Côte d'Azur

Last week I returned from a fabulous extended weekend in the South of France to celebrate my mama's 50th birthday. Unfortunately I was only able to get 2 days off work (boo), but sticking to mama's very full daily timetable I feel like I made very good use of my, albeit limited, time. Even the shortest trip can reinvigorate you!

We stayed at a beautiful villa between Nice and St Paul de Vence (which you can just see above). This was the view from my balcony - absolutely breathtaking!!

This was one of my favourite views while driving from Nice to the tiny, picturesque village of Eze. Apparently this little peninsula boasts the mot expensive land per sq.m. in the world! I guess it's not hard to see why - plus it's perfectly placed between Nice and Monaco.

 Motel Emilia dress in Pretty Rose Navy (£52)

With the sweltering heat I tried to keep cool in lots of summer dresses. The above was gifted to me by Motel and worked perfectly as it protects shoulders from the sun, while still being floaty, light and feminine.

Ted Baker Maxi Dress (£229)

I had my eye on this Ted Baker maxi for quite some time and finally caved while in T5... hehe ;). I absolutely adore their dresses as they make them long enough for a giant like me!!

No trip to France would be complete without wine tasting!!

At the Chateau de Cremat in Nice we spotted the Chanel 'CC' logo embedded into the architecture and found out that in fact the signature was invented by the original owners of the chateau and Coco Chanel actually first saw it there. The owner gave her the logo and let her trademark it at the opening of the first Chanel store!

 

Unfortunately I documented most of the trip on my mama's brand new camera, but I hope you enjoyed my little selection of snaps :).

We had such a fabulous time in the south of France and absolutely can't wait to go back! xxx

St Paul de Vence

I have escaped London to spend a long weekend on the beautiful French coast. We are currently here..

Regular posting will resume shortly!

Not least because a few hours in the Sun have given me a chance to trial all those beauty treats the English weather doesn't quite permit. Nars Orgasm illuminator and Kerastase L’Huile Céleste how I love thee! xxx

Get set.. GO! M&S Travel Bottle (and more) Set

As I type this I am slowly and meticulously packing for my holiday and panicking about my lack of suitcase space and my increasing weight. That came out wrong... this will not be one of *those* posts and I'm not talking about my beach bod... or lack of washboard stomach. I mean the weight of my luggage! If you have the misfortune of traveling with a super stingy airline that only gives you 15kg allowance you will share my pain. Do they not understand that I have a blog about beauty and a myriad of beach friendly products to review? I'm providing a public service here Mr First Choice ;)!

Luckily, the clever clogs at M&S had envisaged my woes and turned my attention to their Deluxe Travel Bottle Set at a recent event. At only £7.50 this little bag contains a selection of containers perfect for every jet setter.

The set holds:

• 3 x 100ml bottles (shampoo, conditioner, lotion)
• 2 x 18ml jars (moisturiser, serum)
• 2 x pumps,
• 2 x funnels, 
• 2 x spatulas, 
• 1 x mirror, 
• 1 x body puff, 
• clear zip lock bag (perfect for carry on liquids)
• 15 x waterproof sticky labels (to get organised!)

Now that I have shared I shall return to decanting my lotions and potions. Have you got any travel tips to share? xxx

Hold Me

I think you will agree with me when I say the worst part of any trip is the packing, and makeup is no exception. So when I was given the chance to review a new makeup bag that promises to make the whole process a little easier I was very happy to try it out!

The design of the Hold Me case is fantastic as it incorporates features of a toiletries organiser, makeup bag and brush roll all in one. The exterior of the bag is made of a tough, black, suede-like fabric, which looks stylish and classic against the white stitching. I also like the fact that there are no tricky clasps, velcro or flimsy magnetic closures, but a simple self-tie, which means the bag can expand to fit more, or be tied tighter to take up minimal luggage space.

This is the Miss Suki bag, which features a fun, colourful cartoon design. The fabric is easy to clean as it is over-laid with plastic, so high altitude explosions of foundation can be quickly wiped away without fear of damaging the bag ;). I used this bag on my recent ski trip, and it worked perfectly as everything was in one place, on display and easily accessible. It also saves time unpacking once you have reached your destination and doesn't take up counter space. For once the bf had no right to complain about me monopolising the bathroom with all my little 'potions' ;).

So what did I bring with me? Below is my fail safe travel kit:

• NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
•  Bobbi Brown Corrector 
• NARS Laguna Bronzer
• ELF Pink Mineral Blush
• MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural
• NARS Madrague Eyeshadow Duo (for brows)
• L'Oreal Carbon Gloss liner
• ELF All Over Colour Stick in Persimmon
• L'ancome Hypnose Mascara
• Clear Mascara 
• MAC Dazzleglass
• YSL Tuxedo Lipstick
• MAC Smokey Eyes palette
• ELF Quad - MAC e/s vapour, wedge, scene and knight devine
• Made from Earth Vanilla Lipbalm
• MAC Cremecup lipstick

Do you have a favourite makeup organiser? What are your essential products and travel tips? xxx

Rome~~ Part I!

Day 1 in Rome

(Arrived around 5:30 PM local time that we only do a nice dinner to call it a day!)

"PAPBACCUS" Restaurant
36, Via Tosecana (Very close to Westin Excelsior Hotel)

I never had such tasty Balsamic Vinegar which is so dense, tannic sweet, and full of aroma. Also, the black pepper is really "spicy" that DH and I never thought black pepper would be spicy AT ALL considering that both of us are such strong taste in chilly sauce.

The chef said that they bought that balsamic Vinegar at Tuscany which means I can't find it anywhere else here in Rome.... bummer~.....

Onion soup in Rome style w/ tomatoes!



I think this is some kind of couscous (yellow thing) w/ mashed olive, liver, pesto and some white raw fish fillet which is some kind of a fish like seabass (but it is not).



Creamy ice cream w/ wild strawberry..... so sweet and tiny of those wild strawberries. 


Guess we are too hungry when the main courses hit our table that we totally forgot to take pictures of them... :P 

First night dinner...excellent!!


Day 2 in Rome


Piazza di Spagna
Shopping spree for friends only
Colosseo
Piazza Venezia






I guess "SHORTS" looks extra attractive during this time of the year...that almost everyone is staring at ME/my legs. (Piazza di Spagna; La Fontana della Barcaccia)



Shopping and happy street (Via Condotti) ^^



No, I absolutely didn't buy anything for myself....all from my friends requests. 


We took Metro during peak hour (people get off from the work) and we have to squeeze ourselves IN it.

Girls, you own me BIG;..... I ended up buying a new suitcase!!
Look at my grungy face.... :P



( Colosseum = Colosseo)

We are very lucky that the rain in Rome is on and off quickly and sun normally peeks out right after. ^^



Piazza Venezia (Local Italian doesn't like this giant architecture at all!!!!)
However, the landscape in the back is much nicer which is more blended in.


Part II coming up~
See you later.
xoxo Rachel 

Travel Log at Lembang and Bandung in West Java!! (Day 1)

24/6/2010


We are heading to Bandung in West Java w/ hubby's whole family for a family vacation, including both our parents, big brother, second brother, third brother and their own family!

Yes, it is kinda of a tradition of hubby's family that they welcome their family w/ their whole heart.

I went for a swim before heading off. 
Now I can't imagine how much weight I have gained for eating all the tasty food after this trip. ^^
Luckily, we are heading back USA on 6/30 and the first thing is to work on the ideal 6 pack of abs back on me!!! ^O^



The air pollution and traffic is horrible in Jakarta .....which means the traffic in LA. is not so bad after all!! lol
Do you see "the bed" underneath the big truck?......That's NEW for me!! ^O^



I am sure the grayish sky is not fog above Jakarta but @#$%$#*&^.... and we are over the mountain for some fresh air. 

After unpacking, we go to our first stop and the first activities....SHOPPING!

A Shopping center at Seanyan city.

You can find some international brand names which made locally in this shopping mall at Seanyan city,but rejected by the carriers and thus sold locally. (kinda illegal) It is not a very big shopping center but you are covered if you are hungry during/after shopping!

I bought couple cute earrings.....for souvenirs.  I will let my gal friends pick whatever I bought in this trip since I can't seem to make my mind what to bring back to USA. 



Those are all Marc by Marc Jacobs t-shirts.






(the back of t-shirt)



I bought a lot of those Marc by Marc Jacobs shirts. 
Aren't they cute!!


Those are the counterfeits which I didn't expect to see.....but there they are!







Geez...... it is cute but fake. (I don't own nor buy any counterfeit. :))

After done shopping, it is time to please our taste buds and stomach. We reserved the restaurant in "the Valley" where you can also reserve houses while staying at Bandung. 

Outdoor sitting where you can overlook the west of Java. 

The night view.... Ah~ I miss SF city even more!!


They have kids toy rides surrounding the outdoor sittings where you and kids both can enjoy a lovely night!

inside the restaurant 

My favorite dish...Soto Ayam which my mother-in-law taught me how to make it already!!

Not so much of a exotic palate???!! 
Not a problem!! Simple fried rice for my Dad.

Such a lovely night for hubby and me.....big thanks to 3 helpers whom hubby's family brought over!!  We could enjoy our dinner while kids also being taken care of!!


First night staying at West Java..... more to come. 
xoxo Rachel