Happy 29

Nowadays, birthday is just a reason for me to pamper myself. To buy something extravagant, to dine in fine-dining restaurants or to buy tickets to a musical and a concert. When spending my hard-earned money, I usually have a guilt trip right before and after the moment handing out my plastics. So birthday is the best excuse, only followed by Christmas. And I no longer care about how old I am (or getting upset over aging). After all, age is just a number and I feel absolutely much better than when I was 21.

That day was all about me, aka I did everything alone. Unlike when I was young and loved to have a big birthday party with lots of friends, I prefer much few companies nowadays. I feel that I don't want to fake my laugh and waste my time on those who are just being there for the sake of being there. Trust me, it is a very tiring experience, for both host and attendees. You fake yourself enough while at work. You shouldn't do that in your private time, much less your birthday.

I had quite a full-day event scheduled, considered my saturdays always start at around noon. First I had a complimentary birthday make-over, in cutesy of Chanel. Then I treated myself a nice meal at Osteria Mozza, and then enjoyed myself with a musical. I had written about my experience of watching "The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber" previously, which means I will focus on the make-over and the dinner.

It was my second professional make-over experience and Chanel won my heart wholly. The staff was very polite without making me feel awkward. The make-up artist was knowledgeable and professional. Even though it was a complimentary session, I had a feeling that she didn't do any shortcut with my make-up. She even gave me some good tips on how to draw my eye brows or apply blush. There was no hard-sell of their products, and I personally think that was a very clever sales strategy. Making customers satisfied and happy and they will spend money in your brand. That was exactly what I did. I bought a liquid foundation at full price when I could buy it at a 20% discount elsewhere.

Here was I after the make-over

And Chanel even gave me a surprised birthday gift, which made it a much sweeter experience.

Guess what is it? A very elegant camellia bookmark

After the make-over, I headed to Osteria Mozza for a pre-theater dinner. I chose this restaurant for a few reasons. Firstly , it is located opposite the Grand Theater of Marina Bay Sands, which means I wouldn't need to rush after the meal (who knows how long it would take to finish a meal in these fine-dining establishments). Secondly, I was craving for Italian food. And thirdly, most important, they offer a reasonably-priced pre-theater dinner set meal.

The restaurant is having very good business. When I was there, it was almost full-house. And it was around 530pm at the time. Just imagine dinner time. Of course, I had to make reservation. I didn't want to feel disappointed on that day. And being turned away for your dinner is definitely a big no.

The decoration of the establishment is understated elegance with dark-wood furniture and warm lighting. The tables are spaced cleverly without making you feel like in a tuna can. I dislike hearing others' conversations during my meal. Sometimes I just want to enjoy the food and all I can think is what this guy learns from his culinary school. Well, it is nice to know that chefs think those who order well-done steaks are idiots. But I want to enjoy my tom yam noodles in peace, damn it!

The staff was polite and well-trained. And I was glad that they allowed to have photos taken in the restaurant. You never know which restaurants are snooty enough to forbid their customers from photographing in their premises. Overall, I did enjoy the food but except for the dessert, I don't think I will try the rest again. I am a tomato-base girl, and I won't feel satisfied with my pasta if it is a macaroni or the like. Well, trying to be adventurous had some price after all.

Osteria Mozza @ Marina Bay Sands

Table setting

A glass of wine to indulge myself

A sample complimentary from the chef

Appetizer: Burricotta with radicchio, spiced walnuts, honey & fried rosemary

Main dish: Orecchiette with sausage & Swiss chard

Dessert: Vanilla Panna Cotta mixed berry compote & biscotti

Of course, me dining at Osteria Mozza

Singapore entertainment - "The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber"

I guess it was quite a surprise to some of my friends or acquaintances to know that I love musicals. Well, I discovered that fact myself quite recently as well. But think about it, I should have known before, with my passion in "cai luong".

My first memory about musical is watching the movie "The sound of music" in my English class when I was in secondary school. The fact I had to write an essay about the film didn't discourage me from enjoying it. And I love Julie Andrews since. Her voice was gorgeous and the songs were beautiful, which made me to look for a VCD (yep, VCD, not DVD) so that I could watch it again and again.

The next musical film was "The phantom of the opera" with Gerald Butler, Emmy Rossum and Patrick Wilson as lead actors. My ex-boyfriend and I went for a midnight show and I ended up sleeping in the theater half-way of the show. I just didn't like Emmy Rossum as Christine, even if I liked both actors. And at the end of the day, movies are just movies. They aren't matches for what I could see in a musical theater.

Luckily for me, the movie version of "The phantom of the opera" didn't deter me from watching it when I was in New York last time. And the experience truly opened my eyes and gave me plenty of reasons to spend money on musical tickets, when I could. I will probably write blog post about that fantastic night at Broadway. I feel like cheating myself if I don't save a whole post for it.

And then, last year in Singapore, "Chicago" has come to Singapore with a few shows in Esplanade. I didn't know about it until the last few days. I went with a friend to watch it and fell in love all over again with musicals. Nothing beats the amazement of hearing the cast's beautiful voices, the gorgeous outfits and well-rehearsed dance composition. Not counting the joy of listening to the live music from an orchestra, albeit small. So yes, bring more musicals to Singapore.

And earlier this year in May, when I read about the show "The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber" coming to Singapore in July, I didn't even hesitate and just ran to Marina Bay Sands to buy a ticket to the show. Of course, I could buy it online but nothing beats the feeling of queuing to buy tickets to your favourite shows. And saving 30 cents was a bonus. And before you question my sanity, that trip to Marina Bay Sands was with Tracy, who was here for a short visit. Of course, I had to show her one of the new landmarks in Singapore. The Sands SkyPark is a must-visit if you are in the vicinity.


Here is my precious ticket to the show

Yesterday was the night of the show I had bought, which was one of my birthday presents to myself. It was performed in the Grand Theater of Marina Bay Sands and I have to say it was money well-spent. The cast was great with Michael Mccormick was the standout actor, singing my most favourite songs like "The phantom of the opera" and "Sunset Boulevard". The way he sang and acted was the perfect way to portray the characters, which made me yearn to hear him more. It was too bad that his CD on sale last night wasn't him singing those songs. I would have bought even though I don't have a CD player at home. And the speaker of my laptop sucks.

One letdown was the costume but I understood that the show was just the combination of all the best songs in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals, so I didn't have much to complain. But still, choreography and costumes are parts of what make watching musicals magical. Next time I'm in New York, I will have to watch at least 2 shows to satisfy my hunger for musicals.

BTW, I didn't take any photo during the show as I wanted to enjoy it as best as I could. But I managed to snap some shots of the theater and of course, myself.

Happy 28

But I'm forever frozen at 26. Hohohoho...


At Hue restobar (Amara Hotel), near my new office

Happy 27

I have turned 27 today. Yep, 3 more years and I will hit the big 30. But still, I feel myself as young as when I was 25, or even 21. Hahahaha, I might be stretching the number but thoughts are all that count. If you think you are young, then you are young.

Here I am, on the 1st day of my 27th year on earth.

Indulgence of the Month

It's an indulgence to find out your purse was on sale (30% discount) and you'd just gotten your salary. Here is my brand-new purse/wallet, taken by none other than my BFF...

Guess Olympia Trifold in black

Now I feel like regretting writing down that wish list. The list seems to help me to focus on buying what I was neglecting or ignoring before. Some of them require heavy investments. And I just go and turn those wishes into realities. Who else is better in grating my wishes than myself?

Anyway, back to the main topic, I fell in love with this purse quite a long time ago. I like Guess alright. The brand's got style, I must admit. But it's too bling for me, especially its bag and wallet collections. Half of its collections are too showy and heavy (litterally). Except this Olympia collection. More of my style. Since you've seen the purse, you might get what I meant. How about a look at the bag which is now on sale on its website?

Pretty, right? It's now selling at USD48. Compared with the usual price at USD80, it's a real steal. Anyone coming back from the States, please let me know and help me to grant my 10th wish. [Edit: A guess spree was open, yet the bag was OOS. Shocked and disappointed]

I'm wandering again. The trifold was selling at S$59.9 when I last saw it in Singapore. In Vietnam, the price tage was at 599k VND. A tad expensive for a wallet, I think. So when it was on sale at 30% discount, I didn't hesitate paying for it anymore. Either Guess or Mango. And Mango accessories this season are quite disappointing, being that they are leaning toward 80s trend, except sunglasses. It came with a box which I now use to put name cards inside. Quite convenient, hohohoh!!!

My wish has been granted

My 4th wish has been fulfilled...

It's been ordered last night and will reach me end of next month, half month before my b-day. This will be hand-carried from the States back to Vietnam as perfume has been banned from being shipped overseas at Victoria's Secret. Also, together with the EDP, I'll be receiving a gift bag with 4 beauty samplers (to be shared with Tracy), thanks to an offer code. So excited!!!

Let's see its description

"America's #1 Fragrance. Soft, creamy, smooth blend of white peony and white musk.

Fragrance type: vanilla oriental
Top notes: quince, cardamon, wild ivy, mandarin
Middle notes: waterlily, white peony, freesia, iris, violet, poppy
Low notes: white musk, sandalwood, orchid vanilla"

I've got a pic of the gift bag...

Double yayyyy!!!

My wish list

Just another 2 more months, and I'll hit my quarter-life mark. Shocking, isn't it? It seems just yesterday I celebrated my 18th bday with my friends (at Hinh Nhu La, I think...) and my 21st bday in China Black (I was a party animal back then). And it's been 6 years I celebrated my birthdays without my family. I have to tell you, they were not complete fun.

So... a soon-t0-be birthday girl is entitled a wish list for herself, right? It's my first ever wish list, anyway! Anyone would like to fulfill any of my wishes, don't be shy, just go ahead and tell me! I'll love you with 1/25th part of my heart, okie?

1. Good health to live, to work and to enjoy life. Thanks so much, V.Dat, for reminding me this. You're definitely entitled a 1/25th of my heart... hehheh...
2. A digital camera, Canon IXUS or Sony DSC preferred. But I'm not choosy about gift, hehhe.

3. A new cell phone, particularly Nokia 7373. I'm using N2650 after having lost my BFF N6111

4. Dream Angels by Victoria's Secret® Heavenly Eau de Parfum Spray, either 1, 2.5 or 4.2 oz will be fine

5. Victoria's Secret bra(s), preferrably Angels and Very Sexy collections. Their designs are so prettyyyyyy

6. Books by Judith McNaught and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I'm especially waiting for Can't Take My Eyes off of You: A Novel by JM and Natural Born Charmer by SEP.
7. A Samsonite suitcase. I'm in love with the brand's hand carried suitcase. I really need it after travelling so often.
8. Some Tiffany&Co. items, necklace, bracelace, ring, earrings, etc. I'm open for all types of jewellry

9. A purse/wallet. I'm looking for a perfect one about a year... It's so hard. Maybe if it's a gift, I won't be so picky... LV or Gucci, take your pick... Or Mango would do well enough...

10. A bag. I'm eyeing a Guess bag, Impact Top Zip. Looks quite cute. Suitable for both working and going out
11. Marks & Spencer chocolate bars. The one's filled with hazelnuts. I don't really care abt hand made chocolate like Godiva or the like... Give me M&S chocolate and I'm a happy girl.
12. DKNY 'Be Delicious' EDP. This green apple looks too delicious to be eaten. 50ml or 100ml will be welcome.
13. Swimwear. I prefer a tankini suit, but a biniki will be appreciated. Aiming for VS or Target Go International
14. A chocolate cake at Soho Cafe. It's the best chocolate cake in Saigon. Address of the coffee house, ask me if you wanna buy it for me. Hhehheh!!!
15. Shades to wear for night-outing. Saigon streets are too dusty to go out without sunglasses any time of the day. I'd broken the pair I used at night. Any brand is acceptable, as long as the design is pretty and suits my facial shape.
16. ... that's all for now... I'm thinking ...