tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-872436440151350922024-03-14T01:49:04.964+08:00SHALAIShahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-37587442088229346432014-12-27T23:26:00.002+08:002014-12-27T23:40:21.569+08:00breaking bali<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830724497" title="Breaking Bali-4 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5589/14830724497_eae6b2fd39_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-4"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830625258" title="Breaking Bali-24 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3852/14830625258_258a1e8b01_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-24"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830603730" title="Breaking Bali-17 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5562/14830603730_6c38e483c6_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-17"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/15016877432" title="Breaking Bali-21 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3841/15016877432_f3fd0defa7_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-21"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14994258666" title="Breaking Bali-2 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3906/14994258666_68194d30a2_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-2"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/15017249375" title="Breaking Bali-5 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5552/15017249375_c68ffaccfe_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-5"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/15014168801" title="Breaking Bali-8 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5568/15014168801_dea002845b_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-8"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/15016877762" title="Breaking Bali-19 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3882/15016877762_8e88d563cf_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-19"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830723247" title="Breaking Bali-20 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5580/14830723247_1c1a1f30b2_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-20"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/15014167481" title="Breaking Bali-22 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5556/15014167481_a54c5c09cd_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-22"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830721927" title="Breaking Bali-40 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3851/14830721927_2ef57b60bf_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-40"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14994257706" title="Breaking Bali-13 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3889/14994257706_f313940dcc_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-13"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/15017247975" title="Breaking Bali-23 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3869/15017247975_29911c3fe2_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-23"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/15016878432" title="Breaking Bali-11 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3924/15016878432_4b372f827a_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-11"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830627798" title="Breaking Bali-12 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5576/14830627798_07bc032770_b.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="Breaking Bali-12"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830519699" title="Breaking Bali-32 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3912/14830519699_cabd3af8ca_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-32"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830722467" title="Breaking Bali-27 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3848/14830722467_d6fae4ded9_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-27"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830627658" title="Breaking Bali-28 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3855/14830627658_92939bc1c8_b.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="Breaking Bali-28"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/15016876082" title="Breaking Bali-39 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5570/15016876082_e09e8e7b65_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-39"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830518999" title="Breaking Bali-43 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3845/14830518999_7da7568941_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-43"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830602210" title="Breaking Bali-34 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3881/14830602210_5a52c3f94d_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-34"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/15017247595" title="Breaking Bali-30 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3848/15017247595_cc2a9a4a04_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-30"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830519469" title="Breaking Bali-35 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3893/14830519469_fb154fcd93_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-35"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830624478" title="Breaking Bali-36 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3891/14830624478_b0ba312540_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-36"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830602110" title="Breaking Bali-37 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5564/14830602110_510bfb587d_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-37"></a><P>
After years of just never being on our list of places to go in Asia, we finally decided to give Bali a shot. Staying in the heavily-touristy area of Seminyak, our assumptions of the island were pretty much confirmed as soon as we arrived: tourist-trap-tastic. Despite the abundance of Billabong/Rip Curl/Quiksilver stores and western restaurants, we still managed to find lots of things to love about the Indonesian Island and this trip will go down in my books as the most memorable holiday of our 9 years together. Here's what we loved:
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830522219" title="Breaking Bali-3 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5579/14830522219_379c9ae325_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-3"></a><br>
<small>Lilin at Potato Head Beach Club</small><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830602920" title="Breaking Bali-26 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3916/14830602920_7d23c40626_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-26"></a><br>
<small>Cuca</small><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/15017246875" title="Breaking Bali-42 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5571/15017246875_d96a3448a1_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-42"></a><br>
<small>Motel Mexicola</small><p>
Nom Nom:<br>
<font color="black">Lilin at Potato Head Beach Club</font><br>
Ignore the fact that this place feels like one gigantic tourist trap, Potato Head Beach Club is one of the coolest spots in Bali to just be in. Serving up fusion-ish Indonesian food amongst an outdoor, beachside setting, Lilin's tapas style plates are perfect when you don't feel like settling on one thing. The beef salad and crab curry were BOMB.
<p>
<font color="black">Cuca</font><br>
Another tapas place, Cuca's setting is romantic, quiet and ideal when you're feeling just a little bit fancy~. OOOOMG dishes include ceviche with watermelon ice and bbq octopus with fresh apple - both super refreshing and pairs perfectly with Bali's balmy heat. On your way out, don't forget to pick up a tin of Cuca's signature salt rubs so you can at least attempt to recreate that yumminess when you cook at home.
<p>
<font color="black">Motel Mexicola</font><br>
This was our last dinner of our trip and by far the best. Everything from the retro, tacky decor to the fun atmosphere and addictive food makes this place a must-go in Bali. The fresh guacs and grilled fish tacos from their Taqueria were some of our favorite things, but really, anything you order will no doubt be served with a gigantic serving of friggin nomz. For those that are feeling extra zesty, order the Acapulco Tropicale cocktail, and don't forget to bring your sombrero!
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/15932377548" title="Amana Villas (1 of 1)-4 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7499/15932377548_dc3e527ab8_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Amana Villas (1 of 1)-4"></a>
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14994257506" title="Breaking Bali-15 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5583/14994257506_b09ac7e001_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-15"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/15933729209" title="Amana Villas (2 of 1) by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7480/15933729209_356ff6a9c3_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Amana Villas (2 of 1)"></a>
Zzzz:<br>
<font color="black">Amana Villas</font><br>
There are, no joke, a gazillion villas and hotels to choose from in Bali. We decided to go with a smaller, lesser known boutique choice. Tucked away on a quiet lane in the middle of Seminyak, Amana Villas is personalized luxury done right. Decked out in a minimalist, contemporary style, the villas come in 3 tiers: Pool Villa, Waterfall Villa and Signature Villa. Each one comes with a pool of your own, a butler and amazing service. Before you arrive you're asked to fill out a guest menu to tailor your experience exactly how you want it (into hip hop music? Let them know and the iPod in your room will come preloaded with your kind of beats). The premise doesn't have any facilities yet (no restaurant, communal pool or gym), but all of that doesn't even matter when you have the luxury of in-villa dining and a spa that will put you to sleep within 10 minutes. My complimentary Balinese massage was SO relaxing I had to book another one in on my last day. <p>
If you're looking for a home away from home while you're in Bali, Amana Villas is your place. It's so private that during our 5 days there, I think we only saw 1 other couple walking around the premise even though it was almost fully booked during our stay. Room tip: a Pool Villa is enough for when you just want to enjoy some privacy, but if you're feeling splurgy then pick the bigger Waterfall Villa (but be prepared to walk up and down stairs from your bedroom to the living room).
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14830624428" title="Breaking Bali-38 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3837/14830624428_8fd4414193_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-38"></a><p>
Play:<br>
<font color="black">Pro Surf School, Kuta</font><br>
Again, there are tons of surf schools to choose from in Bali but we chose Pro Surf School because I'd read good reviews about it. We enrolled in a Beginner's semi-private class, and was lucky enough to get 1 instructor for the both of us, so it felt pretty private. The class is 2.5 hours and after 30-45 mins of theory and practicing standing up on land, we hit the water and got right into it. Within 15 minutes of water time, we were already standing up and it's one of the most satisfying feelings ever. Okay so the ride only lasts like 5 seconds, but when you're up there, it feels pretty damn good. I've always wanted to try surfing and Bali is one of the top surfing spots in the world - so I'd highly recommend to give this a shot if you're a newb like me, you'll still come away with a pretty amazing experience.
<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/15016878212" title="Breaking Bali-14 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3844/15016878212_2ae0c82f64_b.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Breaking Bali-14"></a><p>
Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-16463304254682514062014-08-03T19:23:00.000+08:002014-08-03T19:23:45.002+08:00taipei eats<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14630299447" title="Taipei Eats-13 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img alt="Taipei Eats-13" height="525" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2896/14630299447_d9842bd916_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14630129890" title="Taipei Eats-12 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img alt="Taipei Eats-12" height="525" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3883/14630129890_debe7047ce_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14630129870" title="Taipei Eats-11 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img alt="Taipei Eats-11" height="525" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5585/14630129870_fdeddabe62_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14630130040" title="Taipei Eats-10 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img alt="Taipei Eats-10" height="525" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3877/14630130040_e0b975941d_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14793848656" title="Taipei Eats-8 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img alt="Taipei Eats-8" height="525" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/14793848656_5c921c6806_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14816480932" title="Taipei Eats-7 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img alt="Taipei Eats-7" height="525" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5594/14816480932_8de11121fd_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14630177019" title="Taipei Eats-9 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img alt="Taipei Eats-9" height="525" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3847/14630177019_4c361cfcf1_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14814469594" title="Taipei Eats-5 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img alt="Taipei Eats-5" height="525" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2939/14814469594_ac9da56449_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14630130250" title="Taipei Eats-4 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img alt="Taipei Eats-4" height="525" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5565/14630130250_18d0ea070b_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14630130360" title="Taipei Eats-3 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img alt="Taipei Eats-3" height="525" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3894/14630130360_6d0c725202_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14816842205" title="Taipei Eats-2 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img alt="Taipei Eats-2" height="525" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3898/14816842205_cf3b9f4dc1_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14630300167" title="Taipei Eats-1 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img alt="Taipei Eats-1" height="525" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5569/14630300167_00b23022ce_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
Fellow Hong Kongers will know, the best weekend trip to get some serious eats in is Taipei - a speedy 1.5 hour plane ride away. NGL, there's really not much else to do there besides eat, eat and eat. Those who follow me on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/shalai" target="new">Instagram</a> will probably have seen these pics already, but here's my quick go-to list of places to hit up when you've got a case of the munchies:<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Yong Kang Beef Noodles (永康牛肉麵)</b></span><br />
Within 24 hours of arriving in Taipei, we had already tried 3 different Taiwanese beef noodle joints. Yong Kang was by far the best. The broth tastes like it's been boiled since the beginning of time, and the braised beef tendon seriously melts in your mouth. Be prepared to wait at least 30 mins for a table in the blistering heat (if you go in summer), but trust me, the sweat and almost-tears is well worth it.<br />
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台北市金山南路二段31巷17號<br />
No. 17, Street 31, Jinshan South Road Section 2, Taipei.<br />
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<b><span style="color: black;">Din Wang Spicy Hotpot (鼎王麻辣鍋)</span></b><br />
Taipei is home to A LOT of spicy hotpot places, but Din Wang is one of the more well known ones (I think). The spicy soup is rich and flavorful, and the best part is when they refill, they ACTUALLY refill your soup with soup and ingredients - none of that plain hot water BS. I'd say don't bother with a yin yang pot and just go all out spicy. All you need is paper-thin sheets of beef and lamb and you're good to go. For carb lovers, you'll be happy to know the buffet table has unlimited rice, so fill your bowls with steaming white rice, and ladle the spicy soup over it and you have yourself a DIY congee.<br />
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台北市光復北路89號<br />
No. 89 Guangfu N. Rd, Songshan District, Taipei.<br />
Tel: 886 2 2742 1166<br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Kanpai Classic (老乾杯)</b></span><br />
You can almost never go wrong with Japanese BBQ and Kanpai was by far my favorite meal in Taipei. We got the Wagyu beef set, which is basically a platter of fresh, red, marbly goodness. The restaurant provides a variety of different dipping sauces, but the meat is so juicy you don't even need to bother with that. Reservations are a must and this restaurant is best maximized when you're with a group of 5 or more. <br />
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台北市光復南路280巷44號1樓<br />
No. 44, Lane 280, Guangfu South Rd, Taipei.<br />
Tel: 886 2 8773 1150<br />
Other locations <a href="http://www.kanpai.com.tw/index.htm">here</a><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><b>Honey Creme</b></span><br />
Soft serve ice cream topped with a piece of honey comb. It doesn't get any simpler and yummy than that. Perfect for a momentary escape from 36 degrees celsius.
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台北市大安區敦化南路一段169巷8號1樓D室<br />
1F, No.8, Lane169, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da'an District, Taipei.<br />
Tel: 886 2 740 7070<br />
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<br />Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-53813711836615012582014-06-29T11:00:00.000+08:002014-06-29T11:00:01.290+08:00the big guys<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14337490797" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-30 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/14337490797_3922d48606_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-30"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14520545931" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-29 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3874/14520545931_62b4a360f5_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-29"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14337490007" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-3 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2912/14337490007_7bde8b9da7_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-3"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14522882932" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-9 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3904/14522882932_63409bdbf7_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-9"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14544057823" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-4 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3889/14544057823_9a3277ec29_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-4"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14337286300" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-16 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3879/14337286300_9886fde83a_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-16"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14337332979" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-24 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3885/14337332979_3b92af87a1_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-24"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14523929225" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-28 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5544/14523929225_ccdf7d7f67_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-28"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14520545681" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-20 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5078/14520545681_f372dd2ea7_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-20"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14337490707" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-27 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5555/14337490707_740c56e7e4_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-27"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14520545341" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-10 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2936/14520545341_d5f94e994c_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-10"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14500832076" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-2 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3837/14500832076_f9c9f8415e_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-2"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14520545641" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-19 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3875/14520545641_b9a63f4782_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-19"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14337285870" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-6 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2930/14337285870_51f25fd25a_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-6"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14544057873" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-7 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3835/14544057873_2cbaafa4c8_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-7"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14337490487" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-17 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3838/14337490487_8dc2d3ea40_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-17"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14337357598" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-23 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2903/14337357598_36e33d15bf_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-23"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14520545411" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-12 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3843/14520545411_1c90e9f4ce_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-12"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14522494744" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-25 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3869/14522494744_afb2ae0847_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-25"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14337286480" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-22 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3906/14337286480_4235615699_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-22"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14337332659" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-11 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2928/14337332659_a3ecd51ea3_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-11"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14337357108" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-5 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2919/14337357108_27084cf023_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-5"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14500832406" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-8 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3862/14500832406_aa2cebe324_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-8"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14337332159" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-1 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2926/14337332159_e0847f7e2e_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-1"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14520545511" title="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-14 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3889/14520545511_1f0659316a_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai-14"></a><p>
OMG!! ELEPHANT CUTIES!! A quick google search for "ethical elephant park Chiang Mai" gave me Elephant Nature Park, and I knew instantly that's where I wanted to go. No riding, no tricks and gimmicks, just pure crazy cute elephant epicness! The park will arrange a van pick up directly from your hotel, where you're immediately greeted by your guide (ours was Psy and he's damn funny) and the group you'll be with for the rest of the day. A sleepy 1.5 hours drive into the country side and you'll reach Elephant Nature Park.
<p>
This park differs from a few of the others that exist in Chiang Mai, because it rescues abandoned and abused Asian elephants - they even take in stray dogs and cats that mingle around the park! As soon as we arrived, I couldn't believe how free-roaming the elephants were, and we pretty much got right into it with a full-on feeding session - pumpkin and watermelon are their faaavess. Following a quick lunch break (provided by the park), we went over to the river where you can really get friendly with the elephants at bath time! This was probably the funnest part for me, so if you're not ready to get wet then I'd say you're seriously missing out. Dani (the elephant) is so super cuties and she's so friendly you can get right up there and give her a scrub down.
<p>
After more feeding, meeting the babies of the herd (so cute but so feisty so be careful!), we were driven all the way back to our hotel. Hands down one of the best experiences of my life, and I'd go again and again in a heartbeat! For those that are interested, here's what to bring:<br>
<li>hat</li>
<li>sunblock </li>
<li>a crap load of water</li>
<li>an Otterbox case (or some sort of waterproof case for your phone)</li>
<li>flip flops</li>
<li>mosquito repellent</li>
<li>change of clothes (just in case you get cray cray at the river bath sesh)</li>
<P>
<a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/" target="new">Elephant Nature Park</a> | #elephantnaturepark
Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-45906114068553578412014-06-15T22:00:00.000+08:002014-06-15T22:00:02.683+08:00hello humidity<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14426400725" title="Travel Essentials-4 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3855/14426400725_ab5bc59b95_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Travel Essentials-4"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14239938667" title="Travel Essentials-1 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5476/14239938667_cab64b7c08_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Travel Essentials-1"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14426401435" title="Travel Essentials-6 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3863/14426401435_03e80a964b_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="Travel Essentials-6"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14425098652" title="Travel Essentials-5 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3866/14425098652_f814be50ce_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Travel Essentials-5"></a><p>
I've gotten pretty good at battling 90%+ humidity (thank you Hong Kong!). Here's a list of travel essentials I make sure to pack when I'm hitting up a resort destination where humidity, heat and I are pretty much BFF:<p>
<center>Skincare</center><p>
<font color="black">Muji Gel Cleanser</font> - low-foaming and fragrance free, this cleanser is good for super sensitive skin and doesn't dry you out. With that in mind, don't expect it to smell like roses!<br>
<font color="black">Primera Avocado Cleansing Oil</font> - I use this mainly to wash off the day's worth of sunblock. It's heavy without feeling greasy, but make sure you apply to a dry face before adding water to emulsify!
<br>
<font color="black">Innisfree Rice Sheet Mask</font> - I'm addicted to Korean sheet masks, and if I wasn't so lazy I'd do these all day everyday. They're easy to travel with and perfect for revitalizing your face after baking in the sun.<br>
<a href="http://www.laroche-posay.com/products-treatments/Anthelios/Anthelios-XL-SPF-50-Dry-touch-gel-cream-ANTI-SHINE-p9884.aspx" target="new">La Roche Posay Gel-touch Sunblock</a> - By far the lightest sunblock I've come across, it barely feels like you're wearing anything which is just what you need when you're sweating 320942509235 times a day.
<br>
<font color="black">Primera Gel Cream</font> - A lightweight gel cream that won't irritate sensitive skin and is light enough for 100000% humidity.<br>
<a href="http://www.aesop.com/usa/rind-concentrate-body-balm.html" target="new">Aesop Rind Concentrate Body Balm</a> - Trust me, you'll NEED this after your body's been stripped of every ounce of moisture thanks to the sun and the hardcore scrubbing you do to wash off sunblock. And this one smells super zesty!
<p>
<center>Make-up</center><p>
<a href="http://www.sephora.com/pure-radiant-tinted-moisturizer-spf-30-pa-P302923?skuId=1396399" target="new">Nars Pure Radiance Tinted Moisturizer</a> - Perfect for summer vacationing because it's got SPF!
<br>
<a href="http://www.sephora.com/perfect-mascara-full-definition-P305413" target="new">Shiseido Perfect Mascara</a> - The best part about this mascara is it washes off with warm water, and when you go sweeming with it, it doesn't give you panda eyes like most mascaras do (even "waterproof" ones).
<br>
<a href="http://www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/Categories/The-Selfridges-edit/Bridal-beauty/Brow-Sculptor_450-3001058-BROWSCULPTOR/" target="new">Tom Ford Brow Sculptor</a> - The most vital part of my makeup routine, because without it my brows are pretty much non-existent.
<p>
<center>Poolside Essentials</center><p>
<a href="http://international.triangl.com/collections/swimwear/products/new-york-noir" target="new">Triangl Black neoprene bikini</a>, Shiseido Sunblock, straw flat-brim hat, Ray-Ban sunglasses, iPhone, Thai sodaaaaa<p>
Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-75606170766954504782014-04-28T22:00:00.000+08:002014-06-04T22:13:17.719+08:00my oh my chiang mai<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14017964895" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-23 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2912/14017964895_78934c7d6e_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-23"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14014769581" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-4 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5323/14014769581_4aee615454_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-4"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14014780181" title="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-16 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5237/14014780181_8b0c438d8e_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-16"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14018422044" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-3 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2932/14018422044_2cb738c795_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-3"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14018428334" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-20 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2912/14018428334_baf6826ef2_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-20"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14018433194" title="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-13 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/14018433194_d54d8f75c5_o.jpg" width="700" height="465" alt="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-13"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14014779151" title="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-4 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2911/14014779151_b852e5249d_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-4"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14037971063" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-2 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7115/14037971063_28b2f7dac5_o.jpg" width="700" height="465" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-2"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/13994847386" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-19 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/13994847386_f3d774c5a1_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-19"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/13994851146" title="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-5 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/13994851146_b25c38415c_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-5"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14037964153" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-1 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/14037964153_38f231680b_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-1"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/13994841926" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-7 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5011/13994841926_dc7a9cba6b_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-7"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14014779461" title="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-6 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/14014779461_45645e520c_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-6"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14018432414" title="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-7 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5260/14018432414_667794e91f_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-7"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14018429434" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-8 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7383/14018429434_1f4e54080a_o.jpg" width="700" height="465" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-8"></a>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14014764282" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-6 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2899/14014764282_dc3000f941_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-6"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14037973683" title="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-8 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7241/14037973683_b2b5033b83_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-8"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14018432314" title="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-9 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7409/14018432314_a6fdaa34ca_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-9"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14014764252" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-9 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7380/14014764252_9e0b0c4822_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-9"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14017968825" title="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-10 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/14017968825_f05538765e_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-10"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14037966353" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-13 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2927/14037966353_333dd9ee09_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-13"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14037974273" title="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-11 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7245/14037974273_285510564b_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-11"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14017964645" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-21 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2924/14017964645_1353f75fc6_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-21"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/13994851706" title="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-12 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5477/13994851706_b3b991113b_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-12"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14014778621" title="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-1 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5117/14014778621_5040d73583_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-1"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14014772051" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-15 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/14014772051_7e015db529_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-15"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14014770051" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-10 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7406/14014770051_7c26b93fb5_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-10"></a><P>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14018431624" title="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-2 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2914/14018431624_4e66bd93a4_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="137 Pillars Chiang Mai-2"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14014764492" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-12 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/14014764492_ac479c871e_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-12"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14018422184" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-5 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2918/14018422184_8dcee55711_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-5"></a><p>
For years we've kept Nha Trang on the top of our favorite holidays list, but it finally seems like we have a new winner. Chiang Mai is now our favorite destination to head to for that perfect combo of cheap food, ZOMG resorts and ELEPHANTS! The amazing March weather (sunny and 40% humidity) just made it THAT much more awesome.
<p>
We actually planned to go to Chiang Mai last year, which meant this time round I had already done all the research and knew straight up that <a href="http://www.snhcollection.com/137pillarshouse/" target="new">137 Pillars House</a> was where we were gonna stay. We booked through <a href="https://www.theluxenomad.com/chiang-mai/chiang-mai/hotels/137-pillars-house" target="new">The Luxe Nomad</a> because they offer 10% off F&B and 20% of the spa ooooooomg. This cute boutique hotel fuses traditional Thai architecture with a modern edge , offering an experience that's private, luxurious and super swankeehhh. Even the entry-level Rajah Brooke suites are MASSIVE - boasting things like a king size bed, a private verandah, a roll-top bath (my faaave) and an outdoor shower because why the hell not! (Room tip: request for a higher floor for even more privacy).
<p>
We spent most of our days lazing around different areas of the hotel, hitting up the Chiang Mai South Gate food market of course, getting the shit twisted out of me at my first Thai massage and not to EVER forget, the Elephant camp. I spent some time researching ethical elephant experiences and I'm so glad I came across <a href="http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/" target="new">Elephant Nature Park</a>. It was one of the best things I've ever experienced in my life so far, no joke, SO good that it even requires its own post. But here's a little sneaky peaky of the best day ever:<p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14014770232" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-17 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7216/14014770232_781a03b25e_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-17"></a><p>
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/14037970143" title="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-18 by sha lai, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2916/14037970143_6e3ed1cfb1_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Chiang Mai Photo Diary-18"></a>
<p>
<small>
<a href="http://www.snhcollection.com/137pillarshouse/">137 Pillars House</a><br>
2 Soi 1, Nawatgate Road<br>
Tambon Watgate, Muang Changmai<br>
Thailand</small>
Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com4Chiang Mai18.7877438 98.99311890000001318.5471963 98.670395400000018 19.028291300000003 99.315842400000008tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-87298778147958257592013-09-22T17:57:00.000+08:002013-09-22T17:57:43.516+08:00chase the cool<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9870822504/" title="Converse Margiela-11 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2874/9870822504_651d0becd3_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Converse Margiela-11"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9870828246/" title="Converse Margiela-10 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/9870828246_9505050926_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Converse Margiela-10"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9870829566/" title="Converse Margiela-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/9870829566_9541a166dd_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Converse Margiela-7"></a><P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9870829796/" title="Converse Margiela-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7328/9870829796_d717e3d989_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Converse Margiela-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9870830626/" title="Converse Margiela-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2811/9870830626_94d41b3a44_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Converse Margiela-1"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9870823914/" title="Converse Margiela-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/9870823914_0bce31eaa4_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Converse Margiela-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9870830016/" title="Converse Margiela-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/9870830016_83abdce88a_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Converse Margiela-3"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9870830766/" title="Converse Margiela-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/9870830766_861ef85982_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Converse Margiela-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9870827356/" title="Converse Margiela-13 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2807/9870827356_9c04ea9eae_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="Converse Margiela-13"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9870827666/" title="Converse Margiela-12 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3704/9870827666_5450e2ca0f_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Converse Margiela-12"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9870830116/" title="Converse Margiela-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5484/9870830116_6e55775564_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Converse Margiela-4"></a><br>
<small><center>[Topshop cami, T by Alexander Wang boxer shorts, Converse x Margiela Jack Purcell, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Prada backpack]</small><p></center>
Hong Kong is currently holding its breath for super typhoon Usagi - supposedly the worst storm for us in 34 years. The weather during the days leading up to major typhoon madness is usually stifling, shoot-me-in-the-face hot. Wearing more than a tank top gets difficult, I kid you not. I put on my easiest, fuss-free outfit to take Obi to get groomed, I even considered leaving out my watch. It doesn't get any more minimal than a breezy cami and my fresh to deathhhhh Converse x Margiela. I've been wanting a pair of white Jack Purcells for a while and the fact that these pair are Margiela collabs makes it 1000000 times better. You can't go wrong with monochrome and the key to beating the heat is keeping things juuuuust slutty enough that it's still acceptable. <p>
<i>Like this post but too lazy to comment? Just hit the bb blue heart below!</i>
Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-74185110801004224832013-09-01T18:37:00.001+08:002013-09-01T18:37:36.727+08:00crazy lazy<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640652707/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-23 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/9640652707_d24898b27a_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-23"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640652839/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-24 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2817/9640652839_96f4405bf2_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-24"></a>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9641397989/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-30-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2855/9641397989_704735e6da_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-30-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640652103/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5331/9640652103_0d8c23c880_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640652043/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/9640652043_67bb8363eb_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-3"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640653331/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-31 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/9640653331_93791181ee_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-31"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640651979/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2864/9640651979_2dfcc3950e_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-1"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9643889296/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-35 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/9643889296_64fdfec87c_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-35"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640652085/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/9640652085_c7de14b98a_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-4"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9643888378/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5458/9643888378_0c9ddc6e3e_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640652161/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/9640652161_6d55e34248_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9643888428/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/9643888428_3ea7990fee_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-7"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9643888548/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-8 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5525/9643888548_16f81eb7b0_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-8"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9643888502/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-10 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3820/9643888502_7246d6e1e8_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-10"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640652383/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-11 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5481/9640652383_a4b0ce49d7_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-11"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9643889254/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-34 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2866/9643889254_5d43483d4d_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-34"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640652365/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-12 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3740/9640652365_99cd40ecaf_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-12"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9643888596/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-13 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2853/9643888596_468a6223bb_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-13"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9643889206/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-33 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/9643889206_33e0d303b2_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-33"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9643888776/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-14 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5449/9643888776_69b97458b5_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-14"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9643888768/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-15 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/9643888768_7299f8e6a7_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-15"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9643888870/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-21 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/9643888870_5329440a59_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-21"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640652743/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-25 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5336/9640652743_ddc9b9900c_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-25"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640652801/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-26 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7430/9640652801_84ffe51ee9_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-26"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640652857/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-27 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/9640652857_b5252bc271_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-27"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9640653149/" title="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-32 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5527/9640653149_2397fb5092_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Phu Quoc Travel Diary-32"></a><p>
The second half of our Vietnam trip took place on the small island of Phu Quoc, a speedy 45 minute plane ride from Saigon. La Veranda Resort was pretty much the perfect backdrop for doing nothing but relaxing for 3 days straight. A French colonial style hotel set amongst super luscious gardens, there really wasn't much reason to leave this beachside la la land. I even made friends with a baby Amy by the pool, all the more reason not to leave. On our last day we managed to muster up just enough energy to venture out to the night market for an indescribably epic seafood dinner. Nice beaches, fresh seafood, spa-time and a crazy cute villa room, Phu Quoc is ideal when you're hit with a case of the lazies. <p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="-0">
<tr>
<td><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/9644633902_cab57087ac_o.gif" width="500" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-9"></td>
<td valign="bottom">I'm super practical when it comes to packing and I always make sure to bring the easiest, breeziest pieces I have. Here are some of my resort essentials:<br>
<small>
1. Topshop Camisole<br>
2. Zara never-nudes<br>
3. Zara printed pants<br>
4. J.Crew Liberty Print bikini top<br>
5. Lacoste 80th Anniversary Espadrilles</small>
</td></tr>
</table>
<small>
<a href="http://www.mgallery.com/gb/hotel-6479-la-veranda-resort-phu-quoc-mgallery-collection/index.shtml">MGallery La Veranda Resort</a><br>
Tran Hung Dao Street<br>
Duong Dong Beach<br>
0 - Phu Quoc<br>
Vietnam<br>
</small>
Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com3Koh Tral, Phú Quốc, Vietnam10.289879 103.984019999999999.7898430000000012 103.33857299999998 10.789915 104.62946699999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-29679816123732780122013-08-14T19:20:00.000+08:002013-08-14T19:20:25.861+08:00what the pho?<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9495459234/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5509/9495459234_b8b00edae2_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-1"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9495459610/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2859/9495459610_c216a3715a_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9509728708/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-1-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3684/9509728708_fda8d3b936_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-1-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9492661151/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3787/9492661151_63a71c88bd_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9495459486/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5530/9495459486_ab614bd908_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-3"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9506932237/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-1-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2815/9506932237_5021844350_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-1-4"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9495459488/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/9495459488_50b7399a2a_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-4"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9492662149/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-14 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3692/9492662149_99dc6efbda_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-14"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9492661475/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5519/9492661475_55338a776f_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9492661743/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-13 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5487/9492661743_e556c1c39b_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-13"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9509728910/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-1-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/9509728910_5d23e216e2_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-1-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9509728870/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-1-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7343/9509728870_c790a8b12a_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-1-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9495459720/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-8 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/9495459720_38fc42b2f2_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-8"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9492661695/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-15 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2842/9492661695_c62b79b393_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-15"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9492661551/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-10 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2862/9492661551_567a3e27ba_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-10"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9492661563/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-12 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/9492661563_912bce466f_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-12"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9492661813/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-17 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2832/9492661813_86665d15c8_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-17"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9492661351/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3700/9492661351_e6121c2382_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-7"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9495460218/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-18 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3687/9495460218_7a2d831281_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-18"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9495460398/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-20 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3794/9495460398_55d39a5676_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-20"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9495460358/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-22 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/9495460358_cbeebe309a_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-22"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9492662025/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-23 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/9492662025_c25a64ae13_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-23"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9506932157/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-1-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3751/9506932157_81ef678149_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-1-3"></a><p>
Our second trip to Vietnam proved just as awesome as the first. Crazy good food for even crazier good value and amazing chill out spots - you really can't go wrong. We hit up Saigon for two days to pregame before some serious doing-nothingness on Phu Quoc Island. 5 meals a day and lounging by the pool singing Taylor Swift (no shame) is all I need to keep me occupied. Here are some of my Ho Chi Minh City musts:
<p>
<table border="0" cellpadding="-0">
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9492661483/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-9 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7433/9492661483_1242d36f3c_o.jpg" width="500" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-9"></a></td>
<td valign="bottom"><a href="http://lusinespace.com/" target="new"><u><b>L'usine</b></u></a> - Easily our favorite hang out in HCM and what seems like the only hipster cafe-store-gallery in this city, this cutie little place on the 1st floor of a sorta run-down building serves some light food, cupcakes and killer iced vietnamese coffee. Head to the store for a gander and you'll find brands like Cheap Monday, Baxter of California and local furniture/lighting brand District Eight Design.<p><small>151/1 Dong Khoi St., 1st Floor | District 1</small></td></tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9492661961/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-19 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/9492661961_1c3e95cf7f_o.jpg" width="500" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-19"></a></td>
<td valign="bottom"><a href="https://plus.google.com/108603071340410317340/about?gl=hk&hl=en" target="new"><b><u>Pho Hoa</u></b></a> - The best pho you'll probably eat in your life. Two bowls will almost definitely be necessary. It's kinda grimey, sorta noisy and so friggin good. Don't skip the communal lime, mint or chili because you will most definitely miss out on making your own concoction of epicness.<p>
<small>260C Pasteur Street</small>
</td></tr>
<tr>
<td><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9495460116/" title="Saigon Travel Diary-16 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3788/9495460116_1e710571d5_o.jpg" width="500" alt="Saigon Travel Diary-16"></a>
</td>
<td valign="bottom">
<a href="http://www.may-cloud.com/" target="new"><b><u>May</b></u></a> - This one was a first time for us, but we decided to try something new for our anniversary. It's set in a restored French colonial villa and it feels like you're eating at your super baller friend's house for dinner. It's homey Vietnamese food with a French twist and the added bonus of no MSG or added preservatives. I recommend the mushroom clay pot as an alternative to all the pho-crazy meals you would have had.<p><small>3/5 Hoang Sa | District 1</small>
</td></tr>
</table>
That's it! Phu Quoc Island is up next.Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-33741124702175168952013-06-12T12:00:00.000+08:002013-06-12T12:00:05.008+08:00sunsick<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9017447600/" title="Lacoste-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/9017447600_fbbfee4778_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Lacoste-3"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9017448266/" title="Lacoste-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/9017448266_ae52520545_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Lacoste-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9016259015/" title="Lacoste-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3668/9016259015_352299a300_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Lacoste-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9016259773/" title="Lacoste-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3733/9016259773_d7cb068a05_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Lacoste-4"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9017451672/" title="Lacoste-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/9017451672_a4005d5be4_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="Lacoste-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9017451084/" title="Lacoste-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/9017451084_698a33e064_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Lacoste-7"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/9017446774/" title="Lacoste-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2808/9017446774_4563937976_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Lacoste-1"></a><p>
<center><small>[Topshop <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/5jfgn22n" target="new">top</a>, T by Alexander Wang <a href="http://rstyle.me/~yNrQ" target="new">skirt</a>, Lacoste espadrilles, Celine nano luggage tote, Persol sunglasses]</small></center><p>
In the past 3 months it feels like it's rained more in Hong Kong than the entire year I spent in London. I know, so drama-rama right? But seriously, Hong Kong needs to sort this weather shit out because the clouds are really bumming me out. The sun decided to peek it's cheeky face over the weekend for a bit, so I took the opportune moment to gander about in my Lacoste espadrilles from their 80th Anniversary collection. So here I am, wearing nothing black for once, in the perfect summer shoes (that seem to blend in rather seamlessly with the stone floor, ooooopzzz).
Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-79838048741692815572013-05-26T20:57:00.001+08:002013-05-26T20:59:04.129+08:00BKK<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8840311242/" title="Bangkok-bkk-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8544/8840311242_6d2d0c2040_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8840309766/" title="Bangkok-bkk-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5444/8840309766_b8fc4e2203_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8839679497/" title="Bangkok-bkk-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/8839679497_f879245e0d_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-3"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8840307508/" title="Bangkok-bkk-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3797/8840307508_585c14069d_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-4"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8840300522/" title="Bangkok-bkk-26 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7381/8840300522_defbe40fa7_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-26"></a><br>
Soul Food Mahanakorn<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8840298976/" title="Bangkok-bkk-27 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5327/8840298976_ebeb51b844_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-27"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8839702799/" title="Bangkok-bkk-21 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5322/8839702799_08c1dc8256_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-21"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8840314436/" title="Bangkok-bkk-9 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/8840314436_91065761c9_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-9"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8839689535/" title="Bangkok-bkk-10 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7362/8839689535_d6009fe779_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-10"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8840317680/" title="Bangkok-bkk-11 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/8840317680_4f6b4a3c1c_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-11"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8839686811/" title="Bangkok-bkk-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8266/8839686811_a35f759867_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-7"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8840303638/" title="Bangkok-bkk-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2877/8840303638_1fc1cc52da_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-1"></a><br>
Bonchon chicken!!!<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8840074591/" title="Bangkok-bkk-1-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3811/8840074591_1bf5f65fa7_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="Bangkok-bkk-1-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8840320040/" title="Bangkok-bkk-13 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5468/8840320040_11711f71cb_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-13"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8839695015/" title="Bangkok-bkk-14 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3724/8839695015_4d50db5fb1_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-14"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8839701831/" title="Bangkok-bkk-20 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8397/8839701831_f9d3714120_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-20"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8839699023/" title="Bangkok-bkk-18 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5443/8839699023_eae98d2297_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-18"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8840326896/" title="Bangkok-bkk-19 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/8840326896_9b8f4db7ff_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-19"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8839704887/" title="Bangkok-bkk-23 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2886/8839704887_752e988c08_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-23"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8840332984/" title="Bangkok-bkk-25 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3710/8840332984_7c350406cb_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-25"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8840313184/" title="Bangkok-bkk-8 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7323/8840313184_4d7883f2bf_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-8"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8839677135/" title="Bangkok-bkk-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5451/8839677135_8c9c1c934d_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Bangkok-bkk-2"></a><br>
<small><center>[<a href="http://rstyle.me/n/22c5n22n">LPD New York Wang Tee</a>, Zara shorts, Riviera shoes]</small></center><p>
Looking back now it's hard to believe that all this eating, aquarium-visiting and market-going took place on one day. The last time I'd been to Bangkok was when I was a kid, so up until last weekend my only impression of the place was pretty much scenes from Hangover 2.
<p>
One of the best Thai meals I've ever had took place in <a href="http://soulfoodmahanakorn.com/" target="new">Soul Food Mahanakorn</a> - a small restaurant in the super swankehhh area of Thonglor. My favorites include curried noodles with beef brisket and this omg grilled eggplant salad served with duck eggs and a zesty-spicy-epic dressing - a meal (and cocktails) I'd gladly fly back to BKK for. Other highlights include the humungomous aquarium (underneath a MALL?) and my melty spa session at <a href="http://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cgcw/index.asp" target="new">Centara Grand Hotel</a>. Long weekends done right.
Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-638200991699726352013-05-01T22:31:00.000+08:002013-05-01T22:31:07.829+08:00I got Seoul<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8688014833/" title="seoul-36 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/8688014833_a147187e5e_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-36"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8688013941/" title="seoul-33 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/8688013941_949548ba73_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-33"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8688015531/" title="seoul-38 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/8688015531_c31eeb35b4_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-38"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8689133016/" title="seoul-35 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/8689133016_1000ff11f2_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-35"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8689131186/" title="seoul-30 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/8689131186_b0857cc771_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-30"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8689131662/" title="seoul-31 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/8689131662_87e4c2df21_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-31"></a><br>
Grilled kalbi tacos with kimchi salsa - one of the best things I've eaten in my life. HK needs a <a href="http://grill5.tistory.com/" target="new">Grill5taco</a> NOW
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8689132196/" title="seoul-32 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/8689132196_7c75599915_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-32"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8688012023/" title="seoul-29 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/8688012023_4dcc92cfa2_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-29"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8689129188/" title="seoul-25 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/8689129188_806e531968_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-25"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8688010725/" title="seoul-26 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/8688010725_4f45bf922f_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-26"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8688011529/" title="seoul-28 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/8688011529_0a09c1a9be_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-28"></a><P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8688010227/" title="seoul-24 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7047/8688010227_1b8bb57bc7_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-24"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8688009971/" title="seoul-23 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/8688009971_de3d1e5bc2_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-23"></a><P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8688009655/" title="seoul-22 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/8688009655_2867cc750b_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-22"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8689136034/" title="seoul-34 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/8689136034_c51c90a34b_o.jpg" width="700" alt="seoul-34"></a><P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8689134418/" title="seoul-39 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/8689134418_c806a53bda_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-39"></a><P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8689135130/" title="seoul-12 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/8689135130_433727821d_o.jpg" width="700" alt="seoul-12"></a><br>
K-pose ^_^<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8688008931/" title="seoul-20 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/8688008931_0eda4d75ef_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-20"></a>
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8689127306/" title="seoul-19 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/8689127306_fe2f3e4e2b_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-19"></a><P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8688006683/" title="seoul-16 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/8688006683_d7b7dc4d57_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-16"></a><P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8689124724/" title="seoul-14 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/8689124724_b289ff5998_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-14"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8688003635/" title="seoul-9 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/8688003635_6123ef8e31_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-9"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8689120598/" title="seoul-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/8689120598_f95cf59c19_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8689121364/" title="seoul-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/8689121364_9667711eec_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8688000723/" title="seoul-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/8688000723_5c5a609152_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-1"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8689119864/" title="seoul-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/8689119864_b189f61f3c_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="seoul-2"></a><P>
I'm not sure why it took me so long to plan a trip to Seoul. Considering it's only a 3 hour flight away and Korean food being my for-sure, forever favorite cuisine, it was only a matter of time before I visited the mother land of all that is yummy in this world. And it was exactly as I imagined - skin care galore, cutie shops and seriously good food. There were still a few surprises; everyone speaks fluent put-you-to-shame mandarin, they really love their Americanos and ajumas are weirdly aggressive when it comes to subway seats.
I can't believe this trip was only a month ago because I'm totally ready to go again. 5 epic meals a day, the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/barry-yourgrau/seouls-blue-star--a-world_b_780375.html#s177308&title=Blue_Stars_host" target="new">coolest bar in the world</a> and an abundance of facial sheet masks - why not?Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-3152229749055386892013-03-17T15:54:00.001+08:002013-03-17T15:54:37.384+08:00the other side<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8560360031/" title="12 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8530/8560360031_f2371d8cc7_o.jpg" width="700" height="1056" alt="12"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8561467710/" title="14 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8561467710_7d9cefc415_o.jpg" width="700" height="1056" alt="14"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8561468014/" title="8 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8522/8561468014_832a236d1a_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="8"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8560360407/" title="3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8505/8560360407_881a7ccfab_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="3"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8560361019/" title="5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8560361019_89105e0449_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8561471500/" title="sha-lai-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8561471500_a529848a6e_o.jpg" width="700" height="1056" alt="sha-lai-1"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8560364247/" title="sha-lai-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8510/8560364247_5b3cb484bc_o.jpg" width="700" height="1056" alt="sha-lai-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8561472984/" title="6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8094/8561472984_3cc78d8507_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="6"></a><P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8561473306/" title="2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8561473306_10a055c448_o.jpg" width="700" height="1056" alt="2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8561476124/" title="4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8561476124_9a73ebb9c6_o.jpg" width="700" height="1056" alt="4"></a><P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8560367495/" title="13 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8521/8560367495_a68b5d545a_o.jpg" width="700" height="1056" alt="13"></a><P>
I've lived in Hong Kong pretty much my entire life but it took a non-local, super-cutie to introduce me to parts of the city that I've never been to. A rainy afternoon spent exploring bookshop cafes, old-people parks and trying to mesh in with the b-ball kids, while Aimee unleashed her camera sorcery to photograph our baby expedition. I warned her that I am <i>extremely</i> awkward in front of the camera, instantly obvious when she asked me to pull something similar to a copper-tone baby pose, which ended up with both of us just laughing at my epic FAIL.<p>
Our upcoming project hopefully will ensue water, rocks and a munchkin named Obi. The internetzzz is filled with weirdos and freaks but then once in a while it brings you little gems you don't know how you lived without like <a href="http://cantomemes.tumblr.com/" target="new">cantomemes</a>, <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/erinlarosa/japanese-boy-and-his-french-bulldog-are-the-worlds-cutest-fr" target="new">crazy cuteness</a> and Miss <a href="http://cavaan.blogspot.com" target="new">Aimee Han</a>. Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-51182783953255831192013-02-16T14:25:00.000+08:002013-02-16T14:25:08.482+08:00flower power BAM!<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8478223672/" title="kung hei fat choi-11 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8508/8478223672_fc439007c9_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="kung hei fat choi-11"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8478223430/" title="kung hei fat choi-10 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8478223430_9fdf6e7d57_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="kung hei fat choi-10"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8478223102/" title="kung hei fat choi-9 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8250/8478223102_0ba7d7414b_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="kung hei fat choi-9"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8478222898/" title="kung hei fat choi-8 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8515/8478222898_97f0244df7_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="kung hei fat choi-8"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8478222466/" title="kung hei fat choi-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8392/8478222466_b31b6ef3c9_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="kung hei fat choi-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8478222252/" title="kung hei fat choi-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8514/8478222252_6941334a5e_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="kung hei fat choi-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8478221868/" title="kung hei fat choi-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8506/8478221868_502ecd1d97_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="kung hei fat choi-3"></a><br>
Narcissus~~~<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8477130975/" title="kung hei fat choi-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8477130975_87d0f9815a_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="kung hei fat choi-1"></a><p>
恭喜發財 (Happy Chinese New Year)!!! As per our CNY tradition, I took a gander around the flower market (twice) to try and inhale as much good luck as my bulbous nose can take and pick some pretty bloooooooooms for our house. Not sure if you can tell from the photos but the CNY flower market is packed like sardines and there is actually a walking speed limit of 5km/h. It's the only OMFG-crowded situation I will willingly place myself in, but anything to get constant whiffs of the Narcissus plants which basically smell like Tempo tissue on steroids. MMMMMmmmMMMmmmmm!
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8478224348/" title="kung hei fat choi-15 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8514/8478224348_23321fa62b_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="kung hei fat choi-15"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8478223912/" title="kung hei fat choi-13 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8478223912_c77cc37d1e_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="kung hei fat choi-13"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8477134307/" title="kung hei fat choi-18 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8112/8477134307_e7325003d4_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="kung hei fat choi-18"></a><br>
gossiping away with <a href="http://www.superwowomg.com" target="new">superwowomg</a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8477220715/" title="kung hei fat choi-20 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8388/8477220715_c055ccd447_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="kung hei fat choi-20"></a><br>
<small><center>[American Apparel <a href="http://rstyle.me/~fAJE">tee</a> and skirt, Helmut Lang denim jacket, Prada backpack, Alexander Wang <a href="http://rstyle.me/~fAKh">Kori shoes</a>, Persol sunglasses]</small></center><p>
Contrary to everyone and their mom wearing red, I spent majority of my 5 day CNY weekend wearing black (what's new). I'm pretty much addicted to this bb-sized, 20 year old Prada backpack because there's nothing better than the convenience of two fully functioning hands. I also spent my 5 day sleeping, eating mountains of turnip cake, watching mind-numbing amounts of TV and getting sucked into the black hole that is our couch.<p>
Hope everyone has an aweeeessssome year of the snake! Eat lots, be happy lots and remember not to cut your hair or count your lai see for the first 15 days!Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-35952196459670014182013-01-14T21:19:00.001+08:002013-01-14T21:21:20.991+08:00the real deal<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8380540970/" title="blue butcher-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8380540970_10df2e135a_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="blue butcher-7"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8379462009/" title="blue butcher-12 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8379462009_94c937b819_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="blue butcher-12"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8379461419/" title="blue butcher-8 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8370/8379461419_237e4be41d_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="blue butcher-8"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8380566294/" title="blue blutcher 11 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8380566294_dde3e980a8_o.jpg" width="700" height="463" alt="blue blutcher 11"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8380540832/" title="blue butcher-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8380540832_67266015ed_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="blue butcher-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8380540680/" title="blue butcher-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8380540680_0c7b5b3530_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="blue butcher-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8379461655/" title="blue butcher-10 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8074/8379461655_39966a4020_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="blue butcher-10"></a><p>
<center>
<small>[American Apparel lace dress, Cole Haan x Jen Brill shoes, Robert Glergerie clutch]<br>
[Zara shirt and blazer, J.Crew wool tie, Lanvin lapel pin, Drakes silk pocket square]</small><p></center>
There are pretty much only two occasions a year that I properly get dressed up for; our anniversary and my man's birthday. So this is what I wore to the latter. I realize that my idea of "dressed up" is probably your casual friday getup but ordinarily I never dress this fanceh. I snatched up this American Apparel lace dress at 50% off because I'm Asian and can't resist a good deal and also because it reminds me of Dolce & Gabbana FW10 (or all seasons). I paired it with my worn-to-death leather jacket to balance out the girliness. I'm not sure why I didn't get a better picture of the Cole Haan x Jen Brill shoes because the tassel laces and ox-blood red color are !!!!. <p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8379460819/" title="blue butcher-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8379460819_0190ef0867_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="blue butcher-2"></a><p>
To celebrate, we hit up <a href="http://www.bluebutcher.com/">Blue Butcher</a> for some real-deal steak and buttery bone marrow. I try not to post shitty photos taken in low low light, but the bone marrow is too ZOMG to ignore. Another epic meal for my epic belly but I was kind of disappointed to find out at the END of it that the waiter forgot to offer us our choice of sauces. Every little bit counts. Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-4250884555462259652012-12-18T22:40:00.002+08:002012-12-18T22:40:47.617+08:00breakfast with a boy named sue<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8277110244/" title="a boy named sue - SHALAI-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8207/8277110244_7108f947f8_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="a boy named sue - SHALAI-1"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8276051593/" title="a boy named sue - SHALAI-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8276051593_52caf28c36_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="a boy named sue - SHALAI-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8277110616/" title="a boy named sue - SHALAI-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8203/8277110616_efff4249dc_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="a boy named sue - SHALAI-3"></a><P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8277111286/" title="a boy named sue - SHALAI-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8277111286_a7815740c7_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="a boy named sue - SHALAI-6"></a><P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8277129552/" title="a boy named sue - SHALAI-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8277129552_4b4dc28d4c_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="a boy named sue - SHALAI-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8276052625/" title="a boy named sue - SHALAI-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8276052625_cf2d7f3ff7_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="a boy named sue - SHALAI-7"></a><p>
<small><center>[Groceries raglan sweatshirt, The Sway leather jacket and Flea Bags traveler's clutch via <a href="http://aboynamedsue.co/" target="new">A Boy Named Sue</a>, Forever 21 faux leather skirt, converse shoes]</small></center>
<p>
It's been unseasonably warm in Hong Kong (until today), considering there's only 1 week left till Christmas. I mean legs-bearing, rolled-up-sleeves kind of warm. Perfect for wandering around in a seasonless wardrobe of comfy basics that are as easy as pie. The lovely ladies behind <a href="http://aboynamedsue.co/" target="new">A Boy Named Sue</a> have done an awesome job of sourcing some of the coolest eco-conscious designers. Along with their yummy visuals and cute branding, <a href="http://tlikebubbletea.blogspot.com" target="new">Tania</a> and <a href="http://www.samishome.com" target="new">Sam</a> show you how sustainable design IS in fact <b>damn</b> cool. My milky raglan sweatshirt has been serving me well these past few days, worn baggy like I borrowed it from my (shrunken) boyfriend.
<p>
I finally took some time out to cook again, in an attempt to revive <a href="http://instagram.com/shalai" target="new">#shaskitchen</a>. I'm always torn between wanting sweet or savory foods for breakie, so I ended up making both. It's my yin-yang/two-face/half-n-half special: nutella and banana versus slow cooked scramble eggs with truffle and cheese. Served with a cup of rose scented tea from Harney & Sons. YUMZ.
<p>Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-52923858270274593382012-11-28T09:00:00.000+08:002012-11-28T11:02:16.445+08:00it takes two, baby<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8224238290/" title="Dasein Socks SHALAI-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8224238290_bfb4e2aac1_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Dasein Socks SHALAI-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8224301472/" title="Dasein Socks SHALAI-12 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8224301472_577a58ca09_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Dasein Socks SHALAI-12"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8224238506/" title="Dasein Socks SHALAI-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8224238506_e80229eb44_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Dasein Socks SHALAI-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8224238704/" title="Dasein Socks SHALAI-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8224238704_2551f46ffd_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Dasein Socks SHALAI-6"></a><br>
cool right-angled hair
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8224238024/" title="Dasein Socks SHALAI-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8205/8224238024_1462d55941_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Dasein Socks SHALAI-1"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8223163619/" title="Dasein Socks SHALAI-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8198/8223163619_487a8d1435_o.jpg" width="700" height="461" alt="Dasein Socks SHALAI-4"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8223224975/" title="Dasein Socks SHALAI-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8223224975_546bca6f05_o.jpg" width="700" height="768" alt="Dasein Socks SHALAI-3"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8223162899/" title="Dasein Socks SHALAI-10 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8223162899_dbc5342e11_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Dasein Socks SHALAI-10"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8223163117/" title="Dasein Socks SHALAI-11 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8223163117_7e7f7ab07f_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Dasein Socks SHALAI-11"></a><br>
<small><center>[Uniqlo Thermal, Zara shorts, Da-Sein socks, Steve Madden wedges, Alexander Wang oxfords, COS beanie, Emporio Armani belt]<p></small></center>
The awesome Jessie from <a href="http://www.daseinsocks.com/" target="new">Da-Sein</a> recently sent over a yummy selection of super cute socks, just in time for Hong Kong's fail version of "fall". I knew instantly my favorite pair would be the <a href="http://www.daseinsocks.com/php/product.php?goods_id=27" target="new">Tessa</a> in black - cutouts in socks? GENIUS! When worn with my black <a href="http://rstyle.me/~68sx" target="new">Alexander Wang Kori shoes</a>, it gives off a funny illusion of me wearing some kind of leg straps/shinlets (do those exist?) I'm sure when paired with contrasting shoes it would look equally as cute, unfortunately being the Practical Polly I am, I own no such colorful shoes. I also love how the <a href="http://www.daseinsocks.com/php/product.php?goods_id=72" target="new">Kaori</a> over-the-knee socks elongate my little legs, thanks to the bold, almost Mondrian-esque lines. It kinda has that same optical illusion effect similar to the FW12 <a href="http://www.style.com/slideshows/2012/fashionshows/F2012RTW/PLIM/RUNWAY/00050fullscreen.jpg" target="new">3.1 Phillip Lim dress</a>. Deceiving? Perhaps. Mischievous? For sure. But socks are where it's at. Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-83335506860656223752012-11-18T22:00:00.000+08:002012-11-18T22:00:09.110+08:00wouldn't it be nice<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8194567103/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8194567103_ff9704e9a8_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8194566759/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-8 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8194566759_11df7c025b_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-8"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8195658478/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-12 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8195658478_7448609c8c_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-12"></a><br>
whispering our escape tactics<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8195658758/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-10 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8204/8195658758_e929fcc432_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-10"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8194566623/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-9 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8480/8194566623_13521de5cb_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-9"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8194566929/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8068/8194566929_731d7d5d82_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-7"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8194566003/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-13 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8194566003_0098fdb41b_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-13"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8194565863/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-14 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8481/8194565863_3824844b64_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-14"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8194565623/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-16 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8066/8194565623_3aa3323597_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-16"></a><br>
LOL at Pepe's face<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8195657608/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-18 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8195657608_8b0dd61b80_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-18"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8194565461/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-17 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8194565461_53f3b589c8_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-17"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8194565221/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-19 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8338/8194565221_973cdf12f9_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-19"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8194566337/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-11 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8342/8194566337_4a4bf7b625_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-11"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8194565095/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-20 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8194565095_0d38c5219b_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-20"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8194567441/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8345/8194567441_20013b1266_o.jpg" width="700" height="463" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-3"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8194601377/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8057/8194601377_63f793649f_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-1"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8195659836/" title="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8195659836_a274bf0c5c_o.jpg" width="700" height="464" alt="wouldn't it be nice SHALAI-2"></a><p>
[Lee jacket, <a href="http://rstyle.me/~5ku5">American Apparel tri-blend tee</a>, <a href="http://rstyle.me/~5knZ">Topshop Leigh jeans</a>, <a href="http://rstyle.me/~5kun">TOMS shoes</a>, Rayban sunglasses]<p>
A couple of weeks ago I was invited to a friend’s house for a fancy afternoon tea party. By party I mean an intimate group of 4, plus her crazy cute baby Isabelle and Pepe the dog. An afternoon well spent fawning over her beautiful house, munching on chocolate-coated marshmallows and plotting my runway escape with dog and baby in hand. For those that don’t know, babies and dogs are the secret to happiness. That and Korean food, I kid you not.
<p>
I recently discovered this old denim jacket in my room. Probably a hand-me-down from one of the elderly Lai siblings. The denim is buttery soft and has a wear-me-now texture that makes it feel at least 10 years old. I’m really into the patches and slightly cropped/baggy fit. A perfect inter-seasons staple.
Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-43670559154692825932012-10-31T09:00:00.000+08:002012-10-31T09:00:00.187+08:00florence, firenze, fiorenza<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138699909/" title="Florence SHALAI-21 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8138699909_576e69dc4e_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-21"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138697465/" title="florence by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8475/8138697465_756ab3eedb_o.jpg" width="700" height="463" alt="florence"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138729596/" title="Florence SHALAI-28 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8463/8138729596_89a368e0ac_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-28"></a><br>
Il Santo Bevitore<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138729874/" title="Florence SHALAI-27 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8192/8138729874_b262050007_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-27"></a><br>
Il Santo Bevitore<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138698327/" title="Florence SHALAI-26 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8468/8138698327_fe72023ff9_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-26"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138730488/" title="Florence SHALAI-25 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8183/8138730488_0f38ea27dc_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-25"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138699215/" title="Florence SHALAI-23 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8138699215_e652d7ca47_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-23"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138730810/" title="Florence SHALAI-24 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8138730810_757fd6e08a_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-24"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138699709/" title="Florence SHALAI-22 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8470/8138699709_53b986f23c_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-22"></a><br>
Looking for Totoro in the Boboli Gardens<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138732126/" title="Florence SHALAI-20 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8049/8138732126_58b5c90214_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-20"></a><P>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138700601/" title="Florence SHALAI-19 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8333/8138700601_8cd00d74c0_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-19"></a><br>
Fragola gelato ftw<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138701011/" title="Florence SHALAI-16 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8138701011_794b7307ed_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-16"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138701299/" title="Florence SHALAI-15 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8138701299_013099a3a9_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-15"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138701645/" title="Florence SHALAI-14 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8056/8138701645_b44e8f81b1_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-14"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138733906/" title="Florence SHALAI-13 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8332/8138733906_02b8ba86f1_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-13"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138781897/" title="florence 2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8138781897_425e5e6ec0_o.jpg" width="700" height="463" alt="florence 2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138702433/" title="Florence SHALAI-11 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8138702433_a7123cb532_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-11"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138734678/" title="Florence SHALAI-9 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8474/8138734678_1baa961cb9_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-9"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138735068/" title="Florence SHALAI-8 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8138735068_3dd57620f5_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-8"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138703575/" title="Florence SHALAI-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8325/8138703575_18aaf99c77_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138736050/" title="Florence SHALAI-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8053/8138736050_de7e304f16_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138814108/" title="florence 3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8048/8138814108_a884a01677_o.jpg" width="700" height="463" alt="florence 3"></a>><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8138735746/" title="Florence SHALAI-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8464/8138735746_b9d7aa9803_o.jpg" width="700" height="525" alt="Florence SHALAI-3"></a><br>
ooommggg a trio of frenchie babies!<p>
Now that I'm looking back at these photos from Florence, it feels way longer than just a month ago. To be honest, I don't remember the details too clearly considering I have the memory of a 90 year old grandmama. Florence was basically a blurry combination of mind-blowing cathedrals, some dude's crazy garden, Narnia streets and worth-waiting-for food. Actually now that I think of it, our trip to <i>Firenze</i> was pre-dominantly eating - whether it was a scoop of gelato here and there or a badass piece of 1kg steak (Bistecca alla Fiorentina). I know most people flock to Florence to see the art, but competing with must-see-everything tourists just didn't sound like the kind of holiday we wanted to be on.
<p>
A definite highlight was dinner at <a href="http://ilsantobevitore.com/" target="new">Il Santo Bevitore</a>. Having tried to get a table every night for the first 3 (and failing), it was so worth the wait considering this was probably the most bombass meal of our 10-day Italy trip - thank you <a href="http://www.luxecityguides.com/?m=guide_inner&guide_id=43" target="new">Luxe City Guides</a>. Like I said, the details are fuzzy but I remember an amazing concoction of grilled octopus on a pillow of guacamole and some fruity foam. OMG.
<p>
Galavanting aside, I'm back on regular scheduled programming now which means work and weekends. While the updates are slow, follow me on instagram (<a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/shalai/" target="new">shalai</a>) for more snippets of what I'm wearing, what I'm eating and Obi's foot-pouch.
Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-38710011887812190992012-09-29T11:00:00.000+08:002012-09-29T17:54:58.864+08:00buh buh bologna<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034039416/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-23 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-23" height="461" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8034/8034039416_face1b5cb9_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034039626/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-20 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-20" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8322/8034039626_22e8e9d224_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034039760/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-19 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-19" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/8034039760_6561ebfb3b_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034040211/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-17 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-17" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/8034040211_6d1bfcde81_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034040335/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-16 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-16" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/8034040335_eb0b8e3c98_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034040599/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-14 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-14" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8309/8034040599_7458d6fb06_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034040741/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-13 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-13" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8311/8034040741_2181e6635b_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034041130/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-11 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-11" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8034041130_c523684362_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034041296/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-10 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-10" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8462/8034041296_904b21aee8_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034039407/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-25 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-25" height="463" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8034039407_defa434a55_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034040067/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-18 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-18" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8182/8034040067_83af1052e3_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034040902/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-12 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-12" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/8034040902_c21ff25d21_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br>Ham for everyone!<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034041755/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-7" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8455/8034041755_a28cfe2d0e_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034041915/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-6" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8456/8034041915_7d2983acfc_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034042053/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-5" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8172/8034042053_abea95da11_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034039342/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-24 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-24" height="466" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8034039342_b0cf452fc1_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034040330/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-15 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-15" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8461/8034040330_05610abbc8_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034041468/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-9 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-9" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8457/8034041468_3a26f7823f_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034042314/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-3" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8034042314_5eea25b353_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034042249/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-4" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/8034042249_69531a4a1f_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034042529/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-2" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/8034042529_2d0d4cb012_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034042814/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-1-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-1-2" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8178/8034042814_44b68d1d19_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br>Oh you know, just washing my clothes by the river with my stone lady friends<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034042648/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="Bologna-SHALAI-1" height="525" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8031/8034042648_ba0ebfafb5_o.jpg" width="700" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/8034039504/" title="Bologna-SHALAI-22 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/8034039504_e9ce5ecf49_o.jpg" width="700" height="463" alt="Bologna-SHALAI-22"></a>
<br />
Bologna is quite the little gem of a city. Small and quaint, the pretty coral/amber/pumpkin colored buildings are all peppered with indecipherable slurs of graffiti. WATCHUSAY??? It's extremely dog friendly (we counted 78 sightings in a day) and the nice Bolognese people will let you pet those cuties most of the time. Bologna is also easy to meander around via your trusty own feet, although dying calf muscles WILL ensue.
<p>The city is known as the "belly" of Italy, so naturally we ate enough cured meats to cover our sodium intake for the next year and then some. My kidneys? Why yes they are <i>DEAD</i>. Was it enough? Nope, I could eat Proscuitto and Culatello until my entire body has turned into one big walking, talking lump of salt. I didn't realize I had taken so little food photos (how non-asian of me) but I know it's because more often than not I'm too excited to let my camera eat first. <br /><p>
Despite being a prettttyyy small place, there's plenty to keep you entertained for a good 5 days or so; exploring shady alleyways, hunting for the best gelato, <a href="http://web.stagram.com/p/283915290224507406_23287189" target="new">slutty fountains</a>, the Lamborghini museum and day trips to Parma (where we actually found the <a href="http://www.cremeriaemilia.com/" target="new">best gelato</a> <i>ever</i>).<p>
Up next is Florence! <br /><p>
<i>Thank you to <a href="http://uk.phaidon.com/store/travel/wallpaper-city-guide-bologna-9780714848945/" target="new">Wallpaper* City Guides (Bologna)</a> for dishing out the best advice on where to go. Your deli recommendations were exactly the fix we needed to get our daily dose of cured meats. </i>Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-65562489673391160492012-09-09T18:16:00.001+08:002012-09-09T19:07:18.951+08:00kill the night
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7961185424/" title="Phillip Lim Kill The Night - SHALAI-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8461/7961185424_53f4044e8e_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Phillip Lim Kill The Night - SHALAI-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7961185802/" title="Phillip Lim Kill The Night - SHALAI-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8315/7961185802_1e6c1e4d8f_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Phillip Lim Kill The Night - SHALAI-3"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7961186110/" title="Phillip Lim Kill The Night - SHALAI-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8442/7961186110_d51784a9ba_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Phillip Lim Kill The Night - SHALAI-4"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7961186738/" title="Phillip Lim Kill The Night - SHALAI-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8040/7961186738_311698d2e1_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Phillip Lim Kill The Night - SHALAI-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7961186424/" title="Phillip Lim Kill The Night - SHALAI-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8316/7961186424_aeca82c087_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Phillip Lim Kill The Night - SHALAI-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7961185142/" title="Phillip Lim Kill The Night - SHALAI-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7961185142_8f44f96e59_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Phillip Lim Kill The Night - SHALAI-1"></a><p>
To celebrate the launch of 3.1 Phillip Lim's Fall 2012, a comic book was released to highlight the collection and its badass superhero theme. Being a major Phlim fan, I was super psyched and lucky enough to be gifted <i>Kill the Night</i> by the always cuties <a href="http://statigr.am/elainewailing" target="new">Elaine</a> for my birthday! Packed with plenty of action and well-dressed characters, it's fun going through the comic and spotting the oh-so-nonchalantly placed Pashli and 31 Hour bag and my favorite Lim pieces like the <a href="http://rstyle.me/n/cdfsn22n" target="new">leather collars</a> and paneled cape. Sooo good, thanks Elaine!
<p>
A quarter of a century old sounds frick old, but thankfully I am exactly where I want to be at 25 years old. I've spent a more-than-awesome year in London, I love my job (finally) and I'm surrounded by people that I just want to squeeze all the time for being so guhhmazing. Proof that doing what you love instead of what's expected of you can reap some serious rewards. If the two happen to be the same thing then you're one lucky Lucy. Enough with the cheese and wine, a big juicy....<p>
<center><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8031/7961393810_ca91a75449_o.gif"></center><p>Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-39210052686817365202012-08-18T00:09:00.000+08:002012-08-18T00:09:14.722+08:00leather and layering<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7802341322/" title="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7260/7802341322_8c0b8b0803_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-1"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7802341738/" title="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8282/7802341738_d5151d5e5c_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7802342188/" title="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7802342188_d4902fd01f_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-3"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7802342956/" title="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8446/7802342956_b453ece054_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7802343338/" title="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8436/7802343338_4e1e6b9628_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7802343720/" title="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7802343720_37906e0b3e_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-7"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7802342584/" title="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7802342584_e986f4d195_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-4"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7802344294/" title="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-8 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8305/7802344294_560b69a0d1_o.jpg" width="600" height="399" alt="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-8"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7802346684/" title="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-12 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7802346684_63976030fc_o.jpg" width="600" height="399" alt="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-12"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7802345452/" title="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-10 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7270/7802345452_c98f283543_o.jpg" width="600" height="399" alt="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-10"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7802346100/" title="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-11 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7802346100_96714eb4f1_o.jpg" width="600" height="399" alt="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-11"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7802347234/" title="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-13 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8288/7802347234_7ac886a96c_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Ann Demeulemeester FW12-shalai-13"></a><br>
<center><small>[Topshop <a href="http://rstyle.me/hjkbsdn22n" target="new">maxi dress</a> and cuff, H&M denim vest, Alexander Wang <a href="http://rstyle.me/h4ddrvn22n" target="new">Kori shoes</a> and <a href="http://rstyle.me/h26yvnn22n" target="new">Prisma clutch</a>]</center></small><p>
We arrived at the Ann Demeulemeester Fall Winter presentation by <a href="https://www.ithk.com/" target="new">I.T</a> just in time to take our seats, holler rude-nothings at friends/strangers, adjust our camera settings and then the show begun. You would've thought that the models walking at a snail-like pace would have made for easy capturing of the show, but somehow I still failed to capture any good detail shots of the ingenious black on pointy corners on black² leather layering and tdf over-the-knee boots. I'm definitely more of a warm weather Wally (durrr shorts forevz) but the collection gave me some insight into how I want to be wearing my all black everything come winter. Thanks Ann Dem, well noted!
<p>
On a side note, I've been wearing my <a href="http://web.stagram.com/p/255568589714845718_2008291" target="new">Alexander Wang Kori shoes</a> for 19 days straight and I think I'm gonna keep going as long as it stays ankle-baring weather. The combination of elastic, leather and a rose gold heel insert is so zomgwtfbbq, I'm obsessed. I'm even considering getting the <a href="http://rstyle.me/h4ddrvn22n" target="new">all leather version</a> to add to my collection of forever shoes. <p>
<i><small>Thanks to <a href="http://www.superwowomg.com" target="new">SUPERWOWOMG</a> for my outfit shots and <a href="http://www.toughlove.hk">TOUGHLOVE</a> for the shot of us doing our shots. </i></small>Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-49036504124413165022012-08-11T15:13:00.000+08:002012-08-11T15:13:11.841+08:00#shaskitchen<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7757245542/" title="shaskitchen-shalai-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8424/7757245542_716bef1362_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="shaskitchen-shalai-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7757289176/" title="shaskitchen-shalai-1-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7757289176_06824b41f4_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="shaskitchen-shalai-1-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7757246132/" title="shaskitchen-shalai-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8439/7757246132_e43636f06b_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="shaskitchen-shalai-4"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7757246720/" title="shaskitchen-shalai-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8427/7757246720_aa1c161146_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="shaskitchen-shalai-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7757247032/" title="shaskitchen-shalai-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8293/7757247032_2c3dfb78d0_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="shaskitchen-shalai-7"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7757245914/" title="shaskitchen-shalai-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/7757245914_a5bb6843ec_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="shaskitchen-shalai-3"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7757246430/" title="shaskitchen-shalai-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8285/7757246430_a8661b304d_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="shaskitchen-shalai-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7757288978/" title="shaskitchen-shalai-1-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8421/7757288978_5ba9aa08f8_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="shaskitchen-shalai-1-4"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7757247336/" title="shaskitchen-shalai-8 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/7757247336_a5ac1b7664_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="shaskitchen-shalai-8"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7757245242/" title="shaskitchen-shalai-1-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8447/7757245242_6c9e02da75_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="shaskitchen-shalai-1-3"></a><p>
Some snippets of what I was cooking before I left London. Not gonna lie, these pics are extra old but still share-worthy! I still don't have a jaunty chef hat, but I do have this HEAD CHEF pin that beeb got me to make it really legit. I haven't been writing down all the recipes like I should have (lazy chef) so these photos help me when I want to re-google what I've cooked. Fish + avocado + mango + salsa.
<p>
Now that I'm back in Hong Kong my cooking activities are pretty much obsolete, but my <a href="http://web.stagram.com/n/eugecheung/" target="new">amazing man</a> has managed to keep <a href="http://web.stagram.com/tag/shaskitchen/" target="new">#shaskitchen</a> burning with a few culinary experiments of his own. Where were these mad skillzzz when I was still there HUH?Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-32002549570612537042012-08-01T15:41:00.002+08:002012-08-01T15:45:10.284+08:00seven<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689572440/" title="seven-shalai-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-7" height="450" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7247/7689572440_c0675745a1_o.jpg" width="600" /></a>
<p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689571848/" title="seven-shalai-9 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-9" height="450" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8283/7689571848_0d177a6426_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br>
<small><i><text align="right">the Mole I've been accused of drawing on everyday</text></i></small><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689573654/" title="seven-shalai-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-2" height="450" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/7689573654_7338296600_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br>
<small><i>meat fruit with grilled bread, NOMS!</i></small><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689567836/" title="seven-shalai-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-1" height="450" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8025/7689567836_caa23c05ee_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br><i><small>roast marrowbone with snails and pickled vegetables</small></i><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689572922/" title="seven-shalai-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-5" height="450" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8168/7689572922_d341cae549_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br>
<i><small>cod in cider and fired mussels</small></i><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689571522/" title="seven-shalai-10 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-10" height="450" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8014/7689571522_76c6f88b47_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br>
<small><i>look, a totoro tree!</i></small><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689570490/" title="seven-shalai-11 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-11" height="800" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8290/7689570490_65ef9872c7_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689570830/" title="seven-shalai-12 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-12" height="450" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8015/7689570830_c658f279fe_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br>
<small><i>man pose</i></small><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689569334/" title="seven-shalai-13 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-13" height="450" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7689569334_fae8f1c559_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689569808/" title="seven-shalai-14 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-14" height="450" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7250/7689569808_9352a78aa5_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689568078/" title="seven-shalai-15 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-15" height="450" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7689568078_f3b7292226_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689568662/" title="seven-shalai-17 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-17" height="450" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8284/7689568662_0dd0a95418_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689568922/" title="seven-shalai-16 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-16" height="450" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7689568922_12eb39855e_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7689568392/" title="seven-shalai-18 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img alt="seven-shalai-18" height="450" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7277/7689568392_44214e3e34_o.jpg" width="600" /></a><br>
<center>
<small>[<a href="http://rstyle.me/h2x5fkn22n" target="new">Topshop shift dress</a>, <a href="http://rstyle.me/h3658un22n" target="new">Topshop Mighty boots</a>, Mulberry Edie Bag, <a href="http://rstyle.me/hftmvtn22n" target="new">Super sunglasses</a>, various bracelets by David Yurman, Pascale Monvoisin and Links of London]</small></center>
<p>
For our seventh anniversary, we decided to hit up <a href="http://www.dinnerbyheston.com/">Dinner by Heston Blumenthal</a> for lunch (harharhar), it only made sense seeing as Blumenthal literally changed the way we cook our steaks and eggs. The photos don't really do justice to how oh-my-good-god the food really was. Hyped for all the right reasons, especially the meat fruit - a ball of chicken liver pate made to look like well durrr...fruit! <p>
The rest of the day was spent taking a gander around hyde park, ducking to avoid pigeons (as per everyday in London...) and an obligatory but totally worth it visit to the London eye at night. You have your meh days and then you have the ones that make you feel like you've made it and that day was just one of those days for me, gyuknow?<p>
I'm really into this <a href="http://rstyle.me/h2x5fkn22n" target="new">white shift dress</a>, mostly because I've never really owned a shift dress and it makes me feel sooooo mod. I imagined this outfit with <a href="http://rstyle.me/h87gjun22n">strappy heels</a> or something less chunky and more minimalistic but I had to make a compromise knowing I was going to be traipsing from totoro tree to totoro tree. Practicality > form - you're welcome, feet!Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-39481793756952843042012-07-23T00:22:00.003+08:002012-07-26T18:09:48.977+08:00happy endings<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7622728848/" title="maurie and eve shalai-1-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/7622728848_67296e8ce5_o.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="maurie and eve shalai-1-2"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7622658640/" title="maurie and eve shalai-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8424/7622658640_4e0b943202_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="maurie and eve shalai-4"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7622657760/" title="maurie and eve shalai-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8433/7622657760_a99f74a832_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="maurie and eve shalai-3"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7622657226/" title="maurie and eve shalai-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/7622657226_d7694dd8da_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="maurie and eve shalai-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7622654916/" title="maurie and eve shalai-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8152/7622654916_1a108b9ff2_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="maurie and eve shalai-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7622656448/" title="maurie and eve shalai-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8422/7622656448_07a0be222c_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="maurie and eve shalai-7"></a><p>
<center><small>[H&M tank, Zara shirt, Maurie & Eve Bowie shorts from <a href="http://www.christingc.com" target="new">christingc</a>, Walter Steiger flats, Rabeanco bag, Dolce&Gabbana rosary, Persol sunglasses]</small></center><p>
I managed to get my eager beaver hands on this pair of Bowie shorts by Maurie & Eve a couple months back but never really had the chance to wear them. I love how baggy they are, so much so that it looks like a billowy skirt from the side. London finally decided to unleash what remaining buckets of summer sunshine it had left, just in time for my last week here before heading back to the motherland. Park dates, The Dark Knight Rises, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and a trip to The London Eye are some of the things we have lined up for the next few days. YAYERRR! <p>
I (re) started my blog as a means for me to document my eating/wandering/cooking/traveling/lazing adventures here and now that it's ending I'm not too sure what I'll have to blog about. Perhaps a steady slew of Obi posts?<p>Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87243644015135092.post-64323863449302664802012-07-16T21:41:00.002+08:002012-07-16T21:41:36.398+08:00every hour happy hour<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7582622920/" title="happy hour shalai-2 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7582622920_0c6ae732d3_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="happy hour shalai-2"></a><br>
<small>mojito, bloody mary, peach wine fizz</small><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7582619992/" title="happy hour shalai-1 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8294/7582619992_d5d7ea1e81_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="happy hour shalai-1"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7582622116/" title="happy hour shalai-3 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7582622116_883f4ce26f_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="happy hour shalai-3"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7582622492/" title="happy hour shalai-4 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7582622492_d10be96ae6_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="happy hour shalai-4"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7582620916/" title="happy hour shalai-7 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/7582620916_ef05d5aa28_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="happy hour shalai-7"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7582621668/" title="happy hour shalai-5 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8430/7582621668_3d3661c364_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="happy hour shalai-5"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7582621328/" title="happy hour shalai-6 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/7582621328_cd0660c791_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="happy hour shalai-6"></a><p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/shalai/7582620392/" title="happy hour shalai-8 by shalai6, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8426/7582620392_5bd7bd3d73_o.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="happy hour shalai-8"></a><br>
<small><center>[Marc by Marc Jacobs tee, Urban Outfitters shorts]</center></small><p>
The thing about happy hour at home is you can be as comfortable and whatevz as you want and instead of buy 1 get 1, it's <i>make</i> as many as you like! I used to be an all time mojito kind of person, but after having the best Bloody Mary of my life at <a href="http://www.jamieoliver.com/italian/" target="new">Jamie's Italian</a> I definitely have a new favorite. Accompanied by my new favorite lazy lace shorts, spicy wings and homemade guacs, it's the perfect recipe for a damn-you-rain-imma-stay-home kinda day. Even better when you finish it off with a fresh ₤4 <a href="http://web.stagram.com/p/234810838139236932_2008291" target="new">whole mushroom pizza</a> from <a href="http://icco.co.uk/Pizza" target="new">Icco</a>.Shahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15658378428450594449noreply@blogger.com7