Books Actually

Every time I head down to Open Door Policy, I will always pop in to Books Actually. I have always wanted to blog about this place but was worried that they might not allow me to take pics. Today, I decided to ask them and was delighted that they said it is not a problem.

Located at 9 Yong Siak Street, in new hip happening district of Tiong Bahru.

So, here's a pictorial blog entry of this lovely independent bookstore that also sells quirky stationary and vintage finds. I love the cute greeting cards, note pads and pencils. It is also a good place to browse and pick up books. A nice alternative to big commercial bookstores.























For more information, please visit booksactually.com

Join the G.H.Mumm Redvolution

Since it was founded in 1827, the House of G.H.Mumm has been breaking boundaries in the pursuit of excellence. Recognised by its cordon rouge — the distinctive red sash, the history of the House has always been one of adventure driven by the shared passion and courage of its founders.

Now, the cordon rouge has unfurled its reach to the world, with the advent of the G.H.Mumm Redvolution. The word is out: When it comes to premium bubbly, G.H.Mumm is the marque of choice by Singapore’s bon vivants, and it is now the preferred champagne of the grande dame of super-clubs — Zouk.


The G.H.Mumm Redvolution is a rallying cry for those who are not afraid to make a statement; who do not choose a drink just because a celebrity endorses it; and who savour the finer things because they want to — not because everyone else is doing so.


The first incarnation of the G.H.Mumm Redvolution is the exclusive launch of G.H.Mumm Luminescent Flutes at Zouk Members Bar and Velvet Underground Lounge on 25 January 2012. These revolutionary champagne flutes emit a sensual glow only when they are filled with the golden G.H.Mumm Cordon Rouge or the delicately pink G.H.Mumm Rosé.


When the flutes go empty, the illumination halts. Hence, the G.H.Mumm Luminescent Flutes lend a whole new meaning to the notion of “the champagne glow,” and provide yet another perfect reason to always have your champagne flute filled.


To kickstart the G.H.Mumm Redvolution, Velvet Underground will be having a special promotion every Wednesday, starting 25 January 2012: G.H.Mumm Cordon Rouge will be available at $128, while the G.H.Mumm Rosé is available at $138. The G.H.Mumm Luminescent Flutes will only be served at Zouk Members Bar and Velvet Underground Lounge.

Kool Karl Klan

Fans of Karl Lagerfeld, you probably know this. The exclusive KARL collection from cult fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld was launched just minutes ago on Net-A-Porter. Featuring biker vests and jackets, dresses and amazing accessories such as embellished collars and gloves, this is a collection that I have been waiting for since December 2011.

I managed to bag myself some kool KARL stuff but was still a tad slow as the metallic dress and gloves that I am lusting after are sold out! Here's a look at what I managed to buy.

Easy to wear tank tops for casual chic!

This will be a collector's item. Love the twist on the tux jacket. Can't wait to wear this!

Love the attention to details. The front and the back of this simple canvas bag.

I don't need another pair of shoes but these two-toned leather sandals are just calling out to me. I can't say no to Karl, can I? *wink*

The ones that got away... but I have added them to my Wish List. Should they become available again, I will be snagging them fast!

The KARL collection is now available on Net-A-Porter.

The Proper Way To Greet Dogs

Whether you are a dog owner or dog lover, it is important to know the proper way to greet dogs. More so if one is fearful of dogs, as lack of knowledge is what triggers dog bites or attacks.

Dr Sophia Yin has some cool and cute illustrations to teach one the right way to greet dogs. Learn it, share it, and the doggy world will be a better place for all. *Parents, if you are reading this, please teach your kids. :)

My personal belief is when in doubt, just remember this... don't do unto dogs what you don't want others to do unto you. Always respect their personal space and be patient. If you are confronted by stray dogs, stay calm, avoid eye contact (it is deemed as a challenge), walk (not run, especially since you won't be able to outrun a dog) and slowly back off.

For more information, please visit : drsophiayin.com

Shabu Shabu GEN!

Shabu Shabu is a Japanese style of hot pot and its name is derived from the "swish swish" sound of cooking the meat in the broth. There are many restaurants in Singapore offering this but my absolute favourite is Shabu Shabu GEN.

Part of the Les Amis group (quality assured when one hears the group's name), it is one of the top shabu shabu (both in quality and price) restaurants in Singapore.

Shabu Shabu GEN is located at Shaw Centre, along the "Les Amis strip".

The interior of the restaurant can be described as stylish Zen.

I would recommend going there for lunch as it's better value for money. Not that it would be cheaper, but you get appetisers and dessert as part of the price during lunch. For dinner, the same price will only get you the beef and the hotpot. We ordered a ribeye set at S$140 each. Below are the pics of we ate today...

A little amuse bouche of lotus root

A simple salad

Chawanmushi

The shabu shabu moment we have been waiting for... boiling the broth in the copper hot pot! There are 3 types of dipping sauce - Ponzu Shoyu (citrus flavoured soy sauce), Goma (sesame) and Ponzu.

Our grade A4 Wagyu Ribeye. Four precious pieces per lunch set. I could easily devour ten pieces of these! After trying my best to enjoy the beef as slowly as I can, the waitress came over to cook us some vegetables in the flavoured broth, followed by ramen. I have no pics to show as I was so busy pigging out that I forgot to take pics!


Puzzled about the Japanese grading system? Here's a chart to explain... or read more here.

Our happy ending came in the form of watermelon sorbet, red bean jelly and a pudding.

The serving quantity of the beef may be small but we didn't leave hungry. If you love shabu shabu and is one who appreciates top grade Japanese Wagyu beef, this is the place for you.

For more information, please visit www.aoki-restaurant.com.sg/shabushabu