..in a new york state of mind

On days like these, my mind rewinds and I picture myself trotting along the rough but characteristically cobblestone streets of Soho. I make my way to one of my favourite restaurants between Prince and Mercer Streets – where I once sat across the room from Vera Wang and her squeeze. Finishing my cuppa chai and a slice of cake, I make my way out to the buzzing streets of Soho and my eyes find a neon sigh ahead and that reads “DVF and 7 for all Mankind SAMPLE SALE” Trying my best not to squeal, I wait for the lights to change while many yellow taxis zip past me…

…and then I realise, no, that’s not quite happening..on days like these.

steam from a cup, and snow from the path

Over the course of the week that E was in NYC, he would accompany me on the subway ride to work every morning, and then pop over for my lunch break.

We had burgers, take aways from Quiznos, thick shakes, flat Pepsi and a whole slew of quick and breezy lunch fixes – reason being because we either wanted the mobility to eat in my favourite park or finish up real fast and adjourn to said park.

Snapshots below of our Tuesday afternoon at Shake Shack

New yorkers sunbathing in full glory

My fondest memories of NYC with E might probably be these stipulated hour breaks that I get to spend with him in the dense foilage and beauty of Madison Square Park. We’d chomp on our food, take turns to sip our shared rootbeer floats, steal some kisses and marvel at every squirrel that scutters by.

An occasional cool breeze will drift by like flightly spirits, and being in those moments just make you forget about the stresses of your day. There was something in the air that kept us smiling, sharing stories, cooing at babies and drawing joy out of the most simplest objects. It was perfect.

And I just want to say, lunch at Madison Square Park is the new Breakfast at Tiffany’s.

..and she clicked her red patent pumps

I crawled out of bed this morning at 6am (JETLAG), fixed myself a bowl of fruits and made my way to the arm chair. Flicked on Channel News Asia and poured over the content of Lauren Weisenberg’s Chasing Harry Winston – the apples were sweet and I was halfway thru my 1.5L of lemon h2o. My kitty pounced onto my feet and nudged his head into my toes, purely inciting some tender lovin’..

There’s no place like home.

Now I’m in the office, and then I’m looking forward to making my way for some wholegrain goodness at Cedele but not before calling Strip that’s on my speed dial for a waxing appointment, and then dashing to lecture at 2pm. The familiarity and oxymoronic luxury of having back to back appointments at my fingertips..

There’s no place like home.

A jog along the highway tonight, sushi on Tuesday, a belated birthday celebration I’m looking insanely forward to on Wednesday..and a special visit to Tiffany’s this Friday Am also intending to catch Paris Je T’aime at Alliance Francaise this week, along with the Dark Knight this weekend. I have already scoffed a very local breakfast on Sunday, and am delighted that all my local food favourites are at my whim 24/7.. A heavy pan of glazed bacon, hash, tomatoes and fresh juice for my weekend brunch at Graze sounds tantalising.. I am already smiling as I pencil out my week’s activities in my Moleskin..

There’s no place like home.

You gotta lose to know how to win

I recently got back in touch with an old friend, we used to play hopscotch during school breaks and doodle our lives as princesses on our jotter books. She has always loved animals – horses in particular, and I wanted to be a fashion designer. That was when we were 8.

Today she is soon completing her study tenure to be a Vet and has plans to relocate to work with horses, whereas I am so far off tangent from being a fashion designer.

It got me thinking, how many people do you know whose childhood dream has coincided with reality? Children who had dared to dream, who grew into adults that actually held on tight to the seams of that dream – externalities, curveballs, challenges and all. For me, it was the industry restrictions and income factor that played a part in altering the path I took.

So, what is your excuse?

I guess what I am trying to express is; if you have or had a dream, and can still achieve it within your means, do go all out for it. Otherwise, you could join me in lament and take a listen to Aerosmith’s ‘Dream On’ while you’re at it – it sure fits the mood I reckon.

fly away

My boyfriend has arrived in the city and we are off to troll the jazz and comedy clubs, get heartburn on texmex, chimex and authentic mexican, visit my favourite sushi bar and celebrate my birthday (hopefully) in style come Monday. — We have planned to take a carriage drawn ride from The Plaza hotel to wherever it brings us (I know, how cheesy…but I like!!), and then haul our picnic basket to Central Park to watch the sunset, finish a bottle of vino and drown in giggles. 

I have waited near 7 weeks to see him and am beyond thrilled to share nyc with him. As blogging, in my opinion are for those with time on their hands – my posts will be less regular and possibly stop altogether. Afterall, there’s so much to do outside, and well, inside too. Hehehehe.

To my friends, I’ll call you when I’m back! To the netizens at large (I wish I knew who was reading this blog), till we meet again, or at least, till my next post!

Su out. <3

time with myself.

 

Knocked off on the dot and I went back to the apartment to slip on my new Nine West stilettos. I met my reservation of 730pm at Cuba – it was my first time having cuban food and my curiosity was piqued. Waited at the bar while they set up my table, with a Sangria in hand – the 1st of the 5, or 6 that I had. 

A two-piece band came on that infectiously had the crowd chorusing, although what was more stellar was the old mexican man sitting by the window sill rolling fresh cigars for sale. Guess you can take the man out of Cuba but you can’t take the Cuba out of a man  

After dinner, I made my way to le poisson rouge, a hop skip and jump away from the restaurant. The nyc jazz festival was running for another week or so and I really wanted to catch Soul Live and Joshua Redman. 

Keeping up with tradition, the performing artistes were fashionably late – of which they were forgiven for after enchanting the audience 20mins into the first set. Like a visiting old friend whom you don’t wish to say goodbye to; the gig was up after 4 hours which must’ve really been 2. 

I hailed a cab and got right in, while the jamaican driver chimed ‘Ow was yer night lady?’ Having the mix of Sangrias, beer and Vodka lime still buzzing inside me, I let out a faint sigh and realised that this night had hosted one of the best dates I ever had.

body essentials

E was in London once upon a time, and decided to surprise me with a slew of RANDOMLY selected Victoria Secret’s body products. He literally hauled back 1/4 luggage full of them seeing how there was a sale nearby his hotel.

Unfortunately, I only liked every 2 out of 5 the products he chose. Thankfully, 1 product absolutely hit the nail on the head.

The Pear Glace body mist from the VS Secret Garden range. I look forward to spritzing this light dewy mist over my arms and body after a hot shower with my pores all ready to absorb some scented goodness. It doesn’t feel sticky, lasts quite a while and I love its subtlety.

I’ve stocked up on a few bottles and even grabbed its moisturising body butter cos I love its scent so much.

Now I’m on the hunt for the Sabon Lavander Apple body moisturiser, I’ve read many a good reviews on it and Lavender may possibly be my favourite of favourite scents.

I do love self-pampering, can’t you tell?

Be mine

A special occasion is coming up. I work hard for my money. Should I get myself a little treat? And when guilt starts to overrule, I counter it by self-justifying – I’m at the stage of my life where I’ve yet to have that many commitments (academic fees don’t really count, I much rather that over mortgage), surely I’m allowed to cave in?  

It has been 3 years. Everytime I walk past a Loewe boutique, I can’t help but go in and take a look at their latest Amazona designs.. I’ve always thought if I had enough pennies scraped together, what would I get? With the many innovative designs, weaves, skins, embellishments..a gal was spoilt for choice. Well, I think I found the Amazona that I like. Doesn’t she look like a classic? 

Then there’s the Balenciaga bag, ever since celebs started toting around the City my senses started to prickle and I thought, mmm….really cute. Then the Giant City was released and I knew what I felt was love. I could fall really hard for a White, Hot Pink, or hell..any colour that you throw my way. I really want this bag. 

 

And as if not enough ladies were lusting after the 2.55, Chanel’s latest pre-fall release sees more quilts, hardware and structure – elements of a bag that don’t go wrong in my books. 

What is a girl to do? 

The Met

Ahh yes, the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

I’ve never been a “museum person”, and 15 minutes into the Met I was convinced of that. Two thirds of museums bore me, I’m all about culture, and history..but somehow I just don’t get  museums. But I’m glad I gave the Met a go, it is afterall one of the largest in the world (#1 is the Lourve in Paris) and there were certain exhibits that took my breath away…

This museum had an air of grandeur to it, its space was huge and you could pick up the distinct styles of the curator from exhibit to exhibit. It was like all I imagined, and I must say I loved the relics the most. How such intricacies were put into the tools and jewlery used back then. Its the stories behind the art that engage me the most.

There was Roman, Japanese, Chinese, American, Contemporary; ALL kinds of art. A “non-believer” as myself spent 3 hours there, what more an aficionado?

Great touche.

Take a moment to scrutnize the talent of this artist

A shot my aunt took of me, featuring my original intent birthday dress :p I had bought this dress 3 months ago and packed it in my suitcase thinking “Ahh, you’re going to be christened here in NYC on my birthday!” Then I found a slinkly LBD and had this be my summery dress instead. Yes, I do grab any excuse in the name of shopping. Amen.  

talking zen

“I have a new philosophy. I am only going to dread one day at a time.”

- Charles M Schulz