Through My Looking Glass | Nicole Kow

The fabric is in a cotton or rayon material which is soft so you can be in it all day. I added on a belt so that it's a little more dressy but can be worn without. The sunnies are also new which being round framed worked in nicely with the boho hippie vibe.

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Sunglasses

Hotel: Renaissance Hotel Times Square

Broadway shows: • Anastasia - Brilliantly translated from animation to stage with new additions to the storyline and lovely new lyrical tracks. The company was brilliant, beautiful art direction and set. The principal cast especially were emotionally engaged in their respective roles. Being seated in the front row, expect to see every bit of emotion while occasionally glancing at the very passionately playing orchestra in the pit who played so enthusiastically. My favourite song has to be In A Crowd Of Thousand. So glad to also watch Ramin Karimloo on stage as Gleb who portrays the newly introduced character brilliantly.

• Phantom Of The Opera - Broadway's longest running musical and my favourite musical of all time. Visually spectacular sets and costumes. Masquerade was especially mind-blowingly elaborate. To be seated in the third row was and having the chandelier rising and crashing just above my head was a fan experience.

Tickets purchased via Telecharge.

Food: * Kodama Sushi * Junior's * Applebee's * Bubba Gump Shrimp

You will need:

Faux Fur

Jar with Colored Water

Scissors

Contact Paper

Panorama Photo (Using Mobile Phone Panorama Mode)

1. With the panorama photo print, paste the contact paper on both sides.

2. Trim the sides leaving a border all around.

3. Roll and place the photo into the jar.

4. Add a piece of faux fur for a more realistic appearance.

So for this post I’ll be showing you how to make a bleeding candle. Really simple yet effective to place around your room or home for some eerie illumination.

You will need:

White candle

Red candle

Matches/Lighter

1. Light the red candle. A thin long candle or tea light candle will work best.

2. Hover the red candle over the white candle and let the wax drip spontaneously. Work from the inside and then on to the edges.

From being evicted from their home to working as a maid and moving from couch to storage unit, she just recently lost that and everything she owns from falling back on rent pay. By donating at least $1, you will play a part in getting this family on the journey towards getting on their feet. Allegra and her daughter have lost so much living with uncertainty on a daily basis.

As an appeal, Allegra asked if I could help post the link of their fundraising page. I hope that you, my readers will do your part in supporting our fellow crafter and her daughter in their time of need.

Please visit her link to learn more of their story and donate: http://gogetfunding.com/help-a-family-get-their-life-back/

Monochromatic palettes in my opinion instantly ups the chic yet serious factor to an outfit. The shirt and pullover look is actually a single piece I purchased from my recent visit to Bugis Village which I matched with Forever 21 leggings and Melissa x Alexandre Herchcovitch backless oxford and Gucci bag.

The pullover shirt combo provides just the right amount of warmth for an air-conditioned environment and the elongated cutting gives the illusion of length and height even while in flats. On the topic of flats, it’s great that the variety of women’s flats has expanded over the years because I’m not a ballet flats kind of girl and while I love my 5-inch heels it isn’t always a practical option. As much as feminine flats are pretty, it’s hard to score a comfy pair for my footies. But I can’t complain much when there are shoes like these backless oxfords! A great pair of masculine-esque shoes don’t only work well with an androgynous look but looks just as put together even with a shift dress.

So if you would like to make a difference to these children’s lives while still looking fabulous doing it, you may purchase this limited edition Mary Kay Hearts Together Lipstick for either yourself or a friend at $26 or alternatively bring 2 friends to Bernadette's beauty workshop on May 20 & 27 and receive a lipstick (must make booking reservations).

Day 1

We left on 19th March on Jetstar and returned on the 23rd with Tiger Airlines. Booking it on Zuji kept things easy and I believe we got a pretty decent price on the trip.

After arriving we were picked up by our drivers and taken to Villa Acacias. First time ever using Flipkey (Villa Acacias listing is no longer available on Flipkey. Alternatively head direct to their website) so Steve the owner had to answer many of my emails before confirming the booking. I’ve been traveling to Bali ever since I was young but was my first time staying at a villa in Seminyak and it was a beautiful place. The staff were friendly and helpful and so obliging. They even helped my traveling companions surprise me with a cake on my birthday on top of the scrumptious meal they prepared for us. I really recommend it if you’re looking to host a party of eight. I only wished we had spent more time relaxing there. But as most of our trips are… its constant moving around.

Our first day after checking in we had lunch at Warung Taulan and enjoyed a rather Asian palette of dishes and rice.

Address: Warung Taulan, Kerobokan Kelod, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia

Following after was the first of many shopping spots at Unagi. A homeware superstore if you ask me, the place is two-storeys and countless rows of homeware and fashion items. It’s a place you can expect to spend about an hour at least just browsing (and buying) through a multitude of products.

Address: Unagi Handicraft & Painting, Jln. Teuku Umar Barat / Marlboro No.383 Denpasar Bali, Indonesia 80117

Next stop was Denpasar Badung Traditional Market which is another obscure place to find interesting things at great prices. You can expect to find clothing, homeware, artworks, trinkets, groceries etc. Do take note that the facade or smell isn’t all that inviting but once inside, the finds are more than distracting.

Address: Denpasar Badung Traditional Market, Jl. Sulawesi No. 1,, Dangin Puri Kangin, Denpasar Utara

Day 2

Day two we woke up to a scrumptuous breakfast prepared by the in-house cooks before heading out.

We headed over to Kuta where we spent the time shopping, eating and chilling by the beach… oh and not to forget some rest time having a massage because it only costs about SGD10/hr.

We stopped by at the restaurant at Grand Inna Kuta for some lunch grub which overlooks Kuta Beach. It can be a great spot to enjoy the beach without getting burnt.

While heading out of the Kuta Beach vicinity, we got caught by the local vendors selling fashion apparel and accessories. The trend is that once you show interest in something, the ladies seem to flock insisting that you buy “just one piece” with them. Haggling is all part of the game so don’t stick with the opening price.

On our way out, we took a peak into the massive turtle sculpture that nests baby sea turtles only to witness a hatching.

As we were shopping along Jalan Pantai Kuta, I stumbled upon a little boutique specializing in Balinese Lace. You can’t visit Bali without getting a piece of clothing with intricate embroidery… at least I can’t because I love them! Many boutiques that selling this style of embroidery work can easily cost hundreds of dollars depending on the workmanship. That is why I was excited to have stumbled upon this shop as on average prices range from S$20 onwards.

Address: Bagus, Jalan Pantai Kuta No.12, Bali

By the evening we returned back to our villa to celebrate my birthday with dinner. A spread was all ready for us as we changed into our white and khaki themed dress code. After cake and dessert, we spent the rest of the night enjoying the pool which was always the perfect temperature throughout and I got to bring my Finfun mermaid tail for a “test-drive”. It took some getting used to but it was really easy thereafter.

Day 3

We checked out of Villa Acacias and moved into Sun Island Hotel Kuta. We had stayed there during a previous trip and appreciated the great service, clean rooms, good pricing and rather central location being situated near to Kartika plaza. Shopping is in abundance just across the road with little shops selling fashion apparel and beachwear.

Address: Sun Island Hotel Kuta, Jl. Kartika Plaza No. 88, Kuta, Bali, Indonesia 80361

As we had a full day ahead, we checked in early and Sun Island took care of our bags and sent them up when our rooms were ready. Nini whom we met at a tourist booth over at Kuta Square was our guide for the day. She picked us up from our hotel and took us to Nusa Dua. She was prompt, friendly and looked out for our interest when booking our sea sports with Blue Dolphin Watersports.

We attempted parasailing which was my second time but this time I got to do it with my dad. After that we went in two groups of four for the sea-walker which was what I was looking forward to. Initially I wanted to try out the underwater scooter package at Nusa Ceningan but due to time constraints we ended up with the alternative at Nusa Dua. Equipped with an almost old-school looking diving helmut, we descended to the seabed which was mapped out with railings. We fed fish, saw some coral and got bitten before heading back up. It was a pretty cool experience for non-divers like our group and a break from the monotony of dry land. I’m hoping to try out the underwater scooter version next time. I’ve heard pretty bad stories about water sports over at Nusa Dua… maybe we were lucky but it was an overall good experience. For the most bit the guides while not all very friendly were there to instruct and watch out for us.

Before heading to Padang Padang beach, Nini stopped by Santi Mandala. It’s not often that one encounters five diverse religious places of worship located one after the other. I really love the harmony, respect and tolerance the place represents.

Another highlight was visiting Padang Padang Beach. It’s suppose to be a great spot for surfing but for me it was where Eat, Pray, Love was filmed. To get to the beach, you have to descend down to lower ground so it really felt like a hidden gem. The water was clear and it was low tide during our visit. The rock formations and hidden caverns creates a almost mystical allure to the place. I could have spent all day there.

Once we said goodbye to Padang Padang Beach it was off to Jimbaran which is famous for its seafood and dinner by the beach to watch the sun set.

To end the day of fun-filled activities, Nini brought us for a 2-hour massage+spa session at Galuh Bali Spa which was so so but prepared us for a good night’s rest.

Address: Galuh Bali Spa, Jl. By Pass Ngurah Rai, Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia

Day 4

This is one of my more recent kimono buys and I’m just going gaga over the Mandala print. Made of rayon it is lightweight and flowy and oh so gypsy like.

I’m really in to the Mandala print right now (more specifically the last year) so much so that I’ve incorporated some tapestries into my bedding. I can’t get enough of the hypnotic and oh so exotic print. 

Next on my list are a couple of round Mandala cushions!

Mandala Kimono: Gypsy De La Luna

Mandala Tapestries: Lavish Jaipur

My twenties was a journey of ups and downs… they say your teens are turbulent well it is nothing compared to transitioning into a full-fledge adult. But don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a bad decade but one of self-growth and discovery which looking back now, was essential. It was only at the tail end of my twenties that I can say I’m finally getting the hang of life as an adult, building confidence in my work/career and accepting both my strengths and flaws. It is after grasping an understanding on those important aspects of my life that I was able to connect with this quote - “Accept your current position rooted to the earth, yet remain open to the possibilities beyond you.” The culture of instant self-gratification is something that one tends to steer to as a impatient youngling but in reality things take time and dedication and that same concept spreads to all aspects of life before the changes you strive for can possibly evolve. 

On a lighter note, I have been lucky to have had the opportunities I’ve had thus far. To write and produce a coffee table book titled In A Decade - Lifestyle Homes By Nic & Wes Builders that is sold not just in Singapore but around Asia as well, host a short web-series for HGTV Asia called Something Old, Something New doing what I love to do - DIY and even been featured in a couple of magazines just to reflect a few. I’ve deepened my knowledge in my career path and more importantly the various areas relating to the design & build field. I’m currently in the works on some new and exciting projects that I hope will take off and I’ve been able to strike off destinations on my bucket list like Italy (including travelling to Rome for the first time and returning the next year, and revisiting both Venice and Florence) and Spain amongst my other travels; and flying off to Bali to celebrate this milestone! How can I not feel fortunate?

Returning back to committing myself to yoga for now a year and a half has helped me refocus and calm my mind to enjoy the present. Yoga for me isn’t about rushing into advanced poses but to enjoy the journey of the development of mind and body. I am not a fitness person at all but yoga has been my go-to for the wellness aspect in my life. It is through yoga that I’ve seen my body change and develop while my focusness sharper than it has ever been. To me it has been an integral part of my self-development in recent years and I look forward to building myself up both physically and mentally through yoga.

While life is an individual’s journey of self-discovery, my life would not be whole without the close relationships I have in my life with my family and friends whom have been mentors and lessons. My family has been my pillar stone throughout my life and I can always count on them. They have been my mentors and voice of reason in both personal and work life, continually encouraging me. They are probably part of a small group of people I can be my truest self… even when it is a bit nutty. My friends which have been sieved out into smaller numbers through the years have all taught me something at one point or another and I thank them for it. But I am grateful for the ones that I still have relationships with up until today even if we don’t always meet up as much as we should; For friends… real friendship is something never to take granted for. And then there is the big man up there who seems to be guiding and watching out for me through life… it’s one of those things that can’t be logically explained but… it seems he is never too far away.

Next time your done with a snap cover type of packet keep the plastic cover. These covers may already have an adhesive underside that can be reused on other wipe packets. Follow these easy-peasy steps:

1. Peel off the plastic cap from the wrapper. Do the same with the plaster adhesive flap on new packet.

2. Open the plastic cap lid and position over the new wipe packet opening and stick. Press down to secure.

3. Remove the sticker on the plastic cap (if any).