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Regina Chow - Singapore Fashion, Beauty & Travel Blog
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New Zealand 2012: Lake Tekapo Part 2

January 14, 2013 by Regina Chow 2 Comments
I may be back in Singapore, but whenever I look at photos of my New Zealand trip, I can’t help but smile. πŸ™‚ I’m sorry I took so long, but I finally found time to do up Part 2 of Lake Tekapo!

There are only about 11 restaurants in Lake Tekapo, so there aren’t many choices for meals. Since Kohan Restaurant is ranked number 1 on Tripadvisor, we decided to give it a go.

The sashimi here comes from the salmon farms that New Zealand is supposedly famous for, but I much prefer wild salmon. The texture and sweetness of the flesh is just different! 

The restaurant is run by true blue Japanese, and you’ll be surprised to see that the entire restaurant is filled with Asian patrons. In New Zealand, you’ll see cows, sheep and busloads of Asian tourists everywhere!
 We weren’t too impressed with the salmon, but the tempura here was fried to perfection.
To end off the meal on a sweet note, we ordered their signature creme brulee, which turned out to be great. It came with candy floss too! That pretty much summed up our dinner for the first night.
The next day was slightly gloomier than usual, but we were in high spirits as Karen finally arrived!
With scenery like that, it’s hard not to feel happy. With scenery like that, of course we had to take as many photos as possible too!
Lake Tekapo will not be complete without these gorgeous Lupins in shades of pink and lavender. 
After lunch, we explored the area near the lake.
Statue of a sheep collie dog dedicated to the working collie dogs of the McKenzie region
There’s nothing much to do in Lake Tekapo, but the scenery alone is worth every bit of your time. It was a sight to behold, even as dark clouds loomed above us and the raindrops started falling.
We climbed atop a huge rock perched in the waters, just for the sake of taking beautiful photos.
JW and Karen went first while I assumed the role of the photographer. I never intended to follow in their footsteps because of my irrational fear of water, but after seeing the photos, I overcame my phobia and went for it!
See how tightly I was clutching on to JW’s hands? We look sooo loving, but I actually did that out of fear!! LOL
The Church of the Good Shepherd is the most iconic architecture in Lake Tekapo. If you were to google Lake Tekapo, you’ll probably find a gazillion pictures of this church. It looks like any other church in the day, but by night, it transforms into the perfect spot for stargazing.
We didn’t have the right tools to capture the night view in its full glory, but this is exactly what you’ll see when you’re there at night.
 I know, it’s surreal right? We were in awe of the magnificent view!
If you’re interested in my previous post on Lake Tekapo, click on the link below:
New Zealand 2012 Lake Tekapo Part 1
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New Zealand 2012: Lake Tekapo Part 1

December 10, 2012 by Regina Chow 1 Comment
We spent a night at Christchurch before embarking on our 3-hour journey to Lake Tekapo via the Scenic Highway, which promised nothing but picturesque scenery that took our breath away! 
Most of the photos were taken with our DSLR while we were on the move. The vast pastures, rolling hills dotted with little fluffy sheeps and snow-capped mountains left me gaping with excitement! Trust me, I tried very hard to take a nap, but amidst all this beauty that mother nature has bestowed upon New Zealand, I simply had to do it justice by staying awake and capturing its magnificence on camera!

We were literally surrounded by beauty, 360 degrees. As I glanced at the side mirror, all I could do was sigh with wonder and attempt to capture those fleeting moments so that I can relive these timeless memories in future.

Thankfully, we had glorious weather for company that day, which meant that practically every shot was picture perfect! 

As we approached Lake Tekapo, we were greeted by rows after rows of vibrant purple and pink lupins. So gorgeous!!
The view from our accommodation at The Chalet Boutique Motel, an establishment owned by a lovely couple, Walter and Zita, was beyond mesmerizing. We received a very warm welcome from Walter upon arrival, and he not only gave us a very detailed rundown of what Lake Tekapo has to offer, but also handed us a map of the galaxy for star-gazing at night. 
I would definitely recommend this accommodation to anyone who’s planning a visit to Lake Tekapo. All toiletries are provided, and there’re make-up removal wet wipes too! There’s also a wide selection of beverages from Dilmah, a stove if you’re intending to cook and a microwave oven. The room is well-furnished, clean, spacious and most importantly, it offers a delightful view of Lake Tekapo.

 Check out the incredible scenery at Lake Tekapo! I didn’t do any colour editing at all. The waters are turquoise in colour thanks to ‘rock flour’, rock particles that are grinded by the glaciers. I’ve never seen any lake quite like this and I was absolutely blown away by its beauty!

I was all prepared to head to Tekapo Springs that evening, hence I was in swimwear and a coverup, but alas, they were closed to the public due to a private event. πŸ™

 
As I was writing this post, I received news that Karen managed to hop on the flight to Christchurch to join us! You’ll be seeing her in part 2 of my Lake Tekapo post as well as the rest of my NZ posts!
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Fashion Trend: Are you up for Scarves?

December 6, 2012 by Regina Chow No Comments
Scarves are perhaps the most versatile accessories anyone could have. Ornate, standout prints are great for jazzing up a plain top or dress, and the best part is, you can wear them in more ways than one! I started incorporating scarves into my wardrobe lately and I am happy to report that I am more than satisfied with the number of styles I can create with just a handful of scarves!

Scarf and Hat from Forever New
Black pumps from Chanel
Black Tank from Bangkok
Ruffle Skirt given by Sushi
 I went for a preppy chic look with my newly acquired Forever New scarf tied in the style of a girl scout. And just like that, it single-handedly transformed my otherwise boring black tank top into a cute and stylish one! I carried my fashion experiment further by pairing the top and scarf with a ruffle skirt given to me by Sushi and voila, I looked like I put on a fancy little dress. The next time you think you’re running out of clothes to wear, remember that a scarf may just be what you need! πŸ˜‰

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A Walk in Fagan Park

December 5, 2012 by Regina Chow No Comments
By the time you read this, I would already be in New Zealand for a 15-day trip. I am a city girl at heart,  but I am just as awed by the beauty of nature and the sense of serenity it evokes.  A concrete jungle lined with rows of retail shops may be my cup of tea, but sometimes, I just want to get away from the main artery of the city and retreat into a land where all I see are trees, flowers and birds.

Sydney is perhaps the most bustling city in Australia, but it has its fair share of sprawling nature parks and trails, mere steps away from the horrendous traffic. One such park is Fagan Park, located in the neighbourhood of Dural.

 It’s incredible how quiet and tranquil this part of the city is. There was hardly anyone in sight!

Fagan Park pays homage to gardens from different countries. The gardens aren’t particularly well-maintained, but I do like the fact that they’re very secluded and you can just while your afternoon away in the company of nature.

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Strawberry and Watermelon Cake

December 3, 2012 by Regina Chow 1 Comment
Nestled in a quiet spot away from the heaving Newtown traffic, Black Star Pastry is home to an assortment of delightful pies and desserts. My favourite dessert here is its popular strawberry and watermelon cake, sprinkled with slivered pistachios and rose petals.
It’s hard not to fall in love with such a beautiful yet wholesome cake, especially when it is devoid of sinful layers of sweet cream. Made of two layers of almond dacquoise, succulent strawberries and watermelon laced with just a hint of whipped cream, this cake definitely aims to please. More importantly, it tastes refreshingly light and every bite sends you to dessert nirvana. 
 
Just thinking about it now makes me salivate. Need I say more? πŸ™‚
Black Star Pastry
277 Australia Street, Newtown
Tel: +61 (02) 9557 8656
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Family in Town!

December 1, 2012 by Regina Chow 1 Comment

My inlaws were in town last week, with my sis-in-law being the first to arrive. The first couple of days were spent shopping, eating and camwhoring all over town. I know, I’m a girl, but the boundless energy that we girls have when it comes to shopping never fails to amaze me.
Birkenhead Point is a must for all shopaholics in Sydney, because that’s where they house outlet stores for Australian brands such as Alannah Hill, Forever New, Witchery, Mimco and Review, just to name a few. We spent hours there on the second day, much to the dismay of the hubs.
Camwhoring at Forever New, Birkenhead Point

 Sportsgirl was having a massive sale, and that was where we spent the bulk of our time along George Street.

It was an eventful day, to say the least, culminating in dinner with Pei at Darling Harbour followed by obligatory shots along the Harbour.

 
 I think everyone except JW had a ball of a time because most of our time was spent shopping and taking photos (he’s the default photographer although he has absolutely no interest in it whatsoever). To his credit, his photography skills are improving by leaps and bounds! He deserves a pat on the back for sure! Ok, I’ll throw in a massage too.
 

Outfit from Dip Drops
Boots from random shop in Bondi


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Palm Beach & Avalon Beach

November 25, 2012 by Regina Chow 2 Comments
We’re leaving Sydney very soon and while I do miss Singapore very much, I know I’ll really miss the pristine beaches, many of which remain untouched by commercialization.
Two of such beaches are Palm Beach and Avalon Beach, tucked safely away from civilization in the Eastern suburbs of Sydney.
We were the only visitors at Avalon Beach that day. Time seemed to stand still as we watched the waves crashing against the beach and felt the soft sand beneath our feet.
Secluded beaches like this are hard to come by these days, and there are times when I wonder why Australians venture abroad to Bali etc. when there are so many gorgeous beaches right at their doorstep.
The Palm Beach vicinity may be home to the rich and famous, but likewise, the beach is untainted by any signs of development and absolutely perfect for relaxing on a sunny afternoon.
Monokini from Valleygirl

The beaches at Manly and Bondi are immensely popular spots for people watching, but if you crave a little quiet time alone, away from the hustle and bustle, Palm Beach and Avalon Beach may just be your cup of tea. To me at least, these are the best kept secrets of Sydney. πŸ˜‰
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Miami State of Mind: Top 5 Things to Do in Miami

November 7, 2012 by Regina Chow No Comments
I should really start on my research for our New Zealand trip this December, but my infatuation with beaches led me to google “Miami” instead.  
The last time I visited the US was more than a decade ago. Then again, I only visited Hawaii, Las Vegas, L.A and San Francisco. Hawaii stole my heart. I was besotted with Waikiki beach even as a teen, and that experience ignited my love for beaches. Why, what’s not to love about crystal clear waters and soft white sand?
 My girlfriends and I were supposed to visit Miami last October, together with a host of other cities, but luck wasn’t on our side and our plans didn’t materialize. Fast forward 1 year on, and I’m still in a Miami state of mind (New York too, but we’ll save that for another day).
Here’s a list of things that I would do in Miami:
 1. Relax on South Beach
South Beach is the place to be seen in Miami and it certainly lives up to the typical Miami stereotype. Who knows, you might even be lucky enough to catch some models or celebrities basking in the sun.
2. Take a stroll along Art Deco Ocean Drive
Home to the world’s largest collection of Art Deco architecture, Ocean Drive is the perfect place to start the tour of the Art Deco district in Miami. Immerse in the beauty of over 800 flamboyant buildings, painstakingly preserved to reflect their past glory.
The Versace Mansion, which has since been converted into a hotel, is on my list of buildings to visit.
The entire strip comes alive at night as the buildings light up in bold shades of neon against the backdrop of palm trees swaying gently in the sea breeze.
For a better idea of what Ocean Drive looks like by day, check out this Ocean Drive flash mob video from the “Step Up 4 – Miami Heat” movie trailer!

3. Explore Little Havana
Did you know that 80% of the Miami population is Cuban? Many Cubans sought asylum in Miami in the 1960s after communist leader Fidel Castro came into power.
Well then, what better way to get to know more about Cuban culture than to visit Little Havana, a quaint neighbourhood reminiscent of Cuba? Apparently, the buildings and restaurants that line the street are very similar to what you would see in Cuba. 
4. Visit the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens 
Vizcaya Museum is a piece of Italy, or more specifically, Venice. Certainly, a few gondolas in the river would complete the imagery, wouldn’t it?
This opulent Renaissance-style mansion was built in the 20th century and is a treasure trove full of antiques and paintings dating from the 16th-19th centuries.
An avid fan of European interior design, I wouldn’t miss this for the world. 

5. Attend the Art Basel Exhibition
Art Basel is the world’s leading art show for modern and contemporary art, and the Art Basel Exhibition in Miami Beach is the most prestigious exhibition in America. Art collectors, curators, dealers and enthusiasts alike congregate on Miami Beach every year for this spectacular showcase of artworks.
 There’s so much to do on Miami beach, but these are my top 5 picks for now. A trip to the US will not happen any time soon, although I wish I could scoot off to Miami right away!

Credits: Timeout, Wikipedia
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Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi Beach & Tamarama Beach

November 2, 2012 by Regina Chow No Comments

Sculpture by the Sea is an annual sculpture exhibition on the eastern coast of Sydney. Beautifully crafted sculptures line Tamarama Beach and Bondi Beach, injecting an artistic vibe to the coastlines!
Beach culture is prevalent all over Australia, which works in my favour because I love hanging out at the beach! I know it’s hard to believe that someone like me, who shies away from the sun and doesn’t swim at all, can actually take a fancy to the beach, but there’s something about the crashing waves and soft, pristine sand that sets my heart aflutter.

I adore art exhibitions as well, simply because it is interesting to see how creative ideas are transformed into works of art. The fruits of labour are often unexpected, or even incomprehensible in some cases, but the element of surprise is very intriguing indeed.

This dome installation is one of my favourites. Who would have thought of rolling up colourful t-shirts to create roses? The enchanting visual impact is a testament of the artist’s ingenuity!
Here are some of the other artworks that caught my eye:

We parked at Tamarama Beach and walked all the way to Bondi, enjoying the sights along the way. Sydney has no lack of gorgeous beaches, but Bondi beach is definitely the place to be seen. It is no surprise that it is the most crowded of all beaches, because this is where all the action is! 
 We were there on a Wednesday, but look at how crowded the beach was!
 Time to quench our thirst on a scorching hot day!
What more could you ask for when you have a spectacular view of the beach and its glorious waves?
This is my idea of a perfect afternoon. Sipping on fresh juice and gazing at the vast ocean is so relaxing and therapeutic, I feel like I’m in paradise. 
Now that the weather is warmer, I’ve been heading out more often for a spot of beach therapy! I always feel rejuvenated after a day at the beach.
What about you? Do you love beaches too? πŸ™‚
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Great Ocean Road

October 31, 2012 by Regina Chow No Comments
Everyone who has been to Melbourne would have gone on a road trip along the Great Ocean Road, where you’ll be treated to scenic views of the vast ocean expanse. I’m not exactly a fan of nature, unless the view is spectacular of course. In this case, I thought the scenery was rather monotonous. 
It was just us and the ocean, nothing else. For 4 hours.

Regardless, that didn’t stop us from getting out of the car to take photos along the way.

I was more excited about our lunch at The Bottle of Milk, a quaint establishment that sells some of the best burgers around.

Who else could’ve made me more excited about lunch than my very own Mr Grey?

Erm, maybe not. 

Now let’s focus on the burger, which is made of premium quality Australian beef. It’s yummy and humungous to boot! We ended up sharing, because as the age-old adage goes, sharing is caring.

After lunch, it was back to the Great Ocean. This time, we had a slightly different view.

There were rolling hills, green pastures and cows, just like the rural parts of Europe which I absolutely love.

After more rolling hills and what seemed like an eternity, we finally arrived at The Twelve Apostles. 

We were overwhelmed by the picturesque scenery around us. Naturally, we started snapping away, like every other tourist there. Until our DSLR died on us, that is.
 I know, there are probably only about 6 Apostles left (excluding the miserable stumps you see protruding from the sea surface) but let’s forget that and just take a moment to enjoy the beauty that mother nature has bestowed upon us. 
Although from certain angles, The Twelve Apostles actually look like The Three Sisters submerged in water. πŸ˜›

Ten minutes away from The Twelve Apostles, two shipwrecked survivors emerged from the sea at Loch Ard Gorge. I’m not referring to the two below though.
There were no shipwrecked survivors that day, but there was one fearless rockclimber.
Isn’t the photographer awesome? She’s also very skilled at multi-tasking. She was telling the rockclimber to be careful, sighing and rolling her eyes while the camera was rolling. 
Such are the perils of marrying a rockclimber. 
Sigh, my dog life.

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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)

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

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

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