

 

5. Stay at a better hotel

Shangri-La Hotel, Lhasa, Tibet

Since the majority of travellers experience altitude sickness, it makes sense to put up at a comfortable accommodation with an in-house clinic and oxygen bar. I’m talking about the Shangri-La Hotel, the only hotel in Lhasa currently that has an oxygen bar.

The hotel has an excellent heating system which is perfect for winter travel, amazing beds and sumptuous western buffet breakfast so you can start your day on the right foot.

6. Eat Carbohydrates, Drink Water & Avoid Alcohol

Resting and eating well are of paramount importance when it comes to battling altitude sickness. As a lot of walking is required and more energy is lost due to breathing difficulties, it is advisable to stick to a diet that is made up of 80% carbohydrates. It is also important to drink more water than usual, and to avoid alcohol which only dehydrates your body further.
I followed this routine strictly while I was in Tibet and found that it worked for me.

Butter Tea – Made of yak butter, black tea, water and salt

According to the Tibetans, butter tea (made using yak butter, black tea, water and salt) gives you energy and helps with acclimatisation too. We tried this courtesy of our guide and it really tastes just like liquid butter.

*****

I wish I could tell you that by doing all of the above, you would be completely unaffected by altitude sickness in Tibet.

The truth is, altitude sickness affects each individual differently, and even the fittest person may not be able to escape unscathed. That said, by taking good care of your health and ensuring that you take the necessary preventive measures for acclimatisation as shared above, I believe you’ll be more likely to wing it and make it through!

I hope you found this post useful. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.

For first dibs on my Tibet trip and other upcoming adventures, follow me on my social media platforms below:

Facebook

Instagram 
Have a great week ahead!

*****

Read more about my adventures in Tibet below:

Why Tibet is Worth Visiting

Taking the Qinghai-Tibet Railway to Lhasa 

 

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Fashion, Uncategorized

Fashion: Styling The Vest (Minimalist Look)

August 25, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments
Vests are my favourite outerwear as they make layering possible in our humid climate. Cardigans and jackets may be stylish but are best reserved for the cinemas, official work meetings or freezing lecture theatres, unless of course you think sweating buckets can help you to lose weight.
How do you style a vest? There are many ways to style it as it is very versatile and goes well with shorts, skirts, pants and even dresses. In fact, adding interest to a casual outfit has never been easier with a trusty vest. 

I picked up this long flowy white vest from Topshop when I was shopping in London and to tell you the truth, I have been working this vest really hard as it hasn’t had time to sit in my wardrobe for more than a couple of days. I am convinced that it is a worthwhile wardrobe investment and today, I’ll show you two ways to style this wardrobe workhorse.
Styling the Vest with Jeans/Pants
 With so many errands to run on a daily basis, my preferred ensemble these days comprises a comfy tank top and jeans paired with sneakers. The tank top and jeans combination is a full-proof combo but it can get a tad boring. Throw on a vest to shake things up a little and watch as your outfit transforms right before your eyes!
 
Tank top from Mphosis
Jeans from Frame Denim (Shopbop)
Vest from Topshop
Shoes from Adidas
Bag from Givenchy
Styling The Vest with Dresses

If you prefer a dressier look, try styling the vest with a dress (pun unintended). I like my white vest with classic black dresses as it instantly jazzes up the otherwise plain outfit.

These photos were taken when I was down with a bad flu in Copenhagen. I looked pale as a sheet but the warmth of the sun and the dose of white put some colour back in my cheeks. I would have looked far worse if I was clad in an all-black dress without my white vest.

Dress from Acne Studios
Vest from Topshop
Sunglasses from Marc by Marc Jacobs

Now, I am sure it is not hard to see why vests are fast becoming my wardrobe staples.The key to styling vests is to pair them up with simple, basic everyday pieces. I have been falling back on sleeveless dresses and tank tops but vests complement long sleeve tops and sweaters too. 
I promise this wouldn’t be the last time that you’ll see of my vests in this space as I’m about to experience autumn and winter in a foreign land this year. More updates on that in time to come, but meanwhile, have a great week ahead!
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Fashion, Uncategorized

Fashion: Bohomian Chic Trend 2015

June 30, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

The bohemian chic trend is perhaps one of my favourite fashion trends of all-time. An enchanting, timeless style that exudes individuality and an effortlessly carefree vibe, it comes as no surprise that this trend is so wildly popular that it has been revived again and again in the history of fashion.


Commonly associated with hippies of the 70s, this trend has evolved over the years and there are many ways to go about embracing the boho chic look without looking like a druggie or a gypsy. One easy way to go about this is to slip into a white lace maxi dress with gladiator sandals, like what I did in my previous post here for a casual chic look. Alternatively, go for billowy silhouettes and softer fabrics paired with laced-up heels for a dressier take. Here’s what I wore recently to attend the wedding of an old friend. 

Dress from Blum
Shoes from Windsor Smith
Vintage Carpet Bag from Sydney Glebe Markets
Earrings from Chanel
Ring c/o Coco & Tulip

I kept my accessories to a minimum with a simple pair of stud earrings from Chanel and an exquisite statement ring, aptly named Fire Leaf Ring Cuff, from online luxury jewellery boutique Coco & Tulip. 

Made of the finest sterling silver with cubic zirconia, the Fire Leaf Ring Cuff is a captivating accent piece that will add a touch of sparkle and liven up any ensemble. It never fails to draw compliments from friends and even strangers whenever I put it on. 
Coco & Tulip aims to make luxury jewellery affordable and easily accessible because everyone deserves to indulge in quality jewellery that stand the test of time. I find myself reaching for this beautiful ring ever so often simply because it goes with practically everything. 
Do visit Coco & Tulip’s website here or follow them on instagram (@cocoandtulip) for more updates on their latest designs.
 

Hope you enjoyed this post. Have a great week ahead!

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Beauty, Uncategorized

Beauty: Mermaid Nails by Dazzlette Nails

June 2, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

 Mermaid nails in pearly, iridescent pastel shades have always been a fascination of mine. There are numerous designs on the internet, but most come in bright turquoise shades and are heavily encrusted with crystals. A little too over the top for work, if you ask me.
When it comes to nails, dainty, feminine designs are right up my alley. Nothing too loud (no turquoise blue) or gaudy lest it risks looking unprofessional, but yet it can’t be plain and boring. This delicate balance is generally hard to achieve, but Koji from Dazzlette Nails literally nailed it with this set of beautiful mermaid nails. 

 

Skills and experience aside, good manicurists have a keen eye for detail and aesthetics. I sent Koji a couple of photos before my manicure to give her an idea of the design that I desired, but instead of replicating it, she gave it a fresh spin with her own interpretation based on my preferences and personal style. The results? Nothing short of fabulous. 
  
I couldn’t stop marveling at how intricate the details were. The inlay method was used to encase the gems and seashells to prevent them from falling out easily. Don’t my nails resemble a work of art? Even JW and my parents, who usually do not pay any attention to my nails, gave the nod of approval.
 
I love that Dazzlette Nails is centrally located at Bras Brasah Complex, so if you work around the area, you can always pop in for a pampering session during lunch or after work and then bounce back into your schedules.
 
To give you an even better excuse to pamper your nails, quote my name “REGINA” and  you’ll receive a 20% discount on nail art services from now till 30th June!

Dazzlette Nails
Address:
231 Bain Street 
Bras Brasah Complex 
#01-71
Singapore 180231 
Tel:
9099 9928/ 6333 4221
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/dazzlette 
Instagram:
@dazzlette_nails
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Fashion, Uncategorized

Singapore Fashion Week OOTD: White on White

May 21, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

May has been a busy month for me but by some stroke of luck, I managed to make it down for one of the shows at Singapore Fashion Week. Here’s what I wore to the Star Creation: The Winners’ Collection fashion show.  
The white-on-white trend seems to be here to stay, and it is easy to see why. Clean, sharp and chic, standing out from the crowd with an all white ensemble is a breeze. It also provides the perfect canvas for accessorizing, but if you prefer to keep things simple, go for the minimalist look with just a touch of accessories. If you think the outfit is too white for you, you can always jazz it up with a pop of colour, like I did with my bag and strappy gold heels.
Dress from Keepsake // Cape Blazer from Love Bonito // Heels from Vera Wang // Bag from Hermes

The white geometric tube dress I have on is yet another quality classic piece from Australian label Keepsake. I love how the structured silhouette and asymmetrical hemline add a dose of edginess to the otherwise feminine dress. 
Speaking of Australia, I am looking forward to my Gold Coast getaway that’s happening in just a bit. I seem to have so many things on my plate these days and I just need my precious “me” time to relax and recharge. 
If you’re interested in what I’ll be up to in Gold Coast, you may wish to follow me on instagram (@reginachow_sg) and snapchat (@reginachow_sg) as I will be sharing instant updates on these two platforms when I’m away! 

Have a great weekend ahead!
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Travel, Uncategorized

6 Beautiful & Underrated Places In Europe

May 11, 2015 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

Cities such as London, Rome, Venice and Paris immediately come to mind when we plan our holidays in Europe, but if you prefer to take the road less travelled, here are 6 other breathtakingly beautiful places that you could visit based on my personal experience.

1. HUESCA, SPAIN
The province of Huesca located in northeast Spain is home to beautiful mountains, verdant valleys and pristine rivers. All natural and virtually untainted by commercialism, this is a dream come true for adventure seekers and nature lovers. You can easily drive there from Barcelona Airport.

Check out the
Sierra de Guara region if you enjoy activities such as rockclimbing,
canyoning, caving, hiking or wildlife watching.
During our last visit, we stayed at Rodellar, a quaint village situated above the Muscan gorge in the Sierra de Guara National Park. Rodellar is also one of the most famous places for rockclimbing in Europe. 
You can read more about JW’s rockclimbing experience in Rodellar below:
Climbing Natural Beyond Singapore

 

For a change of scenery, you can also head to a medieval city called Alquezar (30km from Rodellar by car). You can read more about our visit to Alquezar below:
A Day in Alquezar, Spain

2. BARCELONA, SPAIN
 I hesitated about placing Barcelona on this list as it is after all the most popular tourist destination in Spain, but when I speak to people around me about their travel plans in Europe, this city hardly ever seems to be on their radar. 

If you love beautiful yet distinctive architecture, Barcelona is the city to go. The fantastical buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi are exactly what fairy-tales are made of and you will never see architectural marvels of this nature anywhere else in Europe, or in the world for that matter. 

Here are some of his signature works that you have to visit:
Park Guell
Casa Mila
Sagrada Familia

For more photos and information on the places to visit, read my previous posts below:
Palau Guell & Park Guell
 Casa Mila
Casa Batllo
Sagrada Familia
If you are a history buff or if bullfighting is your cup of tea, you could also visit the Monumental Arena and Museo Taurino (bullfighting museum). Bullfighting may be banned in Barcelona (since 2012), but this slice of history serves a reminder of the arena’s past glory and provides great photo opportunities.
For more information, read my post below:

Bullfighting in Barcelona: Monumental Arena & Museo Taurino
 3.  CESKY KRUMLOV, CZECH REPUBLIC

Everyone
talks about Prague and how gorgeous it is as a city, but did you know
that there is an equally picturesque (if not more) by the name of Cesky
Krumlov in the South Bohemian Region of Czech Republic?

 Both Prague’s Castle District and Cesky Krumlov are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Everything seems to come to a standstill at Cesky Krumlov as you are instantly transported back in time. The little town looks just a medieval town complete with locals dressed in medieval costumes. A day-trip to Cesky Krumlov is usually recommended but personally, I would recommend staying a day or two just to soak in the beauty and to take time to explore its breathtaking surroundings. 

For more information on places to visit in Cesky Krumlov, do read my posts below:

Curious Sights in Cesky Krumlov

I Left My Heart in Cesky Krumlov

4. EAGLE’S NEST, BERCHTESGADEN (GERMANY)

Eagle’s
Nest, otherwise known as Kehlsteinhaus, was built by the Nazis on the
Kelstein mountain above Berchtesgaden (located at the German Bavarian
Alps) in celebration of Hitler’s 50th birthday. It was meant to be a
holiday home and Hitler even had his own private route leading up from
the city to the mountains.
While Hitler hardly visited Eagle’s Nest, it is now a tourist hotspot primarily due to its mesmerizing scenery, which only gets better as you move up the mountain. Perched atop a mountain, Eagle’s Nest is surrounded by a confluence of white fluffy clouds that lay atop the city. You can easily book a day trip there via Munich (Germany) or Salzburg (Austria).

For more photos and information, you can read my post below:

Eagle’s Nest

5. INNSBRUCK, AUSTRIA

Innsbruck is known for being a winter sports center and the city has hosted the Winter Olympics on several occasions. If you enjoy skiing or snowboarding, this is the place to be in winter, but even if these activities are not the least enticing to you, the panoramic scenery is bound to set your heart aflutter. Here’s a short video clip that I took when I was there some years ago:



 For more photos and information on places to visit, do read my posts below:

Innsbruck Mountains

Innsbruck Alpen Zoo

 6. SALZBURG, AUSTRIA




 Salzburg’s Old Town (Altstadt) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is renowned for its baroque architecture, set against the backdrop of alpine surroundings.

Classical music lovers would also know that Salzburg was the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. I can still recall how I excited I was just before I stepped into Mozart’s home, also known as Mozart’s Geburthaus.

For more photos and information, you can read my post below:

Salzburg’s Old Town & Mozart’s Geburthaus

 If you are a fan of popular movie musical The Sound of Music, you can also book a day trip to visit all the filming spots. It was also here where I discovered the very scenic Mondsee Lake, a beautifully serene lake overlooking lush rolling hills.

For more photos and information, read my post below:

The Sound of Music Tour 
  
It has been a while since I last visited Europe and it is high time that I revisited this continent to explore other cities that I have yet to tick off my bucket list. 

Meanwhile, I hope that my personal experiences detailed in this post would provide you with some useful tips and inspiration if you are planning a trip there. 

Have a great week ahead!

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Fashion, Uncategorized

Fashion Fridays: Keepsake I Will Wait Dress

May 8, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

I have a soft spot for lace dresses, especially lace dresses with scallop trims and asymmetrical hemlines. Little wonder why Australian label Keepsake’s I Will Wait dress caught my eye. 
The silhouette makes it appropriate for work, but if you work in a more conservative environment, I would suggest throwing on a blazer to add structure. For events and functions, all you have to do is take off the blazer, slip into a pair of glamorous open-toe heels and you’re all set to steal the limelight.


The amazing thing about Australian fashion labels is that you never have to worry about quality. By and large, I have always been more than satisfied with my purchases because the material and workmanship never disappoint. Oh and did I mention that their smallest size usually fits me to a T? I have a couple of pieces from Keepsake in XXS and most require no alteration work, or in the worst case scenario, very minor nips and tucks. 

You can find Keepsake and other popular Aussie labels online, but personally, I like to shop from The Bird Cage Boutique as there are occasions (like now!!) when they offer an additional 40% off sale items! There’s also free shipping on orders above A$200!

Dress from Keepsake (here)
Shoes from Miu Miu
Clutch from YSL
Bangle from Hermes

If you were wondering, this set of photos was taken along one of the back alleys in Little India. Can you believe that these beautiful spiral staircases were built as an escape route in times of emergency?
 I love venturing into back alleys, away from the hustle and bustle of the main street. It is such a therapeutic yet educational experience. You’ll see a different side of Singapore’s urban landscape and catch a glimpse of history too as many of these shop houses have their own stories to tell. 
The beauty lies in the tiniest of details, and all you need to do is keep your eyes peeled as every corner brings new surprises.
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Lifestyle, Travel, Uncategorized

Four Seasons Hotel: One-Ninety Wood-fired Steaks and Seafood Buffet

May 7, 2015 by Regina Chow No Comments

Buffets are usually known for quantity instead of quality, but in this day and age, discerning consumers value both qualities equally and Four Seasons Hotel’s One-Ninety Wood-fired Steaks and Seafood is one of the few places in Singapore that lets you have your cake and eat it. 

I first had a taste of their Mezze Dinner Buffet (S$58++ including appetizer and dessert buffet spreads and one main course) earlier this year and I enjoyed it so much that I had to take JW there on a separate occasion. 

Appetizer & Dessert Buffet

What I love about the appetizer and dessert buffet is that the extensive selection caters to all your whims and fancies. There is also an element of surprise as items are refreshed daily based on the freshest catch and produce, so you can expect nothing but the very best culinary offerings ranging from organic salads, cured meat, cheese, succulent seafood and exquisite desserts that promise to tantalize your taste buds. 


I was blown away by the wide variety of seafood and organic vegetables.The prawns were very fresh and came with a hint of sweetness while the sweet cherry tomatoes oozed juicy goodness with every bite.

If you have a sweet tooth, you will be in for a treat at the dessert buffet which boasts a delectable array of cakes, bread and butter pudding (my personal favourite!), cookies and fresh fruits.

  
Main Courses

The main course menu features a sumptuous spread of cuisine wood-fired over the sweet aroma of apple wood.  
Here’s what you can expect:
  • 120-day Grain-fed Steak Onglet
  • Sustainable Ahi Tuna Steak
  • Free-range Cajun-spiced Spring Chicken
  • Mediterranean Sea Bass Fillet
  • Grilled Ocean King Prawns and Calamari
  • Slow-roasted Japanese Pumpkin
  • Red Label Organic Salmon (add S$10)
  • Ranger Valley Wagyu 400-day Grain-fed Australian Rump (add S$10)
  • Black Angus Prime 200-day Grain-fed Beef Tenderloin (add S$32)
  • Baby Lamb Chops (add S$32)
If you are a meat lover, I would highly recommend the steaks here.I tried both the Wagyu Rump and Black Angus Prime on my first visit and I have to say they were well worth the top-up and calories. The Black Angus Prime was more tender, but both were equally succulent and tasty, with a delightful tinge of wood-fired flavour.

Black Angus Prime 200-Day Grain-Fed Beef Tenderloin

Good steaks are
hard to come by in Singapore, and given that JW is a huge fan of steak, I
insisted that he came along on my second visit. He too agreed that this was one of the best steaks he has tasted in Singapore.
On my second visit, I ordered the Grilled Ocean King Prawns and Calamari for my main course. I love seafood, and this dish has all the makings of the perfect dinner for a seafood lover. The King Prawns and calamari were very fresh and juicy, and the overall taste was enhanced with a slight hint of wood-fired flavour.

Some of the other ala-carte items that you have to try include the very fragrant truffle foccocia which was previously only reserved for VIPs. 
Before the start of the meal, pamper yourself with Four Seasons Hotel Singapore’s signature Singapore Sangria, a cocktail that infuses flavours from Asian fruits such as dragonfruit, starfruit and lychee liquer. This delicious concoction was exclusively created for Four Seasons Hotel Singapore by Javier de las Muelas and can only be found on our sunny island. You could also pop by on Fridays for Happy Hour between 6-8pm and enjoy 1-for-1 on cocktails of your choice.
Aside from the delectable food and drinks, I truly appreciate the cozy and intimate ambience at One-Ninety, where you can catch glimpses of Executive Chef Giovanni Speciale, Senior Sous Chef Nicolas Owen and the team working their culinary magic as you just sit back, relax and indulge in the freshest and finest gastronomical fare. Definitely what I would consider as one of life’s greatest pleasures.

 
One-Ninety Wood-fired Steaks and Seafood, 
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
 
 Reservations:
Call (65) 6831 7250 or email one-ninety.sin@fourseasons.com

Address:
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
190 Orchard Boulevard S’pore 248646
6.30pm-10.30pm 
Website:
http://www.fourseasons.com/singapore/dining/restaurants/one_ninety/
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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:

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

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