Travel – Page 10 – Regina Chow

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Sorbet Colours

July 22, 2012 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

Don’t you love sorbet colours? I’ve always loved these sweet pastel hues and I’m sure it doesn’t come as a surprise to many that my wardrobe was filled with apparel in feminine candy shades long before they became such a huge fashion trend today.

In the past, you’ll only find tulle skirts or poufy girly dresses in pastel colours, but thanks to the current trend now, I can easily find basic tops, jackets and jeans in the same colours too!

If this diabetes-inducing palette is a tad too sugary sweet for your liking, you can always par down the sweetness and go for a more clean-cut style by matching a basic top with jeans and a crisp jacket before topping it off with a dose of playful accessories. I like this look because I can choose to wear it to office on dress-down Fridays or just a casual day out with friends!

The sharp, tailored silhouette of this mint green blazer from Zara caught my attention instantly. It’s one of my favourite blazers now because it goes with virtually everything in my wardrobe.

Mint green blazer from Zara
Pink jeans from Mango
Baby blue sweater from Cocolatte
Necklace and arm candies from Diva
Earrings from Chanel

I got this pair of pastel pink jeans from Mango while shopping with my mum. I wasn’t sure if I should get it then, but my mum convinced me that it was a great buy. Looks like mum certainly knows best!

It has been a while since I last shopped with my mum, so I’m really looking forward to our next shopping spree when I get back to Singapore. 😉

Here’re my favourite accessories at the moment. I know, even I am sick of seeing them on my blog. Haha.

Finally, Chanel studs, otherwise known as every woman’s best friend, simply because they go with just about everything.

Have a great week ahead guys!

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Hurricane’s Grill

July 20, 2012 by Regina Chow No Comments

I’ve been wanting to dine at Hurricane’s since forever, and it was entirely by chance that we stumbled upon one of its branches at Top Ryde City one day when we had nothing to do and a lot of time on our hands.

I recall that Angela was with me the last time I went looking for Hurricane at Darling Harbour. It took us a while to find the restaurant and in the process, we came across this strange Thai restaurant called Thai Foon Restaurant, which really cracked us up. I guess Australians really fancy typhoons and hurricanes. LOL. Alas, the Darling Harbour branch was fully booked and I didn’t have the chance to step in then.

Anyway, for the uninitiated, Hurricane’s specializes in premium Australian beef steaks, ribs and bbq chicken, marinated in its signature sauce, which is apparently of South Africa origins. This is one restaurant that tourists frequent just to get a taste of Australian cuisine

We shared a full rack, which looks so much larger in real life than it does in pictures, that my jaw dropped momentarily when it was served. I love ribs. It is an absolute joy to tear the juicy, succulent and well-marinated meat from the bones and savour the decadent goodness of it all.

We ordered garlic mushrooms as well and boy, the mushrooms were bursting with flavour with every bite. I would highly recommend this side dish, especially if you’re a fan of garlic, like me!

Note to self: I should really stop blogging about food during the wee hours of the morning, because it only makes me salivate and crave for food.

Now, excuse me while I reach for my Krispy Kreme donut.

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Cammeray & Dee Why Beach

July 17, 2012 by Regina Chow No Comments

I have said this umpteen times, but I really enjoy feasting in Sydney because the ingredients are as fresh as you can possibly get (especially seafood).

The plan for the day was to head to the beach and soak in the lovely sun, but before that, we swang by People Modern Cafe at Cammeray to fill our tummies with sumptuous teriyaki salmon. I wrote about this cafe previously when my aunt first brought us there. You can click here to read the post if you’re interested.

LOL doesn’t JW look like he wants to devour my share as well?

Before long, it was time to work off our lunch by taking a stroll along the beach. Sydney is famous for its numerous beaches, but thus far, I’ve only been to Manly and Bondi, which are the most touristy of them all.

This time, we decided to venture to Dee Why Beach instead.

The weather has been holding up pretty well these days and I don’t even have to wear a coat in the day! Erm, but I was a little overdressed for the beach as vanity got the better of me.

I bought this lace dress from Kitson in Tokyo a while back, but I haven’t worn it very much as it can be a tad too warm for our weather in Singapore. I adore it to bits though and I especially like the see-through lace sleeves.

My new pastel skull necklace from Diva. Diva has the most amazing accessories this season, and the best part is, they come in the prettiest pastel shades!

Most of my outfit shots are taken by JW, who just assumed the role of my photographer despite not having much of an interest in photography. To give credit to his fab skills, I got behind the camera this time and took his outfit shot for him! Haha. He’s quite a natural at posing, isn’t he?

I love that Dee Why Beach is less crowded and commercialized than Bondi and Manly. It’s also much quieter and more family oriented as we spotted some families bonding over sea sports and just basking in the welcoming warmth of the sun.

It didn’t take long before hunger pangs set in, so off we went in search of food. Yums! The potato wedges came with the most delicious sour cream and sweet chilli sauce. We literally gobbled up the whole bowl in record time.

I wasn’t kidding when I told you feasting is one of our favourite pastimes. Look how happy JW is!

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Greys, Golds and Pastels

July 16, 2012 by Regina Chow 3 Comments

I know I haven’t been posting as regularly as I used to, thus I certainly endeavour to post more now that I’m back in Sydney! The weather has been getting warmer when it’s supposed to be the peak of winter, but I’m not complaining as it gives me more reason to dress up. 😉

On days when I’m lazy to dress up, however, this would be my go-to outfit.

I love my reversible fur jacket, which has served me well for about 3 years now and those ripped jeans were a steal at just 10 bucks from Hong Kong’s Argyle Centre. But, the highlight of this outfit, to me at least, is my footwear.

When I was back in Singapore recently, I fell head over heels in love with this pair of flats at Scape flea market. The mesh front and gold cuffs lend a touch of edginess without compromising on style. It was love at first sight.

I gotta show you my favourite arm candies too! I got the mint spiked bracelet and pastel pink bracelet from Diva in Sydney. I’ve a huge soft spot for pastels so you’ll spot me wearing these practically everyday. 😛

Some shots at home, without my fur jacket.

On a separate note, I’ve been wondering if I should perm my hair now that it’s significantly longer, but most of my friends seem to prefer it straight.

I guess I’ll keep it as it is for a while more before I decide. What do you think?

Have a great week ahead!!

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Mortar & Pestle

July 7, 2012 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

I usually gorge myself crazy whenever I’m in Sydney because the food is just too good to miss!

And of course, it definitely helps when you have newfound friends to share in the joy of eating. 😀 I love getting food recommendations from friends because quality is always assured!

I haven’t quite had a proper sit-down meal since I got back thanks to my busy work schedule, and these pictures really make me miss feasting with friends! Nowadays, even sleep has become a luxury! The only time when I don’t see my colleagues is when I sleep. LOL. Thank God they’re such a fun bunch of people to hang out with.

The good news is, I’ll be heading back really soon. Besides food, I realised I actually really enjoy taking long hikes in the company of nature. I may complain incessantly during the hike itself, but at the end of the day, I do feel rather accomplished when I complete a route. Needless to say, the scenery and close proximity to nature does invigorate one’s senses. It’s therapeutic for the soul too. 😉 Love the laid-back culture over there.

The laid-back culture in Australia also gives me less reason to dress up, especially for meals, but for some reason, JW seems to like this natural look much more.

I also love that my hair is now much longer. The best part is, I don’t have to style it at all. It stays arrow straight and smooth all day. YAY!

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Watsons Bay

July 5, 2012 by Regina Chow 5 Comments

Watsons Bay is the oldest fishing village in Australia and is home to the very first Doyles seafood restaurant. The Doyles family has been serving fresh seafood in Australia since 1885 so one can only imagine how well-established and popular their chain of restaurants is.

We popped by the restaurant for fish and chips.

I like that it’s located next to the wharf, where you can see the water glistening under the sunlight. I never thought that looking at pictures could be this therapeutic, especially when I’m swamped with work.

Don’t get me wrong though. I’m still enjoying myself. I really can’t complain when I have the company of such wonderful colleagues but sometimes, I can’t help but wonder if people actually get addicted to the whole idea of being busy, living on crazy schedules with never-ending messages on the computer and on our iPhones/Blackberry. In addition to work, we juggle family, kids and social life, often packing our schedules with lunches, teas, dinners, suppers or other “necessary” errands.

I was reading an article online recently and it claimed that women, as opposed to men, tend to exhibit such behaviour. I guess it is true to some extent for me. When JW is tired, he knocks out on the bed immediately, but I usually have 101 things to do before I head to bed, regardless of how tired I am. I have to shower, slather on my facial and body skincare products, switch on the laptop just to catch up on a little internet surfing or work, watch tv (I can’t do without TVB drama serials) and perhaps busy myself with some menial household chores like washing the dishes.

I guess for many, being busy gives you a sense of achievement. On the contrary, you feel lost when you have nothing to do or empty slots in your schedule. Sounds familiar? Haha you are certainly not alone.

That said, I do enjoy quiet time away from work and activities. I can just lie on the couch and watch tv all day or just idle my time away on the beach. I think having pockets of “me” time gives you time to reflect and rethink your priorities in life.

Looking at these photos makes me miss the idyllic days in Australia. The scenery is so breath-taking! None of the photos in this post are edited by the way.

This was where I took my outfit photos in my previous post. I can just sit here and stare at the Tasman sea all day.

The spectacular view of the Sydney Harbour can be seen to the west of Watsons Bay. This is definitely my favourite shot!

I hope you enjoyed viewing these photos as much as I did. I apologize for not writing as much as I used to, but having to work more than 12 hours a day means that I barely have time to sleep! LOL I’ll try as much as possible to squeeze some time to post whenever I can!

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Surry Hill

June 28, 2012 by Regina Chow No Comments

We visited Reuben Hills, one of Sydney’s most popular cafes last Saturday. Don’t let the shopfront fool you. The moment the door opens, the cafe instantly springs to life!

Reuben Hills is located at Surry Hill, home to most of the hippest cafes in town. As we stood in line for our turn, we realized this is also where the dressiest and most fashionable crowd hang out in Sydney.

Let’s take a peek at the menu, shall we?

The cafe is famous for its coffee, which is rich and potent. Another popular favourite is the salted caramel milkshake. It comes in a gigantic tin cup and one sip is enough to blow your mind.

We shared a table with 2 friendly Australian ladies who not only offered to take a couple shot for us, but also gave us recommendations on places to visit.

The potent concoction. In general, the coffee in Sydney is much better than that in Singapore.

JW had the spice grilled chicken fillet burger. The food here is surprisingly good!

I had the soft baked eggs with shaved jamon. If you’re familiar with Wild Honey in Singapore, this is the equivalent of Tunisian on their menu. I like Wild Honey’s version, but sadly, it pales in comparison to Reuben Hills’.

Reuben Hills
61 Albion Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
(02) 9211 5556

After filling our tummies, we drove further down the street where all the vintage shops are situated!

Grandma Takes a Trip and Cream on Crown (http://www.creamonline.com.au/) are 2 of the most popular vintage shops in Sydney.

Besides vintage clothes, you’ll also find a record store (http://www.recordstore.com.au/) that specializes in vinyl records.

One of the guys from the store saw how captivated we were by the wall paintings outside and promptly invited us in for a visit.

Here’s what the store looks like.

Thus far, the people whom we have come into contact with have been extremely kind, courteous and friendly. The service staff always serve with a smile and most (if not all) of the time, you can genuinely sense their sincerity when they strike up a conversation with you.

Even the drivers on the road are polite and always ready to give way when you signal. Everyone’s graciousness is so infectious, it’s no wonder Australia is crowned the happiest country in the world!

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A Day in Sydney with Angela

June 24, 2012 by Regina Chow 2 Comments

Angela and I haven’t met in years, but as time and fate would have it, we caught up in Sydney when she was here for a holiday. We had lunch at the Sydney Fish Market right after picking her up from the airport and we spent the next day soaking in the beauty of the city.

Some of my favourite works at the art gallery:

Took a leisurely stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens. You know how they say the grass is greener on the other side? It really is in Sydney! Not only that, the skies are bluer too! 😉
P.S: Besides watermarking, no editing was done to the photos in this post.

Angela refused to take any pictures but she gamely took one for me. I could barely open my eyes against the sunlight but still, I like how the photo turned out!

The magnificent Sydney bridge in its full glory. We were both impressed by how my trusty Canon Powershot S90 could take a photo this beautiful.

Throughout our time together, it was amazing how much we shared about our interests, aspirations and opinions about life in general. I know I’m starting to sound philosophical here, but I really do treasure heart-to-heart talks. Our next meet-up will take place at Forty Hands (my favourite cafe in Singapore), as promised! 🙂

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The Beauty of Glebe

June 22, 2012 by Regina Chow No Comments

Sorry to have gone missing over the past couple of days. Right after we came back from our ski trip at Snowy Mountains , we headed to Canberra for a 2-day trip and I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate Sydney after visiting Canberra.

I love Sydney’s quaint suburbs, complete with quirky cafes and weekend markets. Located south-west of the CBD, Glebe is one such suburb that bursts into life on weekends.

The Glebe Saturday market is a huge attraction. Its wide variety of knick knacks, eclectic clothes, accessories and vintage ware is a feast for the eyes and the main reason why visitors flock here every Saturday!

There was a cute little boy who was performing hip hop dance moves at the entrance of Glebe markets that day. He drew such a huge crowd and everyone was gushing about how talented he was!

In an era where brick-and-mortar bookstores are closing down one after another, it is extremely comforting to be know that one of Sydney’s best loved secondhand bookstore is located right at the heart of Glebe, across from the hustle and bustle of the Glebe markets.

What’s remarkably special about this place is the cafe tucked behind the facade of the bookstore, which will be unveiled to you in the pictures that follow.

Reading by the window is a luxury these days, especially when time is hardly on our side, but the moment you step into this bookstore, time seems to come to a standstill.

It provides a quiet respite from the crowds as the smell of books permeates the air to soothe your senses.

And just when you thought that was all the bookstore had to offer, the back of the store opens up to a beautifully decorated courtyard which doubles up as a cafe.

We were so glad to have uncovered this hidden gem. The graffiti walls lend an artistic yet laid-back chic vibe to the cafe, which makes it the perfect spot for brunch or tea.

JW had the chicken wrap, which he devoured instantly.

I had to have my toast with Vegemite. I’ve been crazy about Vegemite for a while now. It is a dark brown food spread made from yeast extract and can be eaten with bread, crackers and biscuits.

It’s not commonly found in Singapore, but essentially, it tastes just like Bouvril, which I used to love when I was a kid. It has since become a staple in my kitchen. 😉

I had a pumpkin soup to top it off. You know how pumpkin soup sometimes ends up either diluted or too thick? This was creamy, flavourful and of the right consistency, with just a hint of ginger for that extra kick!

And so, yes, that pretty much sums up my idea of a perfect Saturday afternoon in Sydney! I’ll be back with an outfit post next. 😉 Till then, enjoy the weekend ahead!

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Floral Denim

June 18, 2012 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

Floral denim has made a comeback this summer, but while it is great to see floral jeans in bold, contrasting colours, I personally prefer my floral jeans in subtler pastel shades.

I got this pair of jeans from Zara a while back. I wore it several times but it has proved to be extremely difficult to photograph because the colours simply do not show up well outdoors. This is what it looks like in real life.

I love playing with colours, and this pastel floral jeans allows me to do just that without looking like a clown thanks to the muted colours.

On the other hand, I think that its bolder counterparts (e.g. black base with bright floral prints) are harder to pull off without looking like you’re wearing pajamas or your granny’s clothes out, but that’s just my opinion. Experimenting with bold prints is fun, but versatility and practicality are far more important to me.

My only grouse about this pair of jeans is that it’s a little loose all around. I like my jeans snug and crease-free so I’m hoping that it’ll shrink after a round in the dryer. Wish me luck! If you’ve tips on how to shrink your jeans, please let me know ok?

Page 10 of 11« First...«8 91011 »

Sorbet Colours

Hurricane’s Grill

Cammeray & Dee Why Beach

Greys, Golds and Pastels

Mortar & Pestle

Watsons Bay

Surry Hill

A Day in Sydney with Angela

The Beauty of Glebe

Floral Denim

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